Taxing rich will hurt already employed, at all pay levels

President Obama, the champion of class warfare rhetoric*, has been chanting the mantra: tax the rich, as a solution to our deficit, poverty, and social class disparity for as long as I can remember. Obama also throws around the phrase fair share to justify tax rates that take more than half their income. And we really should call his attack what it is: tax the successful. Republicans and economists counter with how taxing the successful (rich ) will harm small businesses, who are the majority of job creators in America. Being a Conservative, I side with the Republicans, I view fairness as taxing all income at the same rate.

But one consequence of taxing the rich I have yet to hear anyone mention, who will be the consumers if they have less income once their taxes are paid? Who will be building a new home or hiring the local remodeler? Who will be purchasing that new car or new furniture? Who will be dining out every weekend? Or having their hair and nails done, stopping for a latte, or hiring the yard and cleaning help? Who will be able to afford vacationing in Wisconsin or at popular tourist attractions across America?

American tourism already seems down in the U.S., at least from what I have observed. Hearing a foreign language or accent at Yellowstone or Grand Canyon National Parks is the norm. Last fall, my sister and I observed that Disney World would really be hurting if it weren't for the Brazilians spending their dollars at the Kingdom of the Mouse. An American accent was in the minority at all locations.

But it isn't just the business owners' ledger that takes the hit when tourists cut back, its all the employees at these businesses that feel it too. If Disney, the largest employer in the U.S., the National Parks or even Wisconsin Dells, for that matter, experience a downturn, then area hotels don't need as many housekeepers. Restaurants cut hours or move employees to part time. Peripheral tourist attractions such as raft rides or water parks lose business.

If consumers cut back, because they don't have as much disposable income as they used to, the carpet, furniture, clothing, and tech. stores suffer a loss. That loss is passed on to the employees; the management cuts hours, sometimes pay, sometimes benefits, and often terminates employees.

Of course the truly wealthy will still do and buy these things or just move out of the country, but the $200,000 - $250,000 earners, who file their business taxes on their personal tax returns, will be hurting.

And if you think you aren't one of those upper 2% earners, so your paycheck will be untouched, think again: ObamaCare taxes are coming our way in 2013. More than likely the Payroll Tax Cut will expire, resulting in less take home pay.

So if all of us have less money in our pockets, who will be the purchasers? How will that effect your job?

Contact your Representatives and Senators
Find your U.S. Senators by last name
Wisconsin's U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (202) 224-5323
Wisconsin's U.S. Senator Herb Kohl (202) 224-5653

Find your U.S. House of Representatives member by state
House Representative James Sensenbrenner Washington D.C. (202) 225-5101, Brookfield (262) 784-1111

House Speaker Boehner phone line (513) 779-5400

*Class warfare and even the term middle class are Marxist terms

Past Post: Tax the rich? Every job I had was because of richer person!

More Reading:
Taxing the Rick More Will Backfire on the Middle Class
French star Depardieu moves to lower-tax Belgium
Heritage: Chart: Obamacare's Barrage of Tax Hikes Coming in 2013
Top Five Worst Obamacare Taxes Coming in 2013

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, WisPolitics Quorum Call, Wisconsin Reporter, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation, The Way <><

Tell Republicans to stand firm: No New Taxes

They call it the Fiscal Cliff. Falling off it is seen as disastrous to the U.S. economy and will cause us to fall back into recession. (Did we ever leave it?) If we do nothing to avert the cliff, we fall off on New Year's Eve.

But what is the Fiscal Cliff? Primarily, it is the end to the Bush Tax Cuts they band-aided back into law in December of 2010. It also includes expiration of the Payroll Tax Cut, which has little support from either side of the aisle. If you remember, it reduced the Social Security payroll deduction from 6.2% to 4.2% so workers would have a bit more take home pay. (Did you even notice?) However, it also reduced the amount of money flowing into the Social Security coffers--a bad idea for an entitlement already facing solvency issues. The $700 billion or so Doc Fix, military reductions, and some token spending cuts also part of the mix.

Our Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner wrote, Don't trade a cliff for an iceberg.  In it he points out,

Currently, the US debt is on track to reach 187 percent of GDP by 2035. But unlike Greece, there is no "Germany" to bail us out. If our debt reaches this level, an international economic crisis would ensue. 

The President and Congressional Democrats have called for a “balanced” approach to reducing the deficit. 

But their approach has been anything but balanced. The President’s “offer” included $1.6 trillion dollars in taxes and $400 billion in spending cuts. That’s neither balanced nor helpful for our economy. When spending on entitlements is 62 percent of our budget, the President’s focus on tax increases is not going to cut it.

We can’t solve our debt problem without economic growth, and tax hikes could cost 710,000 jobs according to an independent Ernst &Young study.

Simply put, the President wants no cuts in spending, in fact wants even more increases including another Stimulus! Obama wants to increase taxes on the "rich" that will raise only around $85 billion, enough to run our country for 8 and a half days. So losing over 700,000 jobs in exchange for running the government for 8.5 days is a good deal?

