Cullen's departure could be bad news for state's Democrats
MADISON — Sen. Tim Cullen is making waves that could erode the Democrats' chances to retain control of the Senate in November, a political observer says.
Jeff Mayers of WisPolitics.com said Cullen's move is a major display of anger from a prominent member of the Senate.
"It shows divisions within the new (Senate) majority party. That's not usually a good thing going into elections," Mayers said. "It's not the kind of thing the Democrats need right now. They'd like to have a unified front going into the fall elections, and now there's controversy and apparent dissatisfaction with one of the biggest names in the caucus."
Mayers noted Cullen has been pushing the idea that the state could benefit if Democrats and Republicans get along with each other. He has made several joint appearances, for example, with Sen. Dale Schultz, R-Richland Center.
"When somebody of that stature sounds off, it's just not a good thing for Democrats," Mayers said.
Democrats hold a 17-16 edge in the Senate in the wake of the Senate recall elections, with Cullen, D-Janesville, counted on the Democratic side. That would jump to 17-15 next month after Sen. Rich Zipperer, a Pewaukee Republican, leaves to join Gov. Scott Walker's staff.
But Mayers said the likelihood of the Legislature coming back into session before January is remote, so Cullen's status likely won't make much difference when it comes to lawmaking until then.
If the Senate remains closely divided after the Nov. 6 election, then Cullen could become a power broker in January, Mayers said.
"We don't know how the November elections will turn out, but most election watchers think the odds are against the Democrats holding the majority," Mayers said. "But if it's close, … that could magnify his role."
If the Democrats retain control in November and Cullen becomes an independent, it's possible his former colleagues in the Senate Democratic Caucus would make it difficult for Cullen to get bills passed. But if the Republicans regain control, Cullen's bills might get more attention than if he were a Democrat, Mayers said.
"I wouldn't rule out that they (Cullen and Miller) find a way to patch things up, too," Mayers said.
Mayers said he doesn't know what happened between Miller and Cullen. "Obviously there's some friction between the two."
Jul 26, 2012 at 11:53 a.m.
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Tim's differences with his party can be traced back to least the collective bargaining standoff. Tim was in negotiations with Walker's staff when Miller undermined those efforts. He's not afraid to act alone and that's why he's a central figure in the film As Goes Janesville. www.asgoesjanesville.com www.facebook.com/asgoesjanesville
Jul 26, 2012 at 11:35 a.m.
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i aplaud senator Cullen's independence. I have always believed that while he leans to the left, he will listen and judge the issues fairly. i further believe it was difficult for him to abandon his state and flee with the rest of the dems. clearly the union was afraid of his moderate views and forced him out of the governors primary so i say good for Tim and good for Wisconsin!
Jul 26, 2012 at 10:36 a.m.
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okay, just reading the first line makes me laugh out loud. The Democrats don't have a chance of retaining the Senate in November with or without Cullen. Silly Frank
Jul 26, 2012 at 9:49 a.m.
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Cullen an Independent? Hardly, he didn't show much independence when he allowed himself to be pimped out by Unions for nearly 3-weeks in Illinois. It is more like Cullen is a spoiled baby with egocentric aspirations.
Jul 26, 2012 at 9:28 a.m.
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God forbid they should work together and compromise. What sense would that make? The incessant yelling, screaming, and insulting each other has worked SSSSSSSSSSOOOOOOOOOOOO well up to this point.
I would just like to say, yet again, that I think it is a bunch of bullcrap that the legislature adjourned in June and is not going to reconvene again this year. That really tells us what they think of the importance of their jobs, and their responsibility to the people of this state. They're ALL worthless.
Jul 26, 2012 at 6:54 a.m.
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Maybe Chicago would like to have you Timmie.
Jul 26, 2012 at 6:51 a.m.
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Chelleandlou
Hasn't he been voting for what he believes is right all along? How will his departure change that?
Jul 26, 2012 at 6:48 a.m.
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Run Timmy, Run. Take your ball and head for the Clock Tower. Your room is ready.
Jul 25, 2012 at 8:24 p.m.
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The only way Cullen's bailing on the Democrats would benefit the Republicans is if he were re-elected to another term. He's already claiming he will not flip to the Republican party; so if that's the case why would he all of a sudden be in support of them? If he's smart he will be independent of any party, and vote to what he believes is right for the people he represents.
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