They’re Cutting Property Taxes In Wisconsin (April 16, 2012): Today Governor Walker announced that statewide property taxes for the typical homeowner have gone down for the first time in 12 years. The tax bill for the median value home is $39 per homeowner lower than originally estimated by the Legislative Fiscal Bureau when the 2011-2013 budget was passed.

Since 1998, property taxes paid by homeowners have risen 43 percent. This year property taxes paid by the typical homeowner went down 4 percent. Without the Governor’s reforms the average homeowner would have paid an additional $700 over the biennium.

When you try to do this, you get recalled. Not that Walker is likely to lose the recall. He’s going to win, and the unions will have spent a big pile of money on not a lot of success.

But states – who have to balance their budgets – that can cut taxes are states which are doing a lot better job of managing their money. Walker is an example of somebody who has a clue. He was willing to deal harshly with the unions and pay the price they’d exact on him politically in an effort to properly manage that money.

Walker needs to be held up as the standard. We should keep him in mind as we watch the Louisiana legislature’s efforts to resolve an $800 million (or larger) budget deficit or enact pension reform.

YKM, your retort is but one of a long line of fabrications in your thousands of posts.

RAF, that's one of the more accurate statements you've ever made in 9,400 and IT'S still a complete fabrication. So it is an improvement.

More reasons for the left wing to "hate" Walker.

-He cut down the cherry tree and framed George Washington for it.
-Scott Walker caused the BP oil spill.
-Scott Walker led the push to remove Pluto form our small "union" of planets.
-Scott Walker doesn't separate his colors when he washes clothes.
-Scott Walker created the BCS
-Scott Walker took 1/32 of Elizabeth Warren's land.
-Scott Walker burned down Arnold’s drive in.
-Scott Walker beat up Chuck Norris and took away his toys.
-Scott Walker is keeping Harry Reid from passing a budget.
-Scott Walker gave Robert Byrd the oath to be a Kleagle and Exalted Cyclops.
-Scott Walker caused hurricane Katrina
-Scott Walker went to an all-u-can-eat joint and didn't eat all he could.
-Scott Walker paid Saint's players to hunt Favre in bounty-gate.
-Scott Walker was really Baghdad Bob

Ezoner, what was the state crisis?

“Democrats really were just foolish in this way they approached this recall,” Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus said in a sit-down interview with NBCPolitics.com this week. “They set up this World Series event in Wisconsin, built it up. They put on the ballot a candidate who’s not worth two nickels – he’s already lost twice statewide, and is going to lose a third time now.”

Fear -- you need to be careful not to fall into the same light that many dems and progressives do. That they are so smart or at least so educated, that they believe in what they are saying, but are so wrong in that practically speaking -- what they want to do , simply does not and will not work. A good manager , knows who surround themselves with, selectes good people, listens to them and then executes to a plan based upon the input. This is how business is managed. Right now, at this point in time, we need good business managers. There are times and places for a softer, more human approach. Unfortunately for progressives, this is NOT the time. We need people that will manage us out of this crisis. I have met no progressive nor far left individual, that would fit that mold. Once we have navigated to a more fiscally responsible position and growth returns, jobs return, we can look again at some of the things that progressives hold dear. But the time is not now.

RetiredAirForce and The Greater Wisconsin Political Fund; both diligently working to keep citizens informed on other people's voting history.

In the months leading up to this recall I have witnessed the most divisive , hateful rhetoric that I can ever remember. I certainly have participated in it to a fault as well.
What I do know is that no matter who wins, this state is in big , BIG trouble. The people that seem to support Scott Walker are just cheerleading, all I see and hear from people is "Go Walker", or "Walker will win", and the main reason you love him is because he is a union uter. Celebrating a man who believes that the best way to balance a budhhget is to divide people along ideological lines. He may very well win on Tuesday, what have you really learned about him? If you watch his commercials and listen to his words, you believe things are getting better. I can tell you from living in Janesville , they are not. Things are getting worse.
I see Scott Walker as a figure of American politics that represents what is so wrong with the system. A guy who isnt really that bright, surrounded by VERY smart people, who raise millions and millions of dollars to run in essence ad campaigns designed to fool the uneducated masses into believing that their path will somehow make our state a better place to live. Success!! Thanks citizens United!! Now many who will follow Scott Walker no matter what he does , will talk about imaginary union bosses, and union money(real) flowing in and this is somehow just the "taxpayers" fighting back. This is just special interests vs special interests, nothing more. Scott Walker couldnt give a rats behind about the average personin this state, he is enriching himself , just like ALL politicians do, Barrett included. Anyone who believes that Scott Walker is fighting for your rights as "taxpayers" is really, REALLY dumb.
No matter what happens on Tuesday, Walker or Barrett winning, we ALL lose. The future of this state will be good for some, but will get harder for most. Idiots will blame everything on one party and give all credit to the other. Its those very idiots that are responsible for the downslide of this nations middle class , all in the name of ignorance and labelling to make incoherent political points.

Interesting information on the dem candidate that wants to be the Lt Gov of Wisconsin.

http://legalinsurrection.com/2012/06/wis...

etown

Nice NON story. You've been duped.

http://wcmcoop.com/members/integrity-the... whos your daddy?

According to Politifact ratings, Scott Walker is the most dishonest governor in America. So when you call him, janesvillecomments, disguise yourself as David Koch or Hendricks, this way there's a better chance Walker might tell you the truth.

Yeah come on. Why should we expect Walker to have been looking into anything. He was far too busy hiring criminals to be security guards at the court house after he fired all the union guards. He was getting in good with that security company. He was probably hoping to get invited to one of their crazy parties where they drink out of each others' behinds. And when that all went to court, the guards that Walker laid off had to be reinstated and it cost Milwaukee County a ton of money. Even after our special little boy Scottie had been sworn in as governor, his actions as county exec were costing milwaukee money.

