Pro-Obama Activists to Hit GOP Members’ Offices Starting Friday Nov 13, 2009
Dan Lungren and David Dreier of California, Mark Kirk of Illinois, Frank Wolf of Virginia, Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, Bill Young and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida, and Mike Castle of Delaware. The message was clear in these districts: Americans want change, and they expect their Representatives to work with President Obama and reach across the aisle to help deliver it, OFA Director Mitch Stewart said in a statement. (Roll Call)
Weird news: Southerners love their health insurance Nov 12, 2009
12:00 pm November 11, 2009, by ctucker. I love my native South, but I don t always understand it. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
LETTER: Obama aggressive in dealing with dissenters Nov 12, 2009
Last Friday, while speaking at a Wisconsin Right to Life fundraising banquet -- attendees were barred from bringing cell phones, cameras, laptops -- Palin rolled out the latest: an anti-Christian conspiracy in the redesign of U.S. coins. Palin waded into the subject by remarking that there had been a lot of "change" of late -- for example, the redesign of U.S. currency which moved the once-centered text "In God We Trust" to the edge of coins. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Reps. seek review of Walker event at university Nov 11, 2009
Marlin Schneider of Wisconsin Rapids and Amy Sue Vruwink of Milladore asked the Government Accountability Board for the investigation. The lawmakers pointed to a Nov. 2 event by Walker supporters at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point student center that was described in a local news report as "a fundraising rally." ... Schneider and Vruwink noted that Wisconsin law bans the use of state-owned buildings for requesting and collecting political donations. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Wedded to vitriol, backers of gay marriage stumble Nov 11, 2009
But after going 0 for 31 - after failing to make the case for same-sex marriage even in such liberal and largely gay-friendly states as California, Wisconsin, Oregon, and now Maine - isn t it time to stop caricaturing their opponents as the equivalent of Jim Crow-era segregationists. Wouldn t it make more sense to concede that thoughtful voters can have reasonable concerns about gay marriage, concerns that will not be allayed by describing those voters as contemptible troglodytes. (Boston Globe)
Farm tasting event at Hawthorne Valley Nov 10, 2009
Rossmeissl has worked at the renowned Tabla restaurant in New York City as well as Prime Quarter Steak House and Cheesecake Heaven in Wisconsin. We are incredibly excited to have Chef Rossmeissl leading the efforts of our farm store kitchen, said Cafaro. (Hudson Register Star, NY)
Commissioners will consider resolution on Sealy plant contract Nov 8, 2009
Published: Saturday, November 7, 2009 9:17 AM CST Washington County commissioners Tuesday will stand behind Austin County in a resolution asking the U.S. Army to overturn a decision to move a vehicle-manufacturing contract from a Sealy plant to Wisconsin ... The Army recently announced it had awarded a contract to build military vehicles, called the family of medium tactical vehicles, to Oshkosh Co., located in Wisconsin ... Sealy has all the necessary equipment and tools to build the FMTVs in... (Brenham Banner, TX)
November ushers in the snow Nov 8, 2009
The Rhinelander Daily News - Online news and information for the Rhinelander, Wisconsin region ... Wisconsins largest tamarack tree was found in Price County during 1954 by R.F. Wendt. (Forest Republican, WI)
Every Celtic won’t be taking part in Pagliuca fund-raiser Nov 8, 2009
An Iowa native who now lives in Wisconsin, she is no stranger to Massachusetts Democrats. She worked for Edward M. Kennedy in the 1980 Iowa presidential caucus, led Michael S. Dukakis s 1988 caucus effort in the Hawkeye State, and helped John F. Kerry s presidential election campaign in 2004 as strategist at the Democratic National Committee. (Boston Globe)
Letters to the Magazine Editor Nov 8, 2009
Carol Straub Podolske / Mequon, Wisconsin. Introducing Dad I loved Jessica Cerretani s I m Coming Out (Coupling, October 18). (Boston Globe)
Teske elected to Badger Meter board Nov 7, 2009
Should regional leaders offer free water to lure businesses to southeastern Wisconsin. Yes. (Milwaukee Business Journal, WI)
Man Donates Cheesehead Hat Signed By Obama Nov 7, 2009
