Iowa Electronic Markets shows Dean rising further: Quotes

Ten Commandments of Lobbying (Author Unknown)

The ironies of this being on the Bright consulting web page are too rich to be ignored.:

1. Thou shalt speak only the truth, and speak it clearly and succinctly; on two pages and in ten-second sound bites.



7. Study arithmetic, that thou mayst count noses. If thou canst count 51, rejoice. Thou shalt win in the Senate.


10. Be humble in victory, for thy bill may yet be vetoed.

What can you learn from Illinois politics?

Government & politics pays.

No, its not about selfless public service. It is about power and the money that flows from that power.

Its true in Wisconsin too. Citicorp just got a bond deal for one of its affiliates. The rumor is: John Walsh a relative of David Walsh (Doyle advisor) is at Smith Barney. A little elbow grease and voila! Big deal done!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
"The bonds listed below are municipal issues that include negotiated offerings in which we will serve as a senior or co-manager"
Wisconsin $850 million.
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Ironically, Michael Bright, who had little (nothing) to do with getting the deal, has possibly (apparently?) pulled in a new-house level payout from the public finance arm for 'getting this done'.

Of course this is all just a laughably humorous rumor on an anonymous blog so there is nothing to it. Go on about your business.

You can learn a lot about politics from reading today's Chicago Tribune. The day is dedicated to frmr. Governor George Ryan's indictment on corruption charges.

(Sorry you have to register for the Trib. but it is free.)

THIS FROM DEAN'S BLOG :
Win Real Money with the Winning Democratic Candidate
in the Iowa Electronic Markets


The Iowa Electronic Markets are real-money futures markets where contract payoffs depend on the outcomes of political events such as elections.

Current prices per share in the IEM 2004 Democratic National Convention Market:

Howard Dean_________59.2 cents
Richard Gephardt____15.4 cents
Wesley Clark________11.0 cents
Hillary Clinton_____6.0 cents
John Kerry__________5.0 cents
Joe Lieberman_______1.3 cents
Rest of Field*______2.1 cents

Note: "Rest of Field" is the combined share price of John Edwards, Dennis Kucinich, Carol Moseley-Braun, Al Sharpton, plus every unspecified person who might concievably win the nomination.

Put your money where your mouth is and get rewarded if/when your candidate wins.
Each share of the person who gets nominated will be worth one dollar after the nomination becomes official at the Democratic convention

From the Dean weblog:

How to CHEAT and rig the (Iowapolitics.com) poll in Dean's favor!

"1. Vote
2. Tools > Internet Options > DELETE COOKIES
3. Delete Files
4. OK
5. Close Browser
6. Return to IowaPolitics.com
7. Vote again
Kerry is doing this, we might as well do the same!"

Perhaps you should look at this:Iowa Politics

While the editor has been watching 100,000+ people have voted in the Iowapolitics.com online poll.

Either that or the Dean, Kerry, and Clark campaigns keep teams of hackers on staff.

Great campaign finance cartoon by Chris Muir

If you are interested here is a link to:The 50 Most Generous Philanthropists

The editor is not sure how this story was missed:

Madison - Wisconsin unions and businesses gave $1.3 million to a national Democratic Party committee, which then returned much of it to an organization prosecutors say Sen. Chuck Chvala illegally ran to skirt state campaign-finance laws, a new report released Thursday charged.

Using new Internal Revenue Service data, the non-partisan group Common Cause in Wisconsin was able for the first time to list donations from Wisconsin - including $430,000 from the state's largest teachers union - to the Democratic Leadership Campaign Committee in Washington, D.C., before state elections in 2000 and 2002.

Wisconsin contributors gave more to the national committee than any other state and - in a move that Common Cause described as "laundering" - the committee returned $695,470 of it to Wisconsin political groups over a 30-month period.

Of that amount, the report says, $322,000 was sent to Independent Citizens for Democracy, a front group that prosecutors say Chvala used to illegally help fellow Democrats running for the Senate.

The FBI said last month that it was looking into whether the Democratic Leadership Campaign Committee violated federal money-laundering laws in a campaign-finance scheme that led to state felony charges against Chvala.

History's Tea Leaves Point to Bush's Reelection (washingtonpost.com)

Here is what happens when liars convince ordinary people:

Michael Bright uses his wildly innacurate bio to fool Williams Young into an alliance.


According to the Bio:
"Prior to the formation of Bright Consulting Inc. in 1995, Michael Bright was Chief of Staff to the Wisconsin Joint Committee on Finance, Executive Budget and Policy Advisor to the Governor, ..."

Those statements are not true.

There was and is no such post as the "Chief of Staff" to the Joint Committe on Finance and Bright didn't hold such a post.

Michael Bright says he was an Executive Budget and Policy Advisor to the Governor.

That is a lie.

He was, in fact, a junior budget/policy analyst at Wisconsin's Dept. of Admin. and NOT a "Budget and Policy Advisor to the Governor". This is a distinction with a HUGE difference. Those who were on the Governor's policy team are reputed to be steamed about these lies.

The real ex-policy advisors are embedded prominently in Wisconsin's politcal system.

We don't like this kind of garbage in Wisconsin. Bright should clean up his act or leave town.

Some lobbyists suck out loud.

Everyone in the Capitol knows it.

Only by being burned do the clients figure it out, if they ever do.

There are 700+ lobbyists in Madison many try hard, many suck.

--------------------------------------------------------
Here is a lobbyist who is not as well respected as some:
Rogowski

Look at his bio. It says he was the Chief of Staff. It doesn't say which Governor he worked for. (Hint: Scott McCallum) Since the bio only mentions Tommy G. Thompson, a prospective client might be led to believe he was Chief of Staff for Tommy G. Thompson. Not so.

It doesn't say he was fired. It doesn't say he 'slashed the tires' and tried to seek revenge upon his former boss. In politics you don't turn traitor on your boss and mentor. It's considered bad form.

It certainly doesn't say that he is despised in the capitol and is thought by some to have really crappy access. That would be bad advertising.

This editor wouldn't hire him to fetch donuts.

Good article on Lobbyists.

Here are the websites of some of the state's better lobbyists:

McCoshen
Broydrick
Essie
Ray Carey
Schreiber
Pat Osbourne, Jim Hough, & Andy Franken

Here's an interesting site. One of Wisconsin's top lobbyists selling what he does:

"Entering the government maze alone can be an alarming venture. That's why so many people turn to Broydrick & Associates. To get the job done.

Our mission is simple -- to win."

CHARLIE SYKES MAKES A POINT:

THURSDAY, Nov. 6, 2003, 3:29 p.m.
Raw Deal

By Charles J. Sykes

The car that drives Jim Doyle contains ...

NOTE: scroll down to Nov 6th.

STUPID LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR CONTEST TO START SOON!

Stay tuned.

What is happening with Doyle?

Ok, the Editor can see why one might veto a bill to define marraige as being between a man and a woman.