House Speaker John Boehner has been offering up plans, even more generous than last time, to President Obama. They include increases in tax revenue by closing loopholes. But on whose authority? Boehner certainly doesn't have the backing of his party. By the way, Obama rejected his offers.

So at this point, if you don't want America to increase tax rates, spending, and debt, I think your representatives need to hear from you.  I would like to see the House pass an extension of the Bush Tax Cuts for all income levels, then see what the President offers. Don't forget we have a debt ceiling deadline coming and Obama will need Republican votes then.

Contact your Representatives and Senators
Find your U.S. Senators by last name
Wisconsin's U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (202) 224-5323
Wisconsin's U.S. Senator Herb Kohl (202) 224-5653

Find your U.S. House of Representatives member by state
House Representative James Sensenbrenner Washington D.C. (202) 225-5101, Brookfield (262) 784-1111

House Speaker Boehner phone line (513) 779-5400

More Reading:
The Social Security payroll tax cut: Let it die
Don't trade a cliff for an iceberg

Boehner tax increase sparks conservative backlash

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, WisPolitics Quorum Call, Wisconsin Reporter, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation, The Way <><

Wisconsin gets another chance for Gogebic Taconite iron mine

It is not often a state gets a do-over, but it looks like Wisconsin will have another opportunity to woo Gogebic Taconite to open an iron mine--with its 700 good paying jobs--in Ashland County.

With Republicans gaining a healthier majority in the State Senate, passage of the Assembly's mining bill for streamlining of the mining approval process is likely. And with a passed mining bill, Gogebic Taconite says they are still interested in Wisconsin.

Because State Senate Republicans are no longer dependent on their weakest link, Sen. Dale Schultz, they should be able to pass the streamlined mining approval bill. Ironically, now that passage seems inevitable, Democrat Senator Tim Cullen now invokes Thomas Jefferson's appeal for "broad support for sweeping change"! In Sunday's paper, Cullen made his plea for not ramming through legislation with a slim majority.

Cullen's plea, however, seems very out of character with Democrats' actions, both in state and in Washington. After all, didn't Cullen join with the other Democrat State Senators when the 14 fled the state to deny the Senate Republicans from having a quorum during the Act 10 battle? And though he flirted with leaving the Democrat caucus in July, 3 days later he rejoined them with a promise of chairing 2 newly created committees--one being Mining.

As for Democrats in the U.S. Senate, didn't Harry Reid tweak and torture Senate rules to pass Obamacare on the slimmest of majorities? Hardly following Thomas Jefferson's appeal for broad support for sweeping change! Cullen stood with both Obama and Tammy Baldwin in the last election, so I guess that shows how much Cullen really values Thomas Jefferson's words of wisdom.

Since the introduction of iron mining would be a great boon for all of Wisconsin, I would like to think Democrats could put partisanship aside and do what is best for the state. Keep in mind the mining bill includes environmental protections, and iron mining is akin to quarrying, which goes on all over our state, it is not toxic strip mining. And the 700 jobs? Those are promised to be 95% union jobs, certainly a boon to economically challenged northern Wisconsin.

However, putting partisanship aside doesn't seem to be the direction state Democrats wish to move in: they just named Democrat Chris Larson as their Minority Leader. (Larson is a true liberal, believing that reducing government is reducing democracy!)

No doubt a passed mining bill will end up tangled in the Madison courts, just as our passed Voter ID and Act 10 have. But at least we should be able to jump the first hurdle of passing the mining legislation. The court battle will have to be overcome another day*.


*Note: Wisconsin has an extremely important State Supreme Court race coming up in April 2013, where we must reelect Justice Pat Roggensack.



Walker: With new bill, mining company will return 
Best mining bill would have wide support 
UPDATE: Sen. Tim Cullen rejoins Democratic Caucus
Democrats elected Chris Larson as state Senate leader
Sen Chris Larson Says, "Reducing Government" is Reducing Democracy"
Hurley residents decry 'devastating' collapse of Wisconsin mining bill
The importance of the upcoming WI Supreme Court race to Republicans 
Wisconsin Justice Pat Roggensack
Past Posts:

State mining bill on life support, call Senators to save! March 9, 2012

Wisconsin Tea Party Reaction to Mining Debacle  March 9, 2012
Wisconsin Senate mining bill took wrong turn, now better Feb. 15, 2012

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, WisPolitics Quorum Call, Wisconsin Reporter, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation, The Way <><

Good week for Conservatives: Perry is 'in', ObamaCare struck down & more

Just a quick post here--I am up to my elbows in paint brushes and sandpaper--but there were a few positive news items that should be noted from last week. I will start with the most recent first:

2012 Presidential Election
Texas Governor Rick Perry announced he is running for President on Saturday at a RedState event. How refreshing to hear, "You see, as Americans we’re not defined by class, and we will never be told our place. What makes our nation exceptional is that anyone, from any background, can climb the highest of heights. As Americans, we don’t see the role of government as guaranteeing outcomes, but allowing free men and women to flourish based on their own vision, their hard work and their personal responsibility. And as Americans, we realize there is no taxpayer money that wasn’t first earned by the sweat and toil of one of our citizens." (My emphasis)

Perry is being attacked by the Left, so I would say they are seeing him as a serious contender! One cannot help but make the comparisons to Ronald Reagan. In fact, Richard Cohen titled his piece on Monday, The Texas Gipper. "Here again was a governor declaring for the presidency and some very wise people cautioning us on the air and in print that what worked in Texas might not work in the nation. Perry is too conservative, too much a cowboy, too religious and, while we’re at it, too handsome. This, more or less, was what was said about Ronald Reagan. "

In other 2012 Election news, Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann won the Iowa Straw Poll with 29% of the vote on Saturday. Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty dropped out of the race. Some are still holding out hope for Rep. Paul Ryan and Gov. Chris Christie to throw their hats in the ring. I am not a Christie fan as he is not as Conservative as I would like across the board.

ObamaCare
On Friday, Appeals Court Rules ObamaCare Unconstitutional: "...the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals struck down the so-called individual mandate, siding with 26 states that had sued to block the law." They stopped short of declaring "the entire overhaul as unconstitutional".

Wisconsin Republican Recall Election
It would appear last Tuesday's recall results will be enough to repel Obama's Magical Misery Tour through the Midwest from crossing our border. "Obama’s bus trip this week will bring him to an Iowa town within twenty miles of the Wisconsin border on Tuesday. That’s the same day that two Wisconsin Democratic state senators who sided with labor last winter face recalls mounted by the Republican Party and national conservative groups."

"But Obama’s team has made no announcement of plans to cross the line into the battleground state."

I am hoping today's 2 recall elections against the Democrat Senators who fled the state will give Mr. Obama even more reason to avoid our state in the future. According to reports from voters calling into talk radio, turnout is high. Don't know if that is good or bad for Kim Simac and Jonathan Steitz. We will just have to wait and see.

Well, it's back to the paint brushes for me. Enjoy this beautiful Wisconsin day.

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Phew! Republicans hold majority, Darling still Republicans' darling

Conservatives in Wisconsin are breathing much easier this morning, because 4 of the 6* recalled Republicans won their elections! Just enough victory to keep their majority in the Senate--important because the majority controls which bills come up for vote in the Senate.

Despite this being the best election paid political operatives could muster, the Democrats still couldn't pull off a win here. To me, that is huge. For despite all the out of state Union money flowing into anti-Republican advertising, phone banks, door-to-door canvassers, and BBQ for Votes parties, the Republicans still prevailed.

Since this is the 3rd election effort against the conservative agenda, and the conservatives won, I think it is clear Wisconsinites like this new less tax and less spend direction.

The whole country was watching these recalls--Conservatives hoping Wisconsin voters would uphold Walker's return to fiscal sanity so their state could do the same; Liberals hoping a Democrat victory would make legislators think twice about cutting spending and challenging the unions. Drudge posted this as his top set of links (before 9am): "Republicans take 4 of 6 in recall elections, hold Senate... (todaystmj4 GOP maintains control of Senate)
GOP's stand could reverberate elsewhere...(Washington Times)" Drudge also characterized the Democrat loss as "Unions Lose in Wisconsin".

Well, the focus on Wisconsin's Republican victory didn't last long on Drudge. Now the headline link is More Slide. The Dow is at -377.62 at 9:20am--make that 389.58 at 9:29am. Can it be any more clear? Our nation needs to cut our out of control deficit spending lest we join Europe in their debt-fest. Maybe President Obama would like to have a chat with Gov. Scott Walker for some cost cutting pointers? ;-)

Next Tuesday, Aug. 16th, Republicans have a chance of capturing 2 more seats in the Simac and Steitz races against 2 Democrat Senators who fled the state rather than vote. I would think yesterday's results would energize their campaigns.

I want to thank talk show host Jay Weber for making a point to allow a caller yesterday make a plea for people to pray about the recall elections. Though I couldn't vote in yesterday's election, I and many others did pray for justice and fairness.


Today's TMJ4 GOP maintains control of Senate
Washington Times: Wis. GOP's stand could reverberate elsewhere
AP Vote Totals
Wisconsin GOP holds on to Senate

*These results were not unexpected: Dan Kapanke is in a Democrat district. Randy Hopper's personal problems were seen as a big negative.

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Aug. 9th Voter Turnout Key to WI Senate Republicans Keeping Seats

UPDATE: Milwaukee to see ["at least $11 million"] net gain from state budget [The Walker budget the 6 recalled Republicans voted for] Part of Republican Alberta Darling's Senate district is in Milwaukee.

