THIS! EXACTLY THIS!!! It's Not Just About Jobs, It's About GOOD Jobs!

Welcome to what people who are just entering the workforce have to deal with! Low pay, low skill jobs! I'm normally not a huge fan of the Yahoo! articles that come up, but this one written by the New York Times hits the nail on the head!

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/majority-jobs-pay-low-wages-140207221.html

An excerpt:

“The overarching message here is we don’t just have a jobs deficit; we have a ‘good jobs’ deficit,” said Annette Bernhardt, the report’s author and a policy co-director at the National Employment Law Project, a liberal research and advocacy group.

The report looked at 366 occupations tracked by the Labor Department and clumped them into three equal groups by wage, with each representing a third of American employment in 2008. The middle third — occupations in fields like construction, manufacturing and information, with median hourly wages of $13.84 to $21.13 — accounted for 60 percent of job losses from the beginning of 2008 to early 2010.

The job market has turned around since then, but those fields have represented only 22 percent of total job growth. Higher-wage occupations — those with a median wage of $21.14 to $54.55 — represented 19 percent of job losses when employment was falling, and 20 percent of job gains when employment began growing again.

Lower-wage occupations, with median hourly wages of $7.69 to $13.83, accounted for 21 percent of job losses during the retraction. Since employment started expanding, they have accounted for 58 percent of all job growth.

Who cares if this is a "liberal research and advocacy group"? It's PLAIN AS DAY TO SEE!!! Even Mitt Romney admits it!  From last night's GOP Convention:

Or when you lost that job that paid $22.50 an hour, benefits, you took two jobs at $9 an hour…

Really, can you crotchety old people who bitch at "Gen Y'ers" like myself really blame those of us who decide to not even participate in the career rat race that builds you up and cuts you in half?

What Happened To Republicans Like This?

Wisconsin Governor Warren Knowles (R) Governor 1965-1971. His obituary from the New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/1993/05/03/obituaries/warren-knowles-84-governor-of-wisconsin-in-tumultuous-60-s.html

As Governor, Mr. Knowles also oversaw efforts to protect his state's environment, including measures to safeguard wetlands, fight water pollution and expand state forests and parks.

After leaving office, having chosen not to run again, he became chairman of Wisconsin Land Use, an environmental group. He was also chairman of the Heritage Wisconsin Corporation, a Milwaukee bank holding company.

Yes, him calling the National Guard out on the student in Madison in 1969 isn't exactly in line with my opinions and beliefs, but wow... an Environmentalist AND a Republican?! What ever happened to these guys? Do they still exist? What happened to them?

Reason why I bring this up? Tommy Thompson. Tommy's currently on this BIG kick talking about how "Conservative" he is. Maybe he is a conservative these days, after having made bank in Washington since leaving the Bush Administration as Health and Human Services Secretary. But once, in a time long, long ago, and a place far, far away, Tommy Thompson wasn't so conservative.

As governor, he (gasp) taxed and spent money! He spent a ton of money on a prison, the famous (or infamous) Supermax which opened in 1999, and has subsequently changed names while being the subject of lawsuits lead attorney and former Gubernatorial Candidate Ed Garvey. He also spent money (funded by taxes mind you) on highways through his "Translinks 21" initiative. The continued 4 lane upgrade of 151 between Madison and Fond du Lac? Highway 29 along it's entire stretch? What about the constant updating of Highway 41? That was tax and spend Republican Tommy Thompson updating those roads.

This is why I, along with so many other people flip out every time a Republican Neo-Stalwart Conservative talks about what government can't do, and how government doesn't create jobs, or how people need to work harder and everything gets better. Working hard doesn't do a damn thing to make the highway system safer, it takes government initiative and capital. Government CAN do things, and in fact SHOULD do things for its citizens. Tommy Thompson once realized that and lived to that in Wisconsin. Sadly, he's run far, far away from his moderate stances as a Republican to what is perceived as a grumpy old man who seems mad at everything. 

Sure, Tommy has always been a Republican, but there is Republican, and there is Neo-Stalwart 2012 "Republican". Tommy's been a government guy his whole life, and now he's trying to be two faced about his history? This is the person who has had government build prisons since he first came into the legislature in 1967!

That's right folks, there's young Tommy Thompson with Governor Warren Knowles in 1967 signing the bill which opened a "Youth Offender Institution" in Adams County.  Link to photo & information here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/27772396@N07/2867951869/ That's how far back Tommy's "Tax and Spend" ways go. But you know what's funny? That institution was sold to the Federal Government in 1973 to become the Oxford Federal Correctional Institution. 

Assembly Committee Supports Prison Sale Associated Press A resolution supporting the sale of the Adams County Youth ul Offenders Institution to the federal government was quickly approved by a legislative committee Tuesday after state officials and say we need this declared the facility no longer needed (...) 

Source:  http://newspaperarchive.com/wisconsin-state-journal/1973-03-07/page-51

Sounds like somebody's got to explain his sudden "shift" away from a stance of government doing good things for the people he represents. Sounds like somebody forgot that he was reelected because he brought good paying jobs to his district as an Assemblyman. Sounds like somebody's just plain forgetting...

After Last Night, HOLY FRIDAY!

In honor of Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan's speeches at the Republican National Convention, I present to you: The Thompson Twins:

 

It used to not be like this... it really didn't. Yes, the conventions have always been about framing your vision for the country and your candidate as the better choice to lead the country over the next four years, but the blatant lying that occurred this week is sickening. From Ryan's Janesville line, to the $716 Billion Medicare fallacy, and posturing on Obamacare, jobs, education, and everything in between... just stop the lying already!

Some Days Others Say It Better: Maddow Blog

Watching the speeches at the Republican National Convention, you might think the "Stimulus" has done nothing but given us ever shred of national debt this country currently holds. (Just conveniently forget that the Afghanistan War, Iraq War, Department of Homeland Security, and Medicare Part D not being paid for between 2001 & 2009... for sake of argument) Well, over at The Maddow Blog they have been consistently updating a graph every time initial jobless claims come out for the past month.

I call "Bullshit" that the Stimulus hasn't worked:

Question...

(I've asked this before, but still...) Question for everyone: Is it just me, or is Tommy STILL always talking like he alone will have the power to change things as a US Senator? Seriously, you yourself won't CUT anything, so quit saying what YOU will cut, add, or even DO. You won't cut Obamacare yourself, you 59 other Senators, 218 Congressmen, and a President will. (And that's only if Republicans really want to commit political suicide by nixing a program whose provisions score popular)

So seriously, is somebody going to tell Tommy that he doesn't truly control anything as a Senator?

The Big Ryan Lie: Janesville's GM Plant

Good lord. I didn't comment when the story came out last week because so many other people went off on it, but after Vice Presidential Candidate Paul Ryan walked back into the foray of connecting the closing of the GM plant in Janesville to President Obama's handling of the economy, I have to say something. You can't say things like that at the GOP Convention and NOT be called out.

First, story from the Janesville Gazette: http://gazettextra.com/news/2012/aug/28/gm-plant-becomes-political-football/

Obama wasn't president when the plant closed. Production ended in December 2008.