-- A Wisconsin man who got his cheesehead hat signed by President Barack Obama has decided to donate it to a museum rather than sell it on eBay. Mansfield Neblett told The Associated Press on Friday in an e-mail that he decided to donate the triangular, bright yellow hat to the Wisconsin Historical Society ... He says, "Wisconsin has been good to me, and I believe this is the right thing to do.". (Click2Houston, TX)
Dems Reassess Party Agenda After Losses Nov 6, 2009
Obama all but ignored the election results, calling to congratulate the winners and traveling to Wisconsin for an education speech. But his top aides worked furiously to rebut the idea that Republican victories in New Jersey and Virginia require a reassessment of the president's priorities. (CBS News -- US)
Army: 12 dead, 31 hurt in Texas base attack Nov 6, 2009
Amber Bahr, 19, was shot in the stomach but was in stable condition, said her mother, Lisa Pfund of Wisconsin. "We know nothing, just that she was shot in the belly," Pfund told The Associated Press. (Rexburg Standard Journal, ID)
Dems debate course after setback Nov 6, 2009
Local issues'Obama all but ignored the election results, calling to congratulate the winners and traveling to Wisconsin for an education speech. But his top aides worked furiously to rebut the idea that Republican victories in New Jersey and Virginia require a reassessment of the president's priorities. (MSNBC -- Politics)
White House distances itself from electoral losses Nov 5, 2009
Before leaving for an education speech in the state of Wisconsin on Wednesday, Obama called the two Republicans who won gubernatorial contests on Tuesday, Chris Christie in New Jersey and Robert McDonnell in Virginia, to offer congratulations. Obama also called Democrat Bill Owens, who won a special election for a congressional seat in New York. (NJ.com -- News)
Obama Coaxes States with School Dollars Nov 5, 2009
"If you're willing to hold yourselves more accountable, if you develop a strong plan to improve the quality of education in your state, we'll offer you a grant to help make that plan a reality," Obama said while speaking at a Wisconsin middle school ... Obama came to Wisconsin a day before state lawmakers planned to vote to lift a ban on using student test scores to judge teacher performance ... Obama called on all states to follow the example set by Wisconsin and nine other states that have... (CBS News -- Politics)
Obama calls for reforms in education Nov 5, 2009
In the past few weeks, Gov. Jim Doyle has made attempts to remove such a law in Wisconsin, in addition to proposing other reforms, including a mayoral takeover of Milwaukee Public Schools ... In a statement last week from the Republican Party of Wisconsin, Chair Reince Priebus said Obama s visit likely had political motivations, and he hinted at Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett s potential bid for the 2010 gubernatorial election. (The Digital Cardinal, WI)
Man's cheesehead hat signed by Obama at speech Nov 5, 2009
-- Liberian immigrant Mansfield Neblett just wanted to wear his cheesehead hat to President Barack Obama's speech at a Wisconsin middle school. The first roadblock were U.S. Secret Service agents. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
A year later, Obamas policies have shown effects in state Nov 5, 2009
The debates regarding health insurance reform and the economic stimulus have raged through the halls of Congress, and their effects have been felt in Wisconsin. The largest impact Obama has made in Wisconsin has been through the economic stimulus plan ... Wisconsin has received billions in federal money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and the government says over 10,000 jobs have been created or saved in the state since the stimulus plan was passed. (The Digital Cardinal, WI)
Show Transcript: November 5 Nov 5, 2009
In Wisconsin yesterday he talked about the "Race to the Top" program. Now it's local and state governments that make decisions about education policies. (CNN -- US)
Obama visits Wis. in midst of education debate Nov 4, 2009
President Barack Obama's visit to Wisconsin on Wednesday comes as state lawmakers are considering a proposal to allow the mayor of Milwaukee to take over control of that city's struggling school district ... While Obama chose to come to Madison, where 73 percent of voters in the county went for Obama in 2008, the center of the education debate in Wisconsin has been 100 miles to the east in Milwaukee ... Wisconsin has some of the largest achievement gaps between black and white students... (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Blowing jobs to China Nov 4, 2009
