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Lawmakers call on Barrett to explain financial plan

By ASSOCIATED PRESS   Thursday, May 10, 2012 - 10:46 p.m.
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MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Two Republican lawmakers are calling on Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett to explain his financial plan for Wisconsin should the Democratic challenger win next month’s recall election against Gov. Scott Walker.

State Sen. Alberta Darling and state Rep. Robin Vos are co-chairs on the Joint Finance Committee. In a two-page letter dated Thursday, they asked Barrett to outline his fiscal proposals.

They also challenge him to explain how he would have tackled some of the financial issues that Walker addressed. For example, they ask which reforms that Walker imposed to address a $3.6 billion deficit Barrett opposes.

Barrett spokesman Phil Walzak calls the letter a political stunt. He says Walker is the one who owes voters an explanation about his budget that gave tax breaks to corporations and cut education spending.




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(94)
killngrill
May 16, 2012 at 2:14 p.m.
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Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker!!!
************************************************************************
MOVING THE GREAT STATE OF WISCONSIN "FORWARD"
****************************************************************
FINALLY; FORWARD ------->
*********************************************************

916WI
May 12, 2012 at 6:12 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
wislady
May 12, 2012 at 5:44 p.m.
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COMMENTARY: An apology that’ll never come

"NEWS ALERT: In February, Wisconsin Democrats seized on forecast data from the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau suggesting the state would run a surplus of $12 million at the end of June 2012, but would plunge into the red soon after—running a budget deficit of $143.2 million by the end of June 2013.

Leading the charge: Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca, D-Kenosha. Barca said the bureau’s numbers helped illustrate “how Gov. (Scott) Walker’s irresponsible budgeting and lack of serious focus on jobs and the economy have left Wisconsin fiscally unsound and caused us to fall farther behind on the road to economic recovery.”

Now comes the state Department of Revenue’s new estimate on tax collections indicating that Barca and the Democrats were wrong. Those numbers for June 2012 roughly $265 million collected more than previously projected. Far from a deficit, the June 2013 budget is now likely to run a surplus of $154.5 million.

Instead of applauding the new numbers — and the governor’s performance — Democrats across the state claimed the numbers are purely political, intended to puff up Walker before the June recall election.

We expected better from the Democrats, and so we offer our services.
We’ve created the following letter that Barca can send to Walker"

http://www.wisconsinreporter.com/comment...

redder
May 12, 2012 at 3:21 p.m.
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Mouse you couldn't get on that show if you wanted...I believe you would fail on "Smarter than a 5th grader" with your ignorant posts

wislady
May 12, 2012 at 10:21 a.m.
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Have they started the investigation into the Milwaukee County employees who were circulating recall petitions at work?

wiggle
May 12, 2012 at 9:22 a.m.
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here's walkers plan, something he should be made to answer to


Tim Russell, Scott Walker's former Deputy Chief of Staff, has been arrested and charged with two felonies and a misdemeanor for stealing thousands of dollars intended for wounded veterans and families of military servicemembers who died in Iraq and Afghanistan.


Kevin Kavanaugh, Scott Walker's appointee to a Veteran Service Commission, has been arrested and charged with five felonies related to the theft of funds from Operation Freedom.


Brian Pierick, Scott Walker's campaign aide and former operator of ScottWalker.org, has been arrested and charged with felony enticement of a child.


Kelly Rindfleisch, Scott Walker's personal fundraiser for his campaign and his former Deputy Chief of Staff, has been charged with four felonies for sending more than 1,000 campaign emails while supposedly working on the clock for taxpayers just 25 feet from Scott Walker's office.


Darlene Wink, Scott Walker's former Director of Constituent Services, has been convicted of two misdemeanors under a plea deal for planning campaigning fundraisers, including one with Sarah Palin, on taxpayer dime.