Gillian Morris, spokesman for Obama for America-Wisconsin, noted that the plant closed while George W. Bush was still president.

Then Sam Stein's reporting on Huffington Post:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/17/paul-ryan-gm-federal-funds_n_1799515.html

What hasn't really been emphasized is whether Ryan clearly knew this and made the charge nonetheless.

According to a rudimentary LexisNexis search, Ryan made multiple public pleas to GM, including op-eds in his home state newspaper, to keep the plant open. He and fellow Wisconsin lawmakers went to the automobile company's headquarters to present plans to extend the plant's life. When the Bush administration itself called the decision to close the plant evidence that the auto industry was trimming fat and improving its bottom line, Ryan called the news "gut-wrenching."

And lastly, former Senator Russ Feingold making a plea on the Senate floor to the Bush Administration to work at saving jobs in Janesville and Kenosha:



Oh, and while everyone is all high and mighty about Paul Ryan being all "Janesville" this and "hometown boy" that, let me remind you that before he was living in Middleton, there was another person who called Janesville his childhood hometown and knows what it's like to be a working person, coming from a working family:



But then again, with a current Governor who doesn't want to accept these simple facts, how can we even begin the process of working together?

FINALLY! Another PAC for Tammy. (Umm, Hello OFA & MoveOn.org, Where Are You?!)

Finally just saw this new ad against Tommy Thompson while watching the Republican Convention coverage. Annoying as the ads are, D's need MORE of a TV presence in this state.

A Picture Says (X) Words

Sometimes a picture (with words and numbers in this case) say it all. I'm a Keynesian, and last night a graphic on MSNBC's coverage of the Republican National Convention reaffirmed why:

Governor Walker's Speech: Spin, Spin, Spin

Look, the Republican and Democratic National Conventions are all about spinning your message to reach the electorate. Even though I agree with Democrats more often than not, it's hard to not point out that they too participate in the game.

Anywho, the speech Governor Walker just gave at the Republican National Convention didn't exactly break any news. If you've paid attention to Wisconsin politics and the Governor in particular, you've already heard at least 40% of what he said as it's simply just sound bytes of his already recycled sound bytes. I guess what I'm getting at here is this: Hey Democrats, how the hell are you going to challenge the Governor's positions?! Cause what you've been doing hasn't been working

You can watch his speech via the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel here: http://widget.newsinc.com/_cfvp/playlist16x9_player.html?CID=993&WID=7982&freewheel=90078&sitesection=mjs_pol_non_fro&vid=23790219

Mercury Marine - The Company That Keeps On _____________

Back in 2009, Fond du Lac sat on pins and needles as the area's largest employer, Mercury Marine, decided to bilk it's long time employees through concessions in it's union contracts. The entire episode was a roller coaster which divided this town and was one of the first glimpses (in my eyes) as to just how darn divided we were in this state, and the perceptions of employee unions. I knew then it wouldn't be the last we'd hear of the whole issue of "union v non-union" jobs, but even then I couldn't fathom what would happen in 2011.

I'm not here to defend every action that the union took during the entire debacle as a family member of mine was (and is now again) a Merc employee who would say they shot themselves in the foot many times. But generally one of two perceptions reigned in this city: Either it was that the employees were often times overpaid, should be take the concessions to save their own jobs and the city's economy, or that the company pitted the workers against the city and held them hostage to having to accept the concessions. Ultimately, through a series of spectacular events where there were contract rejections, threats of leaving, press releases that the company was pulling out of town, a re-vote, and a retraction, the jobs stayed and the company closed the Oklahoma plant instead. The union became less powerful, wages went down, and the company won their money. However, the company itself didn't exactly give big business and company executives a shining blue ribbon in the eyes of the average citizen either.

Well, today's FDL Reporter, and subsequently the MJS have both posted articles about a new $20 Million expansion at Merc in FDL. The Reporter article is laughable as it is simply just a press release from the company, (way to go journalism) but the Journal-Sentinel article is at least worth a read to remind yourself (especially if you are a resident of FDL County) just how much power business has over John & Jane Q. Taxpayer:

State officials offered the company $70 million, mostly in the form of refundable tax credits, to protect jobs. Fond du Lac County gave the company a $50 million loan, paid for by a 0.5% sales tax, and the City of Fond du Lac offered $3 million in financial aid.

Look, the whole issue behind what happened at Mercury is complex, and honestly, the devilish details have faded from most peoples memories in town. (Much like the idea of Act 10 being introduced on a Friday and the Governor wanting it passed the next Tuesday has faded from many people's minds.) However, one thing that hasn't faded is that sales tax, which everyone sees whenever they buy anything. It's been referred to around here as the "Merc Tax" where everyone is essentially paying to keep those jobs in town. (So, public dollars are put to a private company to create private sector jobs. Yeah, that's WAYYY better than hiring more public sector employees) Everyone, except for yours truly, thinks it's here to stay and won't go away when it is supposed to in 2019. I guess for that one, only time will tell.

What gets me though in the stories put out today are the numbers. 380 Employees was what I remembered hearing about back in 2009 for how many people were coming from Oklahoma, and low and behold, I remembered correctly: http://newsok.com/stillwater-to-lose-380-jobs/article/3398544. But then, how did Mercury create 950 jobs in the last 3 years from the Oklahoma move? From the MJS:

Mercury has added about 950 jobs in the community over the past three years, many of them from bringing the Stillwater work to Wisconsin.

Huh? How's that work? The MJS article and pseudo-article (press release) in the FDL Reporter claim Mercury presently employ around 2,550 people in Fond du Lac. What did those numbers look like, say.... 3 years ago in 2009? Here is a MJS article from 2009: http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/54321942.html and some numbers on employees from then:

Mercury has 1,900 employees here, including the company headquarters.

I'm no math wizard, but that's not a difference of 950 jobs, more like 650, of which 380 came from Stillwater, OK. While nice for Wisconsin and Fondy, it's a net gain of nothing nationally. Furthermore, the talk of people not being able to purchase things on jobs paying $11-13 an hour from that article rings so incredibly true, especially after we've now seen the city's public employees take a beating at the hands of Governor Walker. This city is being brought down by low paying low skill jobs. It's also no secret that the perception of Merc being a "revolving door" with new hires has come about in town, leading everyone to ask, "why do people not stay?" While I'm glad to hear the overtures of Mercury needing engineers and looking to hire more of them in their latest expansion project, this city still isn't a destination for college educated students to find a well paying job to start their career. We need far, far, FAR more.

Lastly, all this talk about expansion, while good in general, makes wonder just how much to really trust what this company says. Remember, only three years ago  it said that, "its sprawling industrial complex in Fond du Lac isn't an economical place to build engines". Doesn't exactly sound like a vote of confidence to me. But, I guess the fact that they now get to line their pockets every time I fill up my gas tank, make a trip to ShopKo, or eat out at a restaurant makes it a little more "economical."

Way to go Wisconsin. Keep those low paying jobs coming... Sure, jobs are good, but what we really need are GOOD PAYING jobs. Otherwise, NOTHING will change with our economy. 

