January 27, 2012

High powered neighbor stumps for Feingold

Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin calls Russ Feingold a “man of his word,” even when they don’t see eye-to-eye on the Senate floor. Durbin spoke to WRN during a statewide tour to drum up support for the Democratic incumbent.

Republican opponent Ron Johnson claims Feingold is a rubber stamp citing his yes vote to the health care reform package.

“If Feingold were a rubber stamp my job as whip would be a lot easier. He’s an independent and we all know it,” says Durbin with a chuckle.

Johnson seems to be capitalizing on voters’ discontentment with issues such as the down economy.

Durbin says the incumbent acknowledges the unemployment and the need for job security. “He (Feingold) wants to work as senator to bring jobs to Wisconsin. His opponent says that’s not his responsibility as a senator.”

The Illinois Senator is touring through Medford, Stevens Point and Madison.

Green Bay women 2nd in mid-major poll

Without even tipping off its 2010-11 season, the Green Bay women’s basketball team is ranked second in the CollegeInsider.com Women’s Mid-Major Top 25 poll.

Green Bay received 11 first-place votes behind Gonzaga who was ranked first in the poll with 12. 

The Phoenix returns its entire starting line-up from last season, including Horizon League preseason Player of the Year Kayla Tetschlag.

Green Bay will tip off its 2010-11 season Saturday, Oct. 30 as it hosts Winona State at 4pm in an exhibition game at the Kress Events Center.

Source says discussions with Valentine did take place

Despite denials by Milwaukee Brewers general manager Doug Melvin and managing prospect Bobby Valentine, our source says Valentine and Melvin have been discussing the Brewers managerial position and have talked money.

Major League Baseball has a gag order on teams from discussing such issues during the World Series, although it’s possible something could come on an off day. 

But going to Doug Melvin and/or Bobby Valentine on the first day of the World Series, with a gag order in place, isn’t likely to produce results.  Just because the Brewers General Manager didn’t reveal anything when asked about the Brewers interest in Valentine, doesn’t mean discussions haven’t taken place. 

My source, a person inside the organization, says talks have taken place and the two sides were close to a deal.  That person also says the $10-million figure over 3-years is a figure that Valentine is seeking.

Explore Wisconsin with new iPhone app

Travel Wisconsin iPhone app (Image: Wisconsin Department of Tourism)

Meandering your way around Wisconsin? There’s an app for that.

The Wisconsin Tourism Department’s first iPhone application helps users explore the state. Director of Marketing, Janet DesChenes (deh-SHANE’), says it’s a great tool for travelers, and it complements the agency’s mission, which is to market Wisconsin as a tourism destination. “What we wanted to do was extend the data base that we have underneath TravelWisconsin.com, which is our website, and get that information into the hands of people as they travel around the state.” [Read more...]

Factoring in the early vote

Early voting may not be major factor in Wisconsin elections this year. “In the presidential race just two years ago, early voting accounted for about one of every five votes cast in the state, and that was up a great deal from the previous presidential election,” said Barry Burden, a political scientist at the University of Wisconsin. “In the midterm election we expect early voting to be at a lower rate than that, but in close races it could obviously make the difference.” [Read more...]