Cullen casts off caucus
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Tim Cullen
MADISON — Sen. Tim Cullen, D-Janesville, announced Tuesday he will no longer be part of the Senate Democratic Caucus and might bolt from the party to become an independent.
Cullen's announcement followed a snub by Senate Majority Leader Mark Miller, who did not name Cullen to any committee leadership posts. In an even more pronounced rejection of Cullen, Miller did not name the veteran lawmaker to any committees, even as a member.
"Sen. Miller's decisions are an insult to me and people of the 15th Senate District," Cullen said Tuesday in a letter emailed to members of the Senate Democratic Caucus. "I came back to Madison to do what I could to help the Rock County area recover and make a difference on issues where I have some knowledge based on my background—20 years in the private health care industry, experience on the Janesville School Board and service as secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Health and Social Services."
In a statement released Tuesday, Miller said he was disappointed in Cullen's decision.
"Sen. Cullen turned down the chairmanship of the Committee on Small Business Development and Tourism," Miller said. "He told me that if that was the committee offered to him, he would rather chair no committee at all. It was an important committee as small business is the economic engine for Wisconsin."
After Cullen rejected the committee chairmanship, Miller eliminated the committee and folded small business and tourism into other, separate committees.
The importance of small business was the only thing Cullen and Miller agreed on Tuesday.
"Yes, economic development and tourism are two very important economic segments of Wisconsin's economy," Cullen said. "But there is an important distinction to be made between the importance of these segments of the economy and the importance of this committee.
"Historically, this committee has been irrelevant," Cullen said. "Significant legislation on small business comes out of the Economic Development Committee or the Joint Committee on Finance. Important legislation affecting tourism historically comes out of the Joint Committee on Finance."
Besides being unsuited and unrelated to his experience and background, the Small Business and Tourism Committee historically has been little more than an opportunity for a senator to say he or she was a committee chairman, Cullen said.
"I asked that I be assigned to chair health or education," Cullen said. "I had to tell him what I thought would be a good fit for me because he never asked. We talked about some other opportunities, but he said the press was waiting for the list and he could not wait for a meeting we had scheduled to talk."
Cullen provided the following timetable regarding his discussions with Miller:
-- July 12: "Sen. Miller called me and said he wanted me to chair the Small Business and Tourism Committee. I told him that committee was not a good fit with my background and experience. We agreed to meet July 16."
-- July 16: "His staff called me on July 16 to set up a meeting for July 19. Two hours after his staff person called me on July 16, Sen. Miller called and said he could not wait until July 19 because the press wanted the list. He said I had to take it or leave it. I told him I could not accept his assignment."
-- July 19: "We met for 40 minutes on that Thursday. I made my case for chairing health or education. We also discussed openings on the Building Commission and Transportation Projects Commission. He left the meeting saying he would give it some thought."
-- July 21: "He called me on Saturday to tell me there would be no changes. That was the end of it."
Cullen said he does not know why Miller made the decisions he did.
"It's in Sen. Miller's mind why he did what he did," Cullen said. "I don't know who he thought this would benefit."
Cullen served as Senate majority leader during his first stint in the Senate from 1975 to 1987. He served in the leadership position from 1982 until he left in 1987 to become secretary of the state's largest agency, the state Department of Health and Social Services under Gov. Tommy Thompson.
Cullen worked in the private sector health care industry from 1988 to 2008, when he retired as a senior vice president of WellPoint, the second-largest health insurance company in the nation.
"Sen. Miller has made clear that he does not value or need my presence in Senate committee leadership and, quite obviously, in the Senate Democratic Caucus," Cullen said in his letter. "He has made his decision, and now I will make mine.
"As of the sending of this email, I am no longer a member of the Senate Democratic Caucus," he said. "I will decide over the next few days or weeks whether to become an independent. I will not become a Republican."
Democrats and Republicans in both the Senate and Assembly meet to discuss strategy on pending legislation and other legislative matters. The groups are called caucuses—one for each party in the Senate and Assembly. The members of each caucus often agree to act as a unified group when they move to the floor for votes.
Outside the caucus, Cullen could vote independently of the Senate Democrats and would not be bound by any caucus decisions.
"This entire episode makes clear to me that Sen. Miller has no time for my independent ideas and my support of bipartisan solutions to the state's problems," Cullen said.
Cullen said his upcoming decision would not affect his future political plans.
"I plan to run for re-election in 2012 as far as anyone can make plans more than two years out," Cullen said. "Either way, I would run as a Democrat or as an independent.
"I'll be talking to people in my district for guidance on my future political affiliation," he said. "For example, I'll be at the Rock County 4-H Fair, and I look forward to meeting constituents and hearing what they think."
Jul 26, 2012 at 3:24 p.m.
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Vote on the issues not with the party. Cullen aligns more with Democrats but did promise us to work with Walker when he was elected. Now will he keep that promise to us finally?
Jul 26, 2012 at 2:09 p.m.
