Politics & Government
Democratic groups raise 500% more money than GOP groups
Groups that supported Democratic candidates raised five times as much money as groups that support Republicans in Wisconsin during the first half of 2019, the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign reports. Of the nearly $3.2 million raised by 527 groups–nonprofit organizations that, under IRS rules, can raise and spend unlimited, unregulated money on election activities–a whopping $2.7 […]
Election 2020: Milwaukee progressives weigh in
Can a progressive platform help the Democratic Party win in 2020? Voters in the battleground state of Wisconsin might offer some answers. Recently filed campaign finance documents show strong interest in progressive candidates. Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has attracted $117,000 from 467 Wisconsinites, more than any other candidate. Close behind is Senator Elizabeth Warren with […]
Democrats continue push for gun-safety measures
This week’s Democratic Radio address is yet another sign that despite being rebuffed and ignored by GOP lawmakers, Wisconsin’s Democratic legislators are continuing their calls for popular gun safety laws. Over the past two weeks, in the wake of devastating back-to-back mass shootings in Texas and Ohio, they have repeatedly called for change. Some national […]
State Treasurer Godlewski sees green in climate-friendly investments
State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski views her role overseeing Wisconsin’s oldest state agency–the obscure and vaguely named Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL)–as a natural avenue to pursue her green progressive vision for Wisconsin. The name, she says, makes the small agency founded in 1848 sound like a mini-Department of Natural Resources. It’s far enough […]
WEDC chief defends agency in low-key ‘exit interview’
Outgoing Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) secretary and CEO Mark Hogan made his final appearance before the state legislative audit committee Tuesday, once again defending WEDC’s performance in the face of another audit reporting recurring shortcomings at the state economic development agency. The session doubled, in the words of state Sen. Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) […]
Podcast for political junkies in Wisconsin and beyond
“It’s very clear that the eyes of the world are going to be on Wisconsin for the next 18 months, and we intend to draw some conclusions about who is going to win,” Scot Ross announced in the kickoff episode of his new podcast with co-host Bill McCoshen, Win2020 with McCoshen and Ross. Ross, a […]
Gov. Evers, activists tackle climate change
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has signaled his support for tackling climate change with an executive order. The recent action sets a goal for Wisconsin to transition to 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050. It also orders the establishment of an Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy. “This is a game-changer for Wisconsin on multiple fronts,” said […]
Bernie Sanders leads Dem rivals in Wisconsin fundraising
Wisconsin Democrats aren’t giving up on Bernie Sanders. The Vermont senator, who won the state’s Democratic presidential primary back in 2016, has raked in more campaign contributions from Wisconsin than any other Democratic candidate, according to the most recent campaign finance filings. That total includes itemized contributions from donors giving more than $200 and can […]
Democrats unify to push gun sale background checks
Democrats showed what a difference it makes in being able to magnify their voices by having statewide-elected officials that come together behind an issue that is popular with the majority of the public. Today Attorney General Josh Kaul, Gov. Tony Evers, Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, Rep. Melissa Sargent (D-Madison) and Sen. LaTonya Johnson (D-Milwaukee) unveiled […]
Nine speakers, no regents, at UW Regents’ public hearing on speech penalties
The UW System Board of Regents’ public hearing Tuesday, on the controversial policy that mandates harsh punishments for students who disrupt campus speeches and presentations, fulfilled concerns that holding such a hearing weeks before students return to campus might not be successful. Held in a large room at Gordon Commons, roughly nine out of every […]
Evers bows to WMC
Gov. Tony Evers bowed down to the biggest business lobby in Wisconsin yesterday. In a speech to Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, which spent more than $1 million in nasty ads against him in his race for governor, Evers acted like they were his buddies. “Thank you,” he said, shockingly. “My administration continues to support the […]
Nygren highlights his Texas southern border tour
On Monday, state Rep. John Nygren (R-Marinette) took a tour of the U.S. southern border in Texas that was organized by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) working with the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security and the state of Texas. In a statement after the tour he said it provided “an opportunity […]