What are the 3 rules of elections? Turnout, turnout, turnout! And turnout will be key for Wisconsin's unprecedented special Republican recall elections on Tuesday, August 9th. This is a real election day with real consequences.

If voter turnout is high, I think the Republican Senators will hold their majority, and more specifically, in the Milwaukee/North Shore area, Republican Alberta Darling will keep her seat.

But if turnout is light, then the get-out-the-vote-have-a-chicken-dinner-block-party-for-votes strategy just might prevail: "Five such parties were sponsored by Wisconsin Jobs Now, a coalition of community and labor groups led by the Service Employees International Union. The coalition describes itself as a nonpartisan organization, although its blog posts have been highly critical of state Sen. Alberta Darling (R-River Hills), who is defending her seat against Rep. Sandy Pasch (D-Whitefish Bay) in the Aug. 9 recall vote.

Wisconsin Jobs Now held three parties last week and two Monday, all on Milwaukee’s northwest side. Each party offered free food, prizes such as t-shirts and stuffed toys, face-painting for children, drawings for school backpacks — and free shuttles to Milwaukee City Hall, where voters could cast absentee ballots in [Alberta Darling's] 8th Senate District contest." (My emphasis)

And what would these voters be voting against? Paying back Wisconsin's debt? Balancing the budget? Passing Voter ID? Lowering Auto Insurance premiums? Creating a positive business and jobs climate? If voters are unsure, they can read Sen. Kedzie's summary, Don't Go Wobbly, Don't Go Back. And by the way, Wisconsin State Senators don't vote on Medicare, because it is a Federal program!

I realize anything is possible in politics--especially because we have never had 8 late summer recall elections before. We have also not had this level of campaign spending before: About $5 million from the candidates themselves, $13 million from registered interest groups, and another $13 million from unregistered interest groups! On top of that, there are 2 separate election days: Aug. 9th for the 6 Republican held State Senate seats and Aug. 16th for 2 Democrat held seats. (See listing below)

Since all 8 of these individuals were elected in November 2008, during the height of Democrat Obama fervor, it is difficult for me to believe that same high tide of liberalism will carry the day tomorrow. Since then, we have had the birth of the conservative Tea Party in spring of 2009, a strong Conservative shift in November 2010 (even in very Blue Wisconsin), and a Conservative Justice, David Prosser, win in April of this year, amid the height of liberal protesting in Madison.

We can see what is going on in Washington and World Markets with our out of control spending, does Wisconsin want to go back to the Doyle debt days? If not, if you have a recall election Aug. 9th or Aug. 16th in your State Senate district, GET OUT AND VOTE!

Who is on the ballot?
Aug. 9th is recall election day for Republican State Senators: Robert Cowles for District 2 -- Shawano , for Republican Alberta Darling in District 8 -- Mequon (north shore, Menomonee Falls too), for Republican Sheila Harsdorf in District 10 -- River Falls, for Republican Luther Olsen in District 14 -- Ripon, for Republican Randy Hopper in District 18 -- Oshkosh/Fond du Lac, and for Republican Dan Kapanke District 32 -- LaCrosse.

Aug. 16th is recall election day for Democrat Senators (The ones who fled the state rather than vote.) Democrat incumbents will be defending their seats against Republican Kim Simac (Rhinelander, Eagle River area) and Republican Jonathan Steitz (Kenosha).

Past Posts: Kim Simac & Jonathan Steitz advance to Aug. 16th recall election

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Kim Simac & Jonathan Steitz advance to Aug. 16th recall election

Though our area State Senators Leah Vukmir and Rich Zipperer are not facing recall elections this August, the results of these recall elections on Aug. 9th and Aug. 16th are still very important for everyone in our state. These recall elections will determine if Republicans hold their majority in the State Senate or not.

I was pleased to learn that Northwoods Patriots Tea Party founder Kim Simac won over her opponent in Senate District 16 way up north (Rhinelander, Eagle River). Her election website Kim Simac for State Senate cleverly bears the subtitle: A Leader Who Won't Run Away, in reference to her opponent, Dem. Senator Jim Holperin, who fled the state rather than take a vote.

Obviously, Simac is a conservative! I first became acquainted with her and the Northwoods Patriots when Simac spoke at the Madison Tea Party rally in 2010. With that kind of grassroots support, I would think she has a good chance of defeating Democrat incumbent Holperin on Aug. 16th.

Former small business owner and attorney Jonathan Steitz won his 22nd Senate District primary yesterday. Much like U.S. Senator Ron Johnson, who stepped forward out of the private sector to run against incumbent Democrat Russ Feingold, Jonathan Steitz has a business background. He will be running against Democrat Bob Wirch on Aug. 16th.

Jonathan Steitz has been sending me press releases since he announced his candidacy in mid May. "We need lower taxes, less government regulation, and common-sense policies that will encourage economic growth for our area," Steitz stated. And that sentiment has become the subtitle for his election website Steitz for Senate: Simplify taxes, reduce regulation and create jobs.