William Gardner, Scott Walker's close friend and campaign donor, was convicted of the largest campaign finance violation in Wisconsin history for illegally funneling more than $43,000 to Friends of Scott Walker

Donegeal
May 12, 2012 at 8:11 a.m.
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For me, this issue is irrelevant. I'd rather have no plan than Walker's plan.

eyeball
May 12, 2012 at 5:57 a.m.
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He is scared to answer. Wisconsin will end up like Greece or Spain if this guy is elected!

wislady
May 11, 2012 at 10:38 p.m.
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carlitosway

You need a good old fashioned mouth washing. Diane Hendricks has done a lot of good in the community, no need to be disrespectful to her.

carlitosway
May 11, 2012 at 10:02 p.m.
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wiscolady is that your youtube link that can be cropped again. The link in the gazette with his own words to Diane *Koch*dricks oops I mean Hendricks is more then sufficient to sway the more intelligent supporters as so many have been on the fence and more and more are jumping to the other side.

carlitosway
May 11, 2012 at 9:43 p.m.
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etown thank you so much for the links BUT it will not sink into a select few that support John Doe as in their eyes he is never wrong and the perfect person. IMO he is the biggest crook/criminal this state has ever had and will eventually held accountable Maybe not in Wisconsin but someday he will have to meet someone greater then he thinks he is. He is the SOLE DEFINITION OF the Meaning of TREASON. He is dividing a Great State and he will be GONE. Raf, Donnaw,wiscolady,fedup, and the rest of the supporters I hope some day see the TRUTH behind their criminal and I hope he spends time in prison like his former staff that have been arrested for 15 felonies and some convicted while he was their BOSS.

wislady
May 11, 2012 at 6:36 p.m.
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johnnyreb6977
May 11, 2012 at 3:48 p.m.
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anertcitizen: I'd be willing to bet the only reason MPD is endorsing Farret I mean Barret this time is because Cheif Flynns contract was renewed.
http://www.cbs58.com/news/local-news/Pol...

kaysbrew
May 11, 2012 at 2:42 p.m.
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Show your cards Mayor. Show us how you will take Wisconsin in a different direction from what you've done to Milwaukee.
NOT

analertcitizen
May 11, 2012 at 12:49 p.m.
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@thejoker- You do know that the Milw. Police department endorsed Barrett this time and they endorsed Walker last time. Apparently they've seen the error even though Walker exempted them from the the collective bargaining issue. I'm fairly certain the exemption was pay back for their endorsement. Oops- didn't work out too well.

theonepercent
May 11, 2012 at 12:33 p.m.
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Koch_bros and Mr_Soros, I think we all know who wins in the end, right? Tell you what, when I get back from Barbados we should get together again and see what can be done to butter or bread on both sides, eh?
Gotta run, the Porsche just got and oil change so I'm ready to rip up some sweet roads in my victory lap of the US.

TheJoker
May 11, 2012 at 12:12 p.m.
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Maybe Tommy Boy is waiting for his marching orders from the unions. I heard Kathleen Falk refuses to give them back.

TheJoker
May 11, 2012 at 12:10 p.m.
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His only plan is that he is not Scott Walker. Wait, do you mean he has to actually have a detailed plan and vision other than saying he is not Scott Walker? What a joke. Stand with Walker!

whz_bng
May 11, 2012 at 11:54 a.m.
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Barrett has been an announced candidate for over 2 months, not enough time to have a plan yet?

Mr_Soros
May 11, 2012 at 10:45 a.m.
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Koch_Bros: Sorry my friend, but there are herds of followers out here that are flocking to my cause.
All followers have a plan (although it may be difficult to comprehend):

A) Don't think for yourself - let others do the thinking for you.
B) Don't plan for the future, let the government do that for you.
C) Play the victim - there is good money in it.
D) Blame all the ills of society on the sucessful - why should they get to live better than us?
E) Play the " take care of me" card - We are abused, neglected, misunderstood, and entitled even though we have not earned it.
F) Perpetuate the myth that "they" hate the teachers - even though it is the behavior of the teachers they dislike -
G) Best for last - Sell Socialism as fairness to all - We want you to share your wealth with us so we can live the dream without earning it ourselves.