But to force the state employees union to accept "partners benefits" for gay couples is stupid and worse its bad politics.:

Doyle Vetoes Defense of Marriage Bill, Then Pushes Same Sex Health Benefits

For the Democrats in the crowd, a website to make you happy:

EVIL GOP BASTARDS.COM

From the Hill:

"Democrats throw the spirit of reform out the window."

Basically the reality is this, Democrats have spent years demanding that the election system be changed. In particular they said "the campaign finance system was corrupt and must be thrown out". Now that they have accomplished that feat (McCain-Feingold) the Democrats have rushed into breaking the system they have just created.

The idea was to end soft-money.

The Democrats have now created an array of soft money groups to do just what they said they hated; bring large unregulated special-interest money into politics. They are raising tens of millions to improperly influence the national elections.

The Republicans aren't doing it.

Apparently the Republicans are relying on massive numbers of small individual donors and have decided to stick within both the spirit and the letter of the law they opposed.

The irony is delicious.

Billionaire helps take aim at Bush

$10 million gift goes to Democratic group
Saturday, August 9, 2003

By SYDNEY B. LEAVENS
Monitor staff

Michael Bright is NOT, it turns out, the worst lobbyist in Madison.

No, in fact it may well be that a lawyer with Whyte Hirshboek could be considered the worst lobbyist.

Stay tuned.

SLAM OF THE SUMMER: Frmr. Madison Mayor Paul Soglin

In the great tradition of hitting people while they are down; Wisconsin: A Report will comment on Frmr. Madison Mayor Soglin.

The Mayor believed that the position was his for the asking. He was owed the position. He never wrote a campaign plan and certainly never executed one. He was out maneuvered almost from the get-go.

The great Cheesey-One (as Mayor Dave Cieslewicz should always be referred to) simply out worked and out fought Soglin. Soglin was lazy and deserved what he got.

One final note:

Soglin was often observed purchessing certain racing forms at Pic-A-Book when he was Mayor previously. The Editor is sure he never used those forms for gambling, and rumors to the contrary Soglin has no gambling problem!