From Wisconsin to the court of the Kang-Hsi emperor, with cameos by Daniel Boone and John Jacob Astor By. "Wisconsin's Business News Source" ... Gov. Jim Doyle announced a trade agreement between the Wisconsin Ginseng Board and a Chinese company today he said will result in $12 million for state producers over the next five years. (Salon)
Mixed signals on inmate flu shots Nov 4, 2009
In Wisconsin, where Obama will visit today, lawmakers are poised to change a law to boost their state s chances ... Wisconsin lawmakers plan to vote tomorrow to lift a ban on using student test scores to judge teachers, clearing the way for an Obama priority, teacher pay tied to student performance. (Boston Globe)
Obama coaxes states to change with school dollars Nov 4, 2009
Obama is visiting Wisconsin, where lawmakers are poised to change a law to boost their state's chances at $5 billion in education grants, the most money a president has ever had for overhauling schools ... Wisconsin lawmakers planned to vote Thursday to lift a ban on using student test scores to judge teachers ... Obama will use the trip to Wisconsin to call attention to the actions states are taking, one year after his election, to put his vision of reform in place, Melody Barnes, Obama's... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
Woman Calls 911 To Report Her Own DUI Nov 3, 2009
Wisconsin Woman Doesn't Want To Hurt Others ... With that, Mary Strey, 49, of Granton, reported herself as a drunken driver about 3 miles northeast of Neilsville in central Wisconsin. (Click2Houston, TX)
Forklift causes massive liquor collapse Nov 3, 2009
The call came in to the 911 dispatcher: "I don't want to hurt anybody. I'm drunk." And with that, Mary Strey, 49, of Granton, reported herself as a drunken driver in central Wisconsin. Otto, a dachshund-terrier mix, is 20 years and 8 months old thats about 145 in dog years, his owners estimate and he is being recognized for his great age by Guinness World Records. (MSNBC -- International)
Hoff wins Eleanor Roosevelt award Nov 3, 2009
The Rhinelander Daily News - Online news and information for the Rhinelander, Wisconsin region ... At the 11th Annual Eleanor Roosevelt Tribute Awards held recently at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, Minocqua resident, Kay Hoff, sat proudly on the dais alongside four other notable women being honored for their exceptional service in the Democratic Party of Wisconsin ... Other honorees were Milwaukee County Supervisor Marina Dimitrijevic (Local Elected Official Award), Fair Wisconsin... (Forest Republican, WI)
Pelosi's Kamikazes? Nov 2, 2009
Our own John Gizzi picks the following 25 as the House seats Republicans can pick up next year: in Alabama, Bobby Bright and Parker Griffith; in Arizona, Ann Kirkpatrick and Harry Mitchell; Connecticut Jim Himes; in Florida Alan Grayson and Ron Klein; in Georgia, Jim Marshall; in Idaho, Walt Minnick; in Illinois, Debbie Halvorsen; in Louisiana, Charlie Melancon (running for Senate); in Maryland, Frank Kratovil; in Michigan, Mark Schauer; in Missouri, Ike Skelton; in Mississippi, Travis Childers;... (Human Events Online)
Obama Stumps for Democrats in NJ, Va. Nov 2, 2009
On Wednesday, he heads to Wisconsin, which will elect a governor next year. Obama aides are realistic about Deeds' seemingly slim chances in a state that Obama won last November. (CBS News)
White Male Vote Especially Critical - washingtonpost.com Nov 1, 2009
won majorities among those voters in what appeared to be breakthrough victories in Wisconsin and Virginia last month ... An examination of exit polls in Wisconsin and Ohio, states with striking similarities, shows that many more working-class white men in Ohio said race was a factor in their vote on March 4 than was the case in Wisconsin ... It is accurate that Obama did far better with younger men in both states, but he won younger and older white men in Wisconsin but lost both groups in Ohio. (Yahoo News -- FYI)
War still a key issue for troops Nov 1, 2009
They fought in Iraq and are eager to hear what the presidential candidates have to say about the conflict heading into Tuesday's Wisconsin primary ... At least, let us feel we've done something," says Broberg, 26, a U.S. Army reservist who was based in Taji in 2004 and now attends UW-Milwaukee. In recent weeks, debate over the war has receded as voters focus on the economy as the top issue of the campaign, according to exit polls from various primaries. But that doesn't mean the war doesn't... (Yahoo News -- FYI)