Is It Just Me Who's Paranoid?

The more and more I watch TV, the more and more I worry that the 2nd tier battle grounds are going to be won by Republicans/Romney. Did Citizens United made the money flood too great for Democrats to actually compete everywhere? I've seen countless PAC's for Thompson & against Baldwin to the one (Women Vote) I've noted for Tammy.

Maybe it's the fact that I'm stuck watching only the Green Bay TV market and not Milwaukee or on cable. (Thank you very much Republican obstructionists who won't create jobs) Seriously, there is absolutely NO reason why Republicans should carte blanche be ruling Northeastern Wisconsin with the vote, PERIOD!

American Chemistry Council Supports Tommy? Huh?

This ad isn't anything new, but I just saw it today. It's from the American Chemistry Council 's PAC and it's in support of Republican candidate for US Senate, former Governor Tommy Thompson:

I guess what gets me is why this group is supporting former Governor Thompson?

Here is an interesting link from Daily Kos asking the same question: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/08/24/1123702/-Daily-Kos-Elections-Live-Digest-8-24

Anyone have more information about this group & why they support Thompson? Leave a comment. Does this relate to his friendliness to the paper industry during the 90's with PCB cleanup? What about his time as HHS Secretary?

Just Wondering!

Governor Scott Walker on Up Front w/Mike Gousha

Governor Walker was on Up Front with Mike Gousha this weekend. Shrilling commenced almost immediately.

I just don't have the heart to comment, but I will post the link to where you can view the Governor in all his glory yourself: http://www.wisn.com/politics/upfront

Wisconsin Virtual Schools - Something's Not Right

Those of us who have gone to school to be educators in the 2000's have had it drilled into our heads that "virtual education" is the future. Once one gets to be a teacher in a brick & mortar school you then experience the huge push to use anything with the words, "virtual" or "technology". One thing "regular" teachers have been sometimes perceived as is obstructionist towards virtual schools, and a new report by Gannet Media shows why that is. You can link to two articles relating to virtual schools performance and their following, (or lack of) rules from the Legislative Audit Bureau at this link: http://www.fdlreporter.com/section/WIS019802 (Remember, 5 free articles a month)

I'm someone who vehemently opposed the expansion of virtual schools by Governor Walker and the legislature in 2011. The way it was done, coupled with many of the statistics that appear in this report show that the rigor students get in certain areas (like my passion of Social Sciences) is lacking. It's not that I don't think virtual schooling has a place, or that it can't be a good tool for some students, it's just that the way it's being done seems to be not producing the best for it's students. Here is one set of statistics from the article:

• In the 2011-12 Wisconsin Student Assessment System testing, virtual students fared slightly better in reading than their brick-and-mortar counterparts, with 83.1 percent scoring proficient or advanced, compared with 81.9 percent statewide. But virtual students fell short in other subjects, with 5 percent to 12 percent fewer virtual students scoring proficient or advanced in math, social studies, language arts and science compared with the statewide average.

Those bottom numbers on Math, Social Studies, and Language Arts concern me. It also makes me SERIOUSLY question the large push by our local district here to have every student at the high school have a district issued Chromebook and push teachers to use it for seemingly everything. Again, its not that students having a netbook for their use in the classroom isn't exciting and opening a great world of possibilities for both teachers and students. Yet, those of us who think that facts do matter, and a little lecture every now and again (not every day BTW) is the most effective way for students to gain familiarity and absorb information, see these numbers as backing up many of our feelings, mainly that students don't always get what they need by just putting them in front of a computer. Many of the teachers in virtual schools are also "in class" teachers, so it's not like they are completely at fault for these numbers, so please don't misconstrue what I'm saying as this is teachers doing bad things. I see a fault with the groups running them, the Government overseeing them, and the people of the state demanding the same level of everything from them as Public Schools.

Full Disclosure: I am a little old school. I know young (hopeful) teachers aren't supposed to like lecture, but I think it's one of the most effective ways to learn. It's not for everyone, but it is for some. Hey, if we can produce the leaders of the 20th Century by doing it in our schools, it can't be completely wrong, can it?

Lastly, I guess you can take all of this with a certain "grain of salt" as my displeasure for Gannett's reporting is already known.

Some Day's Others Say It Better: Senator Vinehout

Over at Uppity Wisconsin, State Senator Kathleen Vinehout posted about the upcoming battle over the 2013-15 Biennium Budget. Her posting relates to how everyone is going to be squeezed, but schools in particular are one area that John and Jane Q. Public should be eyeful on. As someone who went to school and is still trying to claw into the profession, it's sobering to know that reductions in staff are even more likely in 2013. The question really becomes, if not in staff, where do they cut?

Oh, such a happy time to be a member of the "lost generation" who went to school for education and is looking for a job!

OFA, Learn from Eric Hovde's Mistakes! TV Advertising Matters!

You can't turn on your TV and make it through a commercial break these days without Americans For Prosperity, Republican National Committee, or any one of a number of SuperPACs, PACs, & other groups pummeling you with a lot of (mis)information about how President Obama dragged the economy in the gutter, the stimulus failed, and killed the Easter Bunny. But, as Greg Sargent of the Plum Line pointed out on Twitter, the Obama campaign still isn't "on the air" in Wisconsin.

Look, Wisconsin Democrats aren't exactly too thrilled with the national and state party with respect to how it handled the Walker Recall. So, now that Paul Ryan is on the ticket, why would you NOT put at least SOME cash into a tier two battleground? I realize how the map breaks down, and yes, Obama can lose Wisconsin and still easily sail to 270 Electoral Votes, but WHY would you let Republicans continue to gain a stronghold on this state?

Seriously?

1st: Ron Johnson in 2010

2nd: Scott (Charles & David Koch) Walker's legislative initiatives of 2011

3rd: Reince Prebius as RNC leader

4th: Being outspent $59 Million to $22 Million on Recall Election

5th: In the week after the Primary Election, letting every "Citizens United" group go virtually unchallenged in their TV advertisements

6th: ? (Wait for November)

Hey Obama, just ask Eric Hovde how important TV and covering TV markets are in Wisconsin.

FRIDAY!!! (Time To Savor The Weekend)

I'm someone who's musical interests lie far, far removed from my own generation's. (My significant other and I are sometimes from different solar systems when it comes to music.)

That being said, here's a great cover version of Elanor Rigby from the early 1980's by a classic area cover band, The Billy Shears Band:



Enjoy your Friday and weekend!

Looks Like Somebody Was Told, "Tone It Down"

Current Fond du Lac City Council President Rick Gudex is the Republican challenger to State Senator Jessica King in the 18th District this fall, and it looks like his IT team has been busy reconfiguring his previously elementary campaign website . Along with a lot of references to "the leader" Governor Walker, it seems that somebody also told him he had to rephrase and take out some of the #batshitcrazy things he previously had in his "Issues" section. Here is a screen grab of his old page: 

And just for comparison sake, here is the link to his new page and a "screen grab": 

http://rickgudexforsenate.com/issues/

Hmm, notice any differences? Any language that's "toned down"? Like say where ANYTHING is in his new page about public employees? Or this idea of creating a "win-win" by taking Public Sector jobs and making them Private Sector ones?

