The Declaration of Independence provides how we correct the situation we are in, by changing government structure itself. This is not done by overthrow or force, but is done by citizens coming together and demanding changes and candidates who are willing to step up on behalf of reforms. In Wisconsin specifically, our government needs to change. I support the investigation of changing our system to a unicameral structure, eliminate one body (state assembly or senate) and elect on a nonpartisan ballot. Also ending political party caucuses and creating geographic caucuses requiring elected officials to work together for their geographic location versus political party agenda. Any way: the Declaration of Independence states:
"That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security."

JV, thanks for your post. I'm not talking about the fake, feel good public relation spin cooperation. I don't think cooperation has led us to the point we are now. I think it is selfishness, political party power grabs, and representing those who can keep elected officials in office. I have no problem with people holding specific values but we also have to look at the values of those who disagree. Those elected over the last many years have been more focused on which political party in in power, how to keep getting elected, and spending and borrowing money like no tomorrow. Citizens need to hold elected officials accountable is how we fix it. Our current government structure wastes money all over the place. Look at the pork projects that elected officials use so they can go back to their district and get reelected. Look at career politicians, term limits are needed. Look at the influence of political parties and the money they spend. Political parties also are influences by the biggest special interest groups with the most money - which has caused both parties to be hijacked by the extreme wings. Voters are to blame for the situation we are in. Voters let negative campaign be effective, voters elected the same incumbents, despite their actions. Voters allow candidates to assault each other with personal issues and allow candidates to exploit hot button topics for money and votes.
Cooperation is not the problem, it is the empathy and inability of voters to change their political structures to more efficient.

"Knilans vs Nylons" - a real dream match. Should be entertaining to watch 'em "sock" it out to the finish!

Got to make sure the gravy train has no track!

the only beat joe walked, was the party line beat. he doesnt have a clue on whats going on, unless someone tells him.

Oldtimer wrote: “Joe was walking the beat long before she ever thought about it.”
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Translation: “My dad can beat your dad up.” or “O’Doyle rules!”

Jason, A few decades of "compromising" our principles has lead us to where we are at. Instead of taking a stand and saying no more, our politicians on both sides of the aisle subscribed to the same feel good, get along, shake hands while we pose for holy pictures beliefs you and others espouse. All the while creating a thunderstorm of criss-crossing wealth transfer payments, government programs, agencies, agencies to oversee agencies, groups of agencies to oversee programs, government funded "watchdog" agencies to watch the agencies(I'm serious), more public employees to keep track of it all, and dozens of means-tested welfare programs. All of them "compromised" into existence at some point. In the near future the entire thing collapses in on itself because those of us actually funding the thunderstorm are unable to keep up with demand for our dollars. Shall we compromise some more?

Kolste will make an outstanding representative of the 44th district. She has much more diverse experience than her opponent.

More of the past. The debate over Act 10 is over. Next year represents the first opportunity to bring our own district's finances in line using the tools provided by Governor Walker. A vote for Kolste won't change that. Collective bargaining for public employees doesn't make sense, it never did.

Joe was walking the beat long before she ever thought about it.

JV93 is right. Kolste's webpage is full of complaining about how the state budget was balanced in 2011, and complains about Knilan's votes. However, she offers no ideas or solutions for balancing the budget. And she uses all the same hyperpartisan phrases..."under attack", "caught on tape", "bills were jammed through"...

Dont be so sure.

Congrats Deb, I wish you the best.
jv93- Let the partisan rhetoric begin. I think there are good people in both political parties. The problem is we need elected officials to be accountable. I have grown tired of seeing political campaigns refusing to accept responsibility for failures, placing blame on the other, making voters afraid. Both Liberal and Conservatives are not dirty words but different ways of thinking. The goal is to have conservatives and liberals to work together and find solutions in the middle and then actually solve problems. I hope that Mr. Knilans and Ms. Kolste focus on the issues and not focus on the extreme visions from both the liberal and conservative wings.

It would be nice to have a representative again, instead of a rubber stamp.

So...do you think she'll admit to being part of the anti Act 10 pro public employee union crowd? Think she'll admit she's bought and paid for by the unions? Does she have one coherent idea about how she'd balance the budget? I bet not. But...in circles on the left we don't need specifics like that as long as we have drum beats, vuvezellas, and protest signs. Well, I bet she was even up at the capital chanting with the rest. I guess November will tell whether or not Janesville has decided to wake up and join the rest of the developed world or whether they still exist in their nice comfortable union slumber ignoring reality.

Congrats Deb; best of luck in November!