RANDOM MESSAGES RECEIVED VIA EMAIL:
HOW CAN YOU LIVE WITHOUT KNOWING THESE THINGS?
In Scotland, a new game was invented. It was entitled Gentlemen Only Ladies Forbidden....and thus the word GOLF entered into the English language.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time TV were Fred and Wilma Flintstone.
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Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the US Treasury.
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Men can read smaller print than women can; women can hear better.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coca-Cola was originally green.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It is impossible to lick your elbow.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska
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The percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28% ( now get this...) The percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38%
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The cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven: $6,400
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The average number of people airborne over the US any given hour: 61,000
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Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair.
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The world's youngest parents were 8 and 9 and lived in China in 1910.
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The youngest pope was 11 years old.
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The first novel ever written on a typewriter: Tom Sawyer.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Those San Francisco Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history:
Spades - King David
Hearts - Charlemagne
Clubs -Alexander, the Great
Diamonds - Julius Caesar
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle.
If the horse has one front leg in the air the person died as a result of wounds received in battle.
If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, John Hancock and Charles Thomson.
Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I am." is the shortest complete sentence in the English language.. (No!)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hershey's Kisses are called that because the machine that makes them looks like it's kissing the conveyor belt.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Q. What occurs more often in December than any other month?
A. Conception.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Q. Half of all Americans live within 50 miles of what?
A. Their birthplace
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Q. Most boat owners name their boats. What is the most popular boat name requested?
A. Obsession
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Q. If you were to spell out numbers, how far would you have to go until you would find the letter "A"?
A. One thousand
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Q. What do bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers, and laser printers all have in common?
A. All invented by women.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Q. What is the only food that doesn't spoil?
A. Honey
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Q. There are more collect calls on this day than any other day of the year?
A. Father's Day
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Q. What trivia fact about Mel Blanc (voice of Bugs Bunny) is the most
ironic?
A. He was allergic to carrots.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Q. What is an activity performed by 40% of all people at a party?
A. Snoop in your medicine cabinet.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In Shakespeare's time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes. When you pulled on the ropes the mattress tightened, making the bed firmer to sleep on. Hence the phrase "goodnight, sleep tight."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month after the wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with all the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer and because their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the honey month we know today as the honeymoon.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In English pubs, ale is ordered by pints and quarts.. So in old England, when customers got unruly, the bartender would yell at them mind their own pints and quarts, and settle down. It's where we get the phrase "mind your P's and Q's"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Many years ago in England, pub frequenters had a whistle baked into the rim, or handle, of their ceramic cups. When they needed a refill, they used the whistle to get some service. "Wet your whistle" is the phrase inspired by this practice.
~~~~~~~~~~~AND FINALLY~~~~~~~~~~~~
At least 75% of people who read this will try to lick their elbow.

ANNOUNCEMENT:

The editor is pleased to announce that this project will now undertake to have a weekly "SLAM" on a randomly chosen political figure in Wisconsin. Following a long tradition in journalism we will try to be largely untruthful, unfair, and rarely humorous.

"Memoirs of an Amnesiac"


An article from the American Prowler suggesting new titles for Hillary's book.

From Online Journalism Review : The most influential blogs.

"The Most Influential Blogs"
It's been a breakout year for Webloggers as they've taken on Trent Lott and The New York Times, as well as put their own stamp on the war in Iraq. Now Mark Glaser tells us who's who in the blogosphere.

A hint, this isn't one of them.

From Politicsonline:

STAT OF THE WEEK
-----------------------------------------
ERRORS RAMPANT ON GOV'T SITES
A Keynote study found that more than two-thirds (68 percent) of the government sites that were evaluated had Web application failures. While the figure may seem high, the government sites actually outperformed a sample of e-commerce sites, which recorded a 72.5 percent failure rate.
-----------------------------------------

This doesn't surprise those of us who have worked in and around government.

News of the Day:JS Online: Norquist leaving early

None to soon if you ask this writer.

News story:

-- Doyle will be getting and giving an award tonight at Madison Magazine's Best of Madison event at the Concourse Hotel. The magazine's reader's poll selected Doyle as the Best Elected Official and the person readers would Most Like to Have Dinner With.

This is stupid. Jim "Lovable" Doyle has hardly been in the Governor's Office long enough to be the "BEST" elected official in the state. He was certainly in the AG's Office a long time but, with all due respect, it was a poorly run and an admittedly error-prone morass of an office.

As to who Madison residents would "most like to have dinner with", that is more believable. A quarter of the citizenry works for the Governor and half of Madison seems to lobby the Governor.

TURNABOUT IS FAIR GAME

For a decade Governor Tommy G. Thompson tied the legislature in knots with his aggressive use of the veto pen. He of course faced a Democratic legisture for most of that time. Now it is a Republican legislature's chance to be quashed by a Governor. I don't think they will like it much. They will also be unsuccessful in overriding any veto. You heard it here first.

From WisPolitics:

-- Gov. Jim Doyle today told reporters he is fairly certain he can use his partial veto power to carve the Republican state budget into a package representing the administration�s priorities. However, he said, a veto of the entire package is still possible. The Democratic governor also said he expects to have his work on the budget within the first couple of weeks in July. The current biennium ends June 30.

�I feel confident that with my veto that we can move this to a budget that is balanced, that does not raise taxes. Obviously, I am very concerned about a number of other areas,� Doyle said.

He repeated his plan to use his veto pen to preserve his budget priorities which are to stop the problem of state overspending, present an honestly balanced budget that does not raises taxes of any kind, and does not do permanent damage to the state�s public education system nor the relationship between the state and local government. When asked if the three-year property tax freeze permanently changes the relationship between state and local governments, Doyle said: �Yes.�

Other likely vetoes will be aimed at the $25 million pork amendment passed as part of the Senate Republican maneuver to secure a "yes" vote from Democrat Gary George of Milwaukee -- notably the land purchase to construct a Hmong cultural center. Doyle also said he would not support any candidate in a recall election against George.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Nuno Crispim's Quotations What is a committee? A group of the unwilling, picked from the unfit,
to do the unnecessary. -- Richard Harkness, The New York Times, 1960

As Wisconsin's Joint Finance Committee completes the budget it is good to remember: " A committee is a cul-de-sac down which ideas are lured, and then quietly strangled." -- Robert Katz

The Washington Post couldn't just come out and say Hillary Clinton is an inhuman monster, but they come darn close: The Barbara Walters-Clinton Interview: Hillary Has the Chilly Deportment Down Cold (washingtonpost.com)

