Related Articles - Page 51
The Last of Kerry as a Free Man?
Last Monday February 16th – Presidents Day – John Kerry, in Milwaukee, made what might have been one of his final appearances as a “free” man. By Friday, home in Boston, Kerry had asked for and received Secret Service protection. The protection, which will last through the election should he become the nominee, and for his lifetime should he become president, will contrast greatly with the free-and-easy access enjoyed by the crowd of perhaps 400 who gathered to see the Massachusetts senator at the Italian Community Center. The event was billed as a rally and was held the day before the Wisconsin primary. As mentioned here last week, the Kerry campaign printed up thousands of leaflets for the event, hastily writing in “and Ted Kennedy,” by hand when it appeared the other Massachusetts senator would be joining him there. The closest Kennedy came to the ICC, though, was in this lame joke by candidate Kerry: “Massachusetts is a Wampanoag Indian term meaning ‘Land of Many Kennedys,’” Kerry said at the beginning of his remarks. He spoke from a raised platform in the center of the ICC east ballroom. Arrayed on three walls of the room were risers filled with local politicians, and a lot of union workers. The crowd had been placed there about an hour before Kerry’s 7:30 speech, and was kept entertained by a band playing rousing, funky music. Among those on the risers: Senator Jeff Plale, Patti Keating Kahn (Mrs. Hon. Chuck Kahn), Marlene Johnson-Odom, Vel Phillips and Supervisor Willie Johnson. Ald. Ryan Schroeder was also there representing his constituents, back in whatever city he’s from. Tom Barrett worked the room, wearing a neat tie with pink triangles. “You either get it, or you don’t,” he said about his gay cravat. Vince Bobot, then still an opponent, went up and shaked Barrett’s hand, the way politicians do with their rivals. Matt Flynn worked the room, as did County Executive candidate David Riemer. Other notables included Angelo Cataldo, who is still operating his pizza bus, along with Jim and Joanne Klisch, having a look around. No Nuts, Crackpots – Or Secret Service Access to the room was simple: you just showed up and waited for the doors to open, and then waited some more for the candidate. No metal detectors, no guys with sunglasses, no hassle. This will change considerably with the candidate’s secret service protection. The good news: there were no nuts or crackpots in the audience, just democrats. Not everybody in the room was a Kerry supporter. Michael Retzer, the controller of W. G. Strohwig Tool & Die, Inc. came down from Industrial Road, in Richfield, to hand out cards from “Save American Manufacturing,” a “national organization concerned about the loss of all areas of manufacturing and services to non-domestic sources that is causing a rapid decline in the economic condition of the United States.” Business owners are having second thoughts about NAFTA, it seems. He handed out a list of John Kerry’s top contributors, including […]
Feb 23rd, 2004 by Michael Horne
Why Gov. McCallum’s Spending Priorities Were Wrong
As the legislature wrestles with the state budget deficit, there has been talk of cutting every level of government except the schools.
Mar 14th, 2002 by Bruce Murphy
Can Falk And Thompson Play Spoilers in the Governor’s Race?
I'm hard pressed to think of a more interesting state race than the upcoming campaign for governor.
Feb 3rd, 2002 by Bruce Murphy
Is The Legislature Giving Free Money To Fat Cat Investors?
Glenn Grothman is not a happy camper.
Jan 5th, 2002 by Bruce Murphy
Could Ed Thompson Get Elected Governor?
It's a wacky idea, but Ed Thompson may turn out to be a real spoiler in the race for governor.
Oct 15th, 2001 by Bruce Murphy
How The County’s Pension Fund Grew And Benefited A Few
Last year was a terrible year for stock funds, but it wasn't so bad for Milwaukee County's pension fund.
Oct 10th, 2001 by Bruce Murphy
Ameritech Catches Political Fire From Competitors
Open up this month's Ameritech bill and you may find a surprise.
Sep 28th, 2001 by Bruce Murphy
Superintendent Burmaster Slaps The Governor Around
My, how times have changed.
Sep 24th, 2001 by Bruce Murphy
Should Wisconsin Get Ready for War?
You may feel very safe and protected, living in cozy Wisconsin, far from America's seacoasts.
Aug 20th, 2001 by Bruce Murphy
Five Budget Items the Media Has Missed
By now, everybody knows what's in the budget right?
Aug 17th, 2001 by Scott Jensen
How Democrats Are Growing the Economy
The recent state budget debate provided insights and displayed the dramatic differences between the parties as to how we answer questions about our state's economic future and how we compete for the high-paying jobs of the 21st Century.
Aug 15th, 2001 by Chuck Chvala
Why The Mayor is Not Dead
Back in the early 1980s, Milwaukee Magazine ran a scathing caricature of Mayor Henry Maier with the title "What Does This Man Do All Day?"
Aug 1st, 2001 by Bruce Murphy