Poohbah, I'll call him later in the week so the call can do double duty as congratulations for winning the recall election. Maybe Governor Walker can explain to me how, as a Milwaukee County executive, he missed catching another lapse in Tommy's judgement in hiring Joseph N. Cantu for a city of Milwaukee position.

janesvillecomments, I suggest you contact Scott Walker's staff (assuming he still has a few staff members that have not been arrested or are working on his recall election on a secret computer network outside of his office) about the concerns you have. The issues you brought up did, after all, occur under his term as Milwaukee County Executive. Let us know if you reach anyone in his office. Thanks!

I wonder if the case where "Joseph N. Cantu, a receptionist in Barrett’s mayoral office, was charged in May 2010 with suffocating his ex-girlfriend" was one of those low-balled to reduce Milwaukee's crime statistics? Of course, with all the illegal gun violence in Milwaukee's past, such as the South Shore Park shooting on Memorial Day in 2006, where 2 were killed and 3 were injured, I guess "just" being suffocated doesn't count as a serious felony.

http://www.politifact.com/wisconsin/stat...

Wouldn't trolling for those that you perceive to be trolls in order to engage with them in the same kind of behavior that you criticize them for make you a MEGA-troll?

@RAF- I fund it humorous that you call poobah and Gandalf "trolls". You have posted 9900 posts since 2008, poobah has posted 4249 since 2008, and gandalf has posted 1000 since 2008. Who's the "troll"?

RetiredAirForce said, "As a perfect example the poster previous claiming victim status has on multiple occasions acted in a trollish manner."

Well, that's an improvement, RetiredAirForce! I'm proud of you. You're entitled to your opinion on trolling. However, you still need some work on the inaccuracy issue. There was no mention or claim made of "victim status."

Now, let's see if your reply to this comment can be free of both name calling and inaccuracy.

gandalf you are indeed not that dense, or are you. As a perfect example the poster previous claiming victim status has on multiple occasions acted in a trollish manner. Again, in your hypocrisy only those on the right call names; laughable.

"In Internet slang, a troll is someone who posts inflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community, such as an online discussion forum, chat room, or blog, with the primary intent of provoking readers into an emotional response or of otherwise disrupting normal on-topic discussion." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troll_(Inte...)

RetiredAirForce said to Gandalf, "Typical hypocritical gandalf, posters who act like trolls and are called for their actions to you is name calling."

Well, it is indeed name calling, RetiredAirForce. As an example, you've called me a troll, well, let's say more than a few times... You don't say, "Poobah you are acting like a troll," as you suggest you "call out" posters for their actions. No, you resort to name calling with something like, "The poo_koch troll is at it again." That's name calling. And the many times you have resorted to calling me names follow comments where I pointed out the hypocrisy or inaccuracy of your comments, as I did below in my 12:04 a.m. comment. Within the hour, you replied with, "poo_koch troll is still tied in knots over issues she can't grasp; big surprise." That's name calling.

And I fully expect another comment from you, replete with name calling, as a result of this comment.

Typical hypocritical gandalf, posters who act like trolls and are called for their actions to you is name calling. That ivory tower must be a lonely place.

Proud badger=someone who is completely unable to think for him/herself and to compensate for that he/she spews the same baseless rhetoric that all of the anti-Walker crowd has ignorantly bought into.......
At least they are consistent:)

Walker = A divided State
Walker = Money to the wealthy paid for by Taxpayers
Walker = Polluted wetlands and ground water (Jefferson County example)
Walker = Money raided for forclosures to help balance a budget that isn't balanced
Walker = lowest job numbers in the Midwest - by HIS numbers
Walker = Poor education
Walker = REFORMS AREN'T WORKING
Walker = MOVING WISCONSIN TO THE SOUTHERN STANDARD OF LIVING

kaysbrew - why don't you take it one step further. Maybe we should look at all the people that have OWI's in this state. Oh, that would be about 90%. I tell you.

RAF,
Yikes! Why so defensive? You must have taken something in my post to JustStoppingBy very personally, and, yet, I never once mentioned you. I was just offering support and good wishes to another poster. If that offends you, well then I am just....so....very....very....sorry....really....I am....here I'll prove it :( See?
Also, I didn't actually lie about the voter ID law (currently not in effect). That would imply that I knew of different information at the time and willfully stated something else. I made the mistake of basing my statements on incorrect information, which I immediately owned up to when you corrected me. It was a much appreciated correction too because anyone else that may have read your post that was mistaken like I was, also received good information from you. I had planned to withhold my vote in protest to the voter ID law (currently not in effect), but you made sure that myself and others knew that a current address on a photo ID was not required, and for that I showed my appreciation then and continue to show my appreciation now. I also believe that if the candidates that I support were to know of this story, they would also thank you for your good deed.

baegucb
Jun 1, 2012 at 10:13 p.m.
Tom Barrett to Scott Walker in Thursday night's debate:

"I have a police department that arrests felons. You have an administration that hires them."

Another liberal caught in his own web of lies as we see by other headline article.

"I have read most every comment ever made by WalterReuther and he has been honest and forthright in his comments."
-
Then you agree with the lies he continually posted over the issues of voter ID and the Wisconsion law? Interesting.

poo_koch troll is still tied in knots over issues she can't grasp; big surprise. Perhaps if you had the ability to decipher only what was provided and not what you think was said you would be able to discern the difference between the issues you claim are the same. In one instance one poster claimed something never written. Then you try to compare that with a question posted between two posters. The difference might be difficult for you and your warped circular logic world. But a question is different than a false claim. Just like your false claim(s). But I have little faith you will understand or attempt to educate yourself on what was written instead of your grasping at what you think was provided. I suspect that you are a tiny bit daft but still know the truth and your performance as a troll overrides your ability to just be honest.

916WI, based on your comments it would be useless to carry on a cogent conversation with you. Now if you wish to stop the circular rhetoric and deal with actual facts you can try again, I do suspect that would be the best approach.

