With Republicans likely to push through redistricting very soon, there’s a call to reform the process. Mostly Democrats at a Capitol press conference calling for a nonpartisan process like that employed for decades in Iowa, although David Martin is a former Republican state Representative from Neenah. “The most conservative thing you can do is bring the votes back to the people from the districts they’re representing, not attempting to determine who those voters are going to be,” said Martin. Republican legislative leaders have employed a partisan law firm to draw up maps for congressional and legislative redistricting, a costly process which inevitably will lead to court challenges. “The Iowa approach is a nonpartisan approach. It’s much better approach from the standpoint of cost to the taxpayers,” said state Senator Fred Risser of Madison. [Read more...]
Weeks moves into 2nd base lead
Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Rickie Weeks has moved into the lead among National League second baseman in the 5th round of All-Star voting results for the 2011 Major League All-Star team. Weeks, who trailed Cincinnati second baseman Brandon Phillips by 191,876 votes last week, now has a 78,397 vote lead.
Weeks is looking to make his first career All-Star selection. He leads all N.L. second basemen in runs (56), hits (92), doubles (20), walks (31), on-base percentage (.360) and slugging percentage (.498). He’s also tied for first in home runs (14).
Prince Fielder currently ranks second among National League first basemen moving ahead of Cincinnati’s Joey Votto. Fielder trails injured St. Louis first baseman Albert Pujols.
Ryan Braun continues to lead all National League players in All-Star voting with more than 3.9-million votes.
Wilson drawing plenty of positive feedback (AUDIO)
Former North Carolina State quarterback Russell Wilson has committed to Wisconsin and plans to play football for the Badgers and attend graduate school at UW beginning this fall.
Wilson played quarterback for three seasons at North Carolina State before playing baseball this summer with Ashville in the Colorado Rockies farm system. In his three seasons with the Wolfpack, Wilson earned All-ACC honors each year and threw for 8,545 yards and 76 touchdowns. That yardage total is third-best in NC State history and his TD total is second-best in school history. [Read more...]
Report wants quality jobs over quantity
A new report says Wisconsin’s middle class is under attack. Research done by Center on Wisconsin Strategy shows earnings for the less educated workers have remained stagnant in recent years with those with higher education have seen median income levels decline.
“Young college graduates’ wages currently are no higher than they were in the 1980′s,” says Laura Dresser with COWS.
Under Attack: Wisconsin’s Middle Class and the Job Crisis also states the proportion of workers in the state who lack access to health insurance [Read more...]
Brewers make roster moves
The Milwaukee Brewers have designated right-hander Sergio Mitre for assignment and recalled left-hander Zach Braddock and infielder Mat Gamel from Triple-A Nashville.
Gamel has played well at Nashville of late and there’s a good chance he could open up as the designated hitter for the start of tonight’s series with the New York Yankees in New York.