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And to think this guy thought for a minute about running for Governor. hahahaha.
I guess the next time he runs off to Illinois instead of doing his job he won't be able to carpool and won't have 13 roommates to split the hotel tab.
/SAD TROMBONE MUSIC
Jul 26, 2012 at 1:18 p.m.
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If I recall and I do, on the fake koch call Walker said he posibly had Cullen and I guess so.
Jul 26, 2012 at 12:35 p.m.
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Miller is a tool.
Jul 26, 2012 at 12:29 p.m.
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I truly believe that Senator Cullen would have been able to contribute alot had Senator Miller been a bit more open-minded. So many people ask for more civil working relations between the parties, but when Senator Cullen reaches out to the Republican Senators, he is punished by his own party. So what exactly is the message that Miller is telling Wisconsin people? Play my way, by my rules or else. The Democrats like to suggest that Governor Walker doesn't work with others, take a close look at Mark Miller and tell me he is a team player working in the best interests of Wisconsin.
Jul 26, 2012 at 11:34 a.m.
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I believe Cullen's worth is overstated, and he was called on it.
Jul 26, 2012 at 11:01 a.m.
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Hmmm, should I be a Republican today, Democrat, or Independent? I guess I'll just have to wait and see what issues are in MY best interest.
Jul 26, 2012 at 10:11 a.m.
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So dtb and concernedwi, just who is this select minority that does have it right?
Jul 26, 2012 at 8:43 a.m.
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In an interview w/TMJ 620 in Milwaukee Cullen made it clear this decision was merely about him not getting his way. Waahhh!
Jul 26, 2012 at 8:42 a.m.
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dtb, the majority has been wrong through out history. Slavery, discrimination, racism have all been supported by the majority at some point.
Jul 26, 2012 at 8:35 a.m.
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Another example of the fact that for so many of us, 7th grade never really ends. Miller and Cullen had a playground fight, and now we'll all take sides and argue about who really won.
Jul 26, 2012 at 8:32 a.m.
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The majority is not always right.
Jul 26, 2012 at 8:27 a.m.
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helge, I tip my hat to your loyalty toward hating Walker. You just don't give up regardless of a majority vote that believes otherwise. I hope you do other things to balance your life because at least on the Gazette blogs you have nothing else to talk about.
Jul 26, 2012 at 8:21 a.m.
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It seems that Senator Cullen's problems with the democrats began when the 14 Senators left the state and it was Senator Cullen who negotiatied a return without the consensus of the other 13.
He was snubbed by the Democrats when announcing that he would run for Governor in the recall.
Now he is offered a meaningless chairmanship in a potentially meaningless political cycle. (Meaningless if the Republicans regain control in November.)
From an inside the party perspective Senator Cullen made not only the right move, but the only move he had left.
Jul 26, 2012 at 7:49 a.m.
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I think Senator Cullen did the right thing and I really wish more people of both parties would have the realization that the game of who holds the power and gavel should end and some serious cooperative discussions take place to solve the problems we face. Wisconsin's process of government, influence of political parties, and personal ambition versus problem solving should be addressed. I think this shows that both political parties have little interest in the citizens of WI beyond their own polarizing agendas.
Jul 26, 2012 at 7:16 a.m.
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He's rapidly becoming irrelevant.
Jul 26, 2012 at 6:31 a.m.
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This is the guy I voted for in 2010, he went AWOL on logical thinking in 2011 nice to see he is back!
Jul 26, 2012 at 6:23 a.m.
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walker & co. will be out the door in due time
Jul 25, 2012 at 10:12 p.m.
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In my humble opinon- Cullen did exactly what needed to be done today or yesterday to draw attention to the ridiculusness of BOTH parties.Scott Walker and his party are dictators who happen to be in power. Tow the party line or else types. Apparently the Democratic Caucus is acting in the same manner. Time to stop and work for change- not dictate or tantrum to get things done. I will vote for anyone- Democratic or Republican who actually stands up for what is right and in the best interests of all. My advice to Cullen- finds others like you and Schultz and get to work, together.
Jul 25, 2012 at 9:57 p.m.
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Republicans, with the help of the wealthy and powerful, did win the governorship twice and lost control of the senate (all legal including massive funds raised by Walker and also the Racine election). I agree. Both of these will end over time. I remember how popular Nixon was in 1972 (overwhelmingly popular in fact) but not so much in 1974, however. Karl Rove had his strategy for a permanent Republican majority and lost the presidency, the house and the senate. Cotton was king. The railroads used to have all of the power. The steel industry was the backbone of America along with the auto industry. Political parties were dominant at various times. Unions had their glory days. What happened to all these over time? In many cases it was arrogance and for some reason forgetting what their mission was. Honesty and "customer service" always wins out in the end, though shortcuts can give temporary gains. Scott Walker and the Fitzgeralds will ultimately be seen by many as a stain in Wisconsin's history and rightfully so. In the mean time we will live with what we have to live with until people get sick of him and his cabal and vote them out. Then the new leaders will forget their mission and “customer service” and we will start all over again.
