Tommy Thompson, a former Governor of the State of Wisconsin.
Books by Tommy Thompson:
Content referencing Tommy Thompson - Page 5
Milwaukee School Named After Ben Carson
The Benjamin Carson Academy of Science "fails to meet expectations." Remind you of anyone?
Nov 9th, 2015 by Michael Horne
A Tale of Three Sports Facilities
How the funding and politics varied for Lambeau Field, Miller Park and Bucks’ new arena.
Oct 26th, 2015 by Steven Walters
Walker’s Post-Campaign “To Do” List
Back from his failed presidential campaign, what are his policy priorities for the state?
Sep 28th, 2015 by Steven Walters
The Return of Peter Park
Now a top consultant, the former city planner says Milwaukee's 20-year plan was done in a decade.
Sep 11th, 2015 by Michael Horne
The Explosive Growth of School Choice
It’s grown 78% in four years, now puts 32,100 kids in private schools
Sep 8th, 2015 by Steven Walters
Civic Groups Fight MPS “Takeover” Plan
Coalition of 22 groups assails state plan giving county exec power over struggling schools.
Aug 27th, 2015 by Brendan O’Brien
Wisconsin’s Growing Teacher Shortage
The number of education majors and teaching candidates is drastically declining. Why?
Aug 20th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Scott Walker Peddles Bull
No stranger to peddling bull, governor hosts Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction at State Fair
Aug 14th, 2015 by Michael Horne
How Republicans Worked to End Public Records
Planning began last September and would have ended open records for all local governments as well.
Aug 3rd, 2015 by George Stanley
Get Ready for Gov. Kleefisch?
If Walkers wins the presidency or gets a federal appointment, Kleefisch must be ready to serve.
Aug 3rd, 2015 by Steven Walters
Who is Scott Walker?
The real, profusely documented story of the man who would be president.
Jul 16th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Why is Wisconsin Last in Startup Businesses?
The state’s backward-looking business culture may be to blame.
Jun 24th, 2015 by Bruce Thompson
Was Act 10 Necessary?
New analysis by bipartisan expert on good government explodes the myths about Walker’s signature achievement.
Jun 16th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Cuts In DNR Scientists Could Hurt Walleye Fishing
Longterm DNR efforts to reverse Walleye decline in state lakes could be hurt by Walker's proposed cuts.
May 28th, 2015 by Kate Golden
Lady MacBeth of the Supreme Court
Pat Roggensack has shamed herself and the high court in the ugly way she’s handled her elevation to chief justice.
May 7th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
We Want a New Arena!
Bradley Center rally organized by MMAC featured five speakers touting the benefits of building a taxpayer-subsidized NBA arena.
Apr 29th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Shirley Abrahamson Against the World
Chief Justice’s fight against a constitutional change to demote her is a minor issue. So why such a juicy battle involving so many conservatives?
Apr 16th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Did Judge Violate Disclosure Law?
Circuit Court judge rules on case involving city police he was paid to give training sessions, yet he didn't disclose this.
Apr 15th, 2015 by Bill Lueders
The Secret Tax Subsidy Society
Republicans and Democrats conspire to create stealth taxes to fund the NBA arena. Will they succeed?
Apr 14th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
John Doe Supported by Many Republicans
Supreme Court candidate James Daley was among many GOP judges and prosecutors involved in alleged "partisan witch hunt."
Apr 2nd, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Wisconsin’s Shrinking Middle Class
No state has seen a bigger decline in the percent of middle class households than Wisconsin, new data shows.
Mar 31st, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Can Daley Beat Bradley for Supreme Court?
Challenger could get lots of right-wing money, but that may not be enough in this case.
Mar 26th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Who Is Running The Ship?
While Walker campaigns for president, it's not clear who is running state government.
Mar 19th, 2015 by John Torinus
Lobbyists Spent $57.5 Million on 2013-’14 Legislative Session
That's about $150,000 for each of the 380 bills that became law.
Feb 17th, 2015 by Bill Lueders
Walker Not Most Polarizing Pol
Polls show he is fourth most polarizing among state voters.
Jan 19th, 2015 by Steven Walters
Swing Voters Leave Hope for Democrats
They voted for Walker yet support accepting federal Medicaid increase and raising minimum wage.
