Dan Bice

Will Western Wisconsin Shock the Nation?

Republican-held congressional district could elect Democratic challenger.

Rebecca Cooke Wins Primary to Take on GOP Congressman Derrick Van Orden

Defeats Rep. Katrina Shankland in Democratic primary for western Wisconsin district.

County Treasurer Lied About Political Mailer?

More questions about how Dave Cullen charged taxpayers for campaign-oriented literature.

The Cheaper Candidate For County Treasurer

Reform candidate Ted Chisholm promises to work for less pay than incumbent David Cullen.

Rep. Myers Responds to Bice Article Regarding Outside Employment

City Attorney Race Is Vitally Important

Incumbent Tearman Spencer has caused countless problems for City of Milwaukee.

Can Hovde Beat Baldwin?

Polls suggest Tammy Baldwin is beatable. But Hovde seems to be floundering for a way to do it.

Notables Attend City Birthday Party

The city's 178th birthday party offered fun, food and political chatter.

City Attorney Spencer Faces Inspector’s Call For Ouster, Likely Violation Of Discrimination Law

Inspector General says attorney, deputy committed misconduct in office, state hearing coming on separate case.

Uihleins Are Now Billionaires

Top Republican donors join state's leading billionaires John Menard and Diane Hendricks.

Supreme Court Race All About Sex Offenders

Which is strange because the state high court will probably never rule on such cases.

Dorow Tells Drug Dealers They Are Responsible for Overdose Deaths

Cases shine light on how judge handles issue that may involve her son.

A Right-Wing War In High Court Race

It's getting nasty: Mark Belling blasts candidate Kelly and Justice Bradley attacks candidate Dorow and Belling.

State Republican Chair Wants It Both Ways On Trump

Trying to unite the party's Trump lovers and haters won't be easy nor morally palatable.

Dan Bice Undermines Elections Commission

Journal Sentinel reporter’s attack helps reinforce election lies.

Crowley Vetoes Historic Designation For Domes

County Executive says county should consider all options, including demolition of domes.

How Johnson Avoided Paying Tons of Taxes

Meanwhile his backers are running an ad claiming Mandela Barnes didn't pay his taxes.

Which Democrat Can Beat Ron Johnson?

That may be the most important question for Democratic voters. And the answer?

City Faces $9.5 Million In Legal Claims

Allegations of coerced confession, wrongful termination and underpayment of wages.

Barnes Campaign Aims to Bring State Together

Lt. Governor and U.S. Senate candidate running hard in rural, urban areas of state.

Let’s Not Whitewash Bob Donovan

Journal Sentinel offers sanitized version of Bob Donovan's run-ins with the law.

Bail Reform And The Waukesha Tragedy

Republicans are going to use accused killer Darrell Brooks like a hammer.

Tearman Spencer Adds Media To List Of Those Inhibiting Him

Conditions at City Attorney's office would improve if media quit "erroneously" reporting on them says City Attorney.

2017: Ron Johnson Made At Least $450,000

But Paid LESS in State Income Tax Than a Wisconsin Couple Earning $40,000

Mayor’s Race Looks Like a Wild One

Wide open, with lots of candidates, no obvious favorites and so much at stake.

Kleefisch Calls Democrats ‘Pure Evil’

Former Lt. Governor and Republican candidate for governor appealing to far right?

Grogan’s Smear Campaign Against Davis

Her fear mongering ads in Court of Appeals race mislead voters about jurisprudence and the Constitution.

Reince Priebus Voted Absentee 20 Times

Yet he has now flip flopped, expressing concern about absentee voting.

Will State Republicans Abandon Trump?

Many have in other states. Will Wisconsin’s GOP get off the Trump crazy train?

Wisconsin Political Leaders React to Capitol Storming

Though many supported Trump for years, all now condemn Capitol chaos he helped cause.

David Clarke a Key Part of Bannon Scam

Ex-sheriff not indicted but was key fundraiser for We Build the Wall group accused of fraud.

Can the Police Union Prevent Reform?