Wisconsin needs conservatives like Simac and Steitz in Madison. I wish them much success.

You can keep up with the latest election information at WisPolitics Election Blog

Don't forget that on Aug. 9th, 6 Republican Senators will be defending their seats in Madison against Democrat opponents. My blogging acquaintance Randy Melchert has posted an assessment of all 9 recall elections. His blog includes the vote total percentages Prosser received in April in their districts and his projections about wins and losses. Check it out.

Yesterday, was the first of the recalls with Democrat Hansen holding his seat in Green Bay against David Vanderleest, who Republicans weren't really promoting. (Republicans flubbed this recall primary big time by not submitting enough nomination signatures for John Nygren, who was the real contender. Thus it was the actual election instead of a primary.)

Aug. 9th is recall election day for Republican Robert Cowles for District 2 -- Shawano , for Republican Alberta Darling in District 8 -- Mequon (north shore, Menomonee Falls too), for Republican Sheila Harsdorf in District 10 -- River Falls, for Republican Luther Olsen in District 14 -- Ripon, for Republican Randy Hopper in District 18 -- Oshkosh/Fond du Lac, and for Republican Dan Kapanke District 32 -- LaCrosse. Kapanke is a good guy and unfortunately, he looks to be the most vulnerable.

Then there are the last 2 recalls on Aug. 16th with Democrat incumbents defending their seats against Kim Simac and Jonathan Steitz.

I am sure any one of these candidates would appreciate a donation or volunteers to make phone calls, etc. Contact them by clicking the link on their name. And if you live in these districts, Don't forget to VOTE!



Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Trump, Huckabee out, Newt, Romney should go too, we need a Ryan!

So far, the field of announced 2012 Republican contenders for the presidency is abysmal.

Thankfully,Huckabee decided not to run, and Trump announced the same. While I did enjoy Trump dishing it back to the press, he is no conservative. Glad he is out of the picture.

Then there is the has-been Newt Gingrich. He really shot himself in his remaining foot over the weekend by standing up for the individual health insurance mandate, endorsing the state run systems (he must have liked Romney's approach?), and criticizing Paul Ryan's plan as radical. (Newt apologized to Ryan, but the damage is done.)

Newt wasn't even on my radar as a possibility ever since he made that Pelosi love-fest ad for global warming. Since he still won't recant on that, Newt doesn't have a conservative leg to stand on. His marital history is a mess too. I think of Newt as Newt the coot--as appealing as week old, warmed over coffee.

Then there is Mitt Romney. He still won't renounce his Massachusetts health care plan, which was the template for Obamacare. The only thing he has going for him is that he promises to repeal Obamacare. (That would be his I created an Obamacare-like program before I was against it stance.) But even with that promise, I am struggling with supporting someone who is not a Christian. (I could support a Jew for president.) I do know some Mormons and they are lovely people. We share many common values, but we do not share a common belief in who God and Jesus Christ are or a belief in the Trinity. Though I would have voted for Mitt last time, I would have to prayerfully consider supporting Romney this time.

So, if we eliminate Newt and Romney, who then?

I would love to see Paul Ryan run, but he says the time isn't right. I would remind him that George Washington didn't want to be president either but agreed to do it because his country needed him. (I am praying for a change of heart.)

Though a Congressman has never won a presidency, I do wonder if those rules are out the window now since the emergence of the Tea Party and raised awareness of the voting public. After all, Wisconsin just had Ron Johnson, a business man with no political experience, win a US Senate race against Russ Feingold, a solid Democrat, last year.

Paul Ryan was on Mark Levin last night talking about his budget plan. One interesting point was that his solution for Medicare was originally talked about during the Clinton administration by a bipartisan Medicare commission in 1999. Ryan also reminded the public that Medicare on its present course goes bankrupt in 9 years!

Listen for yourself: Ryan comes on the show at the 4 minute mark and talks about his plan from the 5:17 to 16 minute mark.

In a nutshell: those 55 and over will have no change. Medicare for 54 and under would have a plan like the Congress and Federal workers have. The senior can pick their own provider from a list of Medicare approved providers, benefits would be prorated by ability to pay. The CBO says this allows Medicare to remain solvent.

Contrast Ryan's plan with Obamacare that removes $500 billion from Medicare and then relies on denying coverage for seniors outright via the 15 man bureaucratic commission. It goes bankrupt in 9 years!

In other words, Ryan's plan gives the money to the senior and they decide who will provide their coverage. Ryan's reforms promote competition and denies inefficient providers.

So if Ryan won't run, who would you favor?

I admire Michelle Bachmann. She is fearless in her ability to stand up for her beliefs, but she too is a Congressman.

Please don't say Chris Chrisite. For one, he just was elected as governor and he is NOT a conservative. He won't denounce Obamacare and he is pro amnesty and green energy.)

