May 22, 2012

You are here: Home / Archives for Brian Moon

Fitzgerald climbs to first place convention finish

May 13, 2012 By

Urging backers of then-eliminated Thompson to back Fitzgerald next round (IMAGE: WRN)

None of the Republican U.S. Senate candidates got the necessary 60 percent of delegates needed to receive a party endorsement at the state GOP convention Saturday. The long process saw heavily favored Tommy Thompson eliminated in the second round and Jeff Fitzgerald strategically climbing to the top spot.

In the initial ballot, Mark Neumann finished first at a strong 42 percent. “I think it’s very exciting we finished 2-to-1 on the first ballot,” said the former Congressman. The primary ballot also had Jeff Fitzgerald (2nd place) and Tommy Thompson (3rd place) both trailing at around 20 percent.

Businessman Eric Hovde finished fourth, knocking him out of contention. The political newcomer had no expectations of winning the nod, saying it’s not representative of how Wisconsinites will vote in the August primary. “You’ve got 500,000 that are going to vote on August 14 and you’ve got 2,500 party insiders here so, I’m fine,” said Hovde.

Going into the second ballot, Fitzgerald supporters convinced Hovde backers to cross over to their side, leading to Thompson being eliminated with a third place finish. The disappointed former governor refused interviews and left the building following announcement of the results.

Into the final ballot, Fitzgerald backers then worked to get Thompson’s people into their camp. The strategy paid off as the Assembly Speaker edged out Neumann to gain the top spot. Fitzgerald says delegates appreciate his work in the state legislature. “We’ve got to make those tough decisions in Washington and I think people are going for that,” said Fitzgerald whose fundraising has been dwarfed by his primary opponents.

Accusations also flew during the convention. Neumann’s opponents accused him of “busing in” supporters and stacking the deck by having supporters run as delegates. “I hope all the candidates went out and worked for delegates,” responded Neumann. “At least I hope they did, that’s what they are supposed to do in this sort of convention.”

Mudslinging fliers circulated with one representing a $500 check that Hovde gave in 2005 to Governor Jim Doyle, a Democrat. Another depicted Neumann with a Pinocchio nose, claiming he distorted Walker’s record.

The Republican winner of August’s Senate primary will go onto face Democrat Tammy Baldwin for the seat of vacating Herb Kohl.

AUDIO: Brian Moon reports (1:20)

Filed Under: Economy, News, Politics & Government, Uncategorized

GOP says all eyes on Wisconsin

May 13, 2012 By

Walker addresses convention (IMAGE: WRN)

Republicans say the nation’s eyes are on Wisconsin, linking the June recall election with November’s Presidential election.

At the state GOP convention, Congressman Paul Ryan says what happens in the election recall will send a message to the rest of the nation. “Courage is on the ballot on the June 5th and the American idea is on the ballot on November 6th,” says the Janesville native.

Ryan defines the American idea as the government promoting equal opportunity. He says President Obama’s belief is that government’s role is to promote equal outcomes of our lives. He and other federal lawmakers applaud the “courage” of Governor Scott Walker and state lawmakers for enacting budget reforms. “We are the incubator of change,” says Jim Sensenbrenner.

Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald says when Walker and the Republicans took control of the legislature, they’re goal was to get Wisconsinites working again and fix a long time budget deficit. Fitzgerald mentions collective bargaining changes, tort reform and streamlining of wetland permitting, as accomplishments that save taxpayers money and create a better business climate.

The governor says the reforms paid off. He cites states business rankings in which Wisconsin hovered around 41st place when he took office in 2010. It was followed by a jump to 24th place in 2011 and breaking the top 20 for the first time last week. Walker says Wisconsin’s economy would be even stronger but the recall process is creating uncertainty among business owners.

The governor also touts his education reform which he says empowers schools to hire-and-fire based on merit, and give more money to stronger performing teachers.

Governor faces a June recall election against Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett who cites Wisconsin job numbers and education cuts in criticizing Walker.

Filed Under: Elections, News, Politics & Government, Uncategorized

Senate candidates schmooze party faithful

May 12, 2012 By

Neumann hosted beer stein holding contest (IMAGE: WRN)

Wisconsin’s Republican U.S. Senate candidates are courting their delegates, on the eve of the party’s endorsement. At the state GOP convention Friday night, the candidates hosted receptions for the party faithful. The unifying theme was ensuring Governor Walker will survive his upcoming recall, but the Senate hopefuls also look to sway delegate votes their way.

“I think they’re looking for backing the most conservative candidate in the race,” Mark Neumann tells Wisconsin Radio Network, citing his time in the U.S. House, an era of balanced federal budgets.

Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald touted his “battle tested” record of state budget reform, saying the federal government has similar issues of high spending. “It’s kind of easy to talk a good game on the political trail but you have to be able to deliver on it to. I’ve been able to do that,” said Fitzgerald.

As a political newcomer, Eric Hovde has “realistic expectations” on getting the party nod. He cites he doesn’t have the campaign experience of “career politicians” like Neumann and four-time governor Tommy Thompson. As a successful businessman, Hovde said he has the most conviction of the candidates to repair the economy and eliminate “crony capitalism.”

Tommy Thompson’s handlers would not let him be interviewed.

Filed Under: Elections, News, Politics & Government

Walker firmly opposes right-to-work

May 12, 2012 By

Governor Walker responds to a video of him saying, last year, he will “divide and conquer” when discussing unions. The footage is of a conversation with a donor just prior to last spring’s introduction of the collective bargaining bill. Walker clarifies what he meant.

AUDIO: Walker on right-to-work comment (1:14)

Walker also says he would not support right-to-work legislation because private sector unions are his allies and cites his work with them on road building. When asked whether he’d veto such a bill, the governor says it wouldn’t even reach his desk.

Walker also took jabs at his Democratic opponent and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. “This is a guy who raised taxes and fees 43 percent, and in turn unemployment went up 28 percent.” The governor says most business owners he’s spoken with just want to move past the recall.

The governor made his comments at a press conference at the start of the Republican Party of Wisconsin annual convention which goes until Sunday.

Filed Under: Elections, News

GOP plan to avert deep military cuts

May 10, 2012 By

House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan is spearheading a Republican plan to avert Pentagon cuts by reforming domestic programs. Ryan tells House colleagues today, without correcting entitlement and social programs, those funds will become insolvent leading to massive emergency cuts. He says the poor and elderly will be the “first and the worst” to be hurt when the social safety net runs out of money.

The Janesville Republican says the GOP plan would stop the ineligible from bilking programs, eliminate government slush funds to stop bailouts, and cut duplicative spending.

Democrats would rather make the rich pay more in taxes, but Ryan says that would not address the real issue of massive spending.

Milwaukee Congresswoman Gwen Moore was among Democrats who bashed the bill. “You can’t just cut the social safety net and add billions of dollars of corporate welfare and say that’s a balanced equation.”

The military faces more than $500 billion budget cuts over the next decade.

Filed Under: News, Politics & Government
« Previous Page
Next Page »