I can't let this go unsaid. RetiredAirForce just told WalterReuther that "people like you" need to be called out "for the liars and hypocrites they are." I have read most every comment ever made by WalterReuther and he has been honest and forthright in his comments.

For a textbook example of hypocrisy, I suggest you read the following two comments.

#1: RetiredAirForce said to howardzinnfan, "Howard first off you put forth a false statement and then want me to prove something I never stated." [ http://gazettextra.com/news/2012/may/04/... ]

Fair enough, if not for the fact that three weeks earlier, RetiredAirForce had done the exact same thing to WalterReuther. That is, RetiredAirForce insisted that WalterReuther prove something that WalterReuther had never stated. This was a condition created by RetiredAirForce that WalterReuther had to fulfill prior to RetiredAirForce providing proof for the statement RetiredAirForce had made.

#2: RetiredAirForce said to WalterReuther, "I can play all the same silly games as well, so I will answer your question right after you answer these.

Please tell me a federal law that all people follow and NEVER break? Provide your proof.

Please tell me a state law that all people follow and NEVER break? Provide your proof." [ http://gazettextra.com/weblogs/latest-ne... ]

916WI, the left fringe are masters at circular logic.

Youkillme.....I never said it wasn't true my clueless friend....in the same post where I told you that, I will ask you again, "what was your point"? The original question had everything to do with 2011 taxes......what was your point in bringing 2010 figures into the discussion?? Geez....it's as if I'm talking to a brick wall!

In another long line of pointing out the left fringe hypocrisies this one come from gandalf who quipped "As the comments on this story prove, the right-wing namecallers are stooping to verbal abuse as a crude substitute for a valid argument."

Not so ironically this same poster has done the exact same thing, saying such things as "idealogues, ideological extremism, and Nazi-like". As is typical, this left wing poster wants to fashion others behavior and comments in a certain manner while not having to do the same thing. The view from their ivory tower must be splendid.

Walter coming from you, another of the do as I say not as I do crowd, who had to be corrected MANY MANY MANY times over the lies posted on voter rights I will wear that as a badge of honor. The fact is people like you, who walk on the left fringe that continually post false and misleading information in addition attempting to castigate people for comments while doing the exact same thing, need to be called out, for the liars and hypocrites they are. If the best you can come up with attempting to ridicule me for pointing out the truth you are indeed a sad lot.

Tom Barrett to Scott Walker in Thursday night's debate:

"I have a police department that arrests felons. You have an administration that hires them."

You already admitted my statement is true. "youkillme.....yes, that may be true." and then YOU went on a tangent about 2008. Grow up!

Youkillme....Read the attached post that I had initially replied to and tell me what the article you brought up has to do with anything?

"Is it true that D. Hendricks(Billionaire friend of Walker) paid absolutely no taxes this year? I feel somewhat angry, but more importantly, I want to be able to find out who her accountants were and whether I can afford to retain them. Shouldn't we all stop paying taxes?"

He asked a specific question and I answered it......for some reason, YOU started interjecting and then went off on a tangent bringing up 2010 numbers and I countered by bringing up info from the same article you were getting your info from. It seems as though you can't think or read.......for that I am truly sorry:(

916WI, the article about Hendricks paying zero taxes is about the year 2010. When you can't even beat someone with such low mental capacity like me, I think it's time you give it up.

Youkillme....calm down there tough guy:) He asked about this year--2011 taxes are paid in 2012......He didn't specify in his question her personal taxes because as far as I know that info hasn't been released regardless and the 2011 personal taxes haven't been addressed by the media. I was very specific when I responded with ABC/Hendricks so there was no miscommunication. Because Diane Hendricks is the sole owner of ABC Supply, the tax bill ultimately is paid out of her pocket...no?
As far as your little rant regarding me bringing up 2008's numbers--what difference is that from you bringing up 2010's numbers?.......The original question was regarding 2011 numbers? What does 2010 have to do with 2011? Nothing. Zero. Zip. The only inaccuracy is YOU.........

john Wicket asked if it's true that D. Hendricks(Billionaire friend of Walker) paid absolutely no taxes this year (201). You responded "......Nope, that's inaccurate" and then proceeded to write about her millions and 2008. I responded that Hendricks and ABC Supply are separate taxing entities and that she paid zero taxes in 2010. What does 2008 have to do with 2010? Nothing. Zero. Zip. The only inaccuracy is you.

youkillme.......freeloader? I've never collected a dime from a state/federal program in my life.......If I'm a freeloader, where the heck is all of my free money? I want it now!:) "Ignorant liar"? I pulled the tax data from the very same article that you pulled your data from.......I guess if the gazette was wrong about the taxes Hendricks paid in '08, you could technically say that I am both ignorant and did lie about them. Is there something you know about that data that I don't. Did she not pay over $2,000,000 in state taxes in 2008? Please let us know with the inaccuracies with those numbers because you come off as a fool, calling someone ignorant and a liar for referencing numbers from the same article that you referenced your numbers from. Thx!

916WI, ask the newspapers that question. They thought it was significant that a billionaire with substantial income paid zero state taxes in 2010. You like many freeloaders, seem to think taxes paid one year covers them all and it's crazy that she paid state taxes in 2008. LOL. You're such a pathetic ignorant liar. People can see right through your amateurish slack jawed nonsense and that's good. :)

I don't know--I was trying to figure out what the significance was in throwing out one year of tax numbers......that's why I asked the question. I guess if your point of doing that was "the truth" I guess my point in throwing out the tax burden of a different year could be "the truth" as well..........no??

vatoloco, you go girl. LOL:)

916WI. "that may be true." hahahaha, goof. My point is the truth. What's your point?

youkillme.....yes, that may be true. The crazy thing is she paid over $2,000,000 in state income taxes in 2008 alone. Which is probably more that you and your family and your family's families combined will pay in their lifetimes.........so what's your point?

