Matt Rothschild

Civic Media Launches “Wisconsin Forward” Podcast Hosted by Matt Rothschild

The Legacy of Matt Rothschild

Leader of Wisconsin Democracy Campaign and former editor-publisher of Progressive Magazine is retiring.

Activists Decry GOP Bill Ending Advisory Referendums

All local referendums would be barred. But not state advisory referendums.

Capitol Campaign Spending Records Keep Falling

'The voices of average citizens are being drowned out.'

Protasiewicz, Kelly To Face Off In High-Stakes Supreme Court Race

Jennifer Dorow falls to Kelly in hotly-contested race between conservatives.

Corporate Campaign Cash Sets Record

$2.29 million spent on 2022 election, up from 0 in 2015, when still outlawed in Wisconsin.

Spending on AG, Secretary Of State Races Up In 2022

Spending on Secretary of State race 38 times higher than in 2018.

Supreme Court Race Could Be Most Expensive in U.S. History

Up to $50 million could be spent, with national money pouring into Wisconsin.

How State Supreme Court Races Got So Partisan

Outside groups spent $27,000 on 2003 race. By 2020 that rose to $5 million.

Referendums Seek To Block Election Grants From Zuckerberg, Others

Four counties will ask voters nonbinding question regarding election grants.

Wisconsin Needs Direct Democracy

Other states have binding referendums. Evers' call for it echoes Gov. McGovern 111 years ago.

Public Schools At Stake in Governor’s Race

Michels wants universal school choice, would dismantle public schools.

Evers Rips Republicans On Schools

Governor condemns funding cuts, 'censoring' teachers and using 'kids as political pawns.'

GOP Lawmakers Strike New Blow Against Absentee Ballots

Legislators nix rule allowing clerks to correct minor errors on envelopes, setting stage for legal battle.

State Supreme Court Ruling Reinforces Gerrymandering

Letting Prehn stay on DNR board overrides the will of all voters in the state.

Authoritarianism Can Happen Here

Trump’s defeat merely interrupted anti-democracy movement, expert warns.

Rick Esenberg’s Brutal Views On Disabled People

WILL leader pushes state high court to prevent severely disabled from voting.

Justice Thomas, Recusal And Wisconsin

U.S. and Wisconsin Supreme Court justices need not recuse no matter how flagrant the conflict of interest.

Republicans Restrict Right To Vote

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

Legislators, Citizens Battle Over Election Bills

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

Tom Nelson’s Longshot Race for U.S. Senate

A 'classic populist, grassroots campaign’ — with the least campaign dollars.

How To End Prison Gerrymandering

It is particularly harmful to cities like Milwaukee. From Matt Rothschild's new book, 'Twelve Ways to Save Democracy in Wisconsin.'

WILL Report Finds Little Voter Fraud

But conservative group cites potential for future fraud, attacks election administrators.

Michael Gableman Has No Shame

Head of GOP election probe was a nasty bully, making slanderous, irresponsible charges to Assembly committee.

Republicans Again Attack Wolfe, WEC

Rep. Macco calls Wolfe and elections commission “repugnant and insulting” at committee hearing.

Audit Bureau Does Hatchet Job on Elections Commission

Nonpartisan agency departs from traction with biased report.

GOP Bill Moves State Elections Commission to Wausau

Opponents note this moves the commission away from the majority of state population.

Will Donors Punish Legislators Pushing Election Lies?

Wisconsin Realtors says it will still back conspiracy theorist Rep. Janel Brandtjen.

Robin Vos Isn’t Rightwing Enough?

Some Republicans seek to strip him of his Assembly Speaker position.

Rushed Redistricting Bill Drafted In March

No author listed for bill, but drafting notes show it was requested by Robin Vos.

Rushed Redistricting Plan Criticized

Could a mysterious bill keep Republican gerrymandering in place until 2024?

Republicans Scheme to Continue Scott Walker Era

Thwarting voters’ choice by refusing to approve Evers appointees to boards, commissions.