I have already posted my comments on what he wrote on his original "Issues" page, and think that anyone who listens to what he says from this point forward in the campaign should know that his previous page is much more closely alligned to Mr. Gudex's philosophy of government. While holding the Senate is going to be a next to impossible task, I fully believe we cannot let Rick (You don't need money to run government) Gudex unseat Jessica King.

Mourning in Fondy

Full Disclosure: I was raised Catholic, but I am no longer practicing any faith. News hit the Fond du Lac area hard this morning when it became known that local Priest, Father Vic Capriolo passed away yesterday after being struck by a vehicle while riding a bicycle. The Fond du Lac area has a very large catholic population, so news of his passing has sent reverberations through the community. No matter your views on religion, or the faith/belief system you may have, the passing of a leader of a spiritual community is a sad day for the entire community they served in.

My thoughts are with Father Vic's family and the members of Holy Family Parish.

Holy Family Website & Message: http://www.hffdl.org/ 

Yesterday's Polls: No Analysis Here

Yesterday PPP & the Marquette University Law School released new polls on the state of races in Wisconsin, including the US Senate race and Presidential contest. Prior to the Primary Election I would analyze in my own way, but I'm not doing that with this round of polls for a simple reason: They don't matter.

Sure, some of the more "fun" PPP stuff is worth looking at, like how many people ARE willing to pay more for Papa John's Pizza to make sure their employees have health insurance, but the results of these polls as they relate to the two elections are skewed. Tommy leads Tammy 50-41, but the name recognition of Tammy is so much lower than Tommy, coupled with the fact that he's been in the news so much more after his win, it doesn't matter. The Presidential race is also in a similar boat as Romney's announcing his VP selection gives a bump to his candidacy. It always happens, Sarah Palin, Joe Biden, John Edwards, they always give bumps to the top of the ticket.

So, don't pay too much attention to these polls. The real ones that matter come out one month from now after the conventions are over and the ad's have been running for a month.

Pew Research Center's Latest Report: The Lost Decade of the Middle Class

Words can't do justice to what this report all holds. It has great graphs and charts, is an easy (yet sobering) read, and points out in plain black and white how the decade of the 2000's was nowhere near as great as we were constantly told before the "Great Recession."

One slight issue I take with the results are the people themselves who have pegged themselves as "in the middle class." Unfortunately, I think we have seen a fundamental shift in the way people perceive themselves in the last 30 years. A combined income of $70,000 for a family of four hardly makes it bearable to be in the middle class when you stop and think about it. Really, how much saving for college are you doing? What type of home do you own? How about cars? Vacations? Middle class lifestyle living is far lower these days than I would have imagined I guess.

Or am I just a greedy Generation Yer? (I guess that's what most Neo-Stalwart conservatives would say)

Here is the link to the report: http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2012/08/22/the-lost-decade-of-the-middle-class/

Tim Sullivan's Report & Why I Think It's BS

Yesterday Tim Sullivan, the "independent" former CEO of Bucyrus International released his report about workforce development & the "skills mis-match" that supposedly exists.

I have already noted my disdain for phrases like this and it holds true again. Seriously, the "skills mis-match" is a mis-match of the economic needs of workers and their families, and the economic desires of business. You push wages higher, you won't see a shortage of workers. Furthermore, if you hire people and pay to train them, you won't have a mis-match. 

Anywho, you can look at the MJS article which talks about the report Sullivan released (at the request of Governor Walker) here: http://www.jsonline.com/business/effort-seeks-to-close-gap-between-jobs-and-workers-skills-2i6irg3-166927906.html

There is a lot to digest in this report & the article that the MJS wrote. I think Sullivan is living in the past when he says "we are known as a tax hell" and wants to shift taxes more towards sales and away from property & income. Yes, we have a higher tax rate than states down south, but that's because we have (in the past at least) had far, far better government services.

But, what really bites me are the "bullet point" recommendations:

- Realign the state's economic development organizations and job training efforts.

Okay, we can do some things here...

- Expand efforts to turn research funding at the University of Wisconsin into business start-ups.

I call bull-shit! I'm so sick and tired of corporate welfare! UW has been a flagship university of research, which HELPS BUSINESS! This irks me on SOOOOO many levels!

-Fund job training based on competitive bids by the state's nine economic development regions, including the Milwaukee 7 in southeastern Wisconsin.

I'm not enough of an expert to talk too heavily on this, but it seems to me that the hardest hit areas have the greatest need for economic development & job training. Maybe that's just me.

-Give the state Department of Workforce Development, rather than local workforce development boards, responsibility for coordinating job training programs.

I see this as a political ploy for those of either party (Read: I'm worried about Republicans) who are in control of the legislature & Governorship. Seriously, people who need jobs in certain areas of the state need training on jobs in specific areas of the state where they live.

-Expand funding for part-time technical college students to keep them enrolled while increasing tuition for technical college students who already have four-year degrees.

Again, call bull-shit! Don't bitch and complain about people getting "worthless" degrees, then sock them if they decide to go to a tech school for a specialized program! Universities and Colleges are meant to make you an educated individual with studies in specialized areas of society & careers! THEY ARE NOT JOB TRAINING FACILITIES! That's what the Technical College System is! Seriously! As someone who is, and has a significant other who is very seriously considering going back for a technical degree because there are no middle income starting jobs for people with generalized college degrees in this part of the state, I am PISSED.

-Establish academic and career plans beginning with sixth-graders for students across the state, with an eye toward jobs that will be in demand when they finish their education.

Okay, this sounds all fine and dandy, but those of us who started college before & graduated after the "Great Recession", this is a pipe dream. Seriously, I was in 6th Grade in 1998-99. Understanding what jobs would be "in demand" in 2010 isn't a science. Furthermore, how do you match that with peoples interests and curiosities. Are we simply training workers, or trying to build our society?

-Adopt a four-year graduation guarantee for students in the University of Wisconsin System.

Again, pipe dream. As it is noted, there already is an option for this, but it requires you to commit to a certain number of credits per semester. How does one balance that with a job? (Cause Republicans continue to think cutting funding for students is okay.) Furthermore, how can you possibly do that when things like studying abroad come up? How about people who want to take it easy so they focus on their classes because they can't take 18 credits and be successful students? I see this as yet another back-door attempt to try and cut out all the "worthless" undergrad classes that make college what it is supposed to be, creating higher educated individuals. Things like requiring Psychology classes, or Sociology, or god for bid history classes! (Cause we can't learn a damn thing from the past at all, can we?)


So, in short... I see this report as having precious little to actually help PEOPLE. Sure, it would probably be a boon for business in due time, but as for helping the citizens of this state by creating a more highly educated workforce and creating higher paying  jobs? I just don't see it happening.

