Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn implored the community to stop tolerating young men carrying guns. And he called on the governor and Legislature “to pass a law that makes these little monsters afraid to get locked up for possessing a gun.”
Category: Money & Politics Column
Critics decry hunting group clout
Some critics of Wisconsin’s wolf management policies see the DNR’s “clarification” to the committee as a small example of the enormous clout of pro-hunting groups.
John Doe ruling alters campaign terrain
In some quarters, Randa’s ruling is being hailed as a righteous rebuke to partisan efforts to suppress free speech. But Paul S. Ryan, senior counsel with the nonprofit Campaign Legal Center in Washington. D.C., says Randa’s decision “flies in the face of well-established Supreme Court precedent.”
Voting bills get little lobby support
In fact, no group with a paid lobbyist registered in favor of the bill last session to pass an amended voter ID law, which passed the Assembly on a 54-38 party-line vote. This and other voting-related bills seem to defy the popular belief that lobbying drives legislation.
Mary Burke, underdog millionaire
Her personal wealth is seen as a key asset to her campaign. But part of her game plan is to impugn Walker’s support. “I do point out how much money he raises from outside interests,” Burke says. “I think it strikes the people of Wisconsin as wrong. And it should.”
Making sense of John Doe II
The ongoing John Doe probe into alleged illegal activities concerning Gov. Scott Walker’s recall election campaign is nothing if not complicated. Here’s an attempt to make it understandable.
GOP has edge in fall elections
Could this be an opportunity for minority Democrats to make major gains, maybe even retake control? The pundits are shaking their heads.
Sen. Schultz exits, shaking his head
Schultz, a Republican who is stepping down after 32 years in the Legislature, most as a state senator, is dumbfounded: “Who’d have ever thought you’d be at a Republican function and have to defend Abraham Lincoln?”
Big money backfires in local races
One day before the U.S. Supreme Court opened new spigots of campaign cash, well-funded groups seeking to sway elections in two northern Wisconsin counties, Polk and Iron, inadvertently drove home another point: Throwing money into the process can hurt as well as help.
Titans clash, worker’s comp changes die
The Wisconsin Medical Society and others mobilized against the bill. What ensued was a massive behind-the-scenes clash of special interest titans.
State needs openness advocates
As part of national Sunshine Week, March 16-22, the columnist wants to reflect on the importance of journalists and others being more than mere spectators in the tug of war that perpetually plays out over these issues.
Gun background check bills languish
Jeri Bonavia, executive director of Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort, likens the status quo to an airport security system with two lines: One with full screening for passengers, the other where anyone can board without scrutiny. “You get to decide” which line to use.