Wisconsin political stories 2010-06-04

Former North Prairie trustee to challenge Kramer; Waukesha County Dems also announce 6 other candidates

“Former North Prairie Village Board Trustee Dawn Caruss officially announced Wednesday she will challenge state Rep. Bill Kramer, R-Waukesha, for the 97th Assembly District seat.

Caruss’ announcement came with six others by the Waukesha County Democratic Party on Wednesday, which ensures at least 11 of the 14 state Legislature seats will be challenged in the November general election.”

Tea party endorses no candidates “A coalition of Wisconsin tea party groups tried to distance itself Thursday from Republican candidates who have appeared at their rallies and identified themselves with the movement.”

Physicians endorse Reid Ribble for 8th Congressional District seat “A group of physicians from the Green Bay and Appleton area have endorsed Kaukauna area roofing contractor Reid Ribble, a Republican candidate for the 8th Congressional District.

The group, called Physicians for Responsible Government, has a number of physicians from Green Bay and Appleton on its provisional board.”

GOP Bites the Hand that Feeds “It is my fear that by the time the GOP finally understands that short-term gains of inciting their base are not worth the long-term setbacks of making the Hispanic community a permanent foe, it might be too late.”

Election 2010 update 05-27-2010

[UPDATE II: Wiggy tells us that Bill Kramer has a Democratic opponent.]

[UPDATE: To show that capper wrote about Wall and not Newcomer.] Well, things are hopping and we’re still several months away from the primary in September.

Newcomer drops out of race for 33rd Assembly district. This was not a surprise and capper heard the first rumors I heard [Ed. note-Not Newcomer, but Wall]. Mr. Newcomer has had more than his share of controversy since being elected to replace Waukesha county executive Paul Vrakas. He had several challengers. The Journal Sentinel link has a list of 22 legislators who are not seeking re-election. Before I even finished this post the MJS had Pedro Colon also not seeking re-election so make that 23.

Ron Johnson stopped by Brian Dorow’s fundraiser at Crites Field in Waukesha Wednesday. Dorow is one of the candidates in the 33rd Assembly district (link via The Spring City Chronicle).

Yes, folks that’s how fast things are changing!

Don Pridemore is getting plenty of challenges for the Republican nomination in the 93rd. (h/t The Spring City Chronicle).

Terrance Wall has dropped out of the Republican race for the right to face Russ Feingold in November. [Capper was the first I saw with the news.] He’s the second within the last ten days, Dick Leinenkugel having dropped out earlier and endorsing Ron Johnson about whom George Will wrote.

Wage increases for legislators – Part 2

I’ve written before (OK, not on my blog or in a comment, but in e -mails to Kramer and Kanavas) what I think the Republican party should do on the pay raises for legislatures, but I guess that’s not going to happen.

(Thanks to Spring City Chronicle for the link; it was easier to go there than to go back and look for it from the online editions of the Freeman)

• Mary Lazich – “I’ve returned raises in the past and after I gave them back I saw how the state squandered the money. I don’t want to let it go to waste. I’d rather give it to a charity.” So I’m helping Sen. Lazich be charitable. Great. I don’t suppose she claims it on her income tax. Nah.
• Bill Kramer – “It’s my understanding that it was six years without a pay raise and I didn’t have anything to do with the voting on it. “But I still have to pay taxes on it. And I still have to spend time away from my business so I’ll need to put (the raise) into my business.” Yeah, well we’re all struggling, I guess.
• You’ve hear this one, right? “A state law that says we must accept the raise.”

This from the Freeman,

The Freeman contacted several departments within the Legislature and the state Department of Justice to verify that rule, though no one could confirm if there was such a requirement.[Emphsis mine]

Wigderson Library & Pub: I’ll see that and raise you a legislature

Perhaps even more disappointing than Kramer’s reaction was the mixed reaction from all legislative members of the Republican Party in Madison. It’s not like this pay raise was unexpected yet there was no strategy for dealing with the issue. Instead of being used to partisan advantage, the issue seems to have been rolled under the GOP tent like a live hand grenade. The reaction, sadly predictable, has been every man for himself.

And you would think legislators would at least acknowlege receipt of an e-mail, but maybe that’s asking too much.

Who’s ready to take on Bill Kramer?

James Wigderson takes a look at the Wisconsin 97th Assembly District race in today’s Waukesha Freeman.

Fox Head’s thoughts mirror my own, except that I don’t base my vote on whether they’ve visited me or not. If I did that, I wouldn’t vote for anyone. Activity where I live takes place at the back door and not the front. Politicians would typically use the front.

Schmuki to try again.

Darryl Enriquez informs us (a tip of the ole conservative ball cap to Wiggy),

Attorney Steven D. Schmuki of the Town of Waukesha today announced his candidacy for the 97^th Assembly District of Waukesha. Schmuki previously ran for the office in 2006 and lost to Bill Kramer (R-Waukesha).Schmuki, a Democrat, is president of the Waukesha County Environmental Action League (WEAL) and is a 20-year member of the organization.

Rep. Bill Kramer blogging

He will be sharing thoughts at Boots & Sabers for a few days.

Please be gentle.