Today was the first day of the Wisconsin State Fair.Sadly, Whitney wouldn't stand out in a crowd of Republicans in Fitzwalkerstan.Whitney, who is running for Louisiana's open sixth district, gained some prominence in June when she released a campaign video blasting global warming as a "hoax" and the press as "lamestream media." Wasserman said he pressed Whitney on the issue of climate change only to find her unable to answer his questions.
"But it’s not unreasonable to expect candidates to explain how they arrived at their positions, and when I pressed Whitney repeatedly for the source of her claim that the earth is getting colder, she froze and was unable to cite a single scientist, journal, or news source to back up her beliefs," he wrote.
Wasserman said he attempted to "change the subject" and ask whether she believed Obama was born in the United States. Her aides then ended the interview.
"When she replied that it was a matter of some controversy, her two campaign consultants quickly whisked her out of the room, accusing me of conducting a 'Palin-style interview,'" he continued. "It was the first time in hundreds of Cook Political Report meetings that a candidate has fled the room."
The rest rooms and drinking fountains of the west-bound rest area on I-94 at Johnson CreekThe article points out that the cause for the bacterial infestation is unknown.
will remain closed until tests show the water system is clear of fecal coliform.
Officials say the soonest that could happen is Wednesday afternoon.
Thomas VanBeek of the state Department of Transportation said that the rest rooms are closed at the rest area, but the parking area and vending machines are open.
The rest area is located in Jefferson County between Milwaukee and Madison.
The restrooms closed on Monday afternoon after a well test determined the presence of fecal coliform in the water.
ST. PAUL, Minnesota -- A jury awarded former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura $1.8 million on Tuesday in his lawsuit against the estate of "American Sniper" author Chris Kyle.
Ventura was awarded $1.3 million for unjust enrichment, and $500,000 in damages for defamation, CBS station WCCO reports.
On the sixth day of deliberations, the federal jury decided that the 2012 best-selling book defamed Ventura in its description of a bar fight in California in 2006. Kyle wrote that he decked a man whom he later identified as Ventura after the man allegedly said the Navy SEALs "deserve to lose a few."
Ventura testified that Kyle fabricated the passage about punching him. Kyle said in testimony videotaped before his death last year that his story was accurate.
Former Minnesota Governor and Navy Seal Jesse Ventura, (say what you want about his quirks, his credentials are impeccable), recently fell victim to the echo chamber. A Navy Seal named Chris Kyle, claimed to have knocked out the former Governor for talking bad about the troops. This, like throwing a rare steak into a lions den, set off a right wing blogger and Fox news frenzy. Noted American bad asses like Bill O’ Reilly, Brian Kilmeade and Eric Bolling(amongst many others) jumped on the news and could not have been happier. In our very own cheddarsphere, noted BS artist and local right wing extreme blogger and paid Macgruber propagandist James Wigderson, took time away from the glow of the "its not really working" but that won't stop the “Americans For even more Koch brothers Prosperity” event in Mordor this weekend to “confirm” with glee that this event happened and in the exact words of Wiggy “One idiot down”.
I guess Wiggy and the rest of the right feels that we can only support soldiers and veterans who blindly support right wing causes. The problem though(Surprise, Surprise,Surprise) is that it just isn’t true.
However, Abele wants Adams to win not just to gain another sockpuppet in Madison but also to keep Milwaukee County Chairwoman Marina Dimitrijevic out (but remember, it's not personal). Unfortunately for the Abele Party, Adams isn't doing very well. He isn't performing well in the debates. To add to their woes, polling done by the conservative/Greater Milwaukee Committee/Abele Party front group, Forward Milwaukee County, must not have produced the numbers they were looking for.As a lifelong Democrat, Abele is proud to support Democrats across the state and country, but he is also proud to reach beyond political labels and across the aisle to achieve the outcomes that serve the people of Milwaukee County. As County Executive, he’s used his platform to try and bring civility back to politics by asking decision makers to set their differences aside and focus on getting things done.
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| Chris Moews |
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| Marina Dimitrijevic |
I can’t believe this!!!I’ve been there for several of these OC meals (we’re not a “concealed carry group”), and in fact I’m in that picture. We regularly filled the restaurant with dozens of diners.The only bad thing I know about happening is that someone was showing off her laser sight … by unholstering and pointing her pistol at someone under the table (so they could see the red dot)!