There are a number of choices on the Town Hall roster of 2012 hopefuls including Sarah Palin (she has been consistently solid on the issues since 2008 but I don't know that the majority would accept her), and there are others that I am not really familiar with. Names like Tim Pawlenty (I heard he renounced his pro green energy stance), Herman Cain (I like his ideas but don't know about his experience), Mitch Daniels (I have heard his name brought up, but I don't know how conservative he is), Rick Santorum (I really admire Rick, a solid conservative) and a few others. Ron Paul is on that list--he's great on the economy but really wacky on other issues.

Texas governor Rick Perry is also on that list. Maybe he is the Ryan-like candidate conservatives like me are looking for? I hope so. Governors are favored in a presidential race, and it seems he is moving forward: Rick Perry Presidential Push Quietly Gains Steam:

Perry just might be the man, "As many grass-roots Republicans remain in search of a conservative candidate with the pizazz to go toe-to-toe against President Obama, a man from deep in the heart of Texas who was tea party before the tea party was cool appears to be giving the presidential race some thought."

I hope conservatives are praying that the right man or woman is selected this time as the GOP candidate. We cannot afford another choice just because it was their turn to run!

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

"Hippie" Days are here again in Madison

Last April, I was privileged to visit my representatives after the April 15th Tea Party rally in Madison. It was my first time at our State Capitol (inside or out), and I was impressed by the artistry--its classic design, stonework, woodwork, sculpture, gilding, and murals.






Now to hear about the $7.5 million dollars* worth of damage from protesters taping protest signs on the Mankato limestone walls and marble trim, and to the floors from camping out, is heartbreaking. Marble and limestone are considered to be soft, porous stone, easily damaged by acids (spilled Coke is very acidic), staining, and glues. No wonder they have a "NO TAPING ON THE MARBLE" rule!

Take a look at the damage. (About half way through the news story.)

The photos and reports coming out of Madison reminded me of the Hippie days back when I was in college. It is one thing to make a shlook out of a field in Woodstock, for example, but in our state capitol?

Contrast Madison 2011 with these last 2 pictures taken after the 2010 Tea Party rally.
















Neat as a pin.


Yes, we have the right to assemble and to free speech, but can we please show some respect?

*Early estimates were $7.5 million. Now it seems the dollar amount might not be as much.


Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

How sickening. Jim Sullivan & supporters slam Leah Vukmir with untrue attacks +CORRECTION

Democrat Wisconsin State Senator Jim Sullivan is in the fight of his life to hold onto his 5th District Senate seat this November, and the tone of his campaign shows it. Having campaigned as a moderate Democrat, Sullivan's performance and voting record in Madison these past 4 years has been anything but moderate.

Jim Sullivan fancies himself as an independent, a maverick, yet Sullivan voted with Jim Doyle 99% of the time! (Sullivan rather reminds me of another so-called maverick in the US Senate: Russ Feingold. Maybe Sullivan is a Feingold wannabe?)

To the casual observer, Sullivan did vote no on the last budget, which might make you think he is a maverick. But his NO vote was only because the Democrats didn't need his vote. (Candidates facing a tough challenger are often given permission to vote no.) Sullivan still managed to bloat the 2009 budget at the committee level--not very maverick-ish. He also voted in favor of the 2007 budget and voted for expensive and destructive bills like Healthy Wisconsin, Combined Reporting, Badger Care Plus, etc.

Every day the airwaves, billboards, and mailboxes are being assaulted with misleading and downright untrue campaign pieces against Sullivan's opponent, Leah Vukmir, from PACs and Sullivan himself. Since I just blogged about Scott Walker's support for adult stem cell research and Tom Barrett's accusations to the contrary, we will start there.

As I mentioned,"there is nothing new here" in Democrats deception when it comes to stem cell research. Obama accused McCain and Palin of being against it. Feingold accused Ron Johnson, Barrett accused Scott Walker, and now Jim Sullivan accuses Leah Vukmir.

In all of these cases, the accusations were not true. Let's call these accusations what they are: they are out and out lies. All 5 of these Republicans support Stem Cell Research. They support the kind that works--the kind obtained from adult and umbilical cord stem cells.

Jim Sullivan's campaign piece goes a step further, however. He also accuses Vukmir of voting to criminalize stem cell research! "Vukmir voted to criminalize stem cell research that could help cure debilitating diseases like Alzheimer's (AB 499, 6/23/05)", Sullivan proclaims.

Now in the days before the internet, it would have been difficult to see if these wild accusations were true. But we do have the internet. So here is the bill Sullivan is referring to: "2005 Assembly Bill 499, AN ACT to create 146.347 of the statutes; relating to: human cloning and parthenogenesis and providing penalties."

"Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau

"This bill prohibits human cloning and parthenogenesis; attempting to perform human cloning or parthenogenesis; transferring or acquiring a human embryo produced by human cloning or parthenogenesis; and transferring or acquiring any embryo, cell, tissue, or product derived from a human embryo produced by human cloning or parthenogenesis."

The bill is NOT about Stem Cell research; it IS about Human Cloning.

