May 22, 2012

You are here: Home / Archives for Politics & Government

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 draws fire for divide and conquer comment

May 11, 2012 By

Democrats are pouncing on Governor Scott Walker over a video that shows him talking about plans to use a “divide and conquer” strategy against unions.

In the footage from a documentary, the governor is shown speaking to Beloit businesswoman Diane Hendricks early last year. Hendricks asks Walker if there’s any chance Wisconsin will become a red state and pass a right to work law. The governor responds by talking about the first step of his plans, which were to start with his budget adjustment bill that effectively ended collective bargaining for most public employees.

Just weeks after the footage was shot, Walker introduced the bill, sparking weeks of protests at the Capitol and the upcoming recall election against him.

Walker campaign spokeswoman Ciara Matthews says the governor has no interest in pushing right to work legislation, but Democratic recall opponent Tom Barrett says the footage proves Walker says one thing in public and another to wealthy campaign donors. Hendricks gave Walker’s campaign $500,000 earlier this year, the largest donation to a single candidate for governor in state history.

The video is from a documentary on the jobs situation in Janesville after General Motors closed its plant in the city. It was filmed at the Beloit headquarters of ABC Supply, the company owned by Hendricks.

AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (:56)

Filed Under: News, Politics & Government

Jauch recall effort put on hold

May 11, 2012 By

Organizers of an attempt to recall state Senator Bob Jauch (D-Poplar) say they are suspending their efforts until after at least next month. Citizens for Responsible Government, which had been helping with the campaign, says they want to instead focus on defending Governor Scott Walker and Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch in the June 5th recall election.

CRG officials say the committee will release plans on the future of the recall Jauch effort after the election.

Organizers had until May 18th to collect over 15,000 signatures to trigger a recall. If they re-launch the effort, the state Government Accountability Board says any signatures they’ve collected so far cannot be used. CRG did not disclose how many people had signed the petition since the effort started in March.

The Poplar Democrat was targeted for recall because of his vote against a proposed overhaul of state mining regulations. The bill was aimed at clearing the way for an open pit iron ore mine in Jauch’s district, but it failed to pass in the state Senate this spring after Jauch and Republican Dale Schultz (R-Richland Center) voiced objections to the plan.

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