The restaurant made a business decision that the "dozens of diners" did not outweigh the combat pay to the wait staff. You can expect that the "dozens of diners" will now be taking their business elsewhere in protest. Without your gun at dinner, how can you feel safe ordering the Wisconsin beer cheese soup?I can’t believe this!!!
I’ve been there for several of these OC meals (we’re not a “concealed carry group”), and in fact I’m in that picture. We regularly filled the restaurant with dozens of diners.
The only bad thing I know about happening is that someone was showing off her laser sight … by unholstering and pointing her pistol at someone under the table (so they could see the red dot)!
- See more at: http://wisconsindailyindependent.com/local-madison-restaurant-that-hosts-conceal-carry-events-hangs-a-no-gun-sign-on-their-door/#sthash.XeB3GSOH.dpufI can’t believe this!!!
I’ve been there for several of these OC meals (we’re not a “concealed carry group”), and in fact I’m in that picture. We regularly filled the restaurant with dozens of diners.
The only bad thing I know about happening is that someone was showing off her laser sight … by unholstering and pointing her pistol at someone under the table (so they could see the red dot)!
- See more at: http://wisconsindailyindependent.com/local-madison-restaurant-that-hosts-conceal-carry-events-hangs-a-no-gun-sign-on-their-door/#sthash.XeB3GSOH.dpufI can’t believe this!!!
I’ve been there for several of these OC meals (we’re not a “concealed carry group”), and in fact I’m in that picture. We regularly filled the restaurant with dozens of diners.
The only bad thing I know about happening is that someone was showing off her laser sight … by unholstering and pointing her pistol at someone under the table (so they could see the red dot)!
- See more at: http://wisconsindailyindependent.com/local-madison-restaurant-that-hosts-conceal-carry-events-hangs-a-no-gun-sign-on-their-door/#sthash.XeB3GSOH.dpuf
What was supposed to be a gentle promotional stroll along the Sheboygan lakefront Friday morning by the state's first lady, became a bit more concerning to those attending when a local gun-rights advocate showed up with a semi-automatic rifle strapped to his back and a holstered pistol hanging from his waist.
Bill Polster, of Sheboygan Falls, said his intention in bringing the AK-47, a Glock and a Ruger LCP pistol to Wisconsin First Lady Tonette Walker's visit to Sheboygan on Friday was not to scare anyone, but rather to exercise his Second Amendment rights.
"People have the right to self defense and there are so many people that don't realize that carrying a weapon is legal in Wisconsin," Polster said.
Polster has become a recognizable fixture in the region, often showing up at farmers markets, parades and even movie theaters and other public events to make the point that it is legal in Wisconsin to openly carry a properly licensed firearm.
One media report said that Walker's visit was delayed about 15 minutes by Polster's presence, but Sgt. David Anderson with the Sheboygan Police Department said one office was on hand for the first lady's visit and that no extra security measures were taken.While the Friends of Scott Walker campaign sent out the Dept. of Tourism gopher to explain the wait away, but he could not come up with anything better than "waiting for the sun". In the official "walk with Walker" website there is no mention of only walking under perfect conditions. Additionally, why would she not be talking to the other 8 supporters of her husbands who were there ready to walk, instead of hiding in a building? Could it be fear of a loon with an AK-47?
Polster joined in the walk after stashing his weapons in the trunk of his car.
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| Chris Abele - as he sees himself |
But many individuals active in the nonprofit sector agree with one foundation head that “a great percent of Chris Abele’s -giving is in the category of the vanity giver.” A major corporate CEO is harsher: “When he does [participate], he grandstands.… The Kellners, Uihleins and Lubars all give away a great deal of money every year, and they don’t have to get their picture in the paper. Maybe it’s just immaturity with Chris.”The article also goes on to give us some insight to the source of Abele's insecurity:
They and others cite a litany of examples. One involves two $100,000 Argosy Foundation gifts Chris arranged. Rather than the normal protocol, which would be to recognize the foundation as the donor, Chris took credit, too. The 2003 Milwaukee Art Museum annual report lists “Christopher Abele on behalf of the Argosy Foundation” (even though he gave his own smaller gift); the 2003 Boys and Girls Clubs annual report reads similarly. Seeing Abele’s name alongside Argosy’s looked like a quest for attention or at least a need for approval, especially when two larger gifts, $25 million each, remained anonymous.