Despite obvious attempts to do otherwise -- and Walters giving her the benefit of the doubt -- Clinton still comes across as almost chillingly chilly. She may have emotions like normal people, but she doesn't like to admit it and she's scarily proficient at suppressing them. Even during a sequence in which Walters covered the suicide of Vince Foster, friend to both Hillary and Bill Clinton, the interviewee appeared unfazed.

Communications Aides Reveal Tricks of the Trade

By David Perera
Roll Call Staff


Tuesday, Jun. 10; 04:29pm

As much as the media loves leaks, sources have their own reasons for doling out hot scoops. And to be a good press secretary, you need to know how to do it.

For example: �I tend to only do scoops on positive stories,� said John Feehery, spokesman for Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.).

That�s just one of the nuggets gleaned by Miami University of Ohio students who attended a panel discussion Monday in which speechwriters and flacks revealed the tricks of their trades.

Feehery told an audience of about 40 that a standard Capitol Hill practice is �to leak to The Associated Press.�

That way the leak will �get The New York Times� and Washington Post�s attention,� but will also likely be on the front page of a Member�s home district newspaper.

...

Meanwhile, the press secretaries talked mostly about their interaction with reporters. �Nothing gets reporters more angry than not returning phone calls,� Feehery said.

At the same time, the flacks said reporters should be careful not to get information wrong.

Trent Duffy, a press secretary for the White House Office of Management and Budget, said, �If a story is wrong, a fact is wrong, I have an obligation to point that out.� For example, he explained, reports that the deficit level is at historically high levels is true in �nominal� terms, but not when measured as a share of the economy.

Feehery said if he believes a reporter is a �jerk,� then he gives the reporter �the bare minimum. Something else I do, I give their competitors as good a story as I can.�

Feehery advised getting friendly with reporters. �They�re people,� he said. �Mostly they�re trying to meet a deadline.�

He said Democrats tend to be better at schmoozing reporters and attending reporters� social events than Republicans, however.

Stonewalling received universal condemnation. Then-Rep. Gary Condit�s (D-Calif.) 2001 interview with Connie Chung is �example 101 of how not to handle a crisis,� said Brendan Daly, press secretary to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). �It basically sealed his fate.�

THE BLACK ARTS OF POLITICS BECOME PUBLIC:

Boston Globe:Opposition research seen as key by presidential rivals

From Politics Online:

INTERNET VOTING TEST SET FOR 2004
The Defense Department, along with 10 states and several counties nationwide, has begun conducting a congressionally mandated Internet registration and voting demonstration for the 2004 election. The Secure Electronic Registration and Voting Experiment (SERVE) will enable thousands of absentee uniformed services personnel, their dependents and other U.S. citizens based overseas to register to vote and cast their ballots from any Internet-accessible, Microsoft Corp. Windows-based computer worldwide.

County election officials will use the SERVE system to receive voter registration applications, provide ballots to voters, and accept voted ballots. These officials will use their existing election administration systems to process registrations and ballots.
See: Federal Computer Week
Related stories:
UPI
GOPUSA

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "Law without enforcement is only good advice." -- Abraham Lincoln

Because :"Simply stated, it is sagacious to eschew obfuscation." the Editor will post the link to some darn good quotes: QUOTES

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Being elected to Congress is regarded as being sent on a looting raid for one's friends.
--George F. Will, Newsweek

Interested in politics on the internet? George Washington University has an entire Institute devoted to the subject.The Institute for Politics, Democracy and the Internet

Here is an article that the Editor loves:
Get bloggers on board

It suggests that newspapers hire bloggers to produce local content for their operations.

Hmmm. Money for writing web logs, what a great idea!

(Thanks to politicsonline.com for the link.)

The Wisconsin Democracy Campaign provides a valuabl service in Wisconsin Politics. Unfortunately for the WDC it is not the one the think it is. They believe they are exposing the evils of fundraising. In fact the Editor is reliably informed that the are the biggest single tool for fundraising in the state. Check out this list of donors for example.

From PoliticsOnline.com:

QUOTE OF THE WEEK
-----------------------------------------
SCIENCE CONFIRMS: POLITICIANS LIE
"Politicians need to be more honest about lying."
- After intensive research, scientists have concluded that politicians lie.
In a study described in Britain's Observer newspaper, Glen Newey, a political scientist at Britain's University of Strathclyde, concluded that lying is an important part of politics in the modern democracy.

This from the Capitol Times: BADGER POLL: Feingold no shoo-in for 3rd term

Interestingly the article states:

" On the question of whether Feingold should be re-elected - or whether voters prefer an unspecified "someone else" - 41 percent picked Feingold, compared to 34 percent who chose someone else.

Here's what it doesn't say; elected officials with a 41% re-elect number LOSE.

Here's what it also doesn't say; the Badger Poll sucks, no one in politics trusts or believes it, and the only reason it makes the paper is that the newspaper commisioned and paid for this sucky poll.

Politics is TOO good for something: Antispam bill gains steam in House

--more from our friends at msnbc

The politics of SPAM.

--from msnbc

An interesting article on how game theory influences international terrorism strategy from the Sydney Morning Herald:How to bomb friends and alienate us all - smh.com.au


Al-Qaeda's apparent new focus on soft, even non-Western, targets could be its death knell, writes Gerard Henderson.

Writing in last Friday's Wall Street Journal, Sharon Begley drew attention to work being done by the US academics, Walter Enders and Todd Sandler, in applying game theory to a study of terrorism and anti-terrorism. The theory was invented by the mathematician John Nash and popularised by Russell Crowe, who played Nash in the film A Beautiful Mind. Enders and Sandler are interested in the likely outcome when two rational agents - in this case, the terrorist and the anti-terrorist - make choices as to action.

The evidence suggests that the decision by US authorities to clamp down on terrorism (following the September 11 attacks) has led to a situation where terrorists have decided to choose softer, non-American, targets. Both decisions are rational.

From the weblog Eject! Eject! Eject! comes helpful information on magic and misdirection. It would be good to keep this lesson in mind when observing politics as well.

Now, ask any professional magician how they pull off their illusions and every last one will tell you it�s all about misdirection. Sadly, those boring, insensitive, dead-white-male laws of physics don�t allow for quarters to disappear into thin air. So to make someone believe that precisely this has happened, we need to physically make that coin go someplace where it is not expected. And the way to do that is to make everyone look somewhere else for a moment.

Humans have retained several reflexes, and for good reason too � they keep us alive. All of today�s animals are reflexively attracted to fast motion in their field of vision. There were undoubtedly many animals that did not have this brain wiring, and these extinct animals are known by the scientific name, breakfast. If you�re a two-ounce tree shrew or a one-ton wildebeest, something moves fast in the bushes it would behoove you to give it your undivided attention.

This is hard-wired, and there�s not a damn thing we can do about it. So watch a magician carefully next time he makes a coin disappear. You�ll see one hand move quickly � and that is the hand you will watch. Coin�s in the other hand.

Misdirection

Interesting bit of commentary on a web log apparently written by a baby harp seal: �As soon as someone starts talking about the Nazis, you know they�ve run out of things to say.�

An interesting intersection between Wisconsin politics and Hollywood from Salon.com.:

salon.com | Sept. 14, 2000

"I was giving a phone interview for a fellowship to the American Film Institute in Hollywood when the interviewer asked, "Do you support Jim Doyle for governor of Wisconsin?" I replied that I wasn't aware that our current attorney general of Wisconsin was running. I also told her I was a supporter of our current governor, Tommy Thompson. Silence on the other end. I flew to Hollywood for an interview a few days later. Again my political views came up in the conversation. Needless to say, I was placed as an alternate for fall of 2000 admission. Not only can you not come out of the closet in Hollywood as a Republican, they will close the door before you can come in. Intolerance? You bet. It is the Democrats in Hollywood looking in the mirror. "

-- Frank J. Romano

FROM ROLL CALL

Members Dining on Politics

By Brody Mullins
Roll Call Staff


May 19, 2003

Though the Capitol is considered a campaign-free zone, Federal Election Commission records indicate that some House lawmakers are using the Members� Dining Room for campaign-related meetings.