Midnight_Ride
May 11, 2012 at 9:27 a.m.
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Tom Barrett's plan like the Democrats in the US Senate.. There is no plan. (or budget)

Except taxes taxes and more taxes.

hdonlybob
May 11, 2012 at 9:21 a.m.
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I am a Walker supporter, but agree with "wortnik" on this.
Put the cards on the table on an even straight question like this.

johnnyreb6977
May 11, 2012 at 8:49 a.m.
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Political stunt???????? Admit it Barret you don't have a plan or even any idea what you would do!

garyprimer
May 11, 2012 at 8:44 a.m.
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Is RAF talking about RHCP?

Mr_Soros
May 11, 2012 at 8:38 a.m.
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Don't explain anything! It is not in our best interests to detail our plan that will raise taxes and take away from the hardworking citizens of Wisconsin and give their tax money to our entitled, but enlightened followers. Blame all the problems Milwaukee has faced on Scott Walker and by all means, avoid explaining in detail why it is Walker’s fault or what you have or more importantly, have not done for Milwaukee.
If we keep telling our followers information, albeit may not be entirely true, they will follow us like lambs to the slaughter house. Promise them anything, but don't tell them of any future tax increases and by no means admit that you utilized Gov. Walker’s changes. Remember, we have to make Gov. Walker look evil and uncaring...even though we know the truth that he is getting Wisconsin back on strong fiscal ground. Forward to our Socialist society…

poobah
May 11, 2012 at 8:29 a.m.
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If it isn't sock puppets, it's red herrings.

On Milwaukee mayor to face Walker in Wis. recall

Posted on May 11, 2012 at 8:07 a.m. by RetiredAirForce

"More deflection and adding another red herring"

On Milwaukee mayor to face Walker in Wis. recall

Posted on May 11, 2012 at 7:20 a.m. by RetiredAirForce

"Just more deflection. Ignoring what I stated and comparing to red herrings."

On Barrett: Race to boil down to jobs

Posted on May 5, 2012 at 9:06 a.m. by RetiredAirForce

"everything you attemptes to provide till now was nothing more than red herrings."

On Ryan reiterates US debt crisis warnings at Janesville listening session

Posted on May 8 at 5:12 a.m. by RetiredAirForce

"Spoken like a true sock puppet"

On Who's who? Obama, Romney projecting mirror image

Posted on May 8 at 3:37 a.m. by RetiredAirForce

"spoken like a true sock puppet"

On Mischievous voters are unlikely during primary

Posted on May 8 at 1:30 a.m. by RetiredAirForce

"I suspect the faux posters and sock puppets will all vote for the fake republican...fakes stick together."

On Rep. Paul Ryan's constituents like him where he is

Posted on May 8 at 1:06 a.m. by RetiredAirForce

"I suspect GoodAmerican is just another of the many sock puppets, put forth by a very incapable person to debate ideas based on facts."

On Barrett: Race to boil down to jobs

Posted on May 8 at 1:02 a.m. by RetiredAirForce

"Nothing but a sock puppet"

On Ryan reiterates US debt crisis warnings at Janesville listening session

Posted on May 7 at 11:38 p.m. by RetiredAirForce

"As a sock puppet you now have less credibility than mouse."

goneandglad
May 11, 2012 at 8:29 a.m.
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I see nothing wrong with him detailing his fiscal policy. We need to know what we are voting for, right? C'mon Barrett, share with us your wisdom!

Stand with Walker.

meemaw
May 11, 2012 at 7:35 a.m.
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just political volleyball that will w/o a doubt backfire on dems. Here's your chance Barrett to reveal how you would do 'it' different. Walker DID tell us over & over in 2010 how he would balance the budget and HE DID IT!!! AND Barrett used it in Milwaukee. Barrett's campaign money is coming from 'bama's PAC & unions. Look on www.opensecrets.com to see who the big donors really are. Speak up & tell us Barrett, what would you change to balance the state budget???

donnaw
May 11, 2012 at 7:34 a.m.
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The JS has the whole transcript And gives a better description of Walkers conversation about his plan. Not so hard to understand his point was to balance the budget he would have to take several steps to cut spending. Act 10 was one and which Barrett used to help him towards solving some of his budget problems as well as many other towns in Wisconsin. Big deal about nothing. Dems are grabbing at straws. The question I have is what will all you left wing bloggers do with all your time when Walker wins this election?

killngrill
May 11, 2012 at 7:33 a.m.
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Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker!!!
*
MOVING THE GREAT STATE OF WISCONSIN "FORWARD"

youkillme
May 11, 2012 at 7:22 a.m.
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Barrett stands against fascism. That's a very good start.

etown
May 11, 2012 at 7:06 a.m.
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and does it really matter what walker says he ll do because this is what he said before he was elected . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsbaTrrXe...

etown
May 11, 2012 at 7:05 a.m.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBnSv3a6N... and lets not forget this one .

poobah
May 11, 2012 at 7:04 a.m.
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WisconsinResident said, "the only pole that counts is the one on election day."

Is that your fishing pole?

WisconsinResident
May 11, 2012 at 7 a.m.
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25 days folks in 25 days will decide. As for the rest it’s just political games to make each candidate look good for the public. In 25 days will see if Walker stays or goes and will see if voters jump ship or not talk is cheap till Election Day on June 5 gets here and the only pole that counts is the one on election day. If Walker loses will have to do this all over again. I just hope it was worth all the **** we went through frankly I wish we did not have to wait till June 5 to decide this if it were up to me the election would be today because I think in my opinion most people have already made up their minds. It’s a matter of getting the opportunity to cast that vote. Why wait let’s end this and get it over with.

kaysbrew
May 11, 2012 at 7 a.m.
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birdman
May 11, 2012 at 6:56 a.m.
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Barrett campaigns without a stated plan. Who is surprised?
. . .
“We” took issue with Walker’s having won the office and then taking steps/initiating bills and procedures that “he never stated he’d do” when he was running for office. “Wah, wah, ma, can he do that‽” C’mon, you armchair pundits, that’s what they ALL (please read italics, not eysterisms) do!
. . .
Should Barrett be elected, when he initiates bills & programs that he is not publicly stating at this time, will “you” scream for his recall. No. Of course not.
. . .
Most of the collective “us” choose our viewpoint and then cast about looking for support for our position. I suspect very few of us actually attempt to exercise an open mind.
. . .

Kathleen Vinehout was the only candidate who laid her ideas out for public scrutiny. They were sound. Clearly stated. Reasonable. Most of my centrist friends and several “Red” friends supported her approach. Rahm Emanuel and the big out of town money/supporters [ that the “Blue” folks scream so loudly about ] have had their way.

etown
May 11, 2012 at 6:47 a.m.
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you know the same time he was saying it wasnt about unions , it was about the budget .

etown
May 11, 2012 at 6:41 a.m.
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the video was shot jan 18 2011 , in the the transcript there a story above it the gives the date .

yada
May 11, 2012 at 6:39 a.m.
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http://www.mcguigan.org/Column-Bears-Ste...
(Time to read the REAL Walker story)

saxcat70
May 11, 2012 at 6:33 a.m.
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Sigma40, it is so nice to see you back to yourself.
I would love to hear mr barrett describe his plans for the state. I would love to hear Gov. Walker do the same. I think for the first time in my life, I am looking forward to a debate. But deep in my heart, I know my enthusiasm will be drowned out by fluff and circumstance.

RetiredAirForce
May 11, 2012 at 6:27 a.m.
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No2 is worried the sock puppets are being called out.

