Jerry Kleczka

House Districts’ Maps Protect Incumbents

State's 8 congressional districts typically won by incumbents, resulting in long tenure.

The Rise of José Pérez

How high school dropout rose to become first Latino Common Council president in Milwaukee history.

Baldwin, Pocan Deliver for Wisconsin

Both among top members of Congress in getting earmarked federal spending for this state.

History Suggests Ron Kind Will Win Reelection

Democratic congressman faces rematch against Derrick Van Orden. Just 15% of such efforts have succeeded since 1848 in Wisconsin.

Another Milwaukee Icon Falls Victim to COVID-19

Wisconsin Politicians and Impeachment History

From Mayor Tom Barrett to Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, Wisconsinites involved in every presidential impeachment attempt.

Ryan’s Open House Seat Sets State Record

Wisconsin has open House seat for fifth consecutive election, first time in history.

Sensenbrenner Could Break State Record

If reelected would beat David Obey’s record of nearly 42 years as state congressman.

Remembering Jerry Kleczka, a True Public Servant

Former Congressman Kleczka dedicated his life to serving his community, even after his 35 years in elected office

Reginald Newson to Lead Advocacy for Ascension Wisconsin

Newson most recently served as regional manager of business and transportation services for Wisconsin Energy Corporation.

Transit Outrage

Alberta Darling says my way or the highway. Plus: the return of Jerry Kleczka!

Burke Gets Break

The Supreme Court granted a stay Friday, and Burke’s trial is postponed.

ABC and the Gay Governor

The catch, is that McGreevey announced he was gay, while the lover says he, himself, is straight.

Shepherd Figure to Run Madison Paper

Capital Papers Puts up the Capital

Morales V Darling Race Set

Milwaukee School Board member Jennifer Morales has decided to challenge Alberta Darling and her hold on the 8th Senate District Seat.

“Groundbreaking” for Bridge

My Campaign Blog

Two hundred fifty bucks or a free press pass?

Clark Picks Up Two State Endorsements

Two of Wisconsin’s elder statespeople jumped on the Wesley Clark for President bandwagon recently. Former alderman, secretary of state and attorney Vel Phillips, who most recently issued the oath of office to Acting Mayor Marvin Pratt says she backs the Arkansas general for president. With her support, she joins such black leaders as Charles Rangel and Andrew Young. Phillips was at a fundraiser for Clark Tuesday, January 27th at the home of Julilly W. Kohler. Phillips said she had just got off the phone with Henry Aaron who has offered to send her airplane tickets and to put her up in Atlanta February 6th for his birthday party. “Oh, I’m not sure I’m going to go,” said Vel, to the dismay of partygoers who could not imagine turning down any invitation from Henry Aaron, with or without free air travel and lodging. She still hadn’t decided by Sunday. Vel Phillips faces many decisions. When she left the Common Council, she bought the old roll-top desk aldermen once used until the present gems were installed. The desk will probably go to the Historical Society of Wisconsin. Why not the city-owned Milwaukee Public Library? “Well, the historical society already has a full-size statue of me,” Phillips said. Good enough reason. The attendees, including Frank Gimbel (who has a huge Clark sign posted in his east side yard), Mort and Dani Gendelman, Curry First, Dennis Conta and about 40 others filled the Kohler residence to talk up their man and to dine on way too much food provided from such disparate sources as Sam’s Club and Watermark restaurant. A special guest of honor was to have been former Senator Gaylord Nelson, ranked fourth on a list of the most important Wisconsinites in history. He’s the only one of the top five who is still alive. Alas! Nelson hadn’t even made it as far as the end of the driveway of his Kensington, Maryland home in days, so he called in his visit by speakerphone. Heavy snowfall complicated by quaint Maryland snow removal traditions kept him home, Nelson said. He endorses Clark for president, the Earth Day founder told the attendees in Milwaukee. Nelson speaks very slowly these days. The delivery, although halting, does nothing to mute the intellectual vigor and wit of Nelson. Regarding his choice of the military man for president, the anti-Vietnam War ex-Senator said, “People were wondering how could Gaylord Nelson support a general for president?” (Pause.) “Well, George Washington was a general.” (Pause.) “And he was a pretty good president.” (Laughter.) Apparently, Nelson held republican president Dwight D. Eisenhower in high regard. He noted that General Ike warned us about the military-industrial complex. “This is a fascinating race,” Nelson said, (Pause.) But there is a long way to go.” The State of Wisconsin constitution, as amended, does not give the Lieutenant Governor much to do. This suited Scott McCallum fine, but Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton is a restless sort and has been an early supporter and campaign groupie of […]

Carpenter to Run For Congress

Rep. Jerry Kleczka is the son of a machinist. A Carpenter wants to replace him.