Fight For Fair Maps Heats Up

Legislators, advocates and a mathematician push for nonpartisan voting districts.

State Senate Considers Absentee Voting Restrictions

GOP-sponsored legislation limits drop boxes, restricts qualifying as indefinitely confined.

Say No To a Constitutional Convention

Legislators pushing for this again. Why it's a bad idea

The Lessons of Impeachment

Not much Republican courage. And lots of demagoguery from Ron Johnson.

How Act 10 Changed Wisconsin Unions

Public sector unions contend with declining membership, reduced political power and restricted collective bargaining rights.

A Plea to State Republicans

Please stop the lies, stop fueling far-right threats to our democracy

10 Ways to Fend Off the Far Right

It’s now clear America faces a dangerous far right anti-democracy movement. What can you do?

Why No One Should Have Been Surprised

It was all there in Trump’s words — going back years.

Beware of Trump Declaring Martial Law

He discussed doing it last week. It raises long-term questions about presidential power.

Is U.S. Democracy In Danger? Yes

Is there anything you can do? Yes.

Progressive Activist Organization Fires Unionizing Employees

Workers at Wisconsin Voices say they were fired to shut down unionization.

Dear Wisconsin Supreme Court

Please follow normal procedures and allow all petitioners to be heard on critical issue of gerrymandering.

Purple Wisconsin Still Has Dark Red Legislature

Republican legislators continue to win big with minority of state's vote.

$1 Million Legislative Races Now Common

For a job paying $52,000. This year the Democrats are out-spending Republicans.

Amy Coney Barrett Is Not Pro-Life

She opposes Affordable Care Act and ignores guidelines for masks, social distancing.

Larson Letter Urges More Days to Count Votes

Democrats cite massive absentee vote, call for extraordinary legislative session to extend time for ballot counting.

Election Donors Operate in the Shadows

One third of all state campaign donations, some $12 million, from secretive outside groups.

Can Wisconsin Create Fair District Maps?

Former Republican State Sen. Dan Kapanke admits gerrymander, calls for fair maps.

11 Wisconsin Counties Have a Redistricting Referendum on Nov. 3 Ballot

The George Floyds of Wisconsin

11 Black men, one Latino male killed by police in last decade in state. When will it end?

Trump Has Enormous “Emergency” Powers

1978 law gives president 123 statutory powers. He could round up a lot of people, a lot of groups.

Don’t Let Utilities Shut Off People’s Power

PSC decision allows utilities in Wisconsin to start disconnecting power as of July 25.

Appeals Court Allows Suppression of Black Votes

Cynical decision allows Republican suppression because it's all part of a partisan game.

Fighting to Make Voting Easier

Increasing absentee ballots will be good for democracy.

Dan Kelly Wants Revenge

He recused from voter purge case. After losing election the lame duck Supreme Court Justice has changed his mind.

The State’s Top 25 Fat Cats

Diane Hendricks and Lynde Uihlein lead the list of top political donors over last 25 years.

The Lethal Idiocy of MacIver Institute

“Freedom” and the “free market” won’t solve the pandemic. It will spread the disease.

We Need Paid Sick Leave Now!

Most of the many workers laid off have no paid leave. This is a crisis.

Public Hearings Should Have Ample Notice

Last minute notices of meetings assures that legislation is passed with little or no public input.

State Assembly Pushing For Constitutional Convention

State GOP is pushing the legislature to join others around the country in an attempt to ratify controversial amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

Wisconsin Democracy Campaign Files Ethics Complaint against Democratic Groups

Bid to Amend Constitution Gets Weird

GOP legislators back constitutional convention and chair mistakes one black lawmaker for another.

State Doesn’t Need English Only Law

Bill’s language is sweeping. Its purpose is to fan the flames of bigotry.

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.

Elections Commission Stands Up for Voters

By resisting judge’s order to purge voter rolls, state commission resists voter suppression.

Business Lobby Wants Limits on Competitors

WMC report calls for prohibiting local governments from hiring state lobbyists.

Campaigning on the Taxpayer’s Dime?