Dec 8th, 2014 by Steven Walters
The Legacy of Annette Polly Williams
The author of school choice later became its opponent. Williams was controversial -- and misunderstood -- right to the end.
Nov 11th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Why Republicans Hate Kevin Kennedy
The GAB director is an “embarrassment,” Assembly Speaker Robin Vos says. Embarrassing to who?
Nov 6th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
The Decline of ALEC
The right-wing American Legislative Exchange Council, long a big influence on state legislatures and Wisconsin, is bleeding business support.
Oct 16th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Walker’s Curious Debate Strategy
His strategy was to “largely ignore” Burke. That may have been a mistake.
Oct 14th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Remembering Neil Shively
The longtime Milwaukee Sentinel Capitol bureau chief was a true character, and an inspiration to other journalists.
Oct 7th, 2014 by Steven Walters
The Massive Gender Gap in Gov’s Race
Walker does terrible with women. But Burke does far worse with men. Why?
Oct 2nd, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Will Republicans Support a Bucks Bailout?
It can’t get done without GOP legislators, but they have deeply felt reasons for opposing any deal.
Aug 28th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Abele Goes O-fer On Election Night
Sheriff Clarke wins democratic primary. Plus: The rest of election night's winners and losers.
Aug 13th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Black Men Face Unequal Enforcement of Marijuana Laws
While the nation moves towards legalization, Wisconsin fills its jails with black men arrested for marijuana possession.
Aug 12th, 2014 by Edgar Mendez
Gimbel Gets Reappointed to Wisconsin Center Board
Will continue after 3 decades as board chair! Did mayor and governor swap appointments to make this happen?
Jul 16th, 2014 by Michael Horne
The Cheap Schools Solution
Wisconsin’s spending on education has dropped drastically. Long-term, that could be a big problem.
Jul 8th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Walker, Sykes and Belling
The New Republic feature story on Scott Walker and talk radio is juicy stuff. But is it true?
Jun 19th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
The Democratic Disadvantage
Republicans can continue to control the legislature with 46% of the statewide vote. How can Democrats overcome this edge?
Jun 18th, 2014 by Bruce Thompson
Power Broker Bill Drew’s Home Office
Drew and his wife, consultant Mary Cannon, made a lot of money working from their lovely West Side colonial home. It's on the Spaces and Traces tour tomorrow.
May 16th, 2014 by Michael Horne
More Evidence John Doe is Bipartisan
Court filings release more information showing investigation of Walker and conservative groups is not partisan.
Apr 21st, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Why Moderates Are Extinct
The retirement of Petri, Ellis and Cullen suggests neither party has room for moderates.
Apr 17th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Get Your Vote On
Early voting already underway for spring election, and memorials planned for Debra Usinger and Donna Schlieman.
Mar 26th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Who Is Mary Burke?
After meeting and interviewing her, I still find Burke something of an enigma.
Mar 18th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
The Republican Voter Suppression Bill
Cities already have less turnout and lower percent of early voters than rest of state, but bill will cut that even more.
Mar 13th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
How Rogue Aides Can Ruin Politicians
Gov. Chris Christie’s problems are a lesson to every politician in Wisconsin.
Feb 10th, 2014 by Steven Walters
How to End the Income Tax
Tax pros offer suggestions to Gov. Walker.
Jan 6th, 2014 by Steven Walters
How Walker Worries About Polls
His book shows he frequently adjusts strategy based on poll results.
Dec 2nd, 2013 by Steven Walters
Can Burke Beat Walker?
The 2014 campaign may depend on which candidate has the best story to tell.
Nov 26th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Who Threw Deininger Off the GAB?
The rumor is that Walker or Republican legislators are punishing him for his decisions on recall elections.
Nov 11th, 2013 by Steven Walters
Talgo Files Claim Against State
State would have to pay $136 million for canceling train contract.
Nov 8th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
The Nuclear Option
Supervisors nuke Chris Abele’s staff salaries. Will this hurt the county?
Nov 7th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Jon Richards Will Run for Attorney General
Like Abe Lincoln, Richards has been practicing law all across the state in preparation for his run.
Oct 16th, 2013 by Michael Horne
How Legislators Grab Big Pensions
A move into higher-paying state jobs greatly increases their pensions.