In campaign reports filed with the FEC for the 2001-02 election cycle, nearly a dozen Members disclosed that they held meetings in the exclusive dining room to discuss �political,� �campaign� and even �fundraising� matters.

The meetings, which were paid for by the Members� own re-election campaigns, do not appear to violate campaign finance law, which bars Members from raising money in the Capitol.

But the fact that the Members disclosed the political meals on their own fundraising reports shows that at least some lawmakers have no fear of infringing on the spirit of House ethics guidelines.

According to the FEC data compiled by a search on PoliticalMoneyLine.com, Members held more than 150 meetings in the Members� Dining Room to talk about campaign activity or fundraising.

Since then-Vice President Al Gore was chastised for making fundraising calls from his office in the late 1990s, Members of Congress have �made an excellent effort to split their official duty and campaign activity,� said Kent Cooper of PoliticalMoneyLine.com. �But in this situation some Members have reported using a government building for campaign activity.�

House ethics rules on the topic are murky at best. According to guidelines published by the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, Members are prohibited from using House rooms and offices �for events that are campaign or political in nature,� such as a campaign strategy meeting or fundraiser.

But the rules are loosely enforced. �The way this stuff is written, as long as you don�t receive or make a solicitation, it is OK,� said Meredith McGehee, a former official at Common Cause. �Can you reward donors? Yes. Could you talk strategy? I think that is a little closer to the line, but I don�t know that it constitutes a clear violation.�

Sounds like DC has the same issues that Wisconsin does regarding politics in the Capitol. I am shocked. Shocked! to find politics being practiced in the Capitol.

From Poliglut.org :: Political news and commentaryWill President Bush be on the 2004 Illinois Ballot?

Bush Files Papers for Re-Election Bid

'Missing' Democrats Found in Oklahoma (washingtonpost.com)

Thank God!

QUOTE OF THE DAY:

"Those whom the gods would destroy, they first make famous."

--David Broder, Washington Post 5/14/03

Democrats Flee Texas!(washingtonpost.com)

AUSTIN, May 12 -- Moving with exceptional stealth and tactical coordination, more than 50 Democratic state lawmakers in Texas packed their bags and quietly slipped out of the state under cover of darkness late Sunday and early today.

Republican Gov. Rick Perry immediately dispatched police to track down the missing legislators, arrest them and bring them back to do the state's business -- even asking neighboring New Mexico if the Texas Rangers were empowered to make arrests there. (New Mexico's attorney general -- a Democrat -- said no.) But all signs were that the legislators were on the lam -- some, perhaps, fleeing to Mexico -- putting them beyond the reach of Lone Star justice and of GOP ambitions.

Whee Haw! Too bad Wisconsin doesn't practice politics with the same wild eyed wackiness as our friends in Texas.

JS Online: Pawlinski announces resignation: Milwaukee alderman indicted in March on federal corruption charges

NEWS YOU CAN USE:
CBS News | Are 'Mini-Nukes' The New Big Thing?

It turns out that cookies are EVIL!!!!!!

Luckily the trial lawyers are here to help! Having saved America from tobacco they will now save us from fatty foods. Thank you Mr. Trial Lawyer! Lawsuit seeks to ban sale of Oreos to children in California.

Remember: When Oreos are outlawed only outlaws will have Oreos.

If you were ever concerned with free speech and the right to protest peacefully look at this: U.S. News: Taking it off the streets(5/12/03)

From our 'Let's Make Wisconsin Politically Relevant' File: Legislature Passes Bill to Move Up Presidential Primary

From Charlie Sykes this: GAFFE ALERT


"In our ongoing effort to determine whether or not a liberal can ever commit a gaffe, consider this.

Today, during discussion in open caucus of Senate Joint Resolution 24, which commends the families and friends of those soldiers serving on active duty in the Middle East and praying for the prompt and safe return of their loved ones, State Representative Frank Boyle (D-Superior) said: "This [SJR 24] is a stupid, memorializing piece of nothing bullshit; totally unequivocal bullshit."
Even for an inveterate lefty blowhard like Boyle, this was more than a little over the top. But let's see:

Question (1): Will this be reported anywhere?
Question (2): Will it be the subject of any editorial comment?
Question (3): Will fellow Democrats criticize him?"

---Charlie Sykes

Man announces second attempt at political hari kari: Rothbauer to challenge Dave Obey again

Last Time:
"Bloomer native only had about $20,000 to spend on his entire campaign. By contrast, Obey raised nearly $900,000"

Now we are seeing the beginning of Presidential parody sites:Gov. Howard Dean for President: a Satire More to come.

"Compelling Theater" is the Washington Post review of the Democratic Warm-Up Debate

The WisconsinDemocracy Campaign put out a report entitled Graft Tax .

Interestingly, if you read the report, it turns out that ALL public spending is motivated by corruption. Who knew?

[As a side note the Editor points out that the WDC is percieved as a Democratic Party front group. It was embarrassed by its own partisanship for some reason. Tax exempt status, anyone?]

Opposition Research is one of the dark arts of politics. One of the best sources is available in our wonderful state is here: Wisconsin Circuit Court Access

Use it to find every legal proceeding that your opponent Senator Balderdash has been named in. What fun!

NEWS FLASH!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I Own John Gard" Says Obnoxious Man In Bar.

The Editor has just learned that Rep. John Gard, the Speaker of the Assembly has as his most intimate political advisor and kitchen cabinet guru none other than Eric J. Petersen. Those privileged enough to have met Mr. Petersen know that he is the smartest man in any room, and a brilliant political operator, perhaps the most brilliant ever to deign to inhabit the state of Wisconsin. Just ask him.

This page notes that Mr. Petersen has never run or held a significant position in any campaign organization and essentially bought his present position as big-wig Madison lobbyist. Apparently experience is not needed when you are truly a brilliant political mind.

Wow!

Quote of the Year Nominee:

"They're not even [within] 100 miles [of Baghdad]. They are not in any
place. They hold no place in Iraq. This is an illusion ... they are
trying to sell to the others an illusion."

--Muhammed Saeed al-Sahhaf, Iraqi Information Minister
(presently on extended administrative leave)

Sometimes it is helpful to review the basics: How to Pass a Law This is of course the real-deal not the unrealistic pap they put in the blue book.

The only surprising thing to the Editor about McCAIN FEINGOLD LAW DECLARED UNCONSTITUTIONAL is the timing. It went down pretty fast. The ink isn't even dry on the thing yet.

The State Historical Society is hiring a new Director. Their anonymous staff blog leaks the hiring interview questions:Oh, Crap
Ten Questions To Be Asked At Director Interviews

The management team of the society has been building a list of questions to be asked of both candidates for the position of "Director." The draft of the list has been leaked to "Oh, Crap."

1. How do you spell "Potawatomi"?
2. Are you related to the Governor?
3. Are you now, or have you ever been, related to any member of the legislature?
4. Boxers or Briefs?
5. Suits: two button or three?
6. Are you a member of the Society?
7. Are you a member of the secret society?
8. If you re-arrange the letters in "wisconsin history," how many other words can you come up with?
9. Are you gellin'?
10. And you are...?

The Iraqi Information-meister, this must be seen to be believed.

From the Scrum a calendar of the presidential campaign:

Here is the Post again, only this time with the 10 reasons to become a federal bureaucrat.

Your faithful Editor boils it down to this:

FEDERAL GOVENTMENT: The pay is OK and you can NEVER be fired.

From the Washington Post, an article on the 10 reasons to avoid a (federal) government career.

If it looks like it was written by a careerist thats because it essentially was.

Blood in the water at the start of the presidential primary campaign.:Kerry Campaign Blasts Dean's Credentials (washingtonpost.com)

Legislator announces he doesn't have time to legislate: MikePowers.

In a related story the Editor's doctor and plumber also annouce that they have no time to do their jobs either. They also still expect to be paid for not working.

A sad commentary on the changes faced at the capitol. There was a time when four full-time gardeners competed to make the grounds of the capitol inviting and beautiful to behold. Now we have prisoners maintaining the capitol grounds.

As provided by Frmr. Congressman Jay Johnson (Buffoon-Green Bay):

HOW NOT TO BECOME A CABINET SECRETARY:

1. Allow yourself to become widely viewed as an unemployed air-headed idiot.

2. Get kicked out of your cushy incumbency-protected congressional seat by one eighth of the state's populace.

3. Lobby for the job loudly and publicly.

ABC News' The Note, which is one of our favored links in the right-hand column, has concieved of an interesting online addition to the Presidential race:

Back when they were working with faxes and dial-up modems (and when Doug Bailey and Roger Craver were still veritable pups), the Hotline had a great feature in the 1988 cycle in which the communications staffs of presidential campaigns were allowed to write daily submissions, giving their message of the day in a more casual and humorous way than it normally was delivered.

The champions of the format � Republican John Buckley and Democrat Mike McCurry � still hover around the political world, but they have this cycle been replaced by a new generation of warriors, ready to show us all each morning how cleverly they can wield the electronic pen in furtherance of their candidates' cause.

The rules are simple. The submissions �

1. must be 200 words or fewer (longer than that, we cut it off at 200).
2. will be printed in the order they are received.
3. should be irreverent and breezy � written in Note style.
4. must be signed by someone in the campaign (although they can be written by different people on different days).
5. must be received by 8:30 am each day (lazy boys and girls can send them the night before).

They can be on any topic: message of the day, reacting to something in the papers, whatever the campaigns wish.
When there IS a Bush campaign, we will welcome their Notepad contributions. Candidates of other parties will also be considered.
This gives the campaigns a chance to reach The Note audience en masse.

Federal agency wants to formally recognize what it already does; ignore emails from the public.Forest Service Email Regulations

Given the first and abrupt departure of Governor Doyle's first Cabinet member, the Editor believes it is time to republish the ten rules below:

TEN RULES FOR NEW CABINET SECRETARIES:




1.) You work for the Governor.

You serve at his pleasure. Remember that. The Governor sets your policy, principle, and politics. Don't ever disagree with him publicly while working for him. (Cabinet meetings may be generally be considered "public".) If you find that you can not agree and follow his course, shut up, and find a new job. Once you are again a free agent you may speak your own mind.


2.) The agency works for you.

The career staff often believe that they run the agency. This should not and need not be true. If you do not disabuse them of that notion early on, you will be failing both the Governor and the voters who elected him. You must gather your agency's senior and midlevel staff and lay out the fact that there is a new administration, and with the new administration comes a new direction. Invite them to join in helping the administration achieve the goals it was elected to deliver. Suggest that changes will be made and reorganization is likely. Make it clear that you respect the staff but that you will be ultimately directing the agency. Do not let the staff make key decisions without your approval. Don't let them set the timetable, or withhold information that is critical to your decsion making. Don't let them recommend a single action in writing: always demand multiple options. Find an agency legal counsel who will aid you in your adminisrtative activities within the agency, who will search for a "yes" rather than one who tells you "it can't be done".



3.) Make the Chief of Staff your friend.

The Chief of Staff is the voice and right hand of the Governor. Don't try to bypass or backdoor the Chief of Staff, for that way lies doom. Meet or speak with the Chief of Staff frequently. The Chief of Staff either knows what the Governor's mind is on a policy area or can find it out more quickly and accurately than you. (Yes, Of course you are old friends and allies of the Governor, check with the Chief of Staff anyway.) The Chief of Staff has more frequent contact and a better view of the big picture.



4.) Your first job is to get the Governor re-elected.

This is the big picture. Many new members of an administration wrongly believe that they must achieve mighty deeds and darn fast too. Remember this: speed kills. If you work hard to make sure your boss is re-elected he will have the necessary time to achieve great things. Policy changes are often difficult in our system of government, increase the likelyhood of re-election and you increase the probability of achieving lasting change. In practice this means actively seeking out ways to be participatory and helpful to the campaign staff and the Chief of Staff.



5.) Your second job is to achieve the Governor's policy aims.

See rule number four.



6.) Return your phone calls.

This seems like a small thing, it is not. Upon this small item will much of your reputation for success and professionalism as a cabinet secretary be founded. This does not mean only your friends, treat your former opponents with professionalism and you disarm them and may even make them allies. Hold your friends close and your enemies closer.



7.) Shine a light on your problems.

If there is a problem or crisis that involves your agency tell the Chief of Staff immediately. Yes, if that means a call at three in the morning on Christmas Eve so be it. You have a job that now has you on call 24/7. If the first time that the Governor learns of a problem in your agency is in the paper or on the TV news, you will be looking for another job.



8.) Don't become a media hound.

The next worse thing to not telling the Governor of bad news, is for the Governor to see news going out under a cabinet member's name.
It is hard to over-estimate the importance of this. Never just put out a press release, call a press conference, or return a reporter's call. ALWAYS contact the Governor's office with the news first. If you have good news, consider offering to build an event for the Governor related to it. Every press release should mention your boss three times before mentioning your own. Don't work the media without first clearing it with at least the press secretary and probably the Chief of Staff as well. You exist to make the Governor look good not to indulge your own ego.



9.) Make your boss' life easier.

Your boss will need a variety of help that is not immediately obvious. Offer to help. He must attend events and fundraisers at which many people will be attending for the sole purpose of complaining. He will be chewed on incessently. If you attend with him you can save him from some of that suffering. He will be able to direct troubled people to "a member of my cabinet". You will suffer some as a result but will save him a bit of his enormous burden. Shared suffering the the lot of a good cabinet member. He may also need to hire more people than his immediate office can place, once you master the technique of hiring good people within your domain, offer to fill your opennings with his choices first. Everyone likes to master of their own domain but remember your boss first and you will both profit by it.



10.) Don't leak (and the corollary: Don't be caught leaking.)

You owe loyalty to the Governor and the press is not your friend. Leaking may well allow you to win a budget or policy battle within the administration. It will also truly hurt your boss. An administration that leaks is perceived to be ill-run and undisciplined. A cabinet member who is thought to have leaked is at best seen as a free-lancer and at worst a traitor. If you must betray your boss in that fashion make sure that you are "off the record" or "on background", and ask the reporter explicitly what he understands those terms to mean before speaking.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Okay, you've convinced me. Now go out there and bring pressure on me." President Franklin D. Roosevelt, (In response to a business delegation)

FUN WITH NUMBERS
The Democratic presidential primary is in full swing, check out this look at the Money Primary.--from The Scrum

AIR HEAD
Here is the report of Scott McCallum's air travel. The Ethics Board report makes for humorous reading.



Sloppy incompetance in Governor McCallum's office is the most generous description of this entire affair. Perhaps this explains why former Governor McCallumremains unemployed and has not even been appointed to corporate boards. Usually the fate of ex-politicos of note.



Or perhaps it is because McCallum was both ineffectual and mean-as-a-snake, an uncomfortable combination for CEOs.

CUT TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER


This history site examines the historical record of scalping. Interestingly it points out:

Scalping, of course, predated the mid-eighteenth century. Historical records, archaeology, and other sciences strongly indicate the practice originated among certain Native American tribes.1 A French soldier, identified by the initials J. C. B., related in his memoirs that "this horrible custom was practiced by these savages alone, and sprang from their own barbarism, for it seems never to have existed in any other nation, not even among nations, who, like them, have never received any idea of civilized life."2
...
While Europeans did not originate scalping, they did encourage its spread through the establishment of bounties. J. C. B. writes that "the French and English were accustomed to pay for the scalps, to the amount of thirty francs' worth of trade goods. Their purpose was then to encourage the savages to take as many scalps as they could, and to know the number of the foe who had fallen."8

The Unkindest Cut, or Who Invented Scalping?

This site references author James Axtell :