Changes in state law open door to abuses, campaigning by government workers.

Two-thirds of Wisconsin counties endorse reform for redistricting process

Sheboygan County Board passes resolution 20-4 to become 48th county to call for Fair Maps

Evers Bows to Business Group

“My administration continues to support the work you’re doing,” he tells right-wing WMC.

NRA’s Favorite Wisconsin State Politicians

Former Gov. Walker was Wisconsin’s top NRA beneficiary.

Remembering Justice Stevens

He died at age 99, but his dissent in Citizens United case lives on.

Scott Walker Has a New Job!

And if his group succeeds, it could do untold damage to American democracy.

Walker and the Russian Connection

Ex-governor got more from Russia-connected tycoon than first reported. Why?

Why I Oppose Marsy’s Law

State holds hearing on bill that’s arguably unconstitutional and a proposal bankrolled by a billionaire.

Top 10 Stories of 2018 Affecting Democracy

How Wisconsin went forward -- and backward -- in democratic government.

Voter ID Lowered Turnout, Studies Show

Wisconsin, other states had lower turnout, especially by minority and college-age voters.

How To Be a Dark Money Donor

It’s so easy in Wisconsin. Though it's not very democratic.

Dark Money Helped Kill Lead Paint Claims

State Republicans facing recalls got $750,000 in secret cash, wrote law to bar suits to benefit lead poisoned children.

Please Rescind Walker’s Open Records Award

Letter to state Freedom of Information Council cites governor’s poor record on “Openess."

U.S. Supreme Court Nears Decision on Wisconsin Redistricting Case

Ruling could impact the nation’s elections and democracy for decades.

Crony Capitalism of Walker, Hammes, Foxconn

Walker donor gets $100 million Foxconn project for which his company has no experience.

Walker Doesn’t Merit Open Records Award

As governor and county exec he's been consistently hostile to open records.

Walker’s Hands Dirty on Political Purge

Why didn't he oppose axing Elections, Ethics heads? Because he wanted revenge.

Law Stacks Constitutional Convention

Wisconsin 28th state to approve convention; 7 of 9 state delegates would be Republican.

24 Counties Have Voted for Fair Maps

They passed resolutions calling for nonpartisan redistricting to end gerrymandering.

High Court Buries Recusal Decision

Rejection of recusal petition by 50 judges quietly released on July 4th weekend.

Disclose All Donations to Judges

Bill requires prompt disclosure of donations by parties to a case.

High Court Wrongly Rejects Recusal

Dumps proposal by 54 retired judges, assures big money influence.

Walker Would End State Property Insurance

Local governments then must buy from private insurers, who donated to Walker

Pat Roggensack On the Warpath

Supreme Court chief justice slams Journal Sentinel, Janine Geske, and others.

GOP Bill Bars Abortions by UW Doctors

UW doctors under contract with Planned Parenthood targeted.

How Legislature Rigged the Game

2015 campaign finance law gives more power to wealthy and corporations.

$28 Million Spent on 2016 Legislative Races

A new record, 66% more than 2014, huge special interest spending.

The Legacy of Ed Garvey

A corporate dragon-slayer, the Wisconsin Democrat helped pave the way for Bernie Sanders.

For-Profit Colleges Love Walker

They give him $56,000 campaign cash, he wants to kill state watchdog over colleges.

Mega Farms Are Big Political Donors

And their high capacity wells are draining rivers and lakes in state.

GOP Bill Penalizes Sanctuary Cities

Milwaukee and Madison won’t change immigration policies, would be fined.

How Realtors Association Gains Clout

$10 million in campaign donations, heavy lobbying wins it favored legislation.

Michigan Donors Get State Contract

$42,500 for Walker concealed donors' identities, traced to company getting contract.

Kochs, Big Business Back Anti-Union Bill

They spent $24 million on campaigns. Bill targets union construction projects.

Walker Has Raised $100 Million

Plus $45 million from third-party groups. All since 2009.

Bill Would Benefit Special Interests

GOP legislators get $325,000 from special interests; would kill state rules.