Oct 14th, 2013 by Steven Walters
Mr. Fixit Puts Down His Tool Kit
Moderate Mark Bugher steps down as head of UW Research Park after holding many key jobs in state government.
Oct 7th, 2013 by Steven Walters
Capitol Sex Scandal Confirmed
Judge confirms affair between state DHS secretary and his legal counsel, and jealously abusive husband gets off with a misdemeanor.
Sep 17th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
No Compromise is Possible
State Sen Tim Cullen retires, saying the Capitol is run by the moneyed and powerful.
Sep 9th, 2013 by Steven Walters
What Sue Ann Says
The busy life of ex-first lady Sue Ann Thompson, who runs a foundation and writes a magazine column.
Aug 29th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Governor Walker Shapes State Labor Board
All three appointees on little known, powerful labor board now appointed by Republican Governor
Aug 15th, 2013 by Bill Lueders
The Truth About State Taxes
They were never lower than under Jim Doyle, as new data shows.
Jul 25th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Is Milwaukee the Next Detroit?
Analyzing this city’s key strengths and weaknesses.
Jul 23rd, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Clark Rockefeller’s Bag Job
UWM bag with severed head leads to murder rap for ex-Milwaukeean with phony name.
Jul 10th, 2013 by Michael Horne
GOP Bill Gives Landlords Sweeping Rights
Landlord-tenant rights will be rewritten by this bill, and not to the benefit of tenants.
May 15th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Huh? Lobbying Spending Drops In Wisconsin
After rising steadily for 10 years, dollars spent lobbying the legislature declined in 2011-2012. Why?
Apr 18th, 2013 by Bill Lueders
Myths About a New NBA Arena
In their zeal to build new, publicly-funded arena, proponents are misleading the community.
Apr 16th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
The Fight Against Wisconsin’s Iron Mine
Tribal leaders, environmentalists and local officials have united to fight a massive mine which could be toxic to a water-rich area known as “Wisconsin’s Everglades.”
Apr 16th, 2013 by Al Gedicks
Sue Black’s Cape Cod Cutie
The Milwaukee Wave owner and former parks director lives modestly near the Waukesha county line.
Apr 12th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Why Republicans Are Wrong About Recalls
The bill to restrict recalls is a naked attempt by political officials to protect their jobs.
Apr 11th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Rent-To-Own Industry Wants Less Disclosure
Seeks to overturn law making it disclose interests rates. Industry supported Gov. Walker, who backs the change.
Mar 20th, 2013 by Bill Lueders
Super Scott
Democrats continue to underestimate Walker, even as he radically transforms the state.
Feb 28th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
How to Regulate Guns
Liberals need to better understand firearms if they have any hope of passing regulations.
Feb 11th, 2013 by John Norquist
What’s Stopping Tougher Drunk Driving Laws
The cost of enforcement has been estimated at $200 million annually, but some scoff at this figure.
Jan 18th, 2013 by Bill Lueders
Robin Hood in Reverse
Republicans’ tax plan assures that Wisconsin follows other states in the race to the bottom.
Jan 11th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Wisconsin’s Rising Wealth Gap
In the last decade all $4.8 billion in income gains went to the wealthiest 20 percent. All boats aren’t rising.
Jan 8th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Sue Black
She was wrongly fired, she insists to Milwaukee Magazine, whose cover story has many community leaders praising her.
Dec 20th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
25 Winners and Losers
The list is long (and fun). This was a campaign with real consequences.
Nov 8th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Will Art Museum Dump Stephen Einhorn?
The wealthy funder of voter fraud billboards creates negative publicity for Milwaukee Art Museum.
Nov 6th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
The Man From ALEC
Was Tommy Thompson a key figure in the rise of the conservative American Legislative Exchange Council?
Nov 5th, 2012 by Steve Schuster and Ricardo Torres
Stealth Conservatives
Bradley-funded think tank changes its polls and subsidizes Journal Sentinel’s right-wing columnist.
Oct 11th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Can Tammy Beat Tommy?
She wouldn’t have a chance against the old Tommy, but the newer edition could be beat.
Sep 9th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Are Republicans More Generous?
A new study shows blue states give far less to charity than red states.
Sep 4th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Election’s Winners and Losers
An insider's look at who's up -- and who's down -- as a result of the August primary.