NFC rankings: Falcons drop, Vikings hold, Saints (duh) Oct 31, 2009
You must be from wisconsin to put them above all the east teams you idiot. Roby. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Investors fear repeat of 2000 election turmoil Oct 30, 2009
"I'd say it's a one-in-five chance we won't know at the end of November. There are thousands of lawyers who are looking at litigation in Ohio, in Florida and in Wisconsin. "It's a cliche, but it's a true cliche that markets don't like uncertainty," he added. Valliere is not alone in seeing a strong chance of a challenged election. Both political parties are far more prepared for court challenges than they were going into the 2000 election. Lawyers for the two sides were arguing before the U.S.... (Yahoo News -- Presidential Election 2000)
Labor Gains Obama Policies Rued by Companies From Cooper Tire to Walmart Oct 30, 2009
OSHAs acting director, , signaled a new tone at the agency in a speech to the Wisconsin AFL-CIO last month. One of the first things he did when he arrived, Barab said, was to replace pictures of OSHA managers displayed in a conference room with photos of workers who had been killed on the job. (Bloomberg)
GOP voter discontent allows new entrants for '08 Oct 30, 2009
(Don't confuse him with the other Thompson, Tommy, former governor of Wisconsin who is already a GOP contender. . (Yahoo News -- Presidential Election 2000)
Military ballot law has states in a time squeeze Oct 30, 2009
Other states with September primaries include Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Wisconsin ... Colorado, New York, Washington and Wisconsin are among states already planning to request waivers ... In Wisconsin, which has a 10-day post-election grace period and extends other options to military voters, there has been little appetite for holding the primary earlier than the traditional September time. (Concord Monitor)
Wis. high court: Donations don't require recusals Oct 29, 2009
The Wisconsin Supreme Court adopted rules Wednesday allowing judges to hear cases involving their biggest campaign contributors, siding with business interests and rejecting calls for reform ... The additions to the judicial code of conduct were proposed by two powerful Wisconsin business groups, the Wisconsin Realtors Association and Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, and adopted without a single change ... Their decision could have national importance because Wisconsin is one of the first... (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Wisconsin farmer promotes 'good-food revolution' Oct 29, 2009
Place an obit: (559) 441-6228. Web Search powered by YAHOO. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
White Male Vote Especially Critical - washingtonpost.com Oct 28, 2009
won majorities among those voters in what appeared to be breakthrough victories in Wisconsin and Virginia last month ... An examination of exit polls in Wisconsin and Ohio, states with striking similarities, shows that many more working-class white men in Ohio said race was a factor in their vote on March 4 than was the case in Wisconsin ... It is accurate that Obama did far better with younger men in both states, but he won younger and older white men in Wisconsin but lost both groups in Ohio. (Yahoo News -- FYI)
Bugher's Talents Range From Revenue to Research (26) Oct 28, 2009
Earlier in the week of this interview, Bugher had met with a group from Manitoba that was on a trade mission to Wisconsin ... "Manitoba and Wisconsin are planning to co-host an event that will take place at that meeting," Bugher says ... "It's a life sciences park," Bugher says, noting UW-Madison's ag campus "is really the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS)."Ag research for CALS has a deep-seated relationship with URP. We commercialize discoveries of faculty members, taking this... (Agri-View, WI)
War still a key issue for troops Oct 28, 2009
They fought in Iraq and are eager to hear what the presidential candidates have to say about the conflict heading into Tuesday's Wisconsin primary ... At least, let us feel we've done something," says Broberg, 26, a U.S. Army reservist who was based in Taji in 2004 and now attends UW-Milwaukee. In recent weeks, debate over the war has receded as voters focus on the economy as the top issue of the campaign, according to exit polls from various primaries. But that doesn't mean the war doesn't... (Yahoo News -- FYI)