Jul 25, 2012 at 9:33 p.m.
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But we DID win, overwhelmingly.
Jul 25, 2012 at 8:52 p.m.
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....and unless Scott Walker and his ilk change their ways, they will lose their jobs. While you may think this is the way to lead, most do not. That is why there are laws being put up for voter ID, gerrymandering (if you think that is appropriate, why do you bring up that the Democrats did it), to give an electoral edge to the party that is going to absolutley destroy any safety nets that are in place (including those of us who are over 55 and getting the promises that we will be exempt from SS and Medicare political and financial rape). If everyone wants the Republican style of leadership, why change the laws? Won't you win overwhelmingly?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuOT1bRYd...
http://www.aclupa.org/downloads/Applewhi...
Jul 25, 2012 at 8:32 p.m.
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"Maybe some people are realizing there are some things that are worth losing your job over."
Exactly, and that is what Scott Walker and the republican party have been doing for 2 years already.
Jul 25, 2012 at 7:49 p.m.
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Maybe some people are realizing there are some things that are worth losing your job over. Will there be any from the other side that think this or do they see this as a sign of weakness in a political system where only the strong survive? If so, business as usual......
Jul 25, 2012 at 7:12 p.m.
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I think Cullen's political career is over.
Jul 25, 2012 at 7:06 p.m.
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Quite the comments about this - most are non-sense in my opinion. A couple of thoughts that I have…
Senator Cullen does not appear to be a lemming. What about the senators that you admire? Where have they had the courage to take on their own party...or do they just happen to agree on everything that the caucus decides? Lemmings anyone?
It is the caucus leader that has fallen down here I believe. It is not good to have dissention in the ranks but a good leader needs to recognize when things are going wrong in the ranks and mitigate the damage. I think Senator Miller is not the best pick for leadership in the Democratic Party.
If I wanted to exploit a rift in a caucus, I certainly wouldn’t blast the person that could help you exploit that rift. Even Senator Fitzgerald (whom I think is a despicable senator/person in the way he has conducted himself as Senate Majority Leader), recognizes that there is an opportunity for the Republican’s here. Not such from most of you with the immature comments out here.
With senators Cullen, Jauch, and Schultz (I know most of you hate him for even talking with a Democrat) there could be a middle starting that could result in drawing jobs to this state such as in a mining operation….maybe we need partisanship rather than jobs but I guess that is for others to decide. I certainly have my own views but I don’t need a job, to sell my house, to find healthcare, etc. Maybe others aren’t so fortunate but you know how important that partisanship stuff is….
Jul 25, 2012 at 6:28 p.m.
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I'm taking my bat and ball and going home !!!
Jul 25, 2012 at 5:34 p.m.
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He should be ASHAMED. If he had an epiphany, resulting in a shift on where he stands politically, then I would have no problem with what he did. But this was such a clear 'take my toys and go home' response to what I might have agreed was a poor decision by the majority leader, that I can not support him anymore. He made clear that his personal issues are more important to him than his effective representation of his constituents. Your public pout, Sen. Cullen, is beneath you.
Jul 25, 2012 at 4:58 p.m.
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Initially I felt that Sen. Cullen was being a bit premature and petty but after reading a couple of articles about this I think he made a brilliant move. I agree with kaysbrew that he holds a powerful position and will be courted by both the Republicans and Democrats as a swing vote.
Jul 25, 2012 at 4:53 p.m.
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He knows nothing on education. Seat belts on busses that worked. People flocked to Janesville for that, lol. Spoiled. Take your ball and go home.
Jul 25, 2012 at 4:52 p.m.
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If Timmie becomes an independent, what happens to Dem. control of the Senate??? Will it be short lived???
Jul 25, 2012 at 4:39 p.m.
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whine-o-crat timmie didn't get want he wants so he holds his breath and pouts...typical
Jul 25, 2012 at 4:25 p.m.
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Cullen will no longer qualify for the democrat's discount at the clocktower 'hideout' in Rockford.
Jul 25, 2012 at 4:24 p.m.
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How important could the committee have been that Miller offered Cullen? After Cullen didn't take it Miller dissolved the committee and split it between other committees so it doesn't even exist anymore. Additonally Miller didn't appoint Cullen to any committee, even as a member of the committee. All other Senators were appointed to multiple commitees. Cullen none, so obviously there is a serious issue between the Senators.
Jul 25, 2012 at 4:24 p.m.
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Cry Timmie cry.
Jul 25, 2012 at 4:18 p.m.
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Now that’s what I call leverage. Holding the entire Democrat Senate in the palm of his hands. You can bet ol’ Risser is telling Miller right now, give him what he wants.
Jul 25, 2012 at 4:11 p.m.
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Cullen comes across as a cry-baby. He should have just taken the position and helped Rock County attract more tourism and develop its small businesses.
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