Milwaukee’s powerful union has long gotten its way. But this time may be different.

Tone deaf appointment: Steve Baas to board chair of VISIT Milwaukee

Statement of Alderman Michael J. Murphy June 9, 2020

The Myth of Nonpartisan Judicial Elections

They could hardly be more partisan. Time to rethink how we elect Supreme Court members?

“Toxic” Work Environment at DNC Cited

Investigation launched, top two officials barred from entering DNC offices.

Journal Sentinel’s Huge Mistake

Newspaper vastly inflates growth of Summerfest CEO Don Smiley’s compensation.

Walker Headlines Event of Controversial Preacher

Preacher has tweeted Obama "ought to be hung for treason," defended Rep. King's (R-Iowa) widely condemned comments

How Non-Partisan Are Supreme Court Races?

Not very, the data suggests. Is there any way to change this?

How to Win in 2020

Neubauer campaign shows what not to do. Democrats must broaden coalition.

10 Lessons of Supreme Court Race

Anger drives votes, media in decline, traditional judicial campaigns are dead, and more.

Rumors of Domes’ Demise Exaggerated

Despite report recommending their death, county board members want to save domes.

The Disastrous Candidacy of Brian Hagedorn

After weeks of negative press, his Supreme Court campaign is reeling. Who vetted him?

Hagedorn’s Views on Gay Rights Matter

Judge’s past criticism of key Supreme Court ruling suggests he could oppose rights of same-sex couples.

Register of Deeds John LaFave’s Domicile

His deeds are now being investigated by FBI. He lives in a modest Brown Deer ranch home.

Radical, hateful content found on blog of Supreme Court candidate Brian Hagedorn

Hagedorn's partisan agenda has no place on Wisconsin's highest bench

Will Painting Return to Governor’s Mansion?

Painting of urban children commissioned for state mansion was removed by Walker.

Schimel’s Spoils System

DOJ gag order on his employees shows the impact of ending civil service protections.

Did Abele, Newspaper Cover Up Schmidt Pension?

Decisions by county exec, Journal Sentinel, suppressed news of his lucrative pension.

Schmidt’s Pension An Issue for Deputies

Co-workers know he’s getting $1 million pension, say issue is divisive for department.

Lena Taylor Against the World

Democratic legislator’s press conference was a declaration of war -- against everybody.

The Senator Who Cried Wolf

Ron Johnson backs off claim about FBI, refuses to provide evidence.

RoJo Is Now Trump’s Hit Man

Sen. Johnson assails FBI with no evidence, supporting Trump and Russia.

Sykes, Clarke Still Hate Each Other

Sykes keeps attacking his old pal, while Clarke is muzzled by Twitter.

17 Biggest Mistakes by Brad Schimel

Media feasting on problems in John Doe report. Here’s a scorecard of biggest goofs.

The Many Errors of Brad Schimel

His sloppy report on John Doe leaks won’t help Attorney General’s reputation.

Fire Fighter Lives Far Far Away

Union leader Seager lives In McMansion Jr.-style home worth $475,000 in Town of Jackson.

9 Reasons Why Barrett Recall Failed

Recall effort falls far short of number of signatures needed. Why?

Richard Uihlein, GOP Kingmaker

Should one billionaire dictate the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate?

The Fire Fighters’ Selfish Agenda

The union’s backing of Barrett recall is all about driving up their wages and benefits.

Bradley Foundation Breaking the Law?

Hacked files show foundation may violate ban on political activity.

The Remarkable Clout of We Energies

Year after year the company jacks up prices with bipartisan approval. Why?

Wales and Yang Spar at Forum

Plus: Judicial race fuels nasty dispute over Yang's endorsements.

Journal Sentinel Shrinks Further

Plummeting circulation, shrinking news coverage, closing government pressrooms.

Siefert Unfit For Sheriff, Clarke Declares

Clarke derides Siefert's physical fitness. And: Badger sports bring huge returns to UW.