ABC Supply released a statement in which they identified their WI state income tax burden. However, Hendricks and ABC Supply are now seperate tax entities so it is true that Diane Hendricks paid zero state tax in 2010.

Whatever you say, 916WI. As long as you think that's the way forward, I'm good with it too:)

JohnWicket......Nope, that's inaccurate. ABC Supply released a statement in which they identified their WI state income tax burden for the year. I think it was somewhere north of a million dollars. Look in the slanted article regarding Hendricks/ABC--someone copy and pasted the info.......

Youkillme.....Your comment "I'll be able to drop bombs, divide communities, pit neighbor against neighbor, attack independent groups, and it'll all be to Walker's credit. Trust me, if Walker wins I'm looking forward to it. Not backwards." made me laugh out loud!
Seriously though--I think we're all well aware that you don't have the mental capacity to do any of these things--keep dreaming that dream though:)

Is it true that D. Hendricks(Billionaire friend of Walker) paid absolutely no taxes this year? I feel somewhat angry, but more importantly, I want to be able to find out who her accountants were and whether I can afford to retain them. Shouldn't we all stop paying taxes?

+1 Wally.......As I said, I like Clinton. That doesn't change the fact that his well known "issues" with the law and his questionable ethical behavior in the workplace:) seem to be at odds with Barrett and the ethical high ground he seems to be taking. Barrett comes off as contradicting himself with his condemning Walker of guilt by association, and then the next day is standing side by side, reaping the praise of an ex-president, who obviously has a good amount experience with the court systems as well.........

I agree with you Yada...Barrett gave Walker a good spanking...lol

Circus clowns too. hahahaha:)

I must now leave my office. I just dropped a bomb.

Vato, what does Clinton have to do with Walker being a cheat, liar and thief?

f'edup, I'll be able to drop bombs, divide communities, pit neighbor against neighbor, attack independent groups, and it'll all be to Walker's credit. Trust me, if Walker wins I'm looking forward to it. Not backwards.

Scott Walker is the one with a plan. #1) Drop the bomb. #2) Then Divide #3) and Conquer.

If Scott Walker wins, the entire state will follow his lead. We'll all be dropping bombs, dividing and conquering. It'll be so much fun!!

Sorry for the gramatical errors. I should have proofread my post better. Peace.

Lets keep Wisconsin moving forward.

What is the point of people being able to post comments on here if some people spend all day posting (Mouse for example)? Hey Gazette how about limiting the number of posts a person can make?

That being said, after watching the debate I came away with this......Barrett was doing nothing more than throwing mud all the whole time. I did not here many ideas or plans. Walker took the high road.

I just hope that when Walker wins the dems will take it like adults and move forward.

Go Walker.

Juststoppingby,
That's a little disturbing. I mean, you're not closing in on 10,000 comments like Mr. Stalker, but that's an awful lot to go through. And to pull from 2010, yikes! One really has to question if your stalker has a life of any real value outside of this website. Pretty damning and scary stuff. It really makes me wonder if posting on here is a good idea. You never know what some people are capable of. Stay safe out there.

916WI, I defer to Walter who addressed your issue in his usual eloquent fashion.

Clinton's political track record speaks for itself. His personal life that got mixed up in his professional life aside, he was the last President that can say he presided over good times in this nation. His words carry a lot of weight in both parties whether those on the far right like it or not. Eventually, he even made Newt Gingrich kiss the ring. Even Paul Ryan was caught on video requesting help from Clinton last year. He continues to be a force in politics.

Walker's crime rate is higher than Milwaukee's.

Poohbah.......That was exactly the point I was making. I would have thought that listing Clinton's "issues" with the law as well as Barrett's insinuations of ethical superiority would make this clear.......You get the idea?

Mouse....you crack me up! "Protect kids education"? If you are an example of what the pre-Walker Wisconsin educational system was producing, then it is something that should have undergone a COMPLETE overhaul years ago! lol:)

916WI being entangled in criminal investigations is about the only thing Clinton and Walker have in common. Clinton, two term President of the United States; Walker 1.5 year governor. Clinton, Rhoades scholar, Oxford University, Yale law degree; Walker college dropout, salesman. You get the idea.

Scott "PINOCCHIO" Walker - The BALD SPOT SONG - Have you lost more hair today & WHY YOU SHOULD TELL THE TRUTH.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bft9-4NmG...

"It's unethical to recall a sitting president, the voters have spoken". Tom Barrett's quote while a congresman after Bill Clinton was impeached for lying to the American public.
Maybe Bill can thank Tom for keeping him in office.

Put an end to the recalls - Vote Tom Barrett!

Sorry....."perjuring"

Too funny:) Barrett makes all sorts of insinuations regarding Walker's character stemming from who he surrounds himself with, then the very next day I find out that Clinton is coming to stand along side and campaign with Barrett....That's awesome! I like Clinton a lot. I had no issue with what he did with that fatty but I think he should have come clean from the get go.......Purguring himself with the grand jury, and Clinton's other "questionable" business dealings--Whitewater being the most publicized--hardly plays into Barrett's suggestion with regard to how he is so ethically superior to Walker.........

RetiredAirForce, congratulations on being such a skilled internet stalker! Maybe you can use your cyber skills to give us some insight into Scott Walker's secret email system.

RetiredAirForce said, "Just more of the same from the do as I say not as I do crowd."

Kind of like the "We're no worse than anyone else because they do the same thing crowd," isn't it?

"No one on my staff has ever been charged with a crime."

Tom Barrett on Thursday, May 31st, 2012 in a debate

http://www.politifact.com/wisconsin/stat...

Today's dose of left wing hypocrisy comes from JustStoppingBy who quipped about a poster saying negative things about a previous president; "Or, as someone like you who disrespects the highest office in the country would say..."

Typical of these types this poster also has said in the past things about a previous president that was also disrespectful, "It's so easy to point fingers at the guy in the oval office now instead of the idiot who had the job for EIGHT YEARS before him." http://gazettextra.com/weblogs/latest-ne...