Ron Johnson's Lies: What a Way to End an Evening

Nothing like taking four minutes of your evening and listening to Senator (Sunspot) Ron Johnson. It's a lie about President Obama here, a fawning over Paul Ryan here, not knowing the difference between Kimberly and Appleton, you know, typical stuff you'd expect from a Senator.

http://www.radioplusinfo.com/play_window.php?audioType=Episode&audioId=5993872

Way To Go DNC!

Normally I stick to state politics and affairs here on the Soap Box, but this new YouTube ad from the DNC makes me VERY happy. Especially as someone who DID shop around by living at home, attending a wonderful UW Colleges & then drive to the UW University of my choice. But thanks to the lovely Republican Governor of this state, "shopping around" really doesn't do much for helping people coming from my background afford a bachelors degree. (Not to mention, they aren't exactly doing a bang-up job bringing well paying entry level jobs for college grads to this state either)

Disappointing Day...

Eric Hovde & I now share something in common: Being a close #2 in a world where being the top choice is all that matters.

Tommy on Sunday

So I saw Tommy on Up Front with Mike Gousha this Sunday and am I the only one who seemed to think he was thinking he was running for a leadership position, and not to be one of 100? I noticed this in the last debate between the candidates before the primary, and it certainly isn't something new to those in political circles in Wisconsin. I just get the feeling that Tommy talks like he's going to go and do all these things, yet has never been challenged about HOW he is going to have his proposals passed or the philosophy behind it.

That is the difference between being Governor, or Secretary of Health and Human Services, or CEO/CFO/Whatever of a start-up company, and being a member of a representative body. Tommy was last a member of a legislature 25 years ago, do we really think he understands what the process of being a member of that body is? ESPECIALLY in Washington DC currently? Is this something that Democrats are going to go after as the campaign keeps going along?

Furthermore, should we believe Tommy when he says, "I paid 31% of gross income in taxes" without having him release his returns? Do I have any reason to NOT believe him? No, but why should we trust him without releasing it?

"I caught a 27'' fish!"
"Really? Do you have a picture?"
"Yes!"
"Can I see the picture?"
"No."
"Why not? I want to see just what it looks like."
"Trust me, it's a 27'' fish."

Anxious Friday

Well, yesterday went well, (I think). Still:



Needless to say, last night and this morning I am:



Hopefully the winds blow in my favor!

FDL Budget, Part II

I can't summarize any better than three little news blurbs on KFIZ.com on what moves the FDL City Council is considering to help close their budget hole for the next year. My previous post relates to what challenges are ahead and the fact the City Council needed to address the problem at last night's meeting. Well, here are the results of that meeting:

Garbage And Recycling Fee Could Be Part Of Budget Solution Yet

The solution to cutting a $2.8 million deficit in the 2013 Fond du Lac City Budget could still include a garbage and recycling fee for residential users. During a special meeting last night the City Council was able to trim more than $1.7 million from the deficit, but $1.2 million of that would come in form of a reduced garbage and recycling fee. Reduced meaning instead of the original fee of just over $122 a year, the 13,800 residential users would be charged $88.83 a year. The Council approved the fee on a 5 to 2 vote, but Council President Rick Gudex says the fee isn't set in stone; it depends on where the City is at when they get to the end of the budget process. Other cuts included eliminating 5 summer help positions, reducing the Public Works Capital Items budget by $250,000, and reducing the Transit budget by $20,000. Gudex says things could change during the budget process, but last night's work was a good start. An effort to close the Taylor Park Pool was voted down by a 5 to 2 vote. 

Fund Balance Could Be Used To Reduce FDL Budget Deficit

Apparently when the Fond du Lac City Council says it's considering everything to try and reduce a $2.8 million deficit in the 2013 City Budget they aren't kidding. By a 4 to 3 vote the Council approved cutting Council salary by $500 a member to $2,500 a year. However there were bigger cuts and there's still the possibility of a garbage and recycling fee, which would cost the 13,800 residential users about $88.83 a year. The Council will also consider the use of surplus fund balance, money left over from this year that will be used. Council President Rick Gudex says there could be nearly $987,000 in fund balance available of which the Council may consider using $800,000. He says its taxpayer money that could be put away for a rainy day or used now when it is also needed. He says whether they use that money will depend on whether they want to cut jobs and services when they run out of options. Gudex says none of the cuts and action the Council took last night including the garbage and recycling fee are set in stone yet. 

Proposed FDL City Budget Moves

The Fond du Lac City Council proposed these items last night in an effort to reduce the projected 2013 City Budget deficit of $2.8 million:

A garbage and recycling fee $1.2 million

Trim City Council pay $3,500

Eliminate vacant park caretaker position $73,500.

Reduce Transit Budget by $20,000.

Reduce summer help by 5 positions $25,000.

Reduce Information Technology Services Capital items by $60,000.

Reduce Public Works Capital items by $250,000.

Reduce Police Squad Car replacement by $60,000.

Move Fire Department Training Room Upgrade to 2014 $77,500.

Cut Neighborhood Improvement Fund by $10,000. 

The Council also voted against:

Closing Taylor Park Pool ($70,000).

Cutting Downtown Partnership contribution ($10,000) and Fond du County Economic Development Corporation contribution ($15,248).

Eliminating longevity pay ($95,700).

Hey Governor! It's NOT working in our little hamlet!

The Walker Budget's Local Effects: Fond du Lac

Here in my little slice of Wisconsin, Scott Walker's popular. But... so are services. So, a nearly $3 Million budget shortfall in the Fond du Lac City Budget means things are going to get worse before they get better. While not entirely the fault of Governor Scott Walker, the lions share of deep funding cuts, and in turn likely job cuts, can be laid at the doorstep of State Government and the 2 year biennium budget passed in 2011.

Here is the article from the FDL Reporter, but remember, 5 free articles a month.
http://www.fdlreporter.com/proart/20120813/fon0101/308120314/-1/7daysarchives/2013-city-budget-deficit-requires-tough-decisions?pagerestricted=1

Acting City Manager Wayne Rollin was on AM-1170 WFDL's "Between The Lines w/Greg Stensland" just yesterday and talked about the fact that these cuts will be deep and likely be heavy on staffing cuts: http://www.radioplusinfo.com/play_window.php?audioType=Episode&audioId=5983594

Plus, here is yesterday's text from KFIZ.com, which sums up the state of the budget:

Everything On The Table For FDL 2013 City Budget Considerations
Nearly everything will be on the table as the Fond du Lac City Council considers budget cuts for a proposed shortfall of $2.8 million in the 2013 City Budget. The process continues with a frank look at the budget shortfall during a special meeting of the Council Wednesday night at 6 p.m. Acting City Manager Wayne Rollin says City Council members have already come up with a number of suggestions themselves.  He says just about everything is being considered for potential cuts. Rollin says cutting jobs also means reducing or cutting services something that will have to be considered carefully. The Council will hear reports on among other things a potential hiring freeze, how much of the City's fund balance could be used to offset the deficit, and what would be the advantages and disadvantages of going to an every other week garbage collection system.

I don't know about you, but you know what Governor, MacIver Institute, AFP, and everyone else who sunk the $60 Million dollars into the recall, "It's NOT working!" Passing budgets which require deep staffing cuts, are what's KILLING this economy right now. It also creates a less effective, less well run system of Government which is a reflection of our society as a whole. That means we have a less effective less functional society! It's not that hard to extrapolate this stuff out!