Eagle1
May 11, 2012 at 6:25 a.m.
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Consistency can be a good thing. I see the usual band of fools are spewing their idiocy on this thread. Of course it's a stunt and of course Barrett should lay out a plan, he has none, look at Milwaukee. The fact that the unions got slaughtered in their own primary cracks me up. Talk about deflecting wasn't this entire recall because of ACT 10? Where is that discussion now? The public unions have only proved they are a joke that even democrats don't support, nice job!

helge1939
May 11, 2012 at 6:20 a.m.
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Go Tom Barrett for Gov.
OUT WITH walker

yada
May 11, 2012 at 6:19 a.m.
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gpawcat
May 11, 2012 at 6:15 a.m.
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Maybe it is a political stunt, but the independent voters that decide the elections need a plan.

Why did these republicans give Barrett a heads up on how to win a election?
I would say this was a dumb political stunt that can backfire.

poobah
May 11, 2012 at 6:11 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Sigma40
May 11, 2012 at 6 a.m.
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Why not give tax breaks to corporations? When are people going to realize that corporations are the ones that employ everyone....duh. If you dont give them breaks what incentive do they have to not move to China? Then where are the jobs??....Man people are dumb, and if this Barrett is against that.....wow. Guy sounds like a financial nightmare.

taxed2much
May 11, 2012 at 5:07 a.m.
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alot of comments bashing each candidate and each other but really, what would barret's plan have been and what will it be if he gets elected. Fair question and not a stunt.

RetiredAirForce
May 11, 2012 at 4:14 a.m.
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poo did you sleep during your psychology classes? Suspicion of deviants is hardly paranoia. If truly concerned over the psychological health of posters, you for one, should be concerned about those having possessions of multiple identities (pseudonyms) and hiding from it.

In addition per the Gazette's own user policy agreement http://gazettextra.com/UserPolicy/ it states "Users agree NOT to: create multiple user accounts or impersonate anyone on this site."

poobah
May 11, 2012 at 3:21 a.m.
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A bit paranoid about sock puppets again, RAF? You just listen to Koch_Bros and you'll be fine.

Shopierehuh
May 11, 2012 at 2:04 a.m.
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Good video etown, good links. Thanks.

MrA
May 11, 2012 at 1:24 a.m.
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Wow! Nice, Diane Hendricks,goes to show it's never enough. Your genius husband built a multi-billion dollar empire right here in this blue state. But if you can squeeze a little more out of those pesky, commoner, working folk maybe you can rule the world!

RetiredAirForce
May 11, 2012 at 12:12 a.m.
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Poo why are talking to your sock puppet? Are you that lonely you need to talk to yourself

etown
May 11, 2012 at midnight
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poobah
May 10, 2012 at 11:54 p.m.
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Keep them in line, Koch_Bros! :-)

Shopierehuh
May 10, 2012 at 11:48 p.m.
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That is quite the little video, etown. She is proving to be a witch, we know what Dropout Boy is.

etown
May 10, 2012 at 11:33 p.m.
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http://www.unitedwisconsin.com/scott-wal... im more interested in walker explaining this video

JohnDoe
May 10, 2012 at 11:15 p.m.
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Although this may take awhile...I have given out 12 immunity grants so far.

Just trying to figure out why Scotty hired a defense team. (Wink, wink)

JohnDoe
May 10, 2012 at 10:59 p.m.
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Typical of Walker and his cronies....if your promises are in the dumper...deflect attention.

Perhaps Walker could also explain his failures when he was Milwaukee County Exec.

Or, if we wait, perhaps John Doe will explain it all for him. (Yes I will.)

wortnik
May 10, 2012 at 10:53 p.m.
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Barrett should call their bluff and lay out his plan in detail. Show Wisconsin how he would do it. Then ask Walker to do the same.

RetiredAirForce
May 10, 2012 at 10:51 p.m.
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Typical of Barrett. He used the same law to balance his city of Milwaukee budget, but is silent on what he would do different if he was in charge.

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