Kathy Bernier

How State’s Election Rules Have Changed

2020's false election claims led to 2022 rule changes in Wisconsin that are now overturned, even as lawsuits filed.

Election Experts Defend Wisconsin’s System, Condemn Disinformation

But RNC leaders call for 5,000 volunteers to monitor elections in Wisconsin.

Constitutional Referendums on April Ballot Address GOP ‘Zuckerbucks’ Charges

Election conspiracy theorists made unfounded charges the funding caused voter fraud.

MAGA Republicans Hate Robin Vos

Assembly Speaker confesses he regrets hiring Gableman: 'He was way wackier than I thought.'

Here’s To State Republicans Who Support Constitution

GOP veterans join Wisconsin branch of national group Keep Our Republic.

Assembly Bill Would Allow Milwaukee, Other Cities To Count Absentee Ballots Early

Day-before processing seeks to end late night results.

New Bipartisan Group Will Fight Election Misinformation

Keep Our Republic will 'shine a light on the election system,' says state director.

Meet The Candidates Seeking Open State Senate Seat

Three Republicans, one Democrat running for seat held by retiring Sen Alberta Darling.

Sen. Jacque Also Got Email From Ginni Thomas

Wife of supreme court justice asked Republican legislator to overturn 2020 election results.

Democracy Day Dogged By Election Lies

11 of 12 Republicans running for statewide office or Congress in Wisconsin hasn't fully accepted 2020 election results.

Ginni Thomas Urged Wisconsin Legislators to Overturn Election

Wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas sent emails to lawmakers following 2020 election.

Democrats Want Audit of Gableman’s 2020 Election Review

Request comes after Assembly Speaker Robin Vos called Gableman "an embarrassment."

Secretary of State Mails Constitutional Convention Documents

Wisconsin one of 16 states backing convention. Republicans accused La Follette of delay.

GOP Lawmakers Threaten to Sue Secretary of State La Follette

Lawmakers say La Follette didn't forward GOP resolution supporting a constitutional convention of states.

Who Will Vos Appoint to Elections Commission?

Will he have the courage to appoint someone who tells the truth and follows the law?

Gableman Rallies With Extremists, Including Vos’s Primary Opponent

Wall Street Journal warns Gableman could help Republicans lose state in 2022.

Historic Turnover Will Change Legislature

Retirements, redistricting and members pursuing higher office could transform Legislature.

Mayor Cavalier Johnson Supports Dropboxes

Little Change In Voting Rules For April

After 16 months of controversy only one change in rules, though not for lack of Republican efforts.

Gableman, Vos Sign New Contract on Election Probe

Judge orders Gableman to release 700 pages of documents from probe.

Taxpayers Pay for Gableman’s Groceries, Political Speeches

He has spent $519,000 so far on widely criticized election probe.

Anti-Trans Kids Bill’s Impact Lingers?

Proposal prohibiting gender-affirming care for minors can affect their mental well-being, experts say.

New Youth Detention Facility Clears State Budget Committee

$42 million for a state facility to replace Lincoln Hills passes Joint Finance Committee.

Republicans Restrict Right To Vote

Ramming through 5 bills making it harder to vote and hog tying nonpartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission.

Voces Opposes Bill Allowing DACA Hires By Law Enforcement

Bill would allow law enforcement agencies, such as police departments, to hire DACA recipients.

Assembly Passes Early Vote Counting Bill

A raft of election related bills passed, some adding additional requirements to absentee voting.

Senate Passes a Dozen Voting Bills

Republicans say bills address election ‘irregularities.’ Democrats charge ‘voter suppression.'

GOP Election Bills Are Far Reaching

Restricting absentee voting, more power for Legislature, nursing home employees could face prison.

Legislators, Citizens Battle Over Election Bills

Senate Elections committee debates: Do GOP bills enhance voting ‘integrity' or unleash 'war on voters’?

School Voucher Lobby Wants More State Funding

Pushing for more public funding of private schools.

Republicans Offer Slate of Election Bills

They won’t suppress votes, Bernier and other GOP legislators promise. Democrats skeptical.

Speaker Vos Struggles to Maintain Control

Assailed by GOP rebels. ‘Conspiracy theorists have taken over the party.’

Absentee Ballot Boxes Helped Republicans, Too

Many of the 500 drop boxes in state were in districts voting heavily for Trump.

Wisconsin’s January 6 Collaborators

25 Republicans who sought to overturn a legal election.

Sen. Bernier, Who Blasted GOP Election Probe, Won’t Seek Reelection

Republican chair of Senate elections committee says pushback to her criticisms not a factor.

Senate GOP Leader Opposes Dismantling Elections Commission

Some Republican legislators proposing to get rid of the regulatory agency.

Top 8 Capitol News Stories In 2021

And what a strange year it was.

Quit ‘Chasing Conspiracy Theories,’ Kaul Urges Republicans

Election investigation ‘wasting taxpayer money,’ attorney general charges.

Key Republican Bashes GOP Elections Probe

Sen. Bernier, Senate’s elections committee chair, calls investigation a ‘charade’ that will harm her party.