In 2006, the race between Incumbent Republican Tom Reynolds and challenger Democrat Jim Sullivan was close: *Sullivan won by 2,462 votes, a 1.2% margin. Brookfield's Mayor Bloomberg endorsed Sullivan back then saying he would serve and represent the people of the 5th district effectively. (I did NOT agree.)

People voted for Sullivan in 2006, trusting that he was a moderate. I don't think they will be fooled again.

If you see campaign material that just doesn't ring true, check it out for yourself. We need honesty in Madison, someone who will fight to reduce taxes and respect life, like Leah Vukmir, not "barely true" Jim Sullivan.

*CORRECTION: I had mistakenly stated Sullivan won by a slim margin of 700 votes, however I had written that the night of the election and noted it was before the final count in the original 2006 post.

If you recall, the Reynolds, Sullivan race was deemed a tight race the night of the election. It was called for Sullivan, with him 700 or so ahead, at the time I posted that night, but not all the votes had been counted. All Politics Blog wrote: "With more than half the vote counted, the battle for the 5th Senate District remained too close to call, according to results from WTMJ-TV (Channel 4). Democratic challenger Jim Sullivan held a narrow lead, but incumbent GOP Sen. Tom Reynolds led earlier in the night. That west suburban seat is one of three that Democrats need to win to take control of the state Senate." The final vote tally was 36,148 Sullivan to 33,686 Reynolds, a 1.2% margin of 2,462 votes.


JSOnline: As Doyle's polls plunge, state Democrats try to stand clear, Democrats in tough contests are trying to distance themselves from the head of their party
PoliFact Wisconsin: Jim Sullivan says he voted against his own party to "stop runaway government spending" Barely true!

Past Posts: When did politics become so dirty? + P.S. 2006 campaign
Bloomberg's endorsement shows her true "blue state" colors? 2006
Senator Jim Sullivan's Town Hall.....GRILLING! OUCH! 2009 A taste of the REAL Jim Sullivan on a host of issues
Will Jim Sullivan recall effort affect his vote on $62.2 billion state budget? 2009

Rep. Leah Vukmir's Budget Update: Assembly passes [2009] budget
Wisconsin Assembly Update: Working night & day - RTA, Global Warming, Voter Act on hold April 2010, Vukmir the Valiant kills the RTA

For shame, Tom Barrett, Scott Walker SUPPORTS Stem Cell research!

Links: Practically Speaking, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Need a reason to vote Ron Johnson? Ask Michelle Obama

First Lady Michelle Obama campaigned for Russ Feingold Tuesday at a Milwaukee fundraiser.

She said, "even though change hasn't come fast enough for some citizens, it would be a mistake for voters to return Republicans to power next month."

..."This election isn't just about all that we've accomplished these past couple of years," she said. "This election, Wisconsin, is about all we have left to do in the months and years ahead."

..."But my husband can't do this alone," she said. ".... He needs strong leaders like Russ to help him." (My emphasis)

The leftist Liberal Progressives just don't get it, do they.

Enough said.

Ron Johnson for Senate

Links: Practically Speaking, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Yikes! Must be a Parallel Universe: Libs favor Walker & Johnson?

Did we enter an Alternate Universe since last Thursday? Maybe Mirror Universe would be a more accurate way to describe 2 Madison publications, The Isthmus and Wisconsin State Journal, going CONSERVATIVE!

That's right, on Oct. 7th, The Isthmus, a very liberal Madison publication actually slammed Russ Feingold in "The case against Russ Feingold, His maverick image is backed only with bluster and cheap shots" and ended with "Three reasons to vote for Ron Johnson:"

1. "He doesn't need the job. We should vie for elected officials who have been successful out of office. In politics, not needing the job is the best qualification for having it.

2. "He's plainspoken. Johnson has run into some trouble on the campaign trail for speaking his mind. You know he'll tell you what he thinks, because it appears he can do nothing but.

3. "His boots are on the ground. Johnson has spent 20 years creating jobs in the private sector. Wisconsin needs that kind of résumé to turn its economy around."

Now to be fair, The Isthmus also ran "The case against Ron Johnson" on the same day, and titled the pair, "May the worst man win."

But what I find so amazing is that they were so honest in their criticism of their guy, Feingold. The whole article on Feingold is worth reading in its entirety.

The Wisconsin State Journal, not exactly a Conservative manifesto, published on Sunday, "Our endorsement: Scott Walker best for jobs in race for governor."

It began with, "Job creation and fixing the state's crippling budget mess must be the top priorities for Wisconsin's next governor," and went on to ask a number of questions asking did the Democrats/Doyle do this or that to fix the state budget, school finance reform, boost school performance, better tax structure, job growth, etc.? The answer to all those questions was, "Nope", and then went on to explain how bad things are in Wisconsin.

The conclusion? "This fall's decision is about jobs and the economy. Walker is the best choice for getting Wisconsin back on track financially and competing for more good-paying jobs."

