A legislative leader says Governor Doyle may have "opened the door" to exempting bars from a statewide smoking ban. The Governor says he wants taverns to be included in the proposal, but has also indicated they may get an exemption so the plan is able to pass the legislature. Republicans have said they'll oppose a statewide ban unless taverns are exempt from it.
State Senate Majority Leader Judy Robson (D-Beloit) also wants bars covers, but understands where the compromise may need to come in. Robson says they have to remain aware of how things are in other lawmakers' districts.
Robson does agree with the Governor's statements that it's only a matter of time before a statewide smoking ban is put into effect, even if it's not in this legislative session. [WIBA's John Colbert contributed this report.]