The Return of McCarthyism

Michael Gableman is the new Joe McCarthy, with the same bullying, sneering, demagogic style.

Gableman Says GOP Election Probe Stymied AG

In first testimony to lawmakers, head of probe says he won't conduct interviews in public.

Charges Against Election Officials Are Partisan Stunt

Using unproven allegations to cause distrust of democracy.

Evers Vetoes Reading Assessments

But governor signs bill requiring financial transparency for schools,

Senate Targets Elections Commission

Three separate elections investigations pushing for changes. What's the likely impact?

Milwaukee, Madison Officials Push Back on GOP Election Probe

'They had full and complete access’ to election records, says Milwaukee County Clerk.

Senate Passes New Reading Test for Early Grades

Modeled on Mississippi plan. Democrats call it meaningless without more spending on education.

Republicans Want Yet Another Election Probe

After non-partisan report finds 2020 election was safe and secure, Senate leaders call for another investigation.

Is Third Time The Charm for Red Light Cameras?

Rep. LaKeshia Myers reintroduces bill to allow Milwaukee to use cameras to bust speeders and red-light runners.

Catalytic Converter Thefts Prompt State Legislation

New bill would require ID and proof of ownership upon sale.

Democrats Walk Out Of Assembly Committee

Citing COVID-19 risk and no Republicans wearing masks. 'This is so far from real democracy.'

Republican Schools Colleagues on Election Lies

Elections chair Sen. Kathy Bernier runs 2.5 hour meeting with experts and verifiable facts.

State Now Projects $4.4 Billion Windfall

Fiscal bureau projects far more tax revenue than expected for 2021-2023.

Can We Talk About Marijuana? Democrats Ask

GOP legislative leader won’t allow a vote or even discussion of medical marijuana.

Legislature Considering Bills Restricting Transgender Athletes

Legislation would ban transgender women and girls from participating in athletics on female teams.

State Restrictions Often Bar Disabled Voters

Republican legislators latest proposals will make this worse.

Legislators Resist Plans to Help Workers

GOP sniping at Evers plans for workforce training, minimum wage hike, funding to fix UI system.

WDA thanks Gov. Evers, legislators for bipartisan action on new dentist vaccine law

Senate Passes Bill To Prevent Rape Kit Backlog

Bipartisan bill passed one year ago, but Assembly resisted.

As State Looks to Bounce Back from Pandemic, Gov. Evers Urges Bipartisan Support for $2.38 Billion in Capital Budget Investments to Provide Estimated 29,000 Family-Supporting Jobs, $4.3 Billion in Economic Impact 

Governor's 2021-23 capital budget to be taken up by State Building Commission this week includes major projects in both Republican and Democratic districts

Honoring Limbaugh But Not Black History

Republican legislators back resolution to honor Rush, resist celebrating Black History Month.

GOP Bills Bar Transgender Athletes

Prevents them from competing with school teams that align with their gender identity.

Where Are Act 10 Players Today?

Governor and three-fourths of legislators engaged in 2011 battle over law crushing public unions have moved on.

How The Republican Party Lost Control

Wisconsin was a hotbed for the far-right rebellion.

Do State Election Laws Need Reform?

After months of Trump’s false claims, legislators still squabbling, but a bipartisan bill is possible.

Does the Wisconsin Counties Association Help Milwaukee?

Some county officials say no, and are pushing to withdraw from the group.

Both Parties Back Election Law Changes

Legislators actually agree on at least two reforms.

Why Republicans Won’t End Election Complaints

It’s no longer about electing Trump. It’s laying the groundwork for voter suppression.

Talk Radio Host, GOP Politicos Testify At Election Integrity Hearing

Democrats "walk out" of hearing, calling it a sham.

How Will Legislature Investigate Election?

And will legislators subpoena election clerks, using this power for first time in more than 40 years?

Rep. Tusler Says Election Inquiry for ‘Transparency’

Rep. Joe Sanfellippo raised the possibility of subverting the results of the election.

Voting Access Ensures All Voices Are Heard

A new bipartisan coalition is working to promote safe, reliable voting in Wisconsin.

Lawsuit Demands State Mail Ballots to Voters

Activist groups say April election excluded voters, demand mailed ballots to all this fall.

GOP Road Show Attacks Evers’ Plan

Analysis: Republicans want a Badger Bounce Back, but distort details of Evers' plan.

Menards Accused of Price Gouging

Stores in Wisconsin and Michigan at issue, Michigan AG sends cease-and-disest letter.

Bill Would Prohibit Free Campaign Rallies

Trump, Clinton campaigns still owe Eau Claire, other cities for security, sanitation costs.

GOP Bill Legalizes Medical Marijuana

But Fitzgerald and Vos immediately throw cold water on idea.

The Path to Brad Pfaff’s Firing

Why GOP legislators shot down Agriculture Secretary. And why Evers was incensed.

Senate Votes to Kill Governor Veto Power

Approves putting constitutional amendment on ballot to restrict partial veto power.

Task Force Takes on Retirement “Crisis”

Huge numbers of older Wisconsin residents have little in retirement savings.

Gov. Evers Announces Appointments to Governor’s Task Force on Retirement Security

"Everyone should have the opportunity to save for their future and no one should have to worry about making ends meet or their financial security in retirement."