Just more of the same from the do as I say not as I do crowd.

How would you know that kaysbrew? Obviously you're too busy hitting the refresh button on this page.

You knew what I meant. President Clinton will be in Milwaukee today. Or, as someone like you who disrespects the highest office in the country would say, "Little Willie". Typical swipe from the right! You're laughable.

Kaysbrew, I'm not a liberal as I voted for Walker in 2010 and G.W. Bush twice. I'm a independent who keeps getting pushed to the left because of the rights far reaching agenda.

How can he be speaking right now. He's not there yet.

JustStoppingBy
on the backs of the tax payers and lied about crime.

Take a big slushy to little Willie. Give him a wink and a nod. In like Flynn!

twinkiepied, I live in Milwaukee and I'm proud to say Tom Barrett has balanced the budget in this city year after year. Homicides are down, I can count several friends who have recently found solid employment and my taxes this year was lower than they have been in years.

Let Scotty put all of the dead baby ads up that he wants, he is grossly misinforming the people of Wisconsin on Barrett's performance in Milwaukee.

I work right next to the park where Mayor Barrett and President Clinton are speaking right now. The crowd of supporters is huge, and the turnout from our side will be even more huge next Tuesday!

What kind of publically elected leader has an ongoing CRIMINAL defense fund? How can anyone in their right mind trust this man?

The time has come to take back our state!

mouse,
Tt's none of your business what I eat or drink. The big difference between you and me. I don't care or try to regulate your habits. They are yours and no one elses. Especially the governments.
Go have a big slushy. Enjoy it.

More diversions. We all know why the recall was started and since that reason isn't supported by the masses because ACT 10 has been more successful than even Walker had predicted, we have to be constantly bombarded with new reasons he should be recalled. Almost as pathetic as the ones promoting the desperate 'reasons' are the people that engage in opposing the diversions. It is so much easier to deal with this circus when you hold the recallers to their original reason, you know the successful ACT 10, I will vote against Barrett with a smile.

Keep this in mind folks actions speak louder than words and didn't Barrett use ACT 10 in Milwaukee? I realize voting for a D or an R is more important than having principles for most of you but trust me from someone that has been there it is much easier to vote on principle than for a letter.

And the poo_koch troll trails along

RAF - I only hope the "left wing fringe" (i.e. anyone not "tea party" tested and approved) comes is out in force on Tuesday as well! I'm happy that my vote cancelled out yours. (Yes - already voted!)

"And the sky is falling too..."

You don't want to be guilty of your own words of admonishment to others, RetiredAirForce, "Nothing to add."

RAF
it will for them on June 5th.

concernedwi
Or maybe they think he's the better man.
I love liberals.

And the sky is falling too...

RAF, yes stonewall was Bice's headline, however, the DA's office's paperwork shows that Walker wasn't assisting in the investigation.

Kaysbrew, MPD and the Milwaukee firefighters most important issue is residency requirements. Walker is fine with taking local control away from Milwaukee and forcing them to follow his rules, instead of allowing Milwaukee to make their own rules for employees. That is why MPD endorsed Walker.

I see the left wing fringe is out in force today. Of course this is the same group that thinks global warming, something that has happened before the time of humans, is now caused because of humans and thinks a person named Alinsky came to earth to save them.

Mouse
You should have gone to Milwaukee to greet Barrett and Slick Willy....then there would be 401 people there.

westorbust
crazy idea the Earth that is billions of years old never warmed or cooled on it's own?
lol, typical.
Man must be your God. Obama, maybe...lolololl

Zeussmom
so why do you think the Milw. Police Dept is endorsing Walker?

Maybe Barrett ordered the false crime documentations????

We won't know in time because Barrett can't say anything vote worthy. But I did under estimate his liberalism. Walker was getting to him in a temper temper moment. Exposed..just another radical liberal that when confronted with the truth lashes out.

I see the right wing fringe is out in force today. Of course this is the same group that thinks global warming is a hoax but thinks a person named Jesus rose from the dead. Seems legit.

concernedwi I did a little reading on Bice's piece. The word stonewall was his word, not one from the DA's office. It turns out through more reading the documents that couldn't be retrieved where the ones from the person suspected of taking the money, not documents from Walkers office. That was the main reason they asked the DA to get involved anyway. But hey, I understand that doesn't fit the agenda for Tom and his team.

Walker, Barrett spar in test debate before recall.
Shouldn't that say last debate?
Once Walker defeats Barrett for the second time, he won't challenge Walker again in 2014.

concerned I think it's much to do with nothing. Just an inflammatory headline to sell his political point of view. I go back to my original point. Still not enough to throw Walker out of office. And even if it were, I wouldn't want Barrett any where near the Governors Office. All this money, time and energy wasted because of the unions hissy fit. What a waste.

Whether they were unwilling or unable to provide the info makes no difference. It's a damn good thing that they didn't provide that information either way because it led to further investigations into a campaign that was clearly more deeply corrupt.

RAF, Im just referring the papers filed with the court.

"Landgraf noted in the petition that the media also would be interested in the investigation if they knew about it, adding that Walker was then running for governor. In fact, the Journal Sentinel wrote about the missing money a month later.

He said publicity about the probe could be "particularly unfair" to Walker.

"It is therefore my opinion that the formality and the secrecy of a John Doe proceeding will increase the likelihood of complete and frank statements by persons who may - in an informal, non-secret setting - feel uneasy about providing a candid, voluntary statement," Landgraf wrote."

fedup I thought this was mouse's job?

" IF he had than they wouldn't have needed a John Doe investigation."
-
Wow, lawyers popping up all over the blogosphere. Hint: with out actual evidence of fraud, with the VA funds, they needed to investigate. In order to trace the whereabouts of the money trail it required more than asking the guy what he did with the money. You can't convict people with he said she said, you need evidence.