Look, I love low taxes too, but if you increase a fee yet keep taxes static, you've done NOTHING, especially for things like trash removal which is universally used. So, Wisconsin, we can continue to elect candidates who talk about building strong communities yet don't foster community building policies, or we can actually realize that strengthening our communities means everyone working together, doing a little bit, and being honest about the fact that living in this society requires you to pay taxes to enjoy the fruits of every one's labor.

Wednesday Evening Quarterbacking: Tuesday's US Senate Primary

One thing you may notice less of, now that the primary has wound down, are posts here on the "Soap Box". Sure, I will be back in full force when I have the time and opinions warrant, but as of now, I need to focus a little bit more on my life and such. * Wish me luck again tomorrow! I'm not going anywhere, and I'm sure I will post at least once every other day at a minimum, but I may not have the same output. Who knows, I could go off more than ever... only time will tell.

But, being the map and politics geek I am, I can't let go how Eric Hovde lost the nomination on Tuesday evening for the US Senate seat he nearly bought. The answers are, as always in the numbers breakdown and of course, the maps.

First, the link to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel interactive map which gives percentage break downs: http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/164929496.html

Here it is as a JPEG:

Next, the numbers:

Thompson: 197,950
Hovde: 179,793
Neumann: 132,959
Fitzgerald: 71,955

Or...

Hovde: -18,157
Neumann -64,991
Fitzgerald -125,955

Few observations:

1. TV Markets mean EVERYTHING! Look at how Hovde did in the Green Bay market, & Thompson did in Madison, La Crosse. Or, Neumann in Eau Clare? Remember how I talked about this after the recall election? 

2. The "Fitzgerald Strategy" helped Tommy: Neumann coming on strong in the last few weeks siphoned votes from Hovde. If you go to the county by county breakdown, you can see that even though there aren't a ton of votes there, Neumann hurt Hovde in Northwest Wisconsin. Hovde came in third in many of those counties, sometimes by a significant margin. Neumann essentially created death by a thousand paper-cuts for Hovde, taking away precious votes that could have easily added up. So, instead of being negative & beating everyone up, it was a classic "divide and conquer" for Tommy.

3. Fitzgerald's Dodge County return hurt Hovde: Hovde came in a DISTANT fourth with over 1,000 less votes than Fitzgerald, who lost to Thompson by just over 200 votes! At the right is a screen grab from JSOnline. Once again, Neumann & now Fitzgerald strike a blow to Hovde's numbers.

4. Milwaukee Talkers Didn't Do Much: They never really went one way or another. Sure, they fawned over Walker, but anything to separate Hovde, Neumann, or Thompson? Nope. Guess they didn't want to be on the wrong side of history. (Something I'm certainly not afraid to be. It happens) When was the last time the "rim counties" of Ozaukee, Washington, & Waukesha split their votes? Seriously, the fact those guys didn't turn on the "machine" and get those who listen to their squawking in line with one candidate or another created a free-for-all. You really think Tommy would have won Waukesha if Chuckles and Bellringer didn't keep going on, & on, & on, & on about how great Eric Hovde would be?

5. None of it matters, they are all united as of this minute to take out Tammy: And that ladies and gentlemen is really all that matters. There are new ads online today from "Neumann-esque" groups like Crossroads GPS:



Or the National Republican Senatorial Committee:



They are all in this to beat Tammy. So Democrats, don't think that because you have someone who was first elected to state office the same year The Beatles released Revolver, our President was LBJ, and we were still 10 years away from the APPLE I means this is any type of cake walk. Romney's campaign sees their best chance at a midwestern "flip" in Wisconsin. Picking Ryan & having a 4 term Governor who was perceived as moderate on the ticket sure helps his chances. We CAN'T LET IT HAPPEN!

So,I lied. Tommy Wins... Tonight Anyway

Tommy Thompson will narrowly beat out Eric Hovde for the Republican nomination for US Senate on the Republican ticket. So, the fact that I've been saying since June that "Tommy's Not Winning" didn't come true, at least not yet. But hey, that's the beauty of just being on a soap box. You can be wrong.

Well Democrats, Liberals, & Progressives. It's ON! This is it:

Eric Toney Wins FDL Co. District Attorney's Race

With an uncontested November election, the Partisan Primary for Fond du Lac County District Attorney was the ball game. Yes ladies and gentlemen, the system can still work.

Your Winner:

Eric Toney

I will post final numbers when made available, but as of 8:50PM, KFIZ.com was reporting the following: 

Republican District Attorney 60 of 63

Dan Kaminsky (Inc) 5778

Eric Toney 8754

Final Numbers:


Republican District Attorney Final
Dan Kaminsky (Inc) 6,396
Eric Toney 9,367

Tonight's Results

Tonight, I'm going to "The Campaign." That means I very likely may not be around when the results come out about the Neo-Stalwart/Republican Primary Candidates for US Senate & the Republican Primary for DA in FDL County.

I've been so wrapped up in politics that I owe it to my lady to treat her to a night. Plus, Thursday is another "wish me luck" day, so I need to calm my mind.

I guess I need just one last excuse to use these four pictures at the same time:

Tommy Thompson  Jeff Fitzgerald Eric Hovde  Mark Neumann 

Go Forth and VOTE!

No matter where you are in the state, I urge you to vote. You have until 8pm local time.

This is a partisan primary, which means that you can ONLY vote for candidates from the same political party.

So, if you have a great slate of Democrats competing in a primary, go on and vote for one of them!

If you don't have a competitive primary for Democrats, go show some support for whomever is running, including Tammy Baldwin for US Senate.

Or, if you have a race like we do in Fond du Lac County with the partisan DA Race, you may have to "cross-over" and vote across party lines, which is where I find myself. If you are voting in the Republican Primary, for whatever reason, I urge you to vote for Jeff Fitzgerald.

WI Soap Box Endorsements:

Democratic Primary for US Senate: Tammy Baldwin
Republican Primary for US Senate: Jeff Fitzgerald

WI 53rd Assembly Democratic Primary: Joanne E. Staudacher

Fond du Lac County DA Republican Primary: Eric Toney

Herman Cain Endorses Tommy Thompson. In Other News...

So Herman (9-9-9) Cain has endorsed Tommy Thompson. This matters to people why? Seriously, get Rick Santorum to support you, and maybe you will be taken seriously by Republican Tea Party types.

Fond du Lac County DA's Race: Debate #3: Dan Kaminsky v Eric Toney

Today on AM-1170 WFDL's "Between the Lines w/Greg Stensland" the third and final debate between current Fond du Lac County District Attorney Dan Kaminsky and his challenger Eric Toney took place.

