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12/31/2007
Let's all play nice in the sandbox
This is really stupid. Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton telling us (in yesterday’s Journal Sentinel and who knows where else) that “we can’t afford” legislative gridlock. “We need to take stock of bipartisan victories of the year past… and build a shared agenda for 2008 that will define our state’s economic outlook for years to come.”
Give me a break. And after that brilliant, all-encompassing challenge, Ms. Lawton must also complain about the “unique” year ahead, “12 short months before No. 44 takes office,” going on to whine about all she sees as not yet accomplished at the federal level. So it’s left to us. Governor Doyle and us. Then LTG Lawton expends 459 words telling us about all the green issues she can think of, new “green” Offices here and “green” Task Forces there. (Gee. She fails to mention energy costs at the Governor’s Mansion in 2006 that totaled $41,751!)
Part of Lawton’s “energy renaissance” tirade includes this brilliant gem: “Wisconsin’s legislators all will be invited to take a leadership role in establishing our state as a global showroom, classroom and convener.” A convener? Yes, that’s what I want my state to brag about – being a convener.
My disgust at this wimpy challenge to Wisconsin is probably exacerbated by my review of all things political in 2007. What keeps popping up is what I called Doyle’s “pie in the sky, pie in your eye” budget proposal – and the angst we all went through in mostly failed attempts to fend it off.
Consider….
Governor Doyle’s State of the State, only 157 words of the message’s 4,355, had anything to do with how we would pay for his “long wish list of new programs.”
And then the budget message. - 14 times “opportunity” was mentioned
- 13 times “investing” was mentioned [you know what that means – more and more taxes]
- 8 times “big oil” was maligned
Spin, faulty promises and tons of smoke and mirrors. And at the end of the day the budget (probably illegally) stole $200M from the Patients Compensation Fund, more than doubled the tax on a pack of cigarettes, hiked motor vehicle and license fees, increased borrowing drastically and did nothing to address the GAAP deficit Wisconsin continues to pretend isn’t there.
So everybody, let’s play nice. As Barbara Lawton says, “Together, we can author a great new year.” Yeah. I can’t wait.
In the other corner… there’s “I need a President I can work with” Kagen
In an e-letter yesterday, Representative Kagen tells us he needs $10,000 before the sun sets December 31. And he tells us he is on our side! “You may not have read about it in the newspapers, but I’ve been working hard for you and your family throughout 2007.”
Yes Dr. Kagen, I read about it in the papers. You haven’t stopped campaigning for one second since you were elected. A very wise move on your part.
So ok, it’s a pretty typical fundraising email from a pol. What’s interesting about this particular note – Kagen is now using his perceived strength (!) to pop a plea for Democrats everywhere: There are three ways YOU WILL MAKE THE DIFFERENCE. First of all, I need your financial help to be re-elected. Please donate NOW by clicking here. [Link removed – editorial purview]/p> Secondly, we need to win the Wisconsin State Assembly back! [The grammar makes me twitch.] Support your local Assembly Candidate with your volunteer time and your dollars. And thirdly, we must elect a Democratic president. I need a President I can work with - one that will Sign a Bill – not Veto a Bill.
The National Republican Party has a bull’s eye on Dr. Kagen for one reason – and one reason only. His votes absolutely do not represent the cultural and fiscal conservatism of the 8th Congressional District. And be assured, he will not be handing the District back to Republicans on a silver platter.
COMMENTS
Kagen, aka "Doktor Millionaire," is most certainly the weakest teat on the Liberal Democrat cow come next November. If the Republicans can muster at least one poised, well spoken candidate, that is not a partisan functionary, and doesn't look like an escaped mental patient, we'll take back what used to be a safe GOP seat and put a stake in the heart of the liberal monster in our conservative state.
Duke (Mon Dec 31 07:44:13 2007)
Our "Conservative state"? "Liberal Monster". This is a state that historically has been fiscally conservative and socially liberal. It is also a state that by narrow margins has been a blue state rather than a red state. Now get down to business. If anyone has a problem with Kagen in terms of his votes or effectiveness discuss the issues. This country has been far the worse over the past 20 years because of name calling instead of open discussion of facts.
dave allen (Tue Jan 01 09:09:51 2008)
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