If your going to take Walker's spokesperson's word then yes he tried to help. However, the paperwork filed by the DA's office, makes it appear that his office wasn't willing to work or help. IF he had than they wouldn't have needed a John Doe investigation.

Concerned The article states that Walkers office was "unable or unwilling" to turn over these records. If he were unwilling it's one thing, but they state that they were unable to turn them over. As a matter of fact Ciara Matthews states

"Multiple follow-ups were made by the chief of staff to the district attorney's office to offer assistance in that investigation, and any statement to the contrary is not correct,"

It sounds to me like they were cooperating.

Yeah those pesky MMSD overflow issues. The same ones Barrett campaigned on getting fixed the first time he ran for mayor 8 years ago....of course it has nothing to do with showing his leadership ability or history of accomplishing what he says. Just sweep it under the rug LOL.

could any milwaukee residents say how barrett has handled milwaukee since he was mayor? Has taxes gone up ? crime gone up ? jobs? any positive reports from taxpayers in milwaukee about barrett ? lets hear from those people who live there.

And the left wing fringe lies continue; "it was, of course, Walker who used a recall to assume office."
-
Why is it the left has such a problem with facts? The previous democrat county executive in charge of Milwaukee county, Tom Ament, retired before he was recalled or forced to resign after costing the county millions in the pension scandal.

The moderator was great.
He did not dance around the issues.
He left that to the candidates and to their mutual detriment.

hdonlybob: Agree with the last part of your post on the moderator. Taped the debate last night and just watched it this morning before reading the comments. Do not care much for either candidate or party. However, it was refreshing to finally watch a debate in which the moderator seemed to keep it going without showing a bias toward either candidate. I personally oppose any recall of either party unless the politician is guilty of a felony. If not, that is what the normal election cycle is for. I realize the recall is legal under Wisconsin constitution but think that needs to change. Could support a change to referendum to undo a particular law that the majority of voters oppose. Do not support trying to throw the baby out with the bathwater regardless of party.

If the permit is done through the state, wouldn't MMSD and Barrett have to get permission from the DNR?

The article is by Dan Bice, but it references court papers that aren't created by Dan Bice. It shows that while Walker's office did ask for the investigation, they stopped cooperating and that created the need for a secret John Doe investigation. It also shows that the DA's office discovered more than they initially thought and have had ask to increase the scope 7 times.

MMSD's state permit allows up to six combined sewer overflows in a year.

I wonder if the 10 Thousand Dollars that the MMSD board members gave to Barrett have anything to do with this?

Wislady appears to be obsessed with "turds".
Perhaps that explains her choice.

Concerned I assume the story you are talking about is by Dan Bice. He's the lefty reporter from Milwaukee JS who used the word "stonewalling" because Walker was attempting to find info about the Vet's fund and asked the DA for help. How is asking for help stonewalling?

Wislady, you mentioned "turds" which I assume referes to the MMSD? That story has been covered and shown that it was 5% sewage and it wasn't Barretts fault.

http://www.politifact.com/wisconsin/stat...

Gandalf

No, the articles regarding Milwaukee have not been making headlines. They have an article once, then it disappears to make way for another hit piece of Walker.

Ahhh, days to go before the election and the whiners are preemptively claiming fraud when Walker loses. Nice.

Come On June 5th - after 14 months of union and outside groups telling us how we feel and treats to small businesses and a questionable million signatures (only 600,000) voted, we finally as Wisconsin Conservatives can shut down the left. As the other article says ..Republicans no matter what have the assembly and the checkmate as they called it.

Voter fraud is the Dems only hope now and that would only be the Senate and bragging rights until November on one chamber that isn't back in session until January.

Stepdad, all of the reasons you mentioned are still reasons for the recall. It hasn't just changed from Act 10 to the others you mentioned but expanded to include them. As for Walker not being allowed to talk, it's been clearly documented that he can talk about more than he is but he refuses too. And the story broke yesterday that his office's refusal to help in the investigation is what caused it to become a secret John Doe.

@pooh My point is he states before throwing some one out of office, we should make sure it isn't just to undo what the citizens stated what they wanted in the voting booth. I didn't sign a recall petition because I didn't see Walkers moves as recallable. I would be more motivated to vote in favor of a recall if 1)if they would have found a candidate who would be a better alternative to Walker and 2)those in favor of recall could find a point of recall and stick to it. They have done neither. Barrett is nothing but an empty suit. No plans or ideas other than "I'm not a rock star". As far of their points go they start with Act 10, and we see that Act 10 was saving a billion dollars. Then it was the "war on women", and that was shown to be nonsense. Then jobs, more nonsense. Now all he has is a John Doe by a democratic DA who tells Walker he can't talk. Walker follows the law, and Barrett says it makes him look guilty. Give me a break. Find a decent candidate and give me a good reason to vote for a recall.

Shouldn't the headline be last debate?
What is a test debate?

It seems like the only people who would vote for Walker would be the same people who spell agitation, "aggitation.' They do it to agitate not to solve problems. Now with the Internet, agitation is easy and impersonal.

I seems like the only people who would vote for Barrett would be the same people who would vote for a guy as home coming queen. They do it to aggitate not to solve problems. Now with the Internet, aggitation is easy and impersonal.

I think this was a good debate. It clearly shows that Barrett has no substance to run on...only attacks and the same old "Recall Lines"
He never did answer the question of: "What would you have done"....just rambled on like always...And as far as Billy Boy coming to Milwaukee to support him, that is a great example for Barrett attacking Walker for having a Defense fund..Bahahahhaaa....
However, the thing that most impressed me was the moderator.....he did an excellent job, and IMO stayed on the course with fair and good questions to both candidates...no BS political ones like the Presidential Debates..
The real answer will be answered on Tuesday.

Barrett showed the race is over and he also showed that he stands for nothing. Saying you're against Walker is not a reason to vote for Barrett. Game over-Walker wins.