Abele is like “a moth to the flame,” says a friend who warned him that -“publicity can be a double-edged sword.” When the friend advised Abele to back off a bit, Abele protested that he could “leverage” his celebrity status to advance causes he supports. But it’s hard to see what leverage Abele gets from saying that the one thing he really likes about Milwaukee is that it’s not pretentious, then drops names relentlessly himself. Talk to Abele for a while and pretty soon he’s recounting how he went to Cuba and met with Castro, how he’s importing the entire Yale Drama School faculty as directors for the Milwaukee Shakespeare Company he co-founded or how he talked Tom Barrett into running for mayor. (“Yeah, maybe him and 300 other people,” says a Barrett adviser.)
“He’ll say, ‘George and I did this,’ ” says the friend, “and he’s talking about George Soros [the investor-philanthropist-Democratic activist and 28th richest man in the world]. Well, it was a ‘meet and greet.’ Nobody cares. He doesn’t need to do that. But he wants to be considered important.”
That was exactly what Abele needed to do, too. Like the nonprofits he advised, he wanted to win the approval of a major philanthropist – in Abele’s case, his father. “Chris always said his father felt he was never successful at anything,” says friend Benson. “I think that explains Chris’ workaholic desire to do well.”In other words, Abele has some unresolved daddy issues and has decided to take it out on Milwaukee County. Isn't that just lovely?
Abele’s inability to distinguish himself in his father’s eyes may have fueled his constant need for approval, which he sought in other places, including Milwaukee’s limelight. But he also found the perfect proving ground for another chance. “In Boston, he’d always be the son of John Abele,” says Theoharis Constantine Theoharis, Abele’s former Harvard instructor. “He had to strike out on his own, away from the inevitable comparisons to his father. And he had a certain excitement about what he could do in Milwaukee.”
Every year around this time, 20-25 women officially become Emerge Wisconsin Alumnae. They receive their certificate of graduation and their orange "e" pin that proudly lets others know they have completed the Emerge Wisconsin program.
This year, Emerge is proud to graduate 21 women from across Wisconsin who have proven their ability to run, their skills to win, and their commitment to increasing the number of Democratic women in office across Wisconsin.
Please help us congratulate our newest Emerge Alumnae:
Image courtesy of Emerge Wisconsin
Cecilia Anguiano, Racine
Anne Arndt, Wisconsin Rapids
Ann DeGarmo, Madison
Jacki Gackstatter, Janesville
Sharon Hampson, La Crosse
Rellen Hardtke, River Falls
Peggy Jerome, La Crosse
Emily Kenney, Wauwatosa
Zonia Lopez Chrostowski, Milwaukee
Arvina Martin, Madison
Anne Molineu, West Bend
Julia McNally, Grafton
Jackie Moore, Ashland
Adrienne Oliver, Milwaukee
Rebecca Ruechel, St. Francis
Luz Sosa, Milwaukee
Wendellyn Stallings, Sussex
Kira Stewart, Madison
Shelia Stubbs, Madison
Katherine Svitavsky, La Crosse
Leanne Wied, Brookfield
Over the past seven months, our graduates have spent hours honing their skills and preparing to run. We can't wait to announce their candidacy!
We will continue to work for the return of voluntary school prayer to our schools and will strongly enforce the Republican legislation that guarantees equal access to school facilities by student religious groups. We strongly support voluntary student-initiated prayer in school without governmental interference. We strongly disagree with the Supreme Court’s rulings against student-initiated prayer.
Support voluntary student-initiated prayer in school
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 84 , Sep 1, 2004
Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, of Burlington, wrote to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson Thursday asking that Wisconsin not be considered a site to temporarily shelter unaccompanied immigrant children who are crossing the border, mostly from Central America.
The letter, posted on the Wheeler Report, was also signed by Republican Assembly members John Nygren, of Marinette; Joel Kleefisch, of Oconomowoc; and David Craig, of Big Bend...
