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Content referencing Fred Risser
The Legislature’s Revolving Door
Lots of turnover of legislators in both parties. Why?
Feb 9th, 2026 by Steven Walters
Is Eric Hovde a Self-Made Man?
Mega-wealthy Republican candidate for US Senate says he rose from nothing.
Sep 10th, 2024 by Bruce Murphy
State High Court Asked to Rule On Marsy’s Law
Appeals court won’t decide suit, citing little case law whether voters on ballot question fully informed.
Dec 22nd, 2021 by Danielle Kaeding
Democrats Lose Experience In Legislature
10 years of Republican control helps creates Legislature with less experienced Democrats.
Sep 20th, 2021 by Steven Walters
Legislature Often a Family Affair
Lawmakers Devin LeMahieu, Greta Neubauer and others had parents who served before them.
Apr 19th, 2021 by Steven Walters
Where Are Act 10 Players Today?
Governor and three-fourths of legislators engaged in 2011 battle over law crushing public unions have moved on.
Mar 1st, 2021 by Steven Walters
Pandemic Ends Holiday Traditions
It's a special time in Wisconsin’s grand Capitol. But not this year.
Dec 21st, 2020 by Steven Walters
Judge Rules Against Marsy’s Law
Circuit Court rules amendment passed by referendum didn't fully inform voters of constitutional changes.
Nov 4th, 2020 by Bruce Murphy
Chisholm Calls Marsy’s Law ‘Unfunded Mandate’
County budgeting $224,000 for new staff to comply with requirements.
Oct 24th, 2020 by Gretchen Schuldt
GOP Once Bypassed Governor on Redistricting
That was in 1960s and high court struck it down. Will we see repeat of this battle next year?
Oct 12th, 2020 by Steven Walters
Half Of Legislative Seats Already Decided?
Probably. And why? Gerrymandering.
Aug 24th, 2020 by Steven Walters
Primary Results Set Stage for November
Newcomers in many races. Kelda Roys will replace Fred Risser, nation's longest serving legislator.
Aug 12th, 2020 by Shawn Johnson
Mail-In Ballots Indicate Huge Turnout for August Primary
Already, the absentee ballots requested surpass the total turnout for the 2016 primary.
Jul 23rd, 2020 by Laurel White
Suit Challenges ‘Marsy’s Law’ Amendment
Opponents of victim rights amendment argue voters were deceived about its provisions.
Jul 1st, 2020 by Bruce Murphy
Senator Jennifer Schilling Calls It Quits
Resigning Friday to take an unidentified job that would create a conflict of interest.
May 15th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Can Democrats Retake State Senate?
An uphill fight. Retirements by seven incumbents make races hard to call.
May 11th, 2020 by Steven Walters
Janet Bewley Is New State Senate Minority Leader
Sen. Bewley sets her sights on overcoming GOP opposition, re-taking the senate.
May 7th, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
Many Democratic Legislators Resigning
But Assembly Minority Leader Hintz seeks reelection to his post.
Apr 25th, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
Sen. Fred Risser Retires After 64 Years
He is the longest serving legislator in the United States.
Mar 27th, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
Supreme Court Case Could Affect Abortion Access in Wisconsin
The High Court weighs case that could effectively overturn Roe v. Wade.
Mar 5th, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
Lessons Learned in 2019
It’s not divided government, it's shared government. Or should be.
Jan 3rd, 2020 by State Sen. Jeff Smith
Lawsuit Would Take Marsy’s Law Off April Ballot
Advocacy groups, attorneys argue victims rights constitutional amendment leaves voters in the dark on its sweeping impact.
Dec 23rd, 2019 by Melanie Conklin
Senate Votes to Kill Governor Veto Power
Approves putting constitutional amendment on ballot to restrict partial veto power.
Nov 6th, 2019 by Ruth Conniff
Pipeline Bill Opponents Hope for Veto
Republican-created bill would limit protests of oil, water, fuel pipelines. If it passes, will Evers veto it?
Oct 25th, 2019 by Erik Gunn
Senate Targets Governor’s Veto Power
Pushes constitutional amendment to limit partial veto. Legal group WILL will pursue Supreme Court review.
Oct 16th, 2019 by Ruth Conniff
Senate Sends $82 Billion Budget to Evers
Governor can reject, approve or partially veto the Republicans' revised version of budget.
Jun 27th, 2019 by Laurel White
Oh, Those Dreaded Plastic Bags
Council debates what to do with bags that clog up recycling process.
May 15th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
A New Generation of Political Leaders
GenXers and Millennials are replacing Baby Boomers in political office.
May 6th, 2019 by Steven Walters
The Remarkable Tenure of Fred Risser
Now 91, he’s served 62 years in the Legislature as its greatest proponent of open government.
Dec 21st, 2018 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
Legislature Works Overnight To Curb Evers Power
Limits on early voting, constraints on Evers campaign promise on health care.
Dec 5th, 2018 by Shawn Johnson and Laurel White
Extreme Partisanship Prevents National Solutions
Could political reforms improve the state and national political system?
Sep 30th, 2018 by John Torinus
Democrats Rejected Redistricting Reform
Legislative leaders rejected reforms proposed in 2009-2010 session.
Jun 25th, 2018 by Steven Walters
Bill Could Expunge More Criminal Records
Overrides state Supreme Court ruling, allows offenders to request this after completing sentences.
Jan 26th, 2018 by Margo Kirchner and Gretchen Schuldt
Senate “Hatchet Job” Removes Haas, Bell
What did they do wrong? “I have no idea,” Fitzgerald admits, but demands firings.
Jan 24th, 2018 by Matt Rothschild
GOP Legislative Districts Heavily White
Republican assembly districts are up to 96% white, senate districts as high as 95% white.
Jan 15th, 2018 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Walker Ignores Biking on State Committee
No biking, pedestrian representatives on autonomous vehicles committee.
Aug 21st, 2017 by Dave Cieslewicz
Lobby Day on the Way
On April 13th advocates will lobby legislators for pro-biking measures.
Mar 31st, 2017 by Dave Cieslewicz
Will Lawmakers Dare Raise Beer Tax?
Two Democrats propose first increase in 47 years. It may be a lonely crusade.
Sep 6th, 2016 by Steven Walters
What Powerball Losers Pay For
Those losing $2 lottery tickets pay for property tax relief -- and quite a few other things.
Jan 18th, 2016 by Steven Walters
Why We Need Term Limits
Shirley Abrahamson has served 39 years. Fred Risser has served 60 years. Maybe that's too long.
Jun 25th, 2015 by John Torinus
Peter Barca for Governor?
Some Democratic insiders see Assembly minority leader Peter Barca as the best hope to run against Scott Walker.
May 28th, 2013 by Steven Walters
Republicans Will Oppose Gun Controls
There may be national outrage on the issue, but Gov. Walker and others oppose changes.
Jan 7th, 2013 by Bill Lueders
Brewpub Owners to Protest “Brewpub Tourism Development” Act
Who could oppose a bill with the apparently forthright name of “Brewpub Tourism Development Act”?
Jul 9th, 2007 by Michael Horne