If Barrett is elected, taxes will go up and everyone will lose their homes!!
If Barrett is elected, gas prices will increase and everyone will have to sell their cars!!!!
If Barrett is elected, unemployment will increase and everyone will be on welfare!!!
If Barrett is elected, crime will become rampant and we will all be in danger!!!
If Barrett is elected, private sector workers will be treated as second class citizens!!!
***
In case you haven't noticed, all of the above are over the top comments and are not really true. WHY DO THE LEFTIES HAVE TO KEEP SAYING THE SAME TYPE THINGS ABOUT WALKER?
***
The discussion can be about facts and logic or it can be about unrealistic, stupid statements. I hope that the lefties (mouse in particular) will actually look at the stupidity of some of their statements and turn this into a civil debate about what is best for our state. I read these comments for entertainment, but occasionally I see things that are so dumb, I can't resist the temptation to comment.

The only way Walker can lose this election is due to fraud.

tiredofhearing,
The DA's office are professionals. They're not going to risk the integrity of their investigation by doing anything half-way just for some short term political gain. There is a difference and clear seperation between the personal and professional lives of the people working in that DA's office. I think Walker probably underestimated the persistence of the office. Much like Walker, their looking to make their careers, too. They're not going to rush any charges just because it might help Tom Barrett.

With his fudging of the crime rate statistics in Milwaukee, it's a shame Tom didn't at least acknowledge that Governor Walker's signing of the Concealed Carry Law provided the citizens of Milwaukee (and other law-abiding Wisconsinites) with another means of protecting themselves from violent criminals.

Although Tom wouldn't admit that as mayor he benefited from the reining in of the greedy teachers unions, Governor Walker did get him to divulge his economic plan for Wisconsin, i.e., "Gather everyone together and hope something turns up..."

Stepdad , you just cited a quote that is consistent with both Barrett's and Walker's support to revise the recall provisions of our state constitution. Other than that agreement between them, it was, of course, Walker who used a recall to assume office.

You may want to suggest removal of your own comment.

I'll ask again -- what is Barrett's plan ?

( Who was governor in 2010 when it is claimed DH did'nt pay any taxes ? )

Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker!!!
************************************************************************
MOVING THE GREAT STATE OF WISCONSIN "FORWARD"
****************************************************************
FINALLY; FORWARD ------->
*********************************************************

Maybe after June 5th, the media can start reporting on the Milwaukee Police Department, the Milwaukee sewage in the lake, and the John Doe investigation leaks.

I found this on a blog and thought it was interesting.

"If we are to set aside our only national election, we must be confident that political enemies or political motives did not set the stage for this political morality play, for if they did, then there is a potentially greater danger here to our democracy than lying about sex.

The grave act of setting aside a national election cannot be agitated by those forces that failed to prevail at the ballot box."

This is what Tom Barrett said about Bill Clinton during impeachment hearings. Maybe his opinion has "evolved" now that it's not about a Democrat. Just saying.

yada: If there was something really there in this John Doe case don't you think that based upon the actions of David Budde & DA John Chisholm that they would come out with the "facts" before the recall date or better yet not even bother putting out yard signs or signing recall petitions being they have such great evidence to convict Walker. Face it, they don't have a case and you are just on a witch hunt.

Whether Walker wins or loses the recall election, it's likely this John Doe investigation is going to dog him at least through the end of the current term. If you think the investigation is a distraction now, imagine what it will be like if he gets charged and is put on trial. If he wins, the media won't have the recall election or Tom Barrett to worry about anymore. Their energy, much like the DA's, will be squarely focused on Walker. Just think about the media circus it would be if the trials of John Edwards or Rod Blagojevich occurred while those men were in office. The DA has asked for and received expanded reach numerous times during this investigation. With another person just granted immunity, it doesn't appear that that pattern is going to end anytime soon. Walker is straddling the line of becoming a walking political train wreck. If he falls onto the wrong side of that line, is that the kind of mess we as a state want for the office of Governor of Wisconsin?

Mouse, Republicans treat alphabetical characters the same as classes of people. The lower ones don't count, only the upper ones.

Just remember the "5 Ts" that Sykes brought up:

Taxes, Trollies, Turds, Turbines and Tantrums.

I didn't hear Barrett answer the question of how he would balance the budget. Someone please answer for him.

LibertyBelle said, "It is so cool to see a politician roll out the facts..."

Glad we can count on your vote for Barrett.

Rob Blagojevich, " I did nothing wrong. I did nothing wrong. And I’ll have an opportunity to be able to go in a court to prove that I did nothing wrong.”
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Walker, “I’ve had a high level of integrity,”

analertcitizen Barrett knows, and you should too, that he can't restore collective barganing. It is a law. To change the law it requires passage in both chambers and then he can sign it. If you think the bill will make it through both chambers you are painfully unaware of the political makeup of the chambers.

Like I said, Barrett knows this already. He is just telling people what they want to hear. Sadly that is not a plan, and it appears you bought it.

13th person under Walker --> spokeswoman granted immunity - pleads 5th. She worked directly with Walker 2007 - 2010 when Walker was County Executive.

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/15598...

$160,000 is the correct amount of Walker's defense fund. The news of the last $100,000 just came out this week.

http://www.channel3000.com/news/Walker-t...

Barrett unequivocally stated that he would restore collective bargaining because he wants people to sit together (operative word) to negotiate. He said the unions wouldn't "own" the table but they would be part of the process. That's a portion of his plan.

Scott Walker just busted out his “deal with that” truth stamp and punched it and Tom Barrett’s forehead. It is so cool to see a politician roll out the facts and run on his record, as Backwards Barrett was doing the jab and weave all night and retreating to the corner.

Walkers job numbers are false and have been proven to be false! Barrett does have a detailed job plan. All you have to do is take the time to read it and / or view the information.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59ybeEUzf...

