Scott Walker

Did Gerrymandering Kill Medicaid Expansion?

Liberal group’s report links gerrymandering to less health coverage, more deaths from preventable causes.

Kelly, Karofsky Divide the County

Karofsky wins Milwaukee and North Shore, Kelly wins southern suburbs in high court race.

Who Will Turn Out for April Election?

There might be a far bigger Republican turnout than some expect.

Stakes Are High for Supreme Court Race

Kelly vs Karofsky will test the organizing, fundraising abilities of both parties.

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.

It’s Kelly v. Karofsky for Supreme Court

Race could be tough: Candidates have accused each other of “corruption” and “disgusting slander”.

14 Election Winners, Losers

Beyond the ballot totals, behind the scenes, who were the other election winners and losers?

Outside Groups Spent $55,000 on High Court Race

Majority of spending opposed conservative Justice Dan Kelly.

GOP Bill Allows Guns in Churches

And other places of worship, even in school zones. Big donor NRA favors such legislation.

Kelly Leads Money Race for High Court

Conservative raised more than Fallone and Karofsky combined in Supreme Court race.

State Will See Improved Passenger Rail

Doubling daily service from St. Paul to Milwaukee and Chicago and higher speed rail to Duluth-Superior.

Tracking Four Downtown Tower Proposals

Real estate news from Walker's Point, the East Side and Near West Side caps a busy week.

My 25 Years in State Government

Walker appointee Mike Huebsch talks about Act 10, energy policy and retiring.

Pocan: ‘Building A Fair Economy for Anyone Requires Strong Labor Rights for Everyone’

$1.1 Million in Corporate Political Gifts in 2019

Total amount given to state party groups, with 78% going to Republicans.

The Republicans’ Gerrymander Scheme

The polls, the data, the legalities. How Robin Vos hopes to triumph.

Local Skepticism Grows On Foxconn’s Future

Opinions in Racine County shifting as company’s plans keep changing.

No New State Office Building Until 2022?

Bauman warns of delays for 27th St. project; Near West Side Partners plans safeguards on deal.

School Leaders Reject Ban On Indian Mascots

Proponents of policy "shocked” and “disappointed” by WI Association of School Boards’ vote.

Redistricting Fight Is One Year Away

So why are Evers and Democrats putting spotlight on it now?

BadgerCare Changes Could Drop Coverage for Poor

Changes set in motion by Walker administration could boot poor from state Medicaid program.

State Supreme Court Candidates Battle at Debate

Fallone manages to stay on the outside as Karofsky and Kelly sling mud at each other.

GOP Gerrymandering and School Choice

Republicans proclaim vouchers for minorities while seeking ways to disenfranchise their votes.

Who’s the Most Partisan?

Republican legislators suddenly embrace bipartisan peacemaking, blast Evers as partisan.

State’s ‘Hidden Deficit’ Lowest in 30 Years

Great news except… it’s still higher than in 49 other states.

Evers Signs Order for Redistricting Commission

Nonpartisan effort to avoid gerrymandering, but Republicans vow to do their own maps.

Q&A With Circuit Court Candidates Part Two

Blomme, Dedinsky and Whitney make their case for election to Branch 5. Part Two

Republicans Bash Evers Before He Speaks

Condemn governor as too partisan, but his State of State speech is mostly conciliatory.

Foxconn’s 1 Million Square Feet; Of What?

Despite media claims, new facility unlikely to be a Gen 6 manufacturer. So what will it be?

Q&A With Circuit Court Candidates

Blomme, Dedinsky and Whitney make their case for election to Branch 5. Part 1 of two-part story.

Senator Chris Larson – Reaction to State of the State

While obstructionist Republican Legislators have attempted to stymie much of Governor Evers’ agenda, Democrats were still able to accomplish a lot in the last year.

After 22 Years Sen. Miller Stepping Down

Monona Democrat muses on a changing Capitol. “Compromise is viewed as a traitorous act.”

Top Donors In Supreme Court Race

Topping the list: Diane Hendricks and Richard Uihlein for Kelly, Lynde Uihlein for Karofsky.