The legislators ask if there's a limit on the number of immigrants that would be housed in the state and the liklihood the minors will be deemed refugees, which could mean getting public assistance.
They also express concern about the potential for the minors to permanently reside in Wisconsin.
Housing these minors will result in a "significant strain" on local and state budgets and impact both public education and health system, the letter said.
It asks that the decision to locate unaccompanied minors in Wisconsin be reconsidered.
Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses, yearning to breath free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore,
Send these, the homeless, tempest tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door.
Matthew 18:1-35 ESV / 19 helpful votes
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me,
The woman that Ellis says "will manufacture the crap" is Judith Rhodes Engels, who has a long history as a WISGOP fundraiser and operative dating all the way back to the original caucus scandal and has been named more than once in the Walkergate investigation."I am putting together my own super PAC. I have a $400,000 committee and Judi Rhodes will, I am raising the money, she will manufacture the crap," said Ellis in the video.
Mike Ellis
Ellis was talking about forming a Super PAC to attack his Democratic opponent in the 19th Senate District, Rep. Penny Bernard Schaber (D-Appleton).
It is against the law in Wisconsin for a candidate to coordinate with a PAC or any outside groups.
Rhodes said in a statement that “I have never set up any ‘Super PAC’ nor have I had any intention of doing so nor have I ever had any conversation with Senator Ellis about it.The Ellis Incident raised many questions, the largest of which is could it be true that Rhodes Engels was again breaking the law by setting up these super PACs for Wisconsin Republicans.
“I will not work for any committee that would imply that I would improperly do so. I have terminated my contract with the Ellis to Madison Committee.”
She resigned Wednesday.
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| Judith Rhodes Engels with another favored client, State Senator Scott Fitzgerald |
At least cooler heads prevailed for the moment. It is a sign of things to come though if we do not turn out and vote in November!
Wisconsin's election board rejected the request of Republican lawmakers on Monday and decided to keep in place a ban on using cameras at polling stations after the NAACP and others raised concerns about voter intimidation.
The Government Accountability Board, on a 4-2 vote, went along with other changes affecting election observers — including requiring them to show photo identification at the polls — and sent the proposed rule to the Legislature.
Republicans in control could choose to rewrite the rule, including allowing cameras, but it won't be done in time for the Aug. 12 primary or the Nov. 4 general election barring a special legislative session.
Republican co-chairs of the state Senate and Assembly elections committees had requested the changes, including allowing cameras. Messages left with those lawmakers — Sen. Mary Lazich of New Berlin, and Rep. Kathy Bernier of Lake Hallie — were not immediately returned.
Will you stand with me in my fight to restore common sense & fiscal responsibility in Washington? http://www.leibham.com/#!get-involved/c21g …
State Sen. Joe Leibham (R) said that if Obama lied about how much he knew about the IRS scandal, that would be “grounds for impeachment.”
“His presidency is a scandal,” Leibham said. “He has destroyed America from the great capitalistic country it used to be.“
That puts Walker well over the $1 million mark in legal cooperation. That's a lot of money for someone that keeps claiming he has done nothing wrong. One would think that his campaign would be squeaky clean by now with all that cooperation and compliance. Apparently, that's not the case, since Walker has been so reluctant to talk about any of this.Gov. Scott Walker funneled more than $320,000 from his campaign account to defense attorneys over the last six months as he and his allies fought a secret probe into fundraising and spending during the 2012 recall election.
[...]
Walker's report showed his political committee sent nearly $213,000 to Sidley Austin, a large Chicago law firm where defense attorney John Gallo is a partner; more than $83,000 to the Mequon-based Biskupic & Jacobs law firm; and $25,000 to Milwaukee defense lawyer Michael Steinle.
All the expenses were labeled "legal fees — compliance/administrative."
They come after Walker's campaign paid Biskupic & Jacobs $86,000 in the second half of 2013. The firm is run by former U.S. Attorneys Steven Biskupic and Michelle Jacobs.
The latest legal expenses come on top of almost $650,000 that Walker's campaign paid to attorneys during an earlier John Doe investigation into his aides and associates during his time as Milwaukee County executive. That brings the total the governor has had to spend on John Doe investigations to nearly $1 million.
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