Aug 17th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Why Was Sue Black Fired?
The development is a shocker as Abele was a friend and supporter of the highly regarded parks director.
Aug 16th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Fitzgerald’s Strangely Sleepy Campaign
Is Jeff Fitzgerald running for U.S. Senator or top lobbyist?
Aug 2nd, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
The Chicago Challenge
Economic cooperation with our massive neighbor could help Milwaukee. But Gov.Scott Walker stands in the way.
Jul 18th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Tommy the Taxer
The old tax-and-spend governor Republican may be far too moderate to win the Republican Senate primary.
Jul 16th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Why Walker Won’t Compromise
He now says he will bring us together. But don’t bet on it.
Jun 14th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Why Walker Won
Democrats blame money, but might examine their muddled message.
Jun 8th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Did the State Screw Talgo?
The train company's stunned CEO blasts Wisconsin for breaching its contract “like a Third World country.”
May 31st, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Bruce Murphy signs on as Editor
Urban Milwaukee is happy to announce that Bruce Murphy has come aboard as our new editor and columnist, where he will revive his well-known column Murphy’s Law. Among the state’s best-known journalists, Murphy is most celebrated for his stories exposing the Milwaukee County pension scandal, which led to the resignation of County Executive F. Thomas Ament and the recall of seven county supervisors. No scandal in Milwaukee history resulted in more politicians being thrown out of office.
May 9th, 2012 by Urban Milwaukee
John Norquist Milwaukee Tour – Congress for the New Urbanism
One day before the start of the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) 19th annual conference in Madison, former Mayor and current CNU President & CEO John Norquist returned to Milwaukee with a number of his former deputies to offer a tour of many of the urban projects started during his tenure as mayor.
Jun 1st, 2011 by Jeramey Jannene
History and Walker’s Jobs Claim
On election night, Governor-elect Scott Walker promised Wisconsin 250,000 news jobs by the end of 2014. Critics claim the goal is unrealistic and his jobs plan as lacking and juvenile.
Nov 11th, 2010 by John Kovari
Milwaukee Streetcar Round-Up
The Milwaukee circulator streetcar is moving forward, but there is still confusion in the mind of many. We've covered the issue in the past, but this article attempts to bring everything together in one place, the history, the frequently asked questions, and the proposed route.
Apr 19th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
Broydrick, Lobbyist for Disaster Preparedness Group Faces Own Disaster in D.C. Whore Scandal
Bill Broydrick linked to the “Washington Madam.”
Jul 19th, 2007 by Michael Horne
Tommy Thompson to Graze Through Iowa
Thompson will graze his way through the cornbelt, feasting at cookouts, pizza parties, restaurants, and even participating in an ice cream social, that pinnacle of Iowan hospitality.
Jul 6th, 2007 by Michael Horne
State Elections Board Responds to Complaint Against Walker
John Weishan and Gerry Broderick filed an official complaint today with the Wisconsin State Elections Board against Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker.
May 9th, 2005 by Michael Horne
When the Wealthy Serve
A Look at the Commerce Secretary’s Statement of Economic Interests
Feb 25th, 2005 by Michael Horne
Riemer: “Ready to Run”
This terse note from Riemer almost sounds like a Bill Christofferson soundbite, which means it's a good one.