Homelessness Decreasing in Wisconsin

Nationwide homelessness is increasing. Meanwhile, state lawmakers argue over funding to combat the issue.

Bipartisan Medicaid Expansion in Kansas

A model for Wisconsin to follow, bringing more health care coverage to state.

Both Parties Bar Primary Challenge to Trump

Weld and Walsh barred from Republican presidential primary in state’s Spring election. Why?

Foxconn Hasn’t Created Innovation Centers

Hasn’t fulfilled promise of 1,200 jobs and new centers in Milwaukee, Green Bay, Eau Claire, Madison.

Clean Water Becomes Hot Political Issue

Gov. Evers and legislators in both parties call for action. Will they work together?

Coalition to Protest Trump in Milwaukee

The event will feature nearly a dozen speakers, headlined by the president of the Milwaukee Teachers Education Association and the executive director of Voces de la Frontera.

Another Walker Appointee Gets Top EPA Job

Kurt Thiede, former deputy secretary of state DNR, will run federal EPA’s regional office in Chicago.

Kelly Leads High Court Candidates in Funds

Conservative Supreme Court justice has raised more than two opponents combined.

“Catalytic” West Side Project Coming?

Committee okays vacating two alleys, hoping 27th and Wisconsin site attracts state office building.

State Tax Burden Lowest in 50 Years

Huge change, combined state-local taxes down by 22% or $8.5 billion annually since 1994.

The Return of Texas v. U.S.

Case could kill ACA, leave 18 million without health insurance. Which states would be hurt most?

Clock Ticking for Legislature

Short session, just two months planned for 2020. Can two parties agree on any legislation?

CBD Oil Products Rising in Popularity

Sold in everything from lotion to beer to e-cigarettes. Regulators, researchers worry it's gone too far.

Judge Asked to Hold State in Contempt

Conservative group wants 200,000 names purged from voting list, but Elections Commission awaits higher court rulings.

Coalition to Protest Trump in Milwaukee

American Transmission Co. Has Clout

Builds and owns high-voltage power lines, has spent $1.8 million to elect state officials.

Top 10 Political Stories of 2019

Lots of drama in last year of the decade. Which were the biggest stories?

How Business Leaders Caused Black Poverty

Union busting, opposition to minimum wage helped drive inequality.

State’s Future Depends on Knowledge Economy

Two new studies show why state needs to support its universities.

Most Popular Murphy’s Law Columns

Foxconn, Scott Walker, Aurora and more.

Another Evers Cabinet Pick Under Fire

Republicans won’t approve Dawn Crim, Secretary of the Department of Safety and Professional Services.

Senate Democrats Offer 2020 Agenda

Shilling pushes homeless funding and closing dark store tax loophole.

All They Want for Christmas

The Christmas wish lists of Gov. Evers, Mayor Barrett and other politicians.

Republicans May Push Property Tax Cut

Fitzgerald says bill may be introduced next year. But casts doubt on homeless funding.

American Federation of Teachers Local 212 COPE Endorses Chris Larson

Evers Says Changes to Foxconn Deal Likely

Foxconn offers statement with no mention of changing contract.

Bill to Ban “Sanctuary Cities” Returns

GOP proposal penalizes cities, counties that don't cooperate fully with immigration enforcement.

Elections Commission Splits on Judge’s Ruling

Ruling would purge 234,000 names from voting rolls, commission ties 3-3 on how to respond.

What Is State Doing About School Security?

$96.2 million for security upgrades and training. Has that addressed the problem?

Another Special Election Controversy

This time Gov. Evers accused of playing politics on filling 7th congressional district seat.

Pardon Power Should Be Used Wisely

Walker didn’t use if for eight years. How should Evers use it?

Which Republican Is More Trumpian?

GOP candidates for state's 7th congressional district spar over who’s more like Trump.

Jim Sullivan Will Run For County Executive

County administrator and former legislator emphasizes need for sound management.

Journal Sentinel Veterans Vanishing

Seven more journalists leaving, including some big names, as paper shrinks further.