13 Lessons The Guardian Taught Us

Or how Scott Walker corrupted Wisconsin, as the leaked Doe documents reveal.

Open Records Request Further Reveals Sen. Luther Olsen’s Negligence of Wisconsin Veterans

Sen. Olsen skipped a meeting at the King Veterans home to attend another very "important obligation" - judging a baking contest.

Leaked documents show waste of millions just to stir GOP voters

Statement from Alderman Michael J. Murphy---September 16, 2016

Security Tight for Sykes Book Talk

Boswell hires security guards, but book talk was dull affair, it turns out.

Can Chisholm Be Beaten?

The DA pleads for help as dark money from outside the county blasts him.

Radio Ad Blasts John Chisholm

Secretive group blames DA for carjackings, lauds his opponent Verona Swanigan.

Chisholm Challenger Skips Debate

Verona Swanigan objects to moderator and drops out of debate with DA John Chisholm.

Journal Sentinel’s Bias Against Feingold

The coverage of Russ Feingold suggests they’ve truly become a Republican newspaper.

The Bizarre War Against John Chisholm

What’s more peculiar, his opponent, or the complicated plot to defeat him?

The Plot to Defeat Bob Bauman

His opponent has two names, lives outside the district, and is part of anti-streetcar clique.

Journal Sentinel Bias In Mayor’s Race?

And was its story on Rebecca Bradley’s affair “offensive garbage”?

Duel Over the Domes

Abele and county board creating dueling committees to address damaged domes.

Court files contradict Donovan’s account of 1992 peeping ticket

Donovan’s 1992 UWM peeping ticket enters mayoral conversation

Tough-on-crime Donovan had own run-ins with the law

Politifact Publishes Partisan Hit Piece Against Chris Larson

Larson is factually correct that Abele has vetoed this funding in the past and has generally opposed it.

Shot/Chaser: Tomah Rep: “I feel used by Sen. Johnson”

In an attempt to cover up for Ron Johnson’s documented failures for Tomah veterans, the senator’s allies continue to lie and bully those who try to stand up to their phony, politicized, and misleading attacks.

Chris Abele’s High-Rise Double Condo

Now separated from his wife, he has a luxurious, 8,132-square-foot suite near the top of the Moderne.

The Walker Campaign “Scandal”

Something went wrong. And everyone’s blaming campaign manager Rick Wiley. Why?

Port Director Paul Vornholt’s Surprising Success

Criticized as "unqualified" and a "patronage appointment," Vornholt has pleased even his critics.

Who’s To Blame for Bus Strike?

The union? Chris Abele? John Weishan? Scott Walker? A frank assessment.

15 Myths About The Bus Strike (and More)

Bus service continuing, but union president references more potential work stoppages. What else did he say?

How Abele Bailed Out Walker

Governor made fatal error on Bucks arena, but Abele volunteered county taxpayers to solve the problem.

Race for Dudzik’s Seat Could Get Heated

Will anti-streetcar group get involved? And did Journal Sentinel exaggerate the number of candidates?

Bucks Bailout Gets Even Bigger

And the proportion paid by local taxpayers keeps rising, which the Journal Sentinel still doesn't report.

The Disappearance of Dan Bice

 The state’s top political reporter has disappeared. Is the Journal Sentinel killing his column?

Who is “Lobbying” For the Streetcar?

Money is being spent and wild rumors are flying. So what’s the truth?

Crowd Celebrates City Birthday Party

Politicians, PR people and other notables schmoozed away. The best rumor was that Chief Flynn might be retiring.

Walker Won Second Debate

But neither candidate can close the sale in election. Why?

Expert panel goes “On the Issues” to discuss freedom of information and role of the media in the age of Snowden and WikiLeaks

What does the public have a right to know?

Will Joe Davis Run For Mayor?

He probably has a better chance of beating Barrett than Bob Donovan. But what exactly does Davis stand for?

Is David Clarke “Sheriff Spends a Lot”?

Attack ads blast Clarke. Another targets “dysfunctional” Marina Dimitrijevic. Who’s buying all these nasty ads?