Amazing. It too is a must read.

Now if the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel endorses Conservative Leah Vukmir over Liberal/Progressive Jim Sullivan, I might truly believe we have stepped through the looking glass.

H/T Vicki McKenna

Past Posts: Walker rally made political hay, ad gained national attention
Ron Johnson, Feingold virtually tied in poll" November can't come fast enough!
Ron Johnson enters US Senate race
Ron Johnson would be my ideal candidate

Links: Practically Speaking, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

More concerned what Brett Davis DID than what Lt. Gov. does

We have less than 2 weeks to go until Wisconsin's Primary Election and the campaign ads are in full swing. The Brett Davis ad I have been hearing is really something, proving that in this election cycle, saying you are a CONSERVATIVE is a must for the Republican side of the ballot. (The TV version is much the same but shorter.)

Representative Davis' ad features a glowing litany of what he did in the legislature, with a decidedly conservative, tax cutting spin. It claims he wants to transform the office of Lt. Governor into a taxpayer watchdog for the state. Great.

Trouble is, his complete voting record doesn't match his ad's promises. See what you think.

The Davis ad: In a lighthearted way, the Davis ad begins with a male voice asking a series of questions: For thousands of years, mankind has looked to answer the great questions of the day: Can we predict the end of time? When will Brett Farve retire? and What on earth does the Wisconsin Lt. Governor do?

Then a woman's voice comes on and seriously tells us the facts: Conservative Republican Brett Davis has a plan to end the days of Wisconsin's do-nothing Lt. Governor. Brett Davis will transform the job into the leading taxpayer watchdog in the state, with the chief mission of cutting wasteful spending in Madison. Brett Davis, a small businessman and legislator, who has voted 126 times to cut taxes by a total of $5 billion dollars. No one else running for Lt. Governor can say the same. Brett Davis has a 100% voting record with National Federation of Independent Businesses, is the only candidate with an A rated voting record from the NRA, and is endorsed by Wisconsin Right to Life. It ends with the usual vote Brett Davis on Sept. 14th....

Sounds good, doesn't it? Especially if you aren't familiar with Brett Davis' voting record in Wisconsin's Assembly!

When I look at a prospective candidate, I am far more concerned with what that person did in the past than the promises they make for the future. In fact, I will quote Mr. Davis' latest campaign email called "Home Strech" (Brett, you might want to make that stretch): "But talk is cheap--actions speak louder than words."

First of all, since he is the only candidate that has been a legislator in Madison; obviously he is the only candidate with a legislature voting record!

And while in Madison, HE VOTED FOR THE FINAL DOYLE 2007-2008 BUDGET. Although Davis says the promise of a $4 Million dollar Soy Bean Crusher for his district (pork) to sweeten the pot on wasn't the reason, he was the "lone Republican" vote among the Democrats on an earlier compromise budget proposal just the same.

Davis' ad says he wants to "transform the job of Lt. Governor into the leading taxpayer watchdog in the state". In his email he promises, "I'm going to make the job meaningful by giving the office a purpose -- stopping wasteful spending."

Some Watchdog--seems more like a fox in charge of hen-house? Because by Brett Davis' vote in 2007, Davis approved of the $200 million dollar raid from the Patient's Compensation Fund and approved the inmates driver's license ID policy that he is now raging war against. And let's not forget his sponsorship of AB 15, a 2005 Ethanol Mandate Bill. Hardly the work of a true Conservative.

As for the endorsements, Ginny Marshman, a leader in Republican politics in Waukesha County, said this about Davis' pro life stance: "Brett Davis has a 75% pro-life record in the 2005-2006 session, voting against the Wisconsin Right to Life positions three times. His stance against the pro-life movement, including voting for Planned Parenthood's #1 agenda item in chemical abortion aka 'emergency contraception'." (Davis' voting record in 2007-2008 was 100%.)

Notice there is no Tax Hero status mentioned from Wisconsin Club for Growth as there is for real conservatives such as Leah Vukmir or Jim Ott or Glenn Grothman, to name a few.

Yup. You can dress 'em up and even call them Conservative in the ads, but their voting record remains. I can only hope voters this time around will do a little research before they cast their vote on Sept. 14th.

My vote is going for a genuine Conservative, Rebecca Kleefisch, for Lt. Governor. She is Pro-Life, Pro 2nd Amendment, and says NO to high speed rail, for example. If I were not voting for her, I would choose David Ross, Mayor of Superior.

Certainty we can do better than Brett Davis, a Madison middle of the roader for Lt. Governor.


More reading: Brett Davis doesn't want you to know THE TRUTH
Brett Davis is a grade-A hypocrite
We don't need another RINO in Madison zoo
My anti-ethanol [and Brett Davis soybean] rant

Past Posts: Wisconsin's primary is 3 weeks away - who are you voting for?
Lt. Gov. candidate Rebecca Kleefisch on Fox & Friends

Links: Practically Speaking, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation