keep walker out of my wallet! he took $4500 plus from me just this year!

jt, was that for your benefits?

You get the pension part back when you retire early.

pension, just the sound of that makes me chuckle.

greg, that's benfits, which i am not in weac or wisconsin retirement, i was already paying my share. the real money lost was in pay cuts, furlows and lost schedualed overtime because all language in our contract was considered invalid after the act 10. i am a single family income who was already struggling before this! and before you say well get a second job, let me inform you that i can be fired for having a second job that interferes with my availability for call in.

@jt 'john' -

You work the government, which depends on tax revenues to pay its employees. The economy is in recession and tax revenues are down. What did you honestly expect? Oh, I see, you wanted the rest us, who are already hurting in a down economy, to endure higher taxes, and thus to hurt even more, just so you can maintain your standard of living as if the recession isn't really happening!

Forgive me for saying this, but isn't that quite selfish of you?

I also chuckle at furlows days. Instead of lay off this was the option. In the private sector some of us saw 20% of our workforce eliminated.

again james, you shouldn't bring your horse to the race if you don't want to state details! you never once said what you do for a living or how much you make, and obviously, your on some kind of pension, so isn't it greedy of you to draw your nice pension and then expect me not too?

jt, maybe it's time for you to find a private sector job.

By the way, Act 10 did not "invalidate" contracts. What it did do was to limit NEW contracts to wages only.

And maybe you should be thankful you have a job. Those government entities that did not take advantage of Act 10, such as MPS, had to lay off a large number of employees.

He has, perhaps you weren't paying attention.

You're right Dirk - hey if they like more taxes, less jobs, etc. etc. just move across the boarder!

@jt-WHA WHA WHA buddy. Welcome to the real world. Scheduled OT WTF!!! So as a tax payer Im required to pay for scheduled OT!! Sounds like your dept needs to be revamped and have lean 101 applied. Guess what buddy us in the private sector have had our OT cut as well. Its times of trouble thats what happens, one must tighten the belt so please tell me why you should be exempt? IF you need the OT to survive then you obviously are living well beyond your means. Get a second job if needed or make some cuts. You know those tought decisions like our Gov had to make

jt: Look on the bright side; it first hit you now and not in 2009/2010 like the rest of the real world. By my count, you came out ahead by $13,000.( $4500 X3= $13,500 )
Anyone in the real world would have taken the hit much sooner, so suck it up and choke back the tears. You are one of the lucky few who were carried by the taxpayer.

craig, don't even pretend to tell any public employee that they have not been effected like everyone else before act 10. everyone felt the effects of the economy all they way back to 911 attacks! we went to 2 wars and you don't think everyone felt this? i have been taking wage freezes and cuts all the way back to 2001 ! get real pal!

Jt John: If you are so unhappy and underpaid in your $10/ hr job, look for another one. I am sure there are sweepers making $12/ hr somewhere else. They likely do not offer a pension, but you can open a Roth or IRA with all the extra money.
Most sweepers have been eliminated, as the skilled positions can push a broom too.
You're never too old to learn a new skill.

sole?????? How about soul?

And Barrett has done just that in Milwaukee..................................Fool

Walker has done only what he promised to the people of Wisconsin. You talk about dividing the State, it is the union mentality that has done this. Unions at one time had a purpose, today they have become a voice for the Left. They have also succeeded in making us non-competitive in a global economy. Let's turn out on Tuesday in huge numbers to help Gov. Walker continue moving Wisconsin FORWARD!!!!

you would think that when people watch the news and the never ending flow of walker commercials knowing full well that walker is bought and paid for by millionaire interest groups that they might want to rethink standing behind someone likw walker. but you just can't fix stupid!

The "Shift" key makes the BIG letters.

Tom Barrett is an idiot and so is the comment from JL. Where do you get your talking points JL? Do you actually know what is happening in your own state or just parrot things you have read on lefty websites.

steve, your an idiot! not all pensions have a full retirment at age 53! i for one, have enough years in already but can't take my full pension until 57. and even then, my pension is not that big because we nrgotiated to forgo some pension increases just to help the town! when you assume that all public workers are in weac or wisconsin retirement, you are wrong. many smaller towns are not in those programs!

* you're

57, sorry man that sucks.... You're right WEAC was the worst. You could contribute to your own IRA or 401K if you wished.

No one is saying the good times for public workers will not be back when the economy improves, but at least now it won't be taken advantage of.

Excuse me Gov Walker didn't lie - he did all he said he would do. You just aren't use to politicians that actually KEEP THEIR PROMISES!!!
Property taxes have started to GO DOWN! Schools have more $ - except for Kenosha because they signed contracts knowing what was coming and now they have to cut and lay off teachers. If they would have waited they'd be sitting pretty too!

@JL-Please show me facts!!! Walkers reforms are working period!!! Unless you can show otherwise sit back down!!!

@jt-As opposed to backing the big union thuggery? No Thanks!!!! Your left leaning liberal agenda is not for the people of Wisconson and now your President says its ok to have Gender Abortions

@jt-Hello!!! Full retirement at 57? WOW!! Come to the private secotr where many of us must wait until 67!!! Hmmmmmmmm something wrong with that picture

@Mike Cody--

The US is VERY competitive in the global economy, except perhaps with China... There was a time in the not so distant past when we didn't trade with communists but it seems we've cast aside all of our values. If the Chinese were free to demand basic workforce rights to things such as weekends, overtime pay and work safety conditions then labor would cost more there too...

@Johnny Paycheck -

Only China, really?

Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Malaysia, The Philippines, Taiwan, India, Pakistan, African nations, … etc

I guess you just forgot about all those places, right?

@James R Hoffa

Yes that's it, I am jealous of your two failing businesses. Quite noble of you to keep it all going for the waitresses and dishwashers...

I suspect you are not telling the truth when you claim to own a home that you're paying off 22 years ahead of schedule, paying for your own repairs, health care, etc. and doing it all just fine on what amounts to about $600 per week after a minimal amount of tax deductions. Perhaps you have a dual income household and the 42k is just your earnings... or perhaps your W2 says you made one amount and there is more that you are not reporting, or misreporting...

To answer your question, I am responsible for paying 4 employees, myself included.

@Johnny Paycheck -

Having no idea what I paid for my home, how on earth can you even start to perform an intelligent analysis? It's just me - no dual income here. And again, yes, I'm doing just fine on $42k. No credit card or other debt other than the mortgage. Like I said, it's called living within your means. I know that's a difficult concept for liberals like yourself to understand, but perhaps if you try really hard, you'll be able to embrace it one day!

My sister also grosses about $42k a year working for BMO Harris (formerly M&I). And she gets benefits. She has an even bigger mortgage than me, and yet, she's on track to have it paid off in 15 years instead of 30. And just like me, she's able to put money away for a rainy day as well!

Your parents must have done a terrible job with you on the basics of money management! Perhaps a community college course on being financially responsible would do you some good!

@James R Hoffa

You're right I don't know what you paid for your home, but I know what the houses in Waukesha sell for and anything under 150k is in need of some very costly repairs. Good for you if your happy with where you are-- I can't say that I would be were I in your situation. I am doing just fine myself-- better than you anyways, although in the world of small business things can change very quickly and I understand that.

I don't need community college, I already have a B.S. in business, which is something you may want to consider yourself if you've got two businesses that are providing you with so little. If you are netting only 42k per year off two of them then that really isn't a business-- I would call it a very interesting hobby.

I am not a "liberal", nor am I a right wing fanatic, although I do understand that may be a difficult concept for you. I most certainly do live within my means, own a house which I've extensively remodeled and never made one late payment for anything. What's not clear is why you seem to be so proud of yourself for paying your own way... You remind me of someone I once heard bragging because he takes care of his own kids... Those are just things that everyone is supposed to do so you don't get any extra kudo's for it.

So please further enlighten me-- exactly who's fault is it that your not doing better? I am guessing you blame everything on the poor... Good luck trying to squeeze the proverbial water from a stone.

@Johnny Paycheck -

Who ever said that I lived in Waukesha County??? Not even close!

Thanks for calling me a failure, I really appreciate that. I actually hold a BBA, BS, JD, and LLM. And yes, I paid my own way through school by saving up and working three, and sometimes even four jobs, thank you very much! No student loans for Hoffa - just good old fashioned hard work!

Could I be making more money - you bet I could. But I've chosen to take it easy right now while my Vietnam Vet father is struggling with cancer! Time spent with him is more important than rain-making right now. And no, I don't blame my situation on anyone else.

What I don't like though is seeing people that are completely capable of providing for themselves take a government handout instead, which drives up my taxes. It's unjust and unfair. And that's why I support Scott Walker!

What do you stand for exactly - just your own self inflated sense of superiority over others?

@Paycheck-Are you seriously that ignornat? You really seem to be about status within the community. Hoffa seems to be doing just fine. He is not the one complaining about what he makes. Mr Hoffa seems to be quite comfortable. You on the other hand seem to be worried about what Mr Hoffa is doing or not doing as far as his business. Seems to me for you its about being successful and I dont know. Success does not equal happiness. You need some serious help there Paycheck. So like a liberal u feel it neccessary to brag. Whoooo Hoooo u hold a BS. Does that stand for bull shit. How does that make better than anyone else.
Again nice job of totally twisting it all around buddy. You have been bitten by the liberal ideology

@ Hoffa,

Sorry about your father. What do I stand for? I'm a Ron Paul conservative, not a neocon or a tea partier or what have you. Your mischaracterizations of anyone with an opposing viewpoint are pretty appalling though. If I were concerned with status I would be coming online and posting how many businesses I own and my income and bragging on having paid all my bills this month, but that's not me, that would be you.

@ Patriot

You are are taking the conversation completely out of context, I was replying to Hoffa who'd just told me I needed to go to community college and I corrected him. You are clueless if you think I'm concerned about status in the community-- although I do think education is something to be proud of. I'm not the one coming online to post my income and brag that I'm living within my means-- that's Hoffa. Living within your means is something that everyone is supposed to be doing and paying his bills doesn't give him any type of bragging rights.

And as far as the railroad goes your view of what happened is just as dumb as Walker's... If I'm going to get charged for a car I didn't order I would at least like to receive the vehicle. The same holds true for the high speed rail project we are going to be forced to pay for, but have no chance of ever receiving now thanks to Walker's brilliance.

@James R Hoffa

And good point about my having made the rash assumption that you live in Waukesha county. This is the internet and for all I know you could live in southern Mississippi and simply prefer to spend your days and nights on the patch discussing what's going on in Waukesha 24x7.

Hoffa doesn't live in Waukesha County, but I do. And I'm beginning to feel very discouraged.

@Hoffa

You do have to admit that there is a certain irony in your position-- which you have just explained and I now understand. You want Walker to arrange it so that you can continue to make a living while "taking it easy" and not putting much effort into it. It seems you have more in common with those government handout takers than you thought!

Sorry about your father, but nobody is entitled to a free ride.

@Johnny Paycheck -

Since you're new to the Patch, I'll catch you up a little.

The only reason I ever posted my income or disclosed my debt situation was in response to questions asked of me by those on the recall side. Personally, I don't see how any of that is relevant to the discussions we were having here, but those people apparently did think it was pertinent. So, I indulged them and played along. Never was I intending to toot my own horn - I was merely stating the factual reality of my personal situation.

I love Ron Paul as well. Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Ron Paul come out as supporting Governor Walker in this recall effort? I do believe he did:

http://www.twincities.com/wisconsin/ci_20286535/ron-paul-says-wisconsin-gov-scott-walker-making

As to my where-abouts in Wisconsin, I'm from the Racine/Kenosha area. I won't get any more specific than that because of problems I've had with retaliation for espousing my political views on a public forum in the past. Sorry.

You appear to be at odds with yourself in your support of Paul, but disdain for Walker. If you honestly don't like Walker, then Trivedi offers a much better alternative to Barrett - especially for a Paul supporter. Care to explain why you're supporting Barrett?

@ Hoffa,

Just because I support Ron Paul doesn't mean I would let him tell me who to vote for. I never said I was supporting Barret, what I said was that I would vote for anyone but Walker. Even though I like what Walker did with public unions, a good act doesn't wash away a bad one and I don't think I could ever forgive him for essentially giving away $800m to CA & IL. Wisconsin citizens such as myself will be paying on that debt for years to come and will have nothing to show for it. Even $800m spent frivolously would have provided some benefit to Wisconsin provided that the money was spent IN Wisconsin. And $5mil a year to maintain it is peanuts. Giving it away for that reason is like saying that because someone made you buy a brand new car that you never wanted you are better off giving it away to your neighbor so you don't have to pay to change the oil. That topic has pretty much been beat to death though. Trivedi I have never heard of before today...

@Johnny Paycheck -

That's a shame, as Hari is a really great guy and tens times the candidate that no answers/solutions Barrett is! Here, let me help you with your homework:

http://www.trivgov.com/

He's on the ballot just below Walker and Barrett.

Another fine example of strategic right-wing saturation. Steve, what you term "reverse form of omission" has actually been coined "Right-wing projection," which describes the Rovian tactic of hiding one's own weak areas by accusing Democratic opponents of same. Obviously Democrats did not "drop the bomb" on public union employees or brag about "divide and conquer" strategy to a billionaire Koch crony and campaign donor. But the strategists for the "right" have done such an effective job of saturative manipulation that you honestly believe the Democrats are responsible for Walker's actions? Impressive. To those of us who recognize and sidestep propaganda, the impact of that saturation is visible and measurable. Fascinating.

@Bren-Hahahahahaha

That was a lot of typing just to admit you live in opposite land.

@Bren-Your problem is you're too SMART!!! See there are those that are educated and have common sense, then there are those who are extremely educated and lack common sense completely. They try to analyze and logically explain it away such as yourself. Its okay Bren you cant help it your parents brought you up to think like that. Good thing you have people like us conservatives to stand up for our basic fundamental rights of WHICH COLLECTIVE BARGAINING IS NOT!!! We got your back BREN

Give the Mayor a break, it's all he has got.

I know it seems silly, but it test marketed better than ending "Scott Walker's Bay of Pigs Invasion" or ending "Scott Walker's Spanish-American War".

Maybe you can blame your union for overstepping for years and years and years. I'm sure they haven't sent you that memo yet. But don't worry you'll have the last laugh when you retire at 53 with a full pension.

@jt 'john' -

Do I have to explain this to you AGAIN??? You work the government, which depends on tax revenues to pay its employees. The economy is in recession and tax revenues are down. What did you honestly expect? Oh, I see, you wanted the rest us, who are already hurting in a down economy, to endure higher taxes, and thus to hurt even more, just so you can maintain your standard of living as if the recession isn't really happening!

Forgive me for saying this, but isn't that quite selfish of you?

so steve, you think that it's just perfectly ok for a neighbor of mine who cuts his own grass and works on cars to collect diability and then thinks i'm a lowlife for working at the local public works? get real.

I just can't imagine why your neighbors would want to harass you, john. You're such an agreeable, understanding type with no noticeable lack of empathy or any degree of overblown self-interest. Go figure.

@jt 'john' -

No one here called you a low life, except yourself. But, you are being a bit of a cry baby.

For the record, last year my gross earned income fell just shy of $42k, not that it's any of your business or relevant to anything. I am a self-employed independent contractor and entrepreneur that runs a family restaurant on the side. The only benefits or pension that I receive are what I choose to set aside for myself. I am not on any kind of government assistance. I also engage in securities trading through a private Scottrade account. So, now you know - not that it makes an iota of difference to anything!

Suck it up already and be a man!

@jt-We are all on the latest craze Bath Salts. Just look out you might find someone who may just want to eat your face

@James R Hoffa-

The economy is not in recession. This is the new "normal" which pretty much sucks compared to the old normal. Welcome to the new world order, which consists of outsourcing, bringing in cheaper 3rd world foreigners on H-1B work visas and dismantling unions. All are tactics designed to further enrich the few hundred people who control most of the wealth in this country at the expense of everyone else. And when I say unions I am referring to trade labor unions, not the public ones which should never have been there in the first place.

And if you are telling the truth that you are only making $42k per year as owner of two separate businesses then you are hanging on by a thread like most of us are right now. The nations GDP is still rising, just like it always has, and we aren't going to get our prosperity back by further knocking down folks who really haven't got anything. The reason we are all suffering is because most of the nations wealth is all concentrated in the hands of just a few hundred people, and those few hundred just love to see the working stiffs blaming one another for the condition of things.

As a nation and individually we would be much better off restoring the US to it's former glory as the land of opportunity, where 10,000 business owners can work hard and become millionaires instead of having 9,999 failures and one $10billionaire.

@Johnny Paycheck -

Actually, I'm doing quite well on $42k a year, because I live within my means!

On schedule to pay off a 30 year term mortgage in 8 years by making extra payments!

@James R Hoffa

Congrats on doing so well on 42k. If you ever decide to close down those failing businesses of yours you might make more hanging gutters 7 months a year for some other subcontractor. Maybe then you could pay off the 30 year mortgage in 6 months?

You must be really good with math to stretch your money so far!

@Johnny Paycheck -

Do I detect a hint of jealousy in your voice?

Like I said, I live within my means and yes, I'm very good at it. But it's not hard to do. Believe me, there is nothing special at all about Hoffa, so if I can do it, anyone can also do it. But cry babies like you apparently don't see how it's even possible, and quite frankly, that upsets me! Your personal finances must be an utter disaster!

Spoken like a true liberal! Even though my restaurant doesn't make bank in profit for me, you'd prefer to see me close it down, laying off 2 full time and 12 part time employees in the process.

No wonder your side is so destructive to economic activity! And how many jobs exactly are you currently solely responsible for supporting, Mr. Paycheck?

I doubt that L_ _ _ _ T_ _ _ _ _ "You know who I am" would ever wave the white flag.

The "civil war" was started by Scott Walker. What do you think "Divide and conquer" means, obtw? Wikipedia: "In politics and sociology, divide and rule (derived from Latin: divide et impera) (also known as divide and conquer) is a combination of political, military and economic strategy of gaining and maintaining power by breaking up larger concentrations of power into chunks that individually have less power than the one implementing the strategy. The concept refers to a strategy that breaks up existing power structures and prevents smaller power groups from linking up."

Who had the political and economic power in January/February 2011? (I think Poppa Fitzgerald received his crony appointment as head-and triple-dip state employee pension-of the WI State Troopers a bit later). The State senators did not "divide and conquer," they were reacting to the campaign.

Interesting how the revisionism takes place even as events unfold.

What's interesting is your revision of history. When did the "divide and conquer" quote become public? Before or after the recall process began? What was the genesis of the recall movement? Was it jobs? Was it empowering women? Was it the John Doe? No, I don't think so. What is Barrett's platform? I don't hear him talking about anything except grasping for campaign issues that were NOT part of the original recall process. Is he afraid to run on Act 10? He's talking everything but the one item that started the recall process. Because he knows he can't win with that one. So Bren, you can make up all after -the- fact issues you want like divide and conquer, jobs, and the John Doe but the real reason for the recall was and is Act 10. The democrats didn't like it and THEY started the war. They should have listened to their leader. After the last election, when the OBAMA was elected, John McCain had the temerity to ask him if he was going to work with the republicans. Obama said, “I won the election, John. Elections have consequences.”

@Bren-Divide and conquer means he stood up to the special interest union thugs who have controled this State for too long!! Job well done. Gov Walker is a true leader!! With balls I might add

The weather.

We'll be talking about how long will the recount take?
How much money does it take to buy a court decision?
How far will the unions go to buy a judge?
What County do you think it will be decided in?

how job creators are now hurting because they just had to donate millions to this recall, so our tax money will be giving those guys tax breaks to cover the money they spent on the recall inorder to create jobs!

JT - are you worried that the recalls cost the state millions of dollars? That money could have been put in your pension and payroll check. Think how many new neighbors you could have bought with your fat new paychecks, think how much earlier you could have retired. In stead of at 57 sitting on the rocking chair it could have been 53!!!!!

steve, you have no idea what your talking about, and your ignorant as normal.

I will be awaiting Gwen Moore's (AKA Lady Gag-us) new song!

Awesome!!!

Thank you, Thank you (bowing) :)

@hoffa, you of all people on here should be smart enough to know that when supporters throw millions at walkers campaign, that the have a motive and will be owed favors. and those favors will not help any of us who make under 1000,000 per year. not public or private workers or small buisiness contractors like yourself.
your capable, now just stand back and look at the big picture and what this all means for small potatos like you and i.

LOOK AT THE BIG PICTURE!!!!!

(CNN) - President Barack Obama raised more than $86 million for his 2012 re-election campaign in the second quarter of this year, the campaign announced in a video e-mailed to supporters Wednesday. (July 13, 2011)

( May 11, 2012) LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - President Barack Obama called his endorsement of same-sex marriage a "logical extension" of his vision for the country on Thursday during a glitzy campaign fundraiser at the home of movie star George Clooney that raised nearly $15 million.

Obama, a Democrat, said on Wednesday he believes gay and lesbian couples should be able to wed, a shift in position that excited his political base around the country and spurred donations to his campaign.

"Obviously yesterday, we made some news," Obama said to applause from a crowd of 150 people who paid $40,000 a ticket to see the president at the Oscar-winning actor's home.

@jt-It means Im going to party like a rock star flicking my bic

@jt 'john' -

If someone like me gives Walker a $1k campaign contribution, it represents 2.4% of my average gross annual earnings. If a billionaire gives Walker a $1M campaign contribution, it represents .1% of their overall wealth. Who's more apt to have a motive in expecting something in exchange for the contribution they made to his campaign, just as a matter of common sense and expected human behavior?

Come on john, I'm waiting….

Do us all a favor and start THINKING outside the world of the Dem propaganda, rhetoric, and talking points!

Once again proof that Barrett and the Dems are targeting the low information, non-thinking voter!

newsflash mau, obama's not running for governor!

don't get too far ahead of youself anti! overconfidence is a means to an end!

As long as that end includes Barrett going 0 for 3, who cares.

It's not overconfidence jt. Every indication I see has Governor Walker beating tom Barrett by a MINIMUM of three points, and likely alot higher.

Thank GOD for Scott Walker!

Keep deluding yourself Auntie. Fine with us.

$$_and_still_nonsense, you are still all over the board. Are you for massive public spending or against it? Are you for Capitalism or against it?
How about a straight answer?

And who are referring to living at home with mommy and daddy making their decisions? I think you are making way too many liberties trying to profile your opponents.

Thank GOD for Scott Walker!

$$andSense -

From this statement, I cannot fathom how you are in anyway common sensical with your dollars!

"From this statement, I cannot fathom how you are in anyway common sensical with your dollars!"

For someone who claims not to be a politician, you sure have the avoidance BS down. Who pays your wages? Someone does. And why do politicians get a wage at all? It was supposed to be an honor to serve, not a job.
.
"$$_and_still_nonsense, you are still all over the board. Are you for massive public spending or against it? Are you for Capitalism or against it?
How about a straight answer? "

Liars and cheaters do not deserve answers, only silence.

Here, here!

As I have stated time and again, I chose the moniker "Anti-Alinsky" because I believe facts, not emotion should drive a discussion. Here's a great fact to deal with, I have never, in any of my posts, even implied that I lived at home past high school or don't have kids. In fact I have two kids and moved out of my parent's house when I was 19. Now for the follow up. I challenge you to find ONE post where I have said different.
Wait, I forgot who I was talking to. You are just going to tell me to do it myself because you are too lazy to do it your self. OK, I'm up for the challenge.

Last post, no mention of either.
Post before that, not there either.
Lets keep going.
Nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, and nope.

I almost forgot

THANK GOD FOR SCOTT WALKER!

Is someone with a bullhorn shouting repeated political invective on this site? Looks like one of those chanting drum beaters from Madison last year on the Capitol lawn. Whatever they do with their "free time" is of no concern to the rest of us (though some admit they do it on company time). Leave them alone. They will soon tire of it or maybe get arrested like the doof at the Clinton/Barrett rally. Maybe it is the doof that got arrested. "Nope" is a great slogan that could be used by either side. What genius! But only have 3 days to get it out there. So much for "family" time this weekend.

@The Anti-Alinsky -

I was sweating after reading your first responsive post, worried that you had omitted the TGFSW.

Thanks for not letting us down ;-)

Hoffa, notice how $$ didn't even respond to my challenge. Just whined that I am stating my case using alot of facts, not inuendo.

Thank you GOD for Scott Walker!

keep driving those audis , that really helps the economy!

Dear Johnny,
Why don't you do some research and see how well that HSR project is working out in California? You can start here:
http://www.mercurynews.com/california-high-speed-rail/ci_20418167/stop-california-bullet-train-states-top-analyst-urges

@Johnny Paycheck -

Instead of blaming Walker for not taking the borrowed money, why not blame Obama for borrowing it in the first place?

Someone needs to take a stand against the Fed's abusive use of the taxpayer's credit card, and I for one and am glad that Governor Walker did!

If no one did, then when would the abusive deficit spending in Washington ever end? Can you say Greece?

@James Hoffa-

Walker couldn't stop the money from being borrowed in our names, all he could do is deny us the benefit of receiving it, which is exactly what he did. We still owe it and will have to pay it back some day, so Walker financed an $800million gift for the citizens of IL & CA compliments of the state of WI.

@obtw--

You're right it appears that the state of California didn't put our $800million to good use. Perhaps we should have kept it...

@Johnny Paycheck -

Imagine if every single state and territory had turned down the money. What would Obama have done then? It has to start somewhere with someone, doesn't it? Why not with Scott Walker and fine people of Wisconsin?

Now do you get the 'taking a stand' rational? Did I honestly have to explain it to you?

@James R Hoffa

If every state turned down the money then it would have returned to the treasury-- that would have been a good thing, but it's foolish for anyone to believe that might have happened when there was never any such agreement with the 49 other states.

maybe patriot, china 's not big on unions either! that's why workers are jumping out of windows at apple! they should just be glad to have a job though right?

@jt-Buddy you talk out of both sides of your mouth. You support the liberal progressive agenda by supporting Mr Barrett yet you make comments like that. JT Barrett looked like a clown last night. He had nothing other than the talking points, he had no plan for what he would do to move the State forward.

patriot, walker looked like a criminal last night who has lost weight (and hair) because he knows that if the recall doesn't get him, the long arm of the law will. so mr patriot, do you call yourself patriot because you have actually served in the military? or just because your a flag waving bible thumper who beleives everything that is said on the pulpit of many koch bros paid for churhes on any givin sunday? as for me, i'll stay old school catholic. and beleive that god doesn't get involved in politics!

@jt-Because I believe in smaller Government, Ibelieve in the very fundamentals that this Country was founded upon, I believe that we the people know whats best for ourselves and our familys. I believe in FREEDOM!! When the Government is involved we are not FREE!!

ok patriot, then how is a government official such as scott walker digging into my pocket when i did nothing wrong freedom? how is forcing smaller towns to consolidate services by lowering revenue sharing smaller government when your turning small towns into big consolidated towns smaller government?

Ending collective bargaining provided local control.

@jt -

So, seeing as how Obama is an admitted criminal by engaging in the use of illegal narcotics during his high school and college years, I guess you won't be voting for him in November either, right?

@jt 'john' -

"ok patriot, then how is a government official such as scott walker digging into my pocket when i did nothing wrong freedom? how is forcing smaller towns to consolidate services by lowering revenue sharing smaller government when your turning small towns into big consolidated towns smaller government?"

Do we honestly have to do this AGAIN???

Walker did not dig into your pocket - REALITY did! You work for the government. The government is sustained from revenues derived from tax collections. The economy has been, and continues to be in a recession. When there is a recession in the economy, tax revenue collections go down because people aren't making as much, spending as much, and properties decrease in value. People earn less in wages, many are laid off and become unemployed, and new blood has trouble finding work. Decreased tax revenues means there is less money with which to pay your wages as a government employee. It's called public service for a reason john. Honestly, what did you expect to happen in a recession?

Oh, I know - you want the government to raise taxes on people who are already hurting because of recession just so you can maintain your lifestyle as if a recession isn't really happening all around you.

Don’t you find this the least bit SELFISH john?

i'm not a teacher, but you patriot are talking out of both ends of yourself! and as a patriot< if you ever served< weren't you actually a public employee then? how many years did you serve? how's that pension, veterens administration, gi bill, and low interest mortgage working for you? who pays for those things?

@jt-Well sorry to inform you that I did not serve. Which actually bothered me for many many years. But do to some reconstructive knee surgerys from racing motocross at a young age they would not take me due to that. But I have always believed very highly of our military and those that have served. I went to school got an education and have been in the aviation business for the last 26 years. I work hard have 5 kids, have had 3 jobs at times to pay the bills or provide the extras. I do not rely on any handouts, early retirements, pensions ect. I am proud and do not believe in handouts if I am capable of providing. I was not raised that way.
I pay for everything I have nobody else pays for it. Own my own home one that I can afford. Its a simple home not something that I can not afford. Im a very humble man as I have been down on the ground with nothing but the clothes on my back. At which point I did not have my hand out but rather buckled down and got everything and more back. Again material shit but point being is I did thru hard work sometimes working jobs that I did not like until something better came along. So all of this whining and mud slinging goes against how I was raised!! I was raised on a large ranch with lots of cattle and the work did not get done on its own nor did we get Government handouts

so then you are just a tea party patriot? your an insult to our armed services too using that name. you think that i don't work for the money i earn? it is my job! just like what you do is your job! but you think that because you pay taxes that i don't? sorry, but i also pay property taxes and income taxes. i provide a service just like you do and i get paid for it. only difference is that the governor didn't step in and regulate what you get paid for your service but , in my case he did! so you call that smaller government? i call that dictatorship! i have worked too hard in water and sewer trenches for the past 25 years too let this dictator tell my employer what my work is worth! i pray everyday that this showman walker loses his position in our state! because he is nothing but a special interest pawn that will try to make our state a right to work state like down south. but in wisconsin, our climate does not allow for us to make a good living on right to work state wages! wake up!

Does anyone else read really slow when reading jt's posts? When I read them there is a Forrest Gump voice in my head.

@ greg, you are exactly the kind of person that makes me want to vote against the republicans every single time! your arrogance does not become you! it only makes you ugly. and you are that way to the core

It almost hurts that you don't like me. But the "poor me" public employee thing really makes me sick. You can't fool me, i've worked with your type.

Dang union thugs! No wonder my bass boat Mercury outboard, Ford Explorer and Harley cost so much! And that guy from the city who plows the snow on my street wants to get paid big money too! Dang union thugs!

@jt 'john' -

And who exactly should decide what public employment wages should be john? Our duly elected public officials are the ones who are charged with setting the tax rates that eventually pay those salaries. You get to cast your vote for those people, the same as the rest of us do. And those officials represent your interests, just as they do our interests. So why shouldn't those very same people get to decide what the wages will be? After all, wouldn't that be fair? In fact, that's how the system was originally designed to work. That's why there are very few, especially outside the postal service, public employee unions in the federal government john. If you don't like the salary being offered by your local municipality anymore, quit. No one is forcing you to work there. Or, get involved - petition your local leaders. Run for local office.

But to just sit there and blame your woes on Governor Walker - not very becoming at all john.

If you take off your hate tinted glasses you will see clearer. How much has Diane Hendricks paid in WI state income taxes over the past decade? A tax dodger? Surely you jest.

I see you are still ignoring the truth and want to believe that there is a boogie man in the room Mike.

@Mike-And Walker answered the question regarding stonewalling!! Stop spinning it bro!! Get over it and open your eyes maybe then you can see. Instead you continue to beat the drums rather than look at the facts!!! Facts are facts but hey lets not cloud the story with facts

@Mike -

I actually hope that the good people of Wisconsin are in fact smarter than you apparently are.

Let's see, Hendricks gave Walker $520k, right? And she's a billionaire, right?

That means that her campaign contribution represents approximately .052% of her overall wealth, assuming that she's only worth $1B.

Meanwhile, let's say that you have a guy grossing $60k a year that really likes Walker and gives him a $1k campaign contribution. That represents approximately 1.67% of that guy's average annual gross income.

Based on what we know of human behavior, and just outright common sense, who is more apt to expect to receive something from Walker for the respective contributions that they gave to his campaign?

Milwaukee County DA Chisholm gave a press conference expressly stating that it was Walker's office that requested the investigation back when it was first launched. Now the ADA is claiming otherwise. So, is the ADA calling his boss, Chisholm, a liar? And you don't find that the least bit disturbing or conveniently peculiar how such controversy came out just days before the recall election?!?! Why aren't you demanding that the Milwaukee County DA's office get its story straight?

Wake up you lemming!!!

Proof that Barrett and the Dems are targeting the low information, non-thinking voter!

Mike, the facts are out there about ALEC, the Koch brothers, all of it. But folks like obtw, Steve, Patriot, etc., may "feel" that rethinking their opinions about Scott Walker is somehow "losing," when in fact recalling Walker will be a victory of throwing off the shackles of ALEC and a radical agenda. Big picture thinking is needed here. Do we really want a one-party dominant system in this state/country? Because that's the big picture agenda. A business-friendly political party in permanent power. In my opinion, that's losing. Losing our democracy.

@Bren- You are the furthest thing from democrocy. All you are is full of hot air and talking points, your thuggish union intimidating BS is not working. Again 1 million signatures but only 600,000 votes for all Dem candidates, 4000 people at the Tea Party Rally, only 900 to support Barrett

@Deb-Great big Ditto!!! Its really kind of sad actually!! The left claims to be all about humanity as long as it does not affect their bottom line. When it does HELL NO!!

who actually said they could retire in their fifties? i know i can't! even though i might be eligible for my pension at 57 doesn't mean that i can afford to retire at 57! if your listening to steve, he doesn't know what the hell he is talking about.

@jt-Really? I know of a women who is set to retire at 54 with 25 years vested recieving full retirement

patriot, all public employees do not have the same pension or contract! there are many of us who work for smaller towns or villages that have been hit much harder by act 10 then others. educate yourself on the reality of this situation a little better then just one woman you know!

@jt 'john' -

You need to wake up to the reality of what it means to be a 'public servant.' I'm not going through the common sense explanation with you again. If you're too dense to get it, then there's an even bigger problem than Walker that you need to deal with, that can be found when looking in the mirror!

i'll be there!!!! thanks scot!

Nichols - the man who believes that onion style parody pieces represent fact and reality. He's nothing but a partisan hack and a complete joke. Anyone who values journalistic credibility would ignore this guy!

Schultz - well, do I really have to comment on him?

Why don't you tell Schulz to his face Jimmy? I'd pay to see that.

It must be a sign that Walker is losing. You are losing your usual composure.

@Schmitzy -

I'd take you up on that dare, but unfortunately, I'm going to be out of town tomorrow. Besides, he'd probably just ask me if I could set him up with your sister!

I'd love to debate Ed - especially when it comes to Wisconsin politics. He and that self righteous hack Nichols were on the air tonight spreading out-of-context lies about Walker. One thing I did notice, is that not even they appear to be privy to Barrett's plan.

Maybe Barrett's plan will show up on WikiLeaks right before the election. One could only hope!

i'll be there too!!!! because i want to see what a bunch of brain dead sheeple look like! but don't worry, you won't be able to see me because i'll be the guy standing next to you pretending like i'm one of you! so if you really hate me, spit on the tall guy next to you!

@jt-When did I say I hate you? See that is the difference between you and I. I hate know one!! I respect all people until they have disrespected me!! I am very much a to each their own but when they force their beliefs onto me well F that. This is America and we are entitled to believe what we choose as long as it does not interfere with your beliefs. By that I mean as long as your not trying to push your values, ideology onto me. In a sense that what you did with this recall.

well patriot, your governor forced his beleifs on me when i did nothing wrong. and my employer set my pay and work conditions through bargaining and signed those contracts. btw, our village is in good financial shape compared to others but walker came along and penalized me and mt few coworkers for doing our job well.

Gosh, my insurance costs went up too. Maybe I should try to fire my employer.
jt is the typical public sector victum. BooHoo.

@jt 'john' -

No one hates you. Nor did anyone penalize you. It was just the reality of the situation, as we've been over now multiple times. Do you really need me to explain to you AGAIN??? If you feel that your local level leaders are screwing you over, then do something about it other than blaming Walker.

As it stands, you're pointing the finger at the wrong guy and being nothing but a big cry baby!

@Mike-Again Walker has not been named in anything!! Why do you keep reaching in the air hoping to grab onto something. Your boy Barrett though campaigned on violent crime being down in Milwaukee by 15%. Hmmmmmmmm seems he LIED to the people of Milwaukee to make himself look good while campaigning for GOV. He is a weasle and well thats not saying much for you. Look your just pissed because for once we have a Gov who stood up for the tax payer. All I hear is the attack on the middle class. Well buddy Im middle class and quite happy with Gov Walkers reforms

Mike, I know how you feel. Your hatred for Walker is only matched with my contempt for Obama. I patiently waited for four years to vote him out of office. No recall, no impeachment.

The truth is not in him. He has the low information voters convinced he will make life better for them. By the time they realize he will not, it will be too late.

@patriot, he might not be named in anything yet, bet he is guilty as hell, he looks like sh#t and his guilt is showing through.

@jt-well thats the beauty of this awesome Country. We have the Bill of Rights and the Constitution that provides us with certain inalienable rights. One of which is presumed innocent until proven guilt. Assumptions, beliefs, suspicions do not count as proof of guilt.

i agree with you on that patriot, but in the long run, the truth will come out and i don't think your gonna like the results.

It's been 2 years jt, if they had something it would be out.

@Randy1949 -

And Barrett is somehow going to make your life better? Maybe we should ask the people of Milwaukee how they feel about that one, given that poverty in the city has skyrocketed under his watch. And yes, I know that your reponse to this will be to blame someone else or the state of the economy in general, etc.

Under Walker, things will be better for everyone, and especially our future generations that won't be saddled with a mountain of continuously and exponentially growing debt!

Again, let's look at what Barrett did in Milwaukee - leveraged the city so much that its debt rating was just recently decreased yet again. Is that really what you want for our children? But for some reason or another, you guys always seem to ignore this very REAL and OBJECTIVE FACT - WHY???

Jimmy, always figured you for partisan but naive.

Glossy eyed over the prospect that, "Walker is going to make things better?"

How? Him or the doofus Fitzgeralds don't have the competency to find their way out of a paper bag. You must impress easily.

As Bill Clinton put it so well this morning, only through cooperation that anybody makes anything better. He gave several examples, not including Germany where unions are in tact and companies are doing very well.

Of course the barflies get hot and bothered because they think unions support Democrats. Well, someone has to defend the rand and file and at least the rank and file has a greater sense of their self-preservation than the barflies on this blog.

The far right doesn't want to compromise over anything, and they figure why should they because they are being bankrolled to the tune of millions by psychopaths like the Kochs, Adelson and Diane Hendricks, who is kind of like Vicki Pyzynski only a tad less shrill and will loads more money.

What do you think that "Americans for Prosperity" bus runs on. Not the money of their adoring suckers.

@JRH -- Neither side is going to make my life better. I'm semi-retired and not likely to be hired at any of these new jobs should they actually appear. I might have a little extra activity in our service business, but that's debatable.

I'm primarily worried about property taxes, because they tend to go up while my income doesn't. You'd think I'd be for Walker just out of pure selfishness, but I see a rebound in a few years when the rock meets the hard place. Walker's 'tools' are short-sighted and they are not going to work.

@Randy-Really? Tell that to the nearly 4000 people who attended the Tea Party Rally this morning at Gorney Park!! WOW!!! Compared to the 900 that Billy Boy drew in for support of the other guy. Its clear that the people of this State Stand with Gov Walker

@Patriot -- The vast number of TEA partiers can believe what they like. You know what PT Barnum said about one being born every minute.

@Randy-Well I guess that explains you. Really so the 4000 people that gathered to support their beliefs and to show how strongly they feel about the direction of this State is make believe or compares to the circus? WOW!!! Is that how you feel about the individuals who rose up in 1776 to take a stand against the monarchy who was wanting to impose taxes on the land? Randy this is very similar to that movement. People who are sick and tired of being taxed to death.

@Randy1949 -

So, you're choosing the side that has proven through their past action, and reluctance in actually disclosing their plan, that will undoubtedly saddle your children with more of our debt? After all, what just happened with Milwaukee's public debt rating? I'll give you a hint - it's called a downgrade.

And yes, I fully admit that Republicans have been just as guilty at using the credit card as the Democrats in the past. But Walker is part of the new breed, as evidenced in the FACT that there has been no new original public debt offerings by the state since he took over. That's more than I can say for both Doyle and Barrett, who by-the-way just issued that huge public bond to pay for the trolley he so desperately wanted and had to have right now. What do you think caused the recent downgrade? Is that the kind of legacy that you want to leave to our children - someone who will stick them with a big bill and a piss poor credit rating?

@JRH -- I'm choosing the side that has shown they give a damn about working people and aren't currying favor with big corporate interests. I'm choosing the side that has shown they won't make life more miserable for poor people in order to give tax breaks to business and billionaires.

His policies aside, Scott Walker absolutely stinks at leading people.

@Randy1949 -

Really? Let's ask the working people of the City of Milwaukee how those policies have worked for them - unemployment up, MMSD no better than when Barrett took office, poverty up, crime up, taxes up, MPS graduation rates and competency down, etc.

Yep, it really looks like the working man is flourishing in Milwaukee under Barrett's tenure, doesn't it?

Meanwhile, can you name one specific billionaire that has received anything above and beyond normal from the state government since Scott Walker has taken the governor's mansion?

What's that I hear Randy, crickets….

@JRH -- Milwaukee's problems started long before Tom Barrett. I've been observing for three more decades than you have.

As for which billionaire may benefit or have benefited from Scott Walker in the Governor's mansion, those figures aren't available yet.

@Randy1949 -

Indeed, Milwaukee's problems started long before Barrett, just as I acknowledge that Thompson and McCallum, in addition to Doyle, helped to cause our state's budget and debt problems. But under Walker, the budget and debt are getting better in less than 1.5 year's time. No new original debt obligations issued under Walker. And the budget is on track to a projected cash surplus, despite having to repay the Doyle raided segregated funds and tab with Minnesota! With those things out of the way, Walker can now start paying off some of the so-called structural debt in the next biennium, just as he PLANS to. (Emphasis added to show that Walker actually has a PLAN.)

Meanwhile, although Barrett inherited problems in Milwaukee, instead of things getting better during his tenure, they actually got worse, as the FACTS show. There's no denying the reality of the situation Randy.

And the fact that you can't provide us with a single billionaire that has benefited in anyway out of the ordinary under Walker - well, do I really have to say that your little conspiracy theory really falls apart here!

Where Walker has been wholly successful and effective, Barrett has failed miserably and actual took things in the opposite direction of what he promised voters back when he first ran for Mayor.

Wake up my friend!!!

I'm awake, JRH. I had dozed a little, thinking that Walker couldn't be that much worse than Thompson or any of the other Republican Governors I've lived through. I agree with you that he has a plan. We just disagree about what that plan is.

It's quite true that Milwaukee has gotten worse in the past eight years. Milwaukee County got worse during Walker's tenure. The entire country got worse since 2000. These are facts. We may differ on our conclusions.

I'm not naming names about the billionaire. I will say that it takes great temerity to complain about one's tax burden with no corporate tax paid between 2005 and 2008, and no personal state income tax paid in 2010.

That's why Walker lately on Facebook shows pictures of himself surrounded by men in uniform, so he can get used to the idea of being surrounded by men in uniform.

One has to ask how many people were involved in this situation if 13 people have been given immunity. Disturbing.

AG, any evidence at all to back any of this up? No. The unions have never been a state-controlling money machine. Has he said he would increase taxes? No. Has Barrett claimed he would hire more state workers? I know of one Republican state employee who would have voted for Walker again if she hadn't been laid off. Concerning running Milwaukee down the road to destruction, this is another falsehood. As County Executive from 2002-2010, Scott Walker is ultimately responsible for his decisions to cut bus routes, etc., and to not apply for federal funds to help Milwaukee. Barrett reminds us that the unions chose Kathleen Falk as their candidate; remember her "pledge." He is no union puppet and I thought he was magnificent in the debates. It's all about keeping eye contact and insisting on answers. Walker's verbal gas clouds are designed to confuse the issues and cast doubt. Barrett maintains focus on the question and issue at hand and I think voters get that. Barrett will be a governor for Wisconsin, not ALEC. I don't think any Republicans knew about ALEC or voted for it--they thought they were voting for an affable guy who was promising jobs, jobs, jobs. Weren't we all surprised.

@Bren -

Seeing as how you're an informed voter, and Barrett is your chosen horse in this race, then please answer this relatively simple question with a yes or no, as people deserve to know:

If elected, will Barrett support increasing taxes?

Ummm... did you just happen to miss everything that has been happening here for the last year and a half?

During the first couple months of Walker's policies taking effect, Wisconsin was actually outpacing the nation in terms of private sector job creation. Then you guys threw your little temper tantrum hissy fit, the Dems took a vacation in IL effectively stonewalling the budget for nearly a month, boycott lists were circulated, unions went around threatening businesses both big and small alike, lawsuits were filed, liberal Dane County judges enjoined good legislation, recall fever possessed the lemmings in the state, a round of recalls were held last summer, the mining bill was killed, .... need I go on?

You honestly don't think that any of this had any impact on job creation in the state what-so-ever?

Are you kidding me???

If you want to blame someone for the jobs numbers, start with the sore loser recall crowd - but not Walker! All he did is what we elected him to do back in 2010!

Wake up Mr. Paycheck, cause you're a day late and a dollar short to this party!

If you're serious about wanting jobs in this state, vote WALKER, KLEEFISCH, and WANGGAARD on June 5th!!!

Paycheck-Hmmmm lets see he has been in office a little over a year now? His goal was for the end of his 4 year term!! Hmmmm lets see constant turmoil by the left in this State!! Union thuggery with boycotts, threats ect!!!! Hmmmmm Paycheck should I continue? Are you really that unable to think for yourself and look around and see the evidence that is right under your nose? Or do you enjoy being treated as someone who is not that smart? Because your left wing propaganda machince is doing exactly that. Spewing BS to all you low information voters!! SAD SAD SAD!!! Thank God we did not have to rely on that type of ideology back in 1776

I thought Walker just promised to create 250k jobs and didn't pre-qualify his promise with all kinds of conditions for which the promise would not be met... Anyone can promise something grand (or in Walkers case mediocre) and then blame others when they don't succeed... No the teachers are to blame... the union... the democrats... my daddy didn't get me a bike for my 7th birthday... There are always plenty of excuses for the fools who are willing to accept them...

@Paycheck-Do you actually read what you write? If I am not mistaking your side is the creator of the blame game. As a matter of fact Obama just recently blamed congress for the dismal job numbers for May. Saying they are not enacting certain portions of his jobs bill. Well guess what there is reason for that. Look Government WORKS for US!! WE DO NOT WORK FOR GOVERNMENT

@Mr. Paycheck -

So, now you're qualifying your vote on campaign promises? I guess you'll be voting for Hari Trivedi then, right?

After all, let's take a look at Barrett's campaign promises when he ran for Mayor of Milwaukee, shall we. Fix MMSD, bring employers back into the area, reduce poverty, reduce crime, fix MPS, etc.

Now, let's take a look at Barrett's 8 year record - MMSD no better than when he took office, unemployment is up in the city, poverty is up in the city, crime is up in the city, MPS graduation and competency rates are down, etc.

Remember, you can't blame anyone else, as Barrett " didn't pre-qualify his promise with all kinds of conditions for which the promise would not be met... Anyone can promise something grand (or in Barrett's case mediocre) and then blame others when they don't succeed... No Bush is to blame... Wall Street... the Republicans... my daddy didn't get me a bike for my 7th birthday... There are always plenty of excuses for the fools who are willing to accept them..."

So, you'll be voting Hari Trivedi, right? If you actually believe in the crap you post here, then this is your only choice, so please, tell us who you'll be voting for!

@Patriot

Thanks... Don't forget to vote!

Walker promised 250,000 new jobs by the end of his first term. He's way off track on this one. And remember, he set that foolish and unattainable goal himself.

Bren, while Governor Walker is only about 15% of the way there, once the recall nonsense is over, and businesses see that Wisconsin is serious about business and jobs, the jobs will just pour into the state.

Thank you GOD for Scott Walker

@Bren-At least Walker has goals unlike Barrett who has talking points. All that crack has really affected your BRAIN

@Bren -

Barrett had 8 years to perform on the promises he made to the people of Milwaukee when running for Mayor. And most would call those promises actual attainable goals. As I've already laid out, he's failed the people of Milwaukee on every single campaign promise he made!

Walker made other promises than just the 250k new jobs, didn't he. And he's been doing quite well on either keeping those promises or compromising, hasn't he?

@ James R. Hoffa,

No my vote isn't entirely based on campaign promises... In this case, as I've already stated I am voting for anybody but Walker primarily because he sent an $800million gift to CA & IL entirely paid for at our expense. Ironically his job numbers would be looking much better right now if he'd used it to create jobs in Wisconsin as it was intended to.

@Paycheck-Oh ya I forgot Federal Money is free money. What was I thinking. WOW!!! Now whos a little ignorant? Lets see at a Federal Level the nation is broke. So you say take the 800 million from the Feds that they borrowed from China just so we could have that train. Put a few workers to work while building knowing full well the project would be way over budget. Train built workers let go because no longer needed, train needs repairs at the tax payer expense. Great IDEA!!
Just the fact that the Feds would need to borrow from China just so u can have your train? Ahhhhh no Thanks. TGFGSW

@ Patriot

The feds were borrowing the money either way, we didn't have the option not to have the money borrowed in our names. Our only option was to build the train in Wisconsin and pay the bill later, or to let CA & IL have the money and then pay the bill later. If I'm going to get a giant bill either way I'd at least like to have to stuff that it bought.

@Paycheck-Bingo you just nailed it!! So because the feds borrow the money means the States should also make that irresponsible decision as well? Paycheck sounds like your argument should be directed towards the Federal Level. So your angry with Walker for making a fiscaly responsible decision by saying NO!! Im sorry that is the very thing we need to do as a nation!!! 16 trillion in debt!!!!!

@Patriot

Rejecting the money is only a responsible decision if it returns to the treasury. So the feds pretty much made an $800million withdrawl against the state of Wisconsin, and Walker went and dumped the money out of a helicopter over IL & CA. And you call that wise.

The $800 million was only the start, if accepted the Wisconsin taxpayers would have been on the hook for some major operating expenses. Doyle bought into a plan that had us upside-down before the train ran it's first run. Other states took the money and they did not have success.

I'd say another reason to recall Scott Walker! He singlehandedly slashed the take-home pay of more than 200,000 state workers, impacting Wisconsin's economy and contributing to sluggish national numbers. He also obliterated tax cuts for low income people, took about 16,000 people off BadgerCare. Without these, the buying power of this group is also reduced. People on furlough in the private sector have lost buying power and increased debt; People who didn't are very cautious. These are all factors to consider. Having Walker in the Governor's office adds to the controversy and unease. Better to get him out and put Barrett in. Barrett's campaign donors don't have to wonder/worry that their contributions are being used to pay criminal defense lawyers, for example.

"Balanced" Barrett for Governor!

@Bren-Put down the CRACK PIPE you are loosing it. Actually you have already LOST it. Bren give it up. Facts are Facts and the numbers a show otherwise. Approx 4000 tea partiers and dismal 900 Clinton cronies

So the money involved in the "slashed take-home pay" just evaporated? You sound as stupid as Gardengnome, who thought that Governor Walker cut the military budget.
I don't need public employees to spend my money, I can do it just fine.

@Patriot -

Thanks for the video links! The police had no right to tell the man where he could or couldn't stand in relation to anyone else who was there, as the rally was open invitation and on pubic property.

The crowd was harassing and intimidating him, he was just engaging their questions.

Thank you Mayor Barrett, for training your police force so well that the City of Milwaukee will likely have a deprivation of civil rights case on it's hands after this little incident! Once again proving that Barrett is good at costing the taxpayers their hard earned dollars due to his own partisan political interests!

It was my pleasure. I just wanted everyone to see the true nature of those on the left. That was truely SAD!! No during the tea party rally there were a few protestors on the road but there was no reaction like our American Hero recieved. Now who is dividing?

I saw angry people on both sides. Why the police saw fit to arrest him I don't know.

As for protesters on the side of the road at the TEA Party rally, well, they didn't come into the midst of the crowd with an insulting sign. That might have had something to do with the lack of confrontation.

@Randy-Are you speaking from facts because you were there or is that just an assumption? Because much to your surprise they were right smack on the main road into the park Nicholson to be exact. The very same road that literaly hundreds of cars were parked and people were using to enter. My buddy who met me there said did you see the protesters? I said no, he said ya they were out on the road talking smack as people entered. His response to them was have a nice day. Randy you really should not talk crap

@Randy-An insulting sign? So now your against the first amendment? WOW!! Guess what Randy? Gov Walker is going to win by 6.8 or better. I guess you also feel free speech only applies to the left

I'm speaking from my observation of the two video clips. There was one very angry man who supported Walker amid many people at a Barrett rally. Heated words flew.

We got confronted by a line of Stand With Walker people at a stoplight today on our way to lunch. Lest they think everyone was in agreement, we both held our thumbs out horizontally like Roman emperors at the games and then pointed them down when the light changed.

You know, I already said he had a right to be there and say what he wanted to, even if he was being a jackass. What did he expect -- a pat on the back?

I'm sorry he got arrested.

@Randy1949 -

Remember the roadside rallies in support of Governor Walker? Remember how Patch covered both the rallies, as well as the counter protestors that directly infiltrated those crowds and were holding their recall signs amongst the Walker supporters with their signs? No arrests there and no one beat up on the counter protestors - I can personally attest to that, as a majority of the time, the counter-protestors were stand right next to me. My response was to ignore them, as to acknowledge they're there only plays into their goals of disruption.

Now, remember celebrate Walker? That was a permit event that was open invitation so long as you weren't going to cause trouble. Remember the counter protestors that unfurled their sign in front of the stage and were escorted out of the grounds by private security? Again, no arrests made.

Now, we have guy with a sign at the Clinton/Barrett rally. Yeah, he's making some noise, but only in response to the rally supporters. Clearly, as the videos show, he wasn't being at all menacing or loosing his cool. Admittedly, he did get a little agitated when the police tried to tell him where he could stand but weren't doing the same to others, despite it being a non-permit open invitation event on public property - anyone that values their civil rights would get agitated with that! But there was no need to arrest him.

The arrest was little more than a partisan double standard being excised by the MPD. I honestly hope they get their asses sued off for this!

Randy, are we talking about the same 6 minute video. I truly don't see how you can call our marine " a very angry man". I put to you the anger was in the faces, comments and yelling by those harassing Wi new "Joe the Plumber". Out of control MPD and Barrett maniacs have given our marine hero the spot lite and they won't be happy when this video gets national play. Thanx

What more can I say than I'm sorry he was arrested. He should have been escorted out by private security like you guys did.

That said, it was a complete change about from the days of my youth to see Milwaukee police giving grief to a white, clean-cut ex-Marine. Times change.

Agree Randy. 'Nough said. It was totally wrong and out of control. Let's all take a moment and that this Maine for his service. He deserved better from MPD

@Bewildered -- I sure am calling him angry. He called professional firefighting a 'stinking job' that volunteers could do just as well. He was rude, condescending and, yes, angry.

Randy, yup, dumb thing to say ( tho many many state fire depts are volunteer). I would argue he was provoked tho. If our maine hero was angry, sure seems those confronting him were way way over the line with their comments and actions directed to him. Almostas if they were looking for a fight. Not Wisconsin' s finest moment. MPD should seriously investigate how this guy was treated. The video shows no reason why he so manhandled by Sgt W. Let's all hope the Sgt is the exception and not the rule.

Serious question for you, once this madness is over, do you think people will ever,be civil too each other again.? I can only hope so.

Provoked? As I said, he walked into the middle of someone else's rally with a sign about 'union thugs'. Did he expect a pat on the back?

Manhandled? Did he trip repeatedly over a portable radio or something?

And the answer to your question about can we ever be civil again -- possibly, but it will take a long time for the wounds to heal.

Does he not have the right to peacefully protest ( the film doesn't lie, unless edited by Patch)? Are there not countless examples of the left trying to disrupt republican events ( pls at least admit this so we don't have to argue about zombie protesters at an event where Wlker was trying to honor Special Olympic participants).? Is this not how you want " democracy to look like"? And finally, whatever happen to respect for our veterans?

Been staying on sideline cause reelection is a done deal (+7) and choose not to engage in mudslinging on Patch.

BUT after seeing this video and now knowing what really went on with the arrested marine ( thank you for your service), this guy is my true American hero. After watching this, I ask you who was civil, who maintained control, who got manhandled by MPD. God bless our marine for standing up for what he believes in the face of rabid Barrett supporters, including many teachers. This video is very telling and this guy stood for his beliefs, knowing he would get harrssed by union members

And the hypocrisy of the left, after 18 months of their protests, to belittle this guy yelling jail him. You gotta be kidding.

Watch how I'm going to stir up the lefts hornets nest. Our hero marine is our new joe the plumber. Before Herr Keith and his like attack joe the plumber, always remember in Ohio, Obama went up to him, he did not seek out the press.

Let's recall Barrett and run our hero marine for mayor. Where do I sign the petition. The left has made our marine a true hero, he should be standing right next to Scott Tuesday nite when he gives his victory speech. Seriously, does anyone really deep In their heart think Barrett will win?

Simper Fidelis !

1) His father is the marine. He's a swim coach.

2) He stuck his finger in a cop's face. Watching him through the rally, you could tell he was begging to get arrested so he could be martyred by right wing cry babies.

You are such a buffoon. Sam the unlicensed plumber is a chromed dome know-nothing (http://tinyurl.com/c7nxul) elevated to celebrity status as a logo for the other low income, low educated schlubs who keep this farce of a party running. You cannot win an election with 1% of the electorate. So you to whip up the votes you need to seed lies and fears among the ignorant.

I was waiting for Herr Schmitz to take the Joe the Plumber bait. And he swallowed the whole bait and hook. I even warned him i was baiting him. Dumb, just plain dumb. He's so easy to anticipate and manipulate. But can't be to hard him cause it is Saturday nite and we all know he's been executing his own stimulus package at the local Shorewood bars tonite.

Gee, Herr Schmitz, how's it feel to be the most ridiculed man on Patch (see, I refrained from any "he's a crook" comments. I'll let others carry that banner).

Careful driving home tonite after closing time. BTW, isn't calling someone chrome dome a weird when one sees your charming forehead that extends to your back? Even your insults are recycled

Hahahahahaha OMG ROTFLMMFAO

in god we trust, in walker we stagnate!

the above comment was not paid for by any political fund because god has absolutley no political affiliates!

In Barrett we fail!
Or
The Choo Choo is off the rails!
:)