"Axtell�s research for his essays uncovered archaelogical, written, and linguistic evidence that points to an Indian origin of scalping. There have been pre-historic sites in North America where remains with lesions on the skull suggesting a scalping victim have been unearthed. Written accounts from European explorers during the 1500�s and 1600�s provide historical evidence of the practice. In 1535, Jacques Cariter saw "the skins of five men�s heads, stretched on hoops�" Samuel de Champlain�s travels to Canada and New England provided him with tales of scalping after a battle in 1609: "Approaching the shore each took a stick, on the end of which they hung the scapls (testes) of their slain enemies�" These stories bring up three points for Axtell to use in his argument. The first is the novelty of scalping to the European observer. Next, there is the evidence of skill and art involved that suggest a long tradition of the practice. Finally, the words that are used to describe "scalp" and "scalping" had no set vocabulary and no universal translation in European languages, but Indians of different backgrounds and languages had nouns and verbs to refer to the specific use of the terminology. Without a word for the action or object, it is unlikely that the European cultures had conceived of what they witnessed prior to their introduction to Native American customs, and therefore unlikely that it had been a practice brought to the New World by them. "

SCAPLING THE TRUTH

The Republican Party of Wisconsin put together a cartoon that blasts Governor Doyle over the gaming compacts. A line in the script refers to taxpayers being "scalped" by the deal. This was portrayed as "racist" by hard left dem party members: Moore Demands Republicans Apologize For �Scalping� Comment



In fact one lefty group was so inflamed by the inclusion of the term "scalped" that they put out a press release blasting the racist republicans and demanding a staffer be fired for using the term. They then go on to suggest that scalping as an native indian custom was a "myth".


�To compare the state�s negotiated renewal of tribal gaming compacts with the historic practice of scalping is both shameful and incredibly inaccurate.�The myth of Native American �scalping� has long been used in racially offensive ways in Wisconsin and the nation at large, and the term now commonly refers to profiteers unfairly taking advantage of consumers who mark up ticket prices. American Indians probably acquired the practice of scalping from Europeans settlers. Absolutely no evidence exists that scalping was a widespread practice in the Americas before European contact, while French traders and English colonial assemblies actually legislated bounties to encourage the practice.
--Wisconsin Citizen Action.


Oops. Unfortunately they got their facts wrong.

If you want to be president: Visit Iowa!

David Obey pretends to be a resident of Wausau. The residents of Wausau pretend to care when he puts out DNC/Washington poll-driven pablum. David Obey: Bush trashes environment

Scott McCallum narrowly avoids jail. Still unemployed. Ethics Board filing

Controversy, we love it! : Check out Bobblehead Jim Doyle and the infamous "scalping" ad.

Biotech can save the world. Don't believe it ? Check out: Wisconsin Biotechnology Association

The Scrum is back.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: ( From Wispolitics)

REP. JULIE LASSA:
The voters of Central Wisconsin sent a powerful message tonight. They showed that they value a positive, grassroots campaign based on an honest discussion of the issues.

(Or they showed that the power of incumbency can crush non-political types-- Ed.)

And they showed that no matter how many times they hear distortions and deceptions, the people of Central Wisconsin recognize the truth when they hear it.

(Or does it?--Ed.)

We didn't have a lot of money to run on - but we had something much, much more important. (Sinister forces of evil? --Ed.)

We had the support of many dedicated (Obey hacks and Union assigned) volunteers who put in an unbelievable effort against very challenging odds. I want to thank every one of them for their hard work these past five weeks. This is really their victory.

Just as we are driving around today in our jeeps throughout Wisconsin's snowy spring comes this news: IT WAS WARMER IN THE MIDDLE AGES!

Must have been all those Medieval SUVs.

QUOTE OF THE DAY:

"We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office."

-- Aesop

Extra Quote:

The right to be heard does not automatically include the right to be taken seriously.

-- Hubert Humphrey

"Political hitman" Tod Rongstad today has released those who paid for his direct mail "hit" piece. It is interesting to the Editor that the issue continues to drag along. The heart of the matter is, in this observer's opinion, can individuals say nasty things about politicians? I would hope the answer is yes. Most political figures could do with some additional criticism, if only to keep them on their toes.

The Editor enjoys debunkers: JunkScience.com

Back in January the Editor refered to Ches-lev-itch as: A man who clearly has no business ever running a city, let alone Madison.

Eating crow, the Editor must now acknowledge that this man's business is now, indeed, running Madison.

If you would like to find political quotes at a glance, this is an interesting site.


This is an even better quote site.

QUOTE OF THE DAY:

In order to become the master, the politician poses as the servant.
--Charles de Gaulle

Here they are: Wisconsin's stupid laws.

In the world of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign (WDC) money is evil. People who give to candidates they like, especially people who have private sector jobs (i.e. members of a special interest) are horribly and intrinsically evil.

In order to save candidates from having to talk to people who have jobs the WDC suggests coercively taking money from citizens and giving it to all candidates equally. That is to say that every idiot who can't find a real job, and every loon who believes the moon is made of green cheese would be able to run on a "level playing field." In the Editor's opinion if you subsidize lunacy and weak candidates that is what you will get more of. How this is good for representative democracy is unclear.


What the WDC is good at is occasionally pointing out the obvious. In this case they put together a report that indicates that few people contribute to campaigns.

Shocking.

In an intense bit of research, the Editors have found the Doyle Clan homepage. Apparently Doyle is Irish for Evil Foreigner. One wonders if the present Republican leadership of the legislative branch would agree with that definition.


"Members of Clan Doyle /Clann O DubhGhaill ("Dubh-Ghaill" ... pronounced "Du-Gall") take their family surname from the Irish Gaelic words meaning "Dark/Evil Foreigner"; and this is just what the indigenous Celts called the Danish Vikings who started settling in Ireland and Scotland more than 1,000 years ago." -- From Doyle website.


Amaze your friends.

I think we'll be adding this blog to our links section. Damn well written stuff here.
AndrewSullivan.com - Daily Dish

You'll have noticed that one of our links is ABC's "The Note"
They had their politcal reporter snagged by a competitor. That's why they are writing less on their political blog. They, however, blame the war.

"Today's Note, with the war taking up more and more of our time, is ultra-mini." ---ABC News

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew. " --Abraham Lincoln

An intereseting essay from Peggy Noonan. The war coverage in the media oft times hangs heavy these days. She has a way of putting things in perspecitve.: Peggy Noonan

The employees at the State Historical Society have created an anonymous website that lampoons the massive cuts they are about to receive. It is called : Oh, Crap. Not again.

Senator Mike Ellis (R), Appleton: Evil or Just Disturbed?
Top Ten Signs Your Senator Has Lost It

Top Ten Signs Your Senator Has Lost It

The Wisconsin Historical Society is getting its budget gutted. Enterprising staffers have an anonymous humor site about their crisis. It is titled: Oh, Crap. Not again.

Here's a site of interest. "Spinsanity" The nation's leading watchdog of manipulative political rhetoric.

Micheal Moore just won an Oscar for "Bowling for Columbine". It was for best documentary. A variety of sources suggest it wasn't a documentary. Truth about Bowling for Columbine

Not to flog a dead horse; here is some of Michael Bright's brilliant lobbying: JS Online: Midwest Express' dismal lobbying ended in defeat

Here is an interesting list of the so-called "super lobbyists": Capitol lobbying

Here is the monster firm in Wisconsin lobbying: Broydrick & Associates


Tough as nails and quick on the invoices is Old Bill Broydrick.

The Editor was hoping to find a similar list of right wingers on the Roggensack site to mirror Brunner's lefties, no such luck. There is, however, a consolidated list of all the state's law enforcement officials. Apparently, being mean as a snake is a plus with the sheriffs.: Endorsements

Hey good news! Brunner has compiled a list of every lefty elected official in the state for our convenience: (Its his endorsement list.)

Shortly, we will be asked to decide who our next supreme court justice will be: Pat Roggensack - who is reputedly mean as a rattlesnake, or Brunner who is reportedly a dumb-as-a-stump Stalinist.

Here it is! The ultimate in navel-gazing, uselessness, and business golf: American Association of Association Executives