Lawton won't run for governor Oct 27, 2009
Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton is dropping out of the race for governor, citing only "personal reasons.". "You know better than any my confidence in Wisconsin people, and in our resilience in a time of crisis, and in our capacity to innovate new ways to shape a better future for our state," Lawton said in a statement Monday. (Milwaukee Business Journal, WI)
Reid to announce push for 'public option'... Oct 27, 2009
Ms. Sellout Snowe, I will definitely send money to boot you out of office even though I live in Wisconsin. Thanks for nothing. (The Drudge Report)
John Kasich's Plan for Ohio: Conservative and Daring Oct 27, 2009
As Wisconsin s Thompson did two decades ago, the 57-year-old Kasich preaches a political agenda that is conservative as well as adventurous: abolishing the Buckeye State s death tax (now 7% on estates of $350,000 and above), phasing out the state income tax and overhauling the entire system of regulation to end what the Republican hopeful calls duplication and an anti-business environment. And, like Minnesota s Ventura, Kasich speaks the language of the tax protestor, with disdain for both... (Human Events Online)
DEA agents among 14 Americans dead in Afghanistan Oct 27, 2009
The Rhinelander Daily News - Online news and information for the Rhinelander, Wisconsin region. . (Rhinelander Daily News, WI)
Here are the 2009-10 Legislative Leaders (2) Oct 25, 2009
Both houses of the Wisconsin Legislature are now controlled by Democrats ... Senator Risser has presided over the Wisconsin Senate for all or part of 11 legislative sessions since 1979, when the state constitution was changed to permit the body to choose its own presiding officer ... (Alliant is the parent company of Wisconsin Power Co.). (Agri-View, WI)
Late TV listings Oct 25, 2009
Guests: Senators John McCain of Arizona and Russ Feingold of Wisconsin. 10:30 a.m. (4). (Boston Globe)
Senator Barack Obama Is Now the President-Elect (2) Oct 25, 2009
Senator Obama won the state of Wisconsin by a 56 to 43 percent margin ... Here in Wisconsin, Gov. Jim Doyle will also have a Legislature controlled by members of his own Democratic party ... The Farmers Health Cooperative of Wisconsin (FHCW), organized in 2007 to increase the value of health insurance for Wisconsin farmers and agribusinesses, will host town hall style educational meetings for agricultural producers and the businesses that support them. (Agri-View, WI)
Low Black Turnout Hurts Dems in Va., N.J. Races Oct 24, 2009
University of Wisconsin political science professor Barry Burden said the upcoming elections will test the staying power of 2008's "Obama effect," the first election in which blacks voted in similar proportions as whites. Mr. Burden doubted Democrats could sustain it. (Newsmax)
U.S. Amateur course to be sold, but stay public Oct 23, 2009
Ziegler says he sees the deal as a chance to give back to golf in Wisconsin. Lang bought the property 10 years ago and will stay on as a consultant. (ESPN -- Golf)
Expulsion possibility after Rep. Wood's OWI arrest in Tomah Oct 22, 2009
MADISON A Wisconsin lawmaker could face expulsion after police arrested him Wednesday for driving while intoxicated his third such offense in less than a year ... "Wood was elected to the Assembly in 2002 and served three two-year terms as a Republican, but ran for election as an independent last year. He became the first independent elected to the Wisconsin Legislature in decades but has been voting with the Democrats on budget matters.Two-thirds of lawmakers would have to agree to expel Wood,... (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Palin steps back into national spotlight Oct 22, 2009
Palin is scheduled to speak in a Milwaukee suburb next month as part of a program presented by Wisconsin Right to Life. Officials say no tickets will be sold at the door of the Nov. 6 event at Wisconsin Exposition Center at State Fair Park in West Allis, Wis. (Juneau Empire)
Poll shows Illinoisans want big budget cuts but oppose trimming in many areas Oct 22, 2009
NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 21, 2009 6:31 PM:" #1Of those states which impose an income tax, the lowest maximum rate is that of Illinois-----------------And now the rest of the story...In 2009, Illinois taxpayers had to work until April 13 to pay their total tax bill, ranking the state 15th nationally. Illinois' Tax Freedom Day falls on the same day as national Tax Freedom Day. The Tax Freedom Days of neighboring states are: Wisconsin, April 13 (ranked 12th nationally); Iowa, April 4 (ranked... (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Wisconsin lawmaker arrested for OWI for third time Oct 22, 2009
A Wisconsin lawmaker could face expulsion after police arrested him Wednesday for driving while intoxicated _ his third such offense in less than a year. Police pulled Rep. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
US elections official praises Wis. pandemic plan Oct 21, 2009
A top U.S. elections official on Tuesday praised Wisconsin's contingency plans for holding elections during a flu pandemic. U.S. Election Assistance Commission Chairwoman Gineen Beach called Wisconsin's plan "forward-thinking" and said she had already made it available to other states ... Wisconsin's Government Accountability Board was the first to submit a formal plan, she said. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
States weigh campaign rules for Internet age... Oct 20, 2009
Citing the Wagman case, Wisconsin's Government Accountability Board this month ordered staff to draft guidelines outlining the circumstances under which the public needs to know who is paying for an online ad or Web site. Several political experts said Wisconsin appears to be one of the first states where regulators are drafting such guidelines, and they expect others to follow ... The retired judges on the Wisconsin board, mostly in their 60s, seemed divided during a recent meeting when... (The Drudge Report)
VT willow harvest promises cheap biomass fuel Oct 19, 2009
"We have trials and they're working well from southern Virginia to Minnesota and Wisconsin and as far west as Alberta, Canada," Volk said. The chosen varieties must have a certain amount of cold for proper growth, he added. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Thai king's illness leaves countrymen anxious Oct 19, 2009
"For a country with a semi-democracy, semi-feudal political system, the end of the present reign puts everything in uncertainty," said Thongchai Winichakul, a Thai studies scholar at the University of Wisconsin. "As democratic institutions are undermined and all political powers are dependent on the monarchy, the future of the whole country sadly hinges on this transition." Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. (CBS News -- World)
The right wing swings behind health care? Oct 18, 2009
Bill O Reilly supports a public option in the health care debate, given that it will provide cheaper insurance to those who can t afford it and isn t intended to replace insurance providers as the status quo for the majority; Tommy Thompson, W. s secretary for Health and Human Services and a former four-term governor of Wisconsin, has praised the Senate s proposed reforms. Dr. Bill Frist, the former Republican leader of the Senate and a surgeon, has said that he would vote in favor of the health... (Paragould Daily Press, AR)
Rep. Nass calls for removal of Rep. Wood Oct 15, 2009
The Wisconsin Constitution requires a two-thirds vote by the state Assembly to pass the resolution. Franklin said it is more likely the public will have the opportunity to decide Wood s fate than the Legislature. (The Digital Cardinal, WI)
The Five Faces of Jerry Brown Oct 14, 2009
The governor brought in Francis Ford Coppola to produce a live half-hour TV special in Madison, Wisconsin, shortly before the state s primary. The results might be the biggest blot on Coppola s filmography: Brown s microphone died, the program opened with a pair of typos ( Live from Madisno, Wisoc ), and images that were supposed to appear behind Brown instead materialized on the candidate s face. (The American Conservative)
When the First Amendment Counts Most, Court Has Been AWOL Oct 9, 2009
It's true that in the last several years the Court has carved out exceptions to the law, as in FEC v. Wisconsin Right to Life. But the complex skein of federal and state regulations of political speech remains. (Townhall.com)
Marriage At Risk In D.C. Oct 8, 2009
Columns, funnies in your inbox. Townhall Daily Alert Your daily must-read of conservative columns, cartoons and news. (Townhall.com)
Milwaukee high on smartest cities list Oct 6, 2009
Should the city locate a police station on West Wisconsin Avenue near the Shops of Grand Avenue. Yes. (Milwaukee Business Journal, WI)