You can find my previous posts on this topic here:

http://www.wisoapbox.blogspot.com/2012/08/fond-du-lac-county-district-attorney.html

http://www.wisoapbox.blogspot.com/2012/08/fond-du-lac-county-das-race-debate-2.html

Again, this is quite the contentious race for District Attorney. Kaminsky has been connected with some relatively shady practices that the average person feels they would never get form a District Attorney. (Read about that in the first article)

Let's just say this debate speaks for itself:

http://www.radioplusinfo.com/play_window.php?audioType=Episode&audioId=5981841

Side Note:

Wish me luck...

Friday Night's Debate: Healthcare

I haven't said much, and you know what... I can't. There is just too much that made me flip my shit.

But, one thing that DIRECTLY affects me is the provision to keep insurance until age 26. (If Scott Walker wouldn't have won it would still be til 27 in Wisconsin BTW.) Yes, there is a state law, but the federal law makes so much more sense rather than a patchwork of 50 different things.

So, when host Frederica Freyberg asked if anyone would support that provision in the Affordable Care Act, I think everyone who is under age 26 should know whose best interest the GOP/Neo-Stalwarts have:

Hovde: No
Neumann: No (Not a mandate, but he want's the business to decide. So, if you work with a bunch of people who don't have kids that age, well... sucks to be your parents & you)
Thompson: Repeal it (Yet never answers the exact question)
Fitzgerald: Repeal it (But also doesn't answer the question about young people)

Finally, Somebody Called Out Hovde's Mud Slinging!

I guess if anyone was going to do it, Mark Neumann would have been as good a bet as anyone. The ad isn't up online yet, but Neumann's got an ad lampooning Hovde's famous "mud-dodging" ad that's been running ad-nauseum on TV for what seems like a year. I guess what really tickles me is  that at the end it changes so starkly to the sunny, "I'm Mark Neumann & I approve this ad" line.

Tuesday can't come soon enough!

Scenarios Like This Make Me Wonder...

An article posted today on JSOnline shows just why I'm so concerned as someone who is looking for work in the field of education.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/education/average-school-district-will-face-rocky-road-dr6er2n-165875156.html

What makes me even more sad are the comments. Look, 98% of teachers get into, and stay in the profession because they love working with kids & students. Yes, there is always going to be a small percentage who don't, but that is true in any workforce. Either way, the comments people make on these articles make me sick. We don't need people to "shut up" about their work conditions, we need more people to SPEAK UP!

I just don't understand why so many people think that a worker should have to "put up & shut up" with their work. Why haven't more people advanced since the 1870's mindset?

Well, What a Weekend!

First, I lost it Friday night just before the "healthcare" portion of the Republican/Neo-Stalwart Debate for US Senate, then news Saturday morning that Paul Ryan has been chosen as Romeny's VP.

* Take that FDL Drinking Liberally! I told you he had nothing to lose doing it!

Hey Democrats, be sure to have your shit together! Just sayin'

Weekend Away!

\I'm heading to the "land of confusion" Adams County for the weekend! I HOPE to be around to at least listen to the debate tonight between the Republican & Neo-Stalwarts vying for US Senate.

I strongly suggest you head over to Cognitive Dissidence & read up about what could be even bigger than Walkergate, the Caucus Scandal Redux: http://cognidissidence.blogspot.com/2012/08/caucus-scandal-2011-edition.html

Let me know if anything REALLY goes crazy!

Plus, wish me luck for Monday. Big day for me, hopefully more on that at a later date.

Jeff Fitzgerald Gets the MJS Treatment! (Token Gesture, or Result of Poll Movement?)

Just today the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel posted selections of their interview with Jeff Fitzgerald. They have already done interviews with Tommy Thompson, Eric Hovde, and Mark Neumann, which you can find by locating my reaction at the links in the sidebar, but I never really thought they would give due deference to Fitzgerald. Apparently they think he's worth it, maybe because he's moving upward in the polls, maybe because they just felt guilt about it, or maybe because he complained. Either way, you get to see Ftizgerald in all his glory.

I'm not sure why they haven't posted their entire interview, like they did with the other candidates and generally ran around an hour, but for now we will have to settle for the few clips they have provided:

Update 8/12: Here is the full video:



Fitzgerald's views on healthcare:


(In short: Health Savings Accounts save everything & we need a market driven reform plan. Sooooooo completely side stepping many of the issues that legitimately are solved by the Affordable Care Act)



(In short: I'm not different from the other candidates except the fact that I rode Scott Walker & his financer's coat-tails in 2011)



(In Short: I want everyone to beat each other's brains out so I can slide on in. I have a poor campaign, I've been busy gutting Wisconsin, and some line about political fatigue)

Tommy Thompson: "Quick, Link Me To Walker However Possible"

Yes, that is what the message is of a TV ad that Tommy's team has put out:


 Yikes...

I Think I Just Threw Up In My Mouth...

Eric Hovde's radio ad going into the weekend features Glenn Grothman & Leah Vukmir talking about how conservative Eric Hovde is:



Then, just today Dan Bice of the MJS has this article about another small (few hundred dollar) donation to a Democrat:
http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/165674566.html#!page=3&pageSize=10&sort=newestfirst

THIS:

IT'S FRIDAY!

Well, last week I featured an excellent (and probably the most famous) Supertramp song sung by Roger Hodgson. Well, being the SUPER tramp fan that I am, I would be remiss if I did not also post a song by the other "leader" of the band, Rick Davies:



Yes, this is from the 1985 "Brother Where You Bound" LP after Roger left the band, but it's an interesting song/video none the less. Interesting note: It features voice overs of all 4 candidates from the 1984 Presidential Election.

Enjoy!

I Suppose I Owe Mark Neumann Some Time Today

Everyone's favorite perennial Republican Neo-Stalwart candidate Mark Neumann made a stop today in Fond du Lac on his "Tea Party Express" funded tour. (Seriously, this just reminds me of what I'm reading about now in my History of Wisconsin books about Railroad Passes going to politicians)

Well, lucky for all of us, KFIZ-AM (yes, the Randy Hopper owned radio station in town) recorded the entire speech from "Laser-Eyes" and made it available online. You can listen to it at this link: http://www.kfiz.com//podcasts/120809MN.mp3

It's the same typical stuff you've seen from Neumann already. Met wife in Sunday school, lie about Obama's "You didn't build it" line, talks about building his business because he is the example of a teacher who made crap for money, name check God here and there, and on, and on, and on. Plus, towards the end, he remarks that "government can figure out how to have a few less employees too" in another reference to "him" in the private sector having to cut 15% of his workforce in the downturn. Yes ladies and gentlemen, one again in the last week of the campaign Mark Neumann's pitch is that he wants to CUT jobs!

So, PPP thinks that this guy could be a serious threat to Hovde & Thompson? That scares me.

Public Policy Polling's Final Numbers

Public Policy Polling isn't going to let the Marquette Poll overshadow it's record, as tonight they have released their final numbers before next Tuesday's Repbulican/Neo-Stalwart Primary for US Senate.

Here is the link to the "overview" of the poll: http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/main/2012/08/toss-up-in-wisconsin.html

But what's more fun for us wonks is the "full" results, which are located here: http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_WI_809.pdf

This poll is essentially unchanged from last time, indicating a dead heat between the top 3 candidates, and with even Jeff Fitzgerald's numbers inching closer to the pack. Sometimes I can go on and analyze these numbers, but as I say, "some days others say it better than I can" like the PPP Twitter feed:

(Please note I edited out one irrelevant "retweet" from this feed)

This is the stuff political people DREAM OF :) I still say Tommy's not winning.