Sorry - I cannot support a man like Walker that has paid almost 200 thousand dollars to four lawyers to cover him in he FBI John Doe probe. Those in the know understand that you cannot have a defense fund unless you are under investigation. His OWN words have now said that.

http://www.wisdems.org/news/press/view/2...

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/05/31...

http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/show...

Walker did NOT help John Doe investigation as he has said. He "STONEWALLED" the investigation.

http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquart...

Yada, Walker did address right to work as the Democrats hurt the unions with the mining bill. Five trade unions supported that bill. If he did sign one, so what. It is about choice. A right to work state is an open state of choice where; as example of Boeing in S.C. can not be threatened by unions and shut down more then 1000 jobs. As we've seen these past months in Wisconsin, unions and Obama's NLRB do not take kindly to people with choices.

Where was Barrett's plan? Still didn't here that nor address his benefits of Act 10, again.
It's what you don't hear from Barrett.

I wonder why Barrett hasn’t put out his position on vetoing legislation on catching wild unicorns and leprechauns. The fact he has been silent on his position must mean he is against the environment and equal rights for all people of every shape and size.

helge - thousands of people think differently.

Walker REFUSED to answer the moderator question during the debate on: Would Walker sign Right To Work" bill - If any issue is important(Besides Walker under investigation in FBI JOHN DOE probe)this is important for the working class. If you are happy with low wages and benefits costing more and more - than Walker is your guy.

http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/en...

Bid Rigging info.
http://politiscoop.com/us-politics/wisco...

I thought the most glaring item in the whole debate is that Barrett never stated what his plan for Wisconsin is, it seemed like he was constantly attacking Walker, but not offering any better alternative. I am starting to wonder if he has a plan.

walker LOST AGAIN

Fedup- Go get a job- you know- one of those minimum wage jobs that Walker is touting as
"job creation". I thought that Barrett handled the question of jobs nicely. He said he would help create jobs that actually allowed people to support themselves and their families.

donnaw asked, "Could the Gaz have picked a more biased picture?"

Walker kind of has that "scale of justice" look going, doesn't he? He's going to need that scale pretty soon.

Sometimes it's so easy to look at a rating without looking at the content below... "But his calling it a "credit card" approach implies that this was an irresponsible action. No one’s claiming that -- it’s something the state did under Gov. Jim Doyle, and not unlike what many homeowners do when they refinance mortgages to better meet their budgets.

Indeed, more favorable borrowing terms saved $78 million and helped Walker claim his budget is running a surplus rather than a deficit."

Speaking of NUMBERS - Walker job numbers are false.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/rickungar/20...

Walker used CRDIT CARD to try and balance state budget.

http://www.politifact.com/wisconsin/stat...

The TRUTH O METER says the above story is TRUE.

And Walker didn't "admit" anything, even using the roundabout logic those liberal tabloids want you to believe. He came right out last night and bluntly said "I am not the target...". That doesn't sound like an admission.

yada is really pushing hard to try and change some minds. Sorry, yada, this one's in the bag.

Walker puts his foot in his mouth AGAIN - Openly admits he is under investigation.
Wisconsin law is very clear on the defense fund and you can only have one if you are under investigation.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/101...

Read it here - Walker is under investigation.

http://www.politiscoop.com/us-politics/w...

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/05/31...

Funny how Walker can say he is under investigation after all...

Regarding - FRIEDuptaxpayer..{{{yawn}}}

Motorman
That is a cute line....too bad Barrett has lied again.

How about the convicted felon Barrett hired in 2008?

Boris Gohkman..a Milwaukee developer who was convicted in 2004, for trying to defraud Medicare. He was appointed in 2008 to the Business District Board. He is also a campaign donor (dirty money) to Barrett.

Could the Gaz have picked a more biased picture?

I'm sure the party faithful in each camp believes "their" man won the debate last night, but I agree that Barrett had the best line.

---

Plain truth is that everybody pretty much has their mind made up. Now it is just a matter of seeing who votes. I'd really like to hear from anyone on this site who's mind was changed, either way, by anything that either candidate did.

Yada....so I'm guessing you're not voting for Walker?:)

"More Mass Layoffs To Hit Wisconsin Workers - It's Not Working"

http://www.politiscoop.com/us-politics/w...

Walker's key spokeswoman for several years refused to answer questions under oath saying it would incriminate her during a recent FBI John Doe investigation. Yep - she invoked her 5th amendment right to NOT answer key questions about the Walker FBI John Doe investigation. Walker has paid over $160,000 to his lawyers to cover his butt on this, but it is getting closer. Those that have been granted immunity so far are all close Walker workers when he was County Executive in Milwaukee. Walker is also still refusing to turn over all emails.

http://www.postcrescent.com/article/2012...

Bid Rigging
http://eye-on-wisconsin.blogspot.com/201...

Several times during the debate last night Walker REFUSED to answer a question that is very important for the Wisconsin worker - Making WI A RIGHT TO WORK STATE. This should be very important for the working class because his refusal to say he would NOT sign it means that eventually it will happen with Walker as governor. This is not about weakening unions, it's more than that. Right To Work laws have been used in the south and the keep the wages lower and benefits will cost more for the working class people. In other words - you have the right to work for LESS money. It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out who gets more money for this - - the walmarts, kochs CEOs, etc. Walker COULD NOT & WOULD not SAY last night that this will not happen in WI because he knows that he would lose favor with the outside extreme groups that want this. That is why you have heard Walker say "DIVIDE AND CONQUER" because that is part of the plan that will hurt BOTH private and public employee.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mary-botta...

Walker'S OFFICE "STONEWALLED" the FBI John Doe Investigation - which is quite different than what Walker tells.

http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquart...

Walker used CREDIT CARD to try and Balance Budget.

http://www.politifact.com/wisconsin/stat...

Wow! Walker just clinched his win with this debate. Barrett looked like a kid and Walker looked like the parent. Just no contest who is more deserving of being our governor.

Love the last line!