Choose Life Program Still a Mystery

President says group had nothing to do with bill that would give it $500,000 from the state.

State Helps Fund Murky Pro-Life Group

What exactly does Choose Life Wisconsin do with the money it gets?

Right-Wing Legislators Propose Spending $500,000 a Year on Misinformation Campaign Targeting Wisconsin Women

Would Require State Taxpayers to Subsidize Fake Women’s Health Centers

Gov. Evers Announces Appointments to Governor’s Task Force on Caregiving

"Caregivers provide critically important care and services, and it is essential that we recognize the important contributions these unsung heroes make to families in Wisconsin."

Rep. Shankland Introduces Bipartisan 12-Month Contraceptive Care Act

"At some point in their lifetime, almost all women will depend on birth control for their health or family planning."

$35.8 Million Spent on Legislative Races

New record set: 2018 spending was 27% more than in 2016, double that in 2014.

Secretive Fund Spent $715,480 On Democrats

High Ground Political Fund, connected to Nation Consulting, funded six state senate races.

State Senate Celebrates Swearing-In Ceremony Ahead of Upcoming Legislative Session

"Senate Republicans will continue to fight for hard-working families, taxpayers, and the future of our state just like we have for the last eight years."

Senate Majority Leader Fitzgerald Announces Senate Standing Committees, Chairs

"I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate this session as we continue to pass reforms that put hard-working families first."

Gerrymander Caused Women Assembly Losses?

27 women Democrats running for Assembly lost, women leaders point to gerrymandering.

Democratic Program Recruits Women Candidates

Emerge program’s training give women the confidence to run for office.

6 Senate Races Will Decide Party Control

Stakes are high, including control over 2020 redistricting.

The Push for Nonpartisan Redistricting

Advocates push for Wisconsin to enact a redistricting process similar to Iowa's system.

Governor Walker Signs Bills to Create and Expand Outdoor Recreation, Attract Talent to Wisconsin, and Improve Medical Assistance

93 bills signed into law at the Wisconsin State Capitol

Wendy Sue Johnson Announces Bid for the 68th State Assembly District

Wendy Sue has a long history of public service and community engagement.

The Mystery of Meteor Timber

GOP bill would let company destroy hardwood wetlands, but the money trail is murky.

Majority Now Backs Fair Redistricting

37 counties, two-thirds of state’s population, have passed “Fair Maps” resolution.

GOP Legislative Districts Heavily White

Republican assembly districts are up to 96% white, senate districts as high as 95% white.

Governor Walker Signs 19 Bills Into Law

Acts 65-83.

Governor Walker Signs Four Sportsman Bills into Law

Assembly bills 528, 455, 323 and Senate Bill 225.

With Elections Just a Year Away, Legislature Abandons Wisconsin Families

Industrial Acid Mining Bill Will Put Public Health at Risk for Generations

Leah unveils 100+ Wisconsin endorsements

Elected officials, grassroots activists and business owners unite behind Leah

Bill Restricts Local Control Over Sand Mines

Fracking industry donated big money to Walker, GOP legislators.

Bill Lets Some Criminal Records Be Expunged

Rep. Goyke’s bill gets bipartisan support, allows retroactive expungement of youthful convictions.

Hospitals Group Pays for Capitol Clout

Wisconsin Hospital Association spends millions on lobbying, campaign donations.

Farm Bureau Has Capitol Clout

Spends $3 million on lobbying alone, gets policies hurting environment.

Drunk Driving Law’s Annual Cost $20 Million?

Walker, Corrections won’t estimate cost of longer prison time for offenders.

Constitutional Convention, No Dems Allowed

State bill says GOP picks all delegates to convention championed by Kochs.

Special Interests Spend $9 Million on Legislative Races

Led by Greater Wisconsin Committee, Democratic-leaning groups spent more, 53% of money.

Wisconsin Republicans are All Aboard the Trump Train

Donald Trump's dangerous, sexist, racist, and xenophobic rhetoric didn't stop Republican leaders in Wisconsin from eagerly jumping on the Trump train.

Republicans Not Serious About Redistricting Reform

Assembly committee to address the issue is really a sham. The issue will never get a hearing.

Redistricting reform to get real hearing: APRIL FOOL’S!

The committee will allow only invited guests to speak.

Governor Scott Walker Signs Three Bills Into Law

All three bills focus on building dementia-friendly communities throughout Wisconsin.

Rep. Bernier Continues Offensive Comments Toward Local School Leaders

Also Leaves Out Key Education Figures

Governor Scott Walker Attends NRA and Wisconsin FORCE Convention, Signs Assembly Bill 142

Wisconsin FORCE is an NRA Chartered State Association that promotes and supports the purpose and objectives of the NRA.

Governor Scott Walker Signs 49 Bills Into Law

Governor Scott Walker signed 49 bills into law today at the Wisconsin State Capitol.

Don’t Kill the Government Accountability Board

Award winning GAB is nation's only nonpartisan watchdog agency.

Stories From the State Capitol

Six vignettes tell the story of how the Senate passed the Right-to-Work bill.