Feb 14th, 2005 by Michael Horne
More OIC – George Connections
Although the Gary George – OIC-GM connections are well documented, particularly those that have led to the convictions of George, Mark Sostarich and Carl Gee, recently-released audit information and other source documents indicate that perhaps the OIC-George connection needs to be further investigated. Nobody is accusing anybody of wrongdoing, but perhaps investigators should dig a little deeper into the dealings of George and those connected with him, if only to remove any hint of suspicion from settling on the mantle of the innocent. Take, for instance, the relationship between Todd Robert Murphy, OIC-GM and Gary George. Murphy was recently relieved of his Public Relations contract with OIC-GM, and was replaced by Martin Schreiber and Associates. The recent audit of the OIC-GM accounts indicated that payments made by OIC-GM to TRM Marketing Consultants, Murphy’s firm, were “unallowable expenses,” according to Paul Steiber of the State of Wisconsin. His review included two months during which Murphy received $4,000 per month from OIC-GM. Was this a “cushy consulting job,” as Leon Todd has suggested? Todd said the Murphy-planted cover story about OIC-GM that appeared in the Shepherd Express (and, interestingly, in newspapers in the African-American community) was “not enough” to save him his job. According to the audit, OIC-GM was not authorized to hire a public relations consultant with W2 funds. The Ethics Board did not have a complete accounting of the amount of money Murphy’s firm was paid over the years. The board was investigating “direct” payments, and Murphy’s were considered “indirect.” According to John Becker of the Ethics Board, the payments to Todd Robert Murphy’s firm “were not something we focused on.” Nor has the board “seen any checks,” from OIC-GM to Murphy, he said. One wonders if the State of Wisconsin Ethics Board should have done a better job reviewing its own documents, for the Statements of Economic Interests filed by George for the years 1999-2001 show that George received more than $1,000 per year from Murphy’s firm. It would be interesting to know how much exactly per year Murphy sent to George, and what he got in exchange. George also reported receiving funds from Petrie and Stocking, the firm that employed Mark Sostarich, who gave George kickbacks from OIC funds. George also received money from Coleman & Williams, Ltd., an accounting firm. Coleman & Williams also received money from OIC – to conduct an audit of the OIC books. Isn’t it odd that an accounting firm that received money from OIC-GM would also, coincidentally, be sending more than $1,000 per year to George, who was systematically swindling OIC-GM out of money, with the connivance of Carl Gee, the group’s director, and Mark Sostarich, the Petrie and Stocking lawyer? Bill Coleman, of the accounting firm, said the relationship was quite innocent, and that he had hired Gary George to do unspecified legal work for his firm. Since many aspects of attorney-client relationships are privileged, we’ll have to take his word for it. Still, workers at the Ethics Board, the United […]
Nov 15th, 2004 by Michael Horne
Plale Recall Drive Begins
Can a group of south side political activists pull themselves together enough to acquire 13,212 signatures to force a recall election against Sen. Jeff Plale? Rep. Jon Richards said he doubts it. “This thing is going nowhere,” says Rep. Josh Zepnick. “These people are so lazy! They’ve taken out a newspaper ad asking people to come by and sign a recall petition. Who is going to do that?” True enough. To win an election, you’ve got to knock on doors, post signs in windows and do all kinds of grass-rooted activities. There is scant evidence of this in the Plale recall attempt, and absolutely no evidence of it in the northern fringes of Plale’s district, including Brady Street and the East Side. That hasn’t stopped Plale from printing up thousands of football schedules that he is handing out at every turn. The South Milwaukeean made the journey to St. Rita’s Church last week to attend the Brady Street Association monthly meeting where he was asked about the recall. “They’ve got until September 7th to get the signatures to recall me,” Plale told the audience. When told there seemed to be no effort on the East Side to circulate petitions, Plale said, “well, these people wouldn’t know how to find Brady Street.” Plale was also in the Brady Street area for what the neighborhood hopes is an annual Artisinal Food Festival. The gig was held Sunday, July 25th, and Plale was there along with his schedules. The recall effort against him stemmed from his crucial vote to uphold Governor Doyle’s veto of a republican-sponsored measure to limit property tax increases. Plale says the upcoming plans to sponsor a constitutional amendment known as the Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights, (TABOR) is similarly flawed, and a potential recipe for disaster. He cites Colorado, a state that has enacted similar provisions into its laws and is now in the midst of its worst fiscal crisis ever. Amendment on the Run The legislature republicans spent the last unedifying session promoting the agenda of Gays, Guns and Gambling. The Madison gang came up with loads of goofy legislation, none of which could sustain a veto by the governor. Leave it to this group to be able to reconvene and pass a constitutional amendment, no less, in just one week. This was the decision of Sen. Mary Panzer, the republican leader who had earlier been criticized for not rushing a Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights law through the Solomonic deliberations of the nation’s most august lawmakers. But, as soon as she faced a primary challenge from Rep.Glenn Grothman, an ambitious fellow republican who covets her senate seat, Panzer decided to schedule a vote for this week. Then, the legislature can go home and come back next year to vote again. Then, finally, the matter will be put to public vote in a referendum, if it is still alive. But, if the legislature does not act by August 5th, the whole procedure would have to be repeated in yet one […]
Jul 26th, 2004 by Michael Horne