GOP Attacks Threaten UW Free Speech

Liberal and conservative professors, students must be able to discuss any issues.

The Pro-Pollution Legislators

Tiffany and Jarchow get big payoffs from special interests, and rural folks get tainted drinking water.

WMC, Big Agriculture Pushes to Privatize DNR

They spent more than $47 million on campaigns and DNR becomes passive on pollution.

Who Runs the Jobs First Coalition?

It’s spent $1 million on elections, was started by Scott Jensen, mostly targets Democrats.

Supreme Court Limits 4th Amendment Rights?

Decision gives police leeway on home searches; Justice Bradley joins liberals in dissent.

Special Interests Spend $9 Million on Legislative Races

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

All the Way With the WMC

Wisconsin Manufacturers honors 65 legislators who followed their dictates on 100% of votes.

Wisconsin Open for Bribery

State Ethics Commission allows GOP legislator to create his own PAC, ignoring “bright line” in the law.

13 Lessons The Guardian Taught Us

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

Supreme Court Decision a Gift to Walker

Decision not to hear John Doe case a blow to democracy and legal precedent.

Wis. Democracy Campaign Files Ethics Complaint Against Rep. Dean Knudson

“The creation of the Wisconsin Liberty Fund, an express advocacy PAC by a sitting legislator, is patently illegal.”

Schimel’s Southern Strategy on Voter Rights

His “states rights” argument echoes segregationists like George Wallace, gets rejected.

The Plot Thickens In John Doe

Did State Supreme Court try to sabotage appeal of its Doe ruling to US Supreme Court?

High Court Likely To Hear Doe Appeal

Scalia's death means Supreme Court's four liberals could accept case, can't be outvoted.

Wis. Repubs Try to Crush Voter Registration Drives. Urgent: Block SB 295!

It would make it impossible to conduct voter registration drives.

“Public Telling” Highlights Opposition, Solutions to Big Money Dominance in Elections

On 6th Anniversary of Citizens United Ruling, Wisconsin Should Move Towards Real Reform

Schools Challenged by Declining State Aid

State aid to schools declined by $1.1 billion under Walker; choice funding rose by 77%.

3 DA’s Appeal John Doe

“This is great news for anyone who is concerned about money in politics,” said Matt Rothschild, the executive director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign.

Chisholm Considering Appeal of John Doe Ruling

Four DAs discussing whether to appeal state high court decision to U.S. Supreme Court.

Wisconsin State Supreme Court Out of Order on John Doe II!

“This is a corrupt, rigged, and renegade court,” said Matt Rothschild.

Will Any DA Appeal High Court John Doe Ruling?

Court “fires” chief prosecutor, Democracy Campaign calls on other prosecutors to appeal decision

Berceau, Public Interest Groups Offer Bill to Shine Light on Big Money in Campaigns

Berceau noted that no one is asking for more secret, unlimited corporate money in elections.

How Dark Money Will Rule Wisconsin

Two Republican bills about to pass could make this a vassal state of wealthy special interests.

Follow The Money

Campaign finance bill will make it much tougher to identify what special interests are supporting politicians.

How GOP Misread Campaign Finance Law

Republicans' proposed changes to law violate -- grossly -- Supreme Court's Citizens United ruling.

Wisconsin Democracy Campaign Supports Iowa-Model Redistricting Reform

The Wisconsin Democracy Campaign endorses Senate Bill 58 and Assembly Bill 328.

$1,000 Per Hour Lobbyists Roam Capitol

WDC analysis finds 47 groups spent at least that lobbying legislators in Madison.

Wisconsin Democracy Campaign Condemns State Supreme Court Ruling in John Doe II

“It is not only regrettable; it is downright dangerous,” said Matt Rothschild, the executive director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign.

Campaign Finance Laws Will Be Rewritten

Court decisions have made them outdated. Some fear new rules will allow unlimited spending.

Controversy Over Assembly Members Per Diems

Is the 56% increase in legislators' daily expenses "outrageous" or overdue?