The Sheer Ambition of Marina Dimitrijevic

She’s running for assembly but wanted to continue as county supervisor and collect two full-time salaries.

Gary George’s Grafton Mansion

He lives far outside Gwen Moore's congressional district, but is running for the seat anyway.

Why UWM Matters

It could be the key to transforming Wisconsin’s economy, but state leaders don’t seem to realize it.

Dan Bice’s Role in the John Doe

What did he know, when did he know it, and how has he affected the probe of Scott Walker?

Who Is Mary Burke?

After meeting and interviewing her, I still find Burke something of an enigma.

How Walker Handled Open Records Request

Emails show his staff irked by requests and responding slowly, except when it benefits Walker.

Crystal Ball for 2014

25 predictions that are certain (well, maybe) to come true this year.

The Governor as Grinch

Walker's crass campaign pitch, a weird art thief and the Santa Rampage.

New Probe is Big Trouble for Walker

Both the first and second John Doe have focused on his campaigns, suggesting a disturbing pattern.

Police Scam Artists

Why does the cop’s union protect officers who rip off taxpayers?

The New Right-Wing Media

The state is a national leader in creating new conservative publications.

Will Mary Burke Spend Big?

Democrats hope she'll spend plenty of her personal wealth in the race against Scott Walker, but she's giving mixed signals.

The Decline of Sheriff Clarke

The weirder and crankier he gets, the more unlikely his reelection.

In Defense of Goo Goos

Why we need the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign and Wisconsin Taxpayer’s Alliance.

Why Dan Bice Should Resign

The Journal Sentinel columnist’s coverage of John Doe probe is a case study in journalistic malfeasance.

Don Smiley’s Ever-Higher Salary

His salary rose by $114,000, to more than $886,000, and the explanations keep getting thinner.

The Voucher Lobby

Lobbying for school choice provides big money for Republicans.

The Arrogance of Summerfest

Mayor Barrett met with Summerfest board members, who agreed to share more information about its finances and director’s compensation.

The War Between Steve Schultze and Chris Abele

County exec tries to undermine county reporter because of his slanted stories.

The Arrogance of Summerfest

Why the tax-exempt, city-supported non-profit should be transparent about its director’s salary.

Sheriff Clarke’s New Buddies

The conservative lawman and liberal county board have suddenly gotten very friendly. Why?

The Not-So-Straight Story

Journal Sentinel coverage of county board downsizing misleads folks on both sides of issue.

County Lobbyists Asleep on the Job?

They should be working to get more state funding. But they’re too busy protecting the county board.

Every Politician in Town

Well, not quite, but the City's Birthday Party had a big turnout of politicians and insiders.

Bill to Cut Supervisor Pay Likely

Despite Republican delays and opposition by the board, the bill has a good chance of passage.

Sue Black

She was wrongly fired, she insists to Milwaukee Magazine, whose cover story has many community leaders praising her.

Will Art Museum Dump Stephen Einhorn?


The wealthy funder of voter fraud billboards creates negative publicity for Milwaukee Art Museum.

The Man From ALEC

Was Tommy Thompson a key figure in the rise of the conservative American Legislative Exchange Council?

The Latest Journal Sentinel Purge

Some big names could be leaving the ever-shrinking newspaper.

Abele vs County Board — Again

Someone leaked the info on Abele's plan for a 44 story lakefront tower, leaving him apologizing to the board.

Buffett Tour on Hold

“Spirit – The Seventh Fire” has been put on hiatus.

Race For Governor is On!

Well, it is official

Pratt’s “Reimbursement” Mystery Money

Acting Mayor Pockets $7,500 with no explanation

Why Chief Jones Won’t Go Away

Tom Everson has seen everything in the many years he's compiled crime statistics for the state's Office of Justice Assistance, but he is struck by the data he's getting from the City of Milwaukee.

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?"

Personal Foul – Norquist Loses Points With the Business Community

The Greater Milwaukee Committee thinks it's found a way to get more revenue for the Milwaukee Bucks.