Pay Raise for State Workers Delayed

Legislators still haven't approved union contracts from last year.

Talgo Trains Return to Milwaukee

After 5 years in storage, trains built for Wisconsin may be used on Pacific Northwest line.

Remembering Musician Mary Davis

A keyboard legend and singer who performed R&B, jazz, blues and soul dies at age 73.

State Highway Projects Panel Wakes Up

Transportation Projects Commission meets for first time in five years, restarts planning.

State Leads in Cutting Pollution Control

Funding decline of 36% from 2008-2018, biggest in U.S., Walker helped drive change.

Poor Hit Again by Food Aid Cuts

Trump follows Walker model to cut more, as many as 25,000 in state will lose aid.

State Still Committed to Foxconn Deal

“It has to be a good deal,” says new head of WEDC.

Foxconn May Cut State GDP By $6 Billion

Loss could have been as high as $19 billion under original plan, study says.

Walker Says Kleefisch Would Be ‘Great Governor’

“I think she would win.” And compares recall he won to impeachment fight.

State Dental Group Has Big Teeth

Has spent $2.4 million on campaign donations and lobbying, getting a dozen bills it favors passed.

Could Doyle Have Saved High Speed Rail?

And could the state still get it some day? Last in a series.

Where Have All The Hunters Gone?

Millennials less likely to hunt. To counter decline state looks to women and children.

Top Republican Donors Give to Biden

Ted and Mary Kellner have donated $1 million to state GOP candidates, but now giving to Biden.

Who Lost the City Residency Rule?

Lena Taylor blames Mayor Barrett. But did she fight the state law killing residency?

Evers Vetoes Sex Offender Residency Bill

Bipartisan bill lifted restrictions on how close people convicted of sex crimes can live to schools.

Council Bans Most Plastic Straws

Use by bars and restaurants prohibited unless customers request them.

New Charges Against Activist Vaun Mayes

Community organizer says he's being targeted as a "Black Identity Extremist.”

WHEDA’s David Rouse earns lifetime achievement award from Wisconsin Mortgage Bankers Association

The award, presented at the mortgage bankers’ recent Best in Business banquet, recognizes Rouse’s achievements in a career featuring leadership roles in both the public and private sectors.

Scott Walker At Your Service

Need marketing, strategic planning or issue advocacy? Scott's new company can help you go "big and bold."

Lawsuit Targets State’s Student Voter ID Laws

National advocacy organization argues unconstitutional age-based discrimination creates barriers for young voters.

Act 10 Caused Big Decline in Unions

Study finds union recertification efforts, required by law, declined by a third since 2014.

‘Sanctuary Counties’ Violate Constitution

Northern Wisconsin county’s declaration on gun rights conflicts with state, federal laws.

High Court Candidates Argue Role of Politics

Incumbent Supreme Court Justice Dan Kelly spars with opponents Jill Karofsky, Ed Fallone.

Warren Plan Gives Needed Help to MPS

Would mean a massive new federal investment in public schools.

Legislature Passing Few Bills

Assembly and Senate seldom in session. Just 21 bills passed in 2019 while typical average is more than 300.

Taylor Slams Barrett Over Residency

Mayoral candidate cites losses since residency requirement ended by Legislature.

Two Years after the Foxconn Contract Was Signed

and Voters Still Have a Sour Taste in Their Mouths

How Republicans Became Anti-Train

The politics of resentment replaced business-oriented development, as Tommy Thompson would learn. Part 8 of series.

Evers Should Get Religion on Open Records

Recent statements and foot dragging by governor’s staff raise questions about transparency.

Proposal Aims To Eliminate Plastic Straws

Would prevent restaurants from providing straws, unless customers request them.

Assembly Debates Christmas, er, Holiday Tree

"I don’t expect a big issue” or “holy wars”, Rep Hintz says. Wrong.

Tom Steyer Comes to Town

That would be the billionaire investor running for president who calls Trump “a fake businessman.”

Gasp, It’s a Holiday Tree!

So says Gov. Evers about Capitol tree, with the added theme, “Celebrate Science.”