New Ad From American Future Fund Attacking... .Neumann?!

Yes, there is a new ad out from that group called American Future Fund.  It's not posted online anywhere that I can find, but what I find interesting is that such a "free market" and "conservative" group is openly advocating against Mark Neumann.

What a tangled web we weave... I will post it if/when I can find it online)

Fond du Lac County DA's Race: Debate #2: Dan Kaminsky vs. Eric Toney

On August 2nd, I posted a link to the audio of the first debate between current Republican District Attorney of Fond du Lac County Dan Kaminsky & his Republican challenger Eric Toney. You can find that posting & the link to the audio at this link:  http://www.wisoapbox.blogspot.com/2012/08/fond-du-lac-county-district-attorney.html

In that post, I also talk a lot about why our current DA is being challenged, such as his connection to Walkergate, his cutting a deal for the CEO of Anthem Blue Cross, and just a general dysfunction with some local law enforcement.

Well today, AM 1450 KFIZ (Yes, Randy Hopper's radio station) hosted what is presently the 2nd debate between these two candidates. That audio is located here: http://www.kfiz.com/podcasts/8-9-12%20Debate.mp3

It's no secret that Kaminsky despises the fact he is being challenged. He paints Toney as a young brat who is a 20-something that lives in his parents basement and is too young. Despite the fact that some of his criticisms are valid points, the way he comes off sounds condescending and quite honestly, like an ass.

It's also interesting that the FDL Republican Party isn't technically endorsing anyone, yet they are "encouraging" people to vote for Kaminsky. Toney is a Republican, but he's been someone who's received support from local Democrats because the current DA is just so shady. Now, that's not to say that Toney is a "fake" candidate, he is a Republican who has also received support from local Republicans, including from former Republican Sheriffs and local Republican brass. For all that we hear and see in the public, you HAVE to know that there is a ton of stuff going on behind the scenes for why so many old-school local Republicans are supporting Toney.

Needless to say, this is the reason why I, and many people who are Democrats, will be crossing over and voting in the Republican Primary, and will genuinely be voting for a Republican. We want to see an ethical District Attorney back in charge.

Margret Farrow Endorses Tommy. In Other News...

Tommy, I'm not really sure that this is exactly what will "close the gap" with undecided voters. The people who you need to convince to vote for you don't care about Margret Farrow's views, or the fact she's yet another person quoting that darn Journal-Sentinel article with Walker singing your praises. Hell, most of them probably don't have the foggiest clue who Margret Farrow even is.

In short, you need to start getting some Rebecca Kleefisch endorsements soon. YOU NEED CONSERVATIVE SUPPORT!

So Mr. Hovde, Your Hypocrisy Continues?

Well gee-golly. Yesterday Eric Hovde was all mushy-mushy let's be happy. Now today, he's out with a new ad that once again "slings mud", but not at who you might think!

See, I've been telling you, the poll numbers don't lie. Neumann's been gaining strong in the last few weeks of this campaign, and Hovde knows it. So, he hits Neumann right where it hurts. First, points out just how darn negative he is (despite the fact he says he's not). Then, he throws the "perennial candidate" label at him!

OUCH.

Hey Hovde, pro tip: Don't talk about how negative someone else is, label them with terms Democrats, Progressives, and Liberals  use, andtry to say you're the "positive" candidate. It won't work

The Marquette University Law School Poll: What Does It Say?

I never had a chance to comment on yesterday's news about the new poll results from Marquette University Law School. You can view the full results at this link: https://law.marquette.edu/poll/2012/08/08/marquette-law-school-poll-finds-tightening-of-gop-senate-primary/

My grandfather was one of the persons polled and having his results tabulated this go-around.  He joked to me about a few of his answers when it came to opinions on those in the Republican/Neo-Stalwart Primary. Needless to say we have booth been eagerly awaiting the results.

First, the percentages as they are published for Tuesday's Primary:

Thompson: 28%
Hovde: 20%
Neumann: 18%
Fitzgerald: 13%

Undecided: 21%

Margin of Error: +/- 4.4%

Okay, so where does this leave us. Well, it's not quite as tight as the PPP Poll that came out last week where it was a statistical dead heat between the top 3 candidates, but it has tightened up since the last MULS Poll. This month's analysis acknowledged that fact, noting Tommy's decline from 35% and increases by Hovde, Neumann, & Fitzgerald. However, it is VERY worthwhile noting that last month 25% were undecided, and after all the "mud slinging" and down right nasty campaigning, there is still a substantial group of Republicans/Conservatives who do not know what they are going to do.

Which leads us to the next set of numbers, which is probably the more accurate set to go off of instead of the "official" ones. These are the "lean towards" numbers. Undecideds broke the following way:

Thompson: 33%
Hovde: 24%
Neumann: 21%
Fitzgerald: 15%

Interesting... it mirrors the trends of the "official" results.  However, the poll does note that even here, 7% are still fully undecided, which means that this really is still a race to the finish.

Now, there is also a lot of information about "November Match-ups" with each candidate against Tammy Baldwin. Tammy trails Tommy, but is generally within the margin or ahead with the other candidates. But you know what, at this point, who cares? Plenty of time for that to ALL change around. There is also a lot of information about Scott Walker's approval/disapproval (it's unchanged) and match-ups between Obama & Romney (Obama winning) included in this poll. Among most of those other "periphery" issues outside the August Primary, things are largely unchanged from where they were before. (Which STILL baffles me. WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE WHO AGREE WITH OBAMA & WALKER?! HAVE THEY NO IDEOLOGY?)

Some observations about the Senate Primary Results: First, WOW, what an undecided percentage. Even though 33% break towards him when pressed, I can't believe that Tommy hasn't attracted them, and in fact is losing voters each and every time these polls come out. Despite his lead, and the fact the undecideds lean towards him, I still don't think he's winning this primary. It's a conservative world out there, and Tommy's a Republican.

Next, I find it interesting that pollster Charles Franklin notes that the Marquette Poll uses cell phone data while PPP does not. My grandfather was curious how they got his cell phone number and I told him that I honestly didn't know, but that leads to an even more important point: who/how you poll matters. Franklin noted that the Marquette results were closer with just land-line phones as opposed to including cell phones, which may bear out why other polls are closer.

Lastly, the images of the candidates have clearly shifted since July's poll. The full analysis is available on the Marquette site I liked to, but the movement of Tommy's numbers is most stark. He had the most to lose going in with  widespread name recognition and just that has happened since July (with the help of Hovde's and the Neumann's Club For Growth's attack ads). What will be interesting to me is what happens at the debate this Friday night. Sometimes debates matter, sometimes they don't. But with such a large contingent of voters still undecided, I HAVE to believe that they will look there to see their final impressions of the candidates and make their decisions this weekend.

Get ready Democrats. August 15th, it begins.