In order to create a world of peace and non-violence, Madison anti-war protestors trash and crash the Republican Party headquarters.Anti-War Activists Claim Responsibility for Attack

Yeah, that will stop the war.

Surprise! The income tax is voluntary according to this website: Pay No Income Tax


Of course, what he's not telling you is that you'll be arrested and sent to jail... but go ahead just skip paying this year.

Michael Bright's brilliance can not go unrecognized. Here is a list of 'Major business lobbying firms' from Madison.com. How do you get on the list? It is all about estimated annual revenue. Who estimates? The lobbyist.


Well, well, well. In order to be listed as a "major firm" you have to gross big revenue.
Surprise ! Michael indicates that he books $700,000+.

Lets look at his list, shall we:

Midwes Express: $10,000+/month ( here's the big one)
Com Ed: $3,000/month ( maybe )
Wis Manuf Housing: $2,000/month ( plus or minus )
Salomon Smith Barney: $3,000+ /month
Dane County Towns & Cities: $1,000+/month (if he's lucky)
All other listed clients: diddley squat


TOTAL: $20,000/month (more or less)

This is $40,000/month less than his reported estimated revenue.
(And arguably $17,000/month more than he is worth.)

Puffery and cheap hype. Maybe he could go into the P.R. field.

People, especially legislators, get sick of this kind of claptrap.

The sinister forces of oppression (lobbyists and association executives) often gather together to hone their skills. Now you can learn their fiendish ways.: An Association Advocacy Primer

Perhaps you might suspect that all might not go well in this war. You may be right. We may well be attacked in the US, though probably not in Wisconsin directly. Disease and biowar know no boundries, however. If you are a boyscout or would like to be prepared check out: Ready.gov - From the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

What kind of Lobbyist are you? Check at: THE HALL OF LOBBYISTS

Why are the indian tribes riding roughshod over the government recently? According to the Minneapolis Star Tirbune: Indian tribes enjoy donor advantage over rival gaming interests

Here is a neat little find: Wisconsin Department of Electronic Government

This crackerjack outfit has been eliminated by Governor Doyle, but its electronic ghost apparently still haunts the machine of Wisconsin government.

Spooky.

Imagine you are the President. Imagine every morning you wake up and are briefed about the horrors going on around the world, and in particular Iraq. Things like this latest article from the Times of London.IRAQ: HUMAN SHREDDING


Would you let the man who did that continue to hold and produce chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons?

Would you really?

If you work for, or own, a Wisconsin company and you want to sell to the federal government; tough luck. Generally it is impossible or at least wildly difficult to pull off a sale to the Feds. Here is an institution that is designed to make that effort just a little easier: The Wisconsin Procurement Institute.

From wispolitics.com; Ed Garvey continues his efforts to crush political speech that he does not agree with: WisPolitics Features.

The irony is delicious. Here is a man who describes himself as a liberal, nay even a defender of liberty, who is going out of his way to destroy the liberty of someone who dared to mail a postcard criticizing a legislator.

Rongstad may be a mudslinger for hire, but Garvey is morally and intellectually bankrupt.

If you want a little help getting RE-ELECTED perhaps you should take a glance at this: POLITICAL EDUCATION


This link courtesy of the Internet Archive which everyone should look at now and again.

This is too crazy to be a parody:
Association of Junior Lobbyists

Want to be president? First you must be elected.

This man is a lobbyist: Michael Bright

Most lobbyists try to be extraordinarily accurate. Puffery generally annoys the hell out of legislators. Apparently Michael Bright is not aware of this. He asserts that he was named a Top Ten Lobbyist by the Wisconsin State Journal. A Lexis-Nexis search found no such "Top Ten List" published by the Wisconsin State Journal. A call to an editor there found no such list.

Furthermore, there is no position of "Chief of Staff" for the Joint Finance Committee and Bright did not hold such a title. Additionally, this man was not "Executive Budget and Policy Advisor to the Governor" there was (and may still be under the new Governor) such a position. Michael never held it. He was, in point of fact, a policy analyst in the Dept. of Administration, an entry-level civil-service job.

Puffery indeed.

The Editor is not a member of Amnesty International but they have a good guide to citizen lobbying: Activist Toolkit -- How To: Lobby Your Members of Congress:

The best example of how not to lobby a senator?: According to Sen. Steve Geller, D-Hallandale Beach, death by faxes, the method used by opponents of a bill that would give local communities more control over setting manatee speed zones.

At his desk while the fax machine whirs away on the credenza behind him, Geller holds up a ream of paper, all bearing an identical message urging him to vote against Rep. Lindsay Harrington's manatee bill. Geller says he hasn't yet decided how he plans to vote on the bill at today's Natural Resources Committee meeting.

In the right-hand corner of each printed page: a single, Washington, D.C. fax number. The fax onslaught has brought his office work to a screeching halt, Geller says.

"I've had to unplug my fax machine," he complains. "I can't get any other faxes in. I can't send any faxes out. They kept me from doing any other legislative business today."

As Geller sorts through the top 20 faxes -- not a single one from one of his own constituents -- Harrington, R-Punta Gorda, patiently sits in the waiting room, there to make a last-ditch pitch for his bill.

Geller listens and tells Harrington he still hasn't made up his mind. But the faxes -- and the e-mail -- aren't doing the manatees any good.

"All they're doing is irritating me," he grouses.

Yeah, you may think you're hot shit. These guys can actually get things done: Wshington Power 25

Want to be loved, you'll probably be hated too: Loved and Hated Interest Groups

Lobbying Tips
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What Works...

1. Delivering the straight facts to lawmakers.

2. Having active allies in a Congressman's district.

3. Mobilizing grassroots action, such as phone calls and letters.

4. Getting along well with politicians and their staffs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And What Doesn't

1. Rounding up volunteers in an election year.

2. Buying TV, radio, and print ads to promote your cause.

3. Spending lots of money on issue-oriented ads for or against a Congressman.

Perhaps even more valuable information: How Not to Lobby!

Yet more on lobbying:Visiting your legislator.

More notes on the second oldest profession:How To Lobby

Here is something good: WRITE YOUR OWN BILL

The budget is announced. Here is a brief version of it, only 90 pages. To summarize: UW takes a $250 million hit, smoke and mirrors: $200 million, $408 million in imaginary federal dollars that WILL NOT be delivered, and maybe $150 million from indian tribes. This is inadequate.

Here the outline of the Governor's education plot is visible, including a cover organization funded by the teachers union.:
JS Online: Group proposes base dollar amount per student to revamp school funding

Here's a fairly good description of what is proposed: WSJ Solving the State Fiscal Crisis

What it largely leaves out is the fact that it, the "Foundation Plan", will blow Wisconsin's property taxes into the stratosphere.

Here's one if the idiotic Foundation Plans:
Bugher the Buffoon

Buffoonery abounds.
The new Governor is planning to announce a "Foundation Plan" for Wisconsin's educational system. It is a wild overreach. The basics are these: Every child in the state gets the same amount of money for their education. The problem comes that not every child needs the same amount of money. It true!

The cost of living in Superior isn't what it is in Milwaukee. Milwaukee students often need more services than suburban Waukesha kids. This is where adjustments come in, and politics, and decades of litigation.

Let the games begin!

Break a deal, face the wheel! The state negotiated a contract with the state employees. Now they want to break the deal. Bad idea, bad politics. READ THE STORY HERE Better would be to give them their (paltry) wage increase and reduce the overall size of the government. Weed out the incompetents, there are plenty.

As a point of reference. It should be noted tha Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D) is an indolent and indifferently skilled backbencher. She has absolutely no clout within her caucus (that would be the Progressive Caucus, for those of you not paying attention), her party, or her institution.

Why in the world is Tammy Baldin a hardcore member of the socialist run (I'm not kidding) Progressive Caucus?

Want

Here's where to find all that good dirt on Federal candidate's fundraising:
FEC Electronic Filing Report Retrieval

Governor Doyle makes his first stab at histroy:
State of The State Address

These words may affect your life more than any words spoken in a generation, perhaps you should read them:
State of the Union Address by President George W. Bush

Are we going to war?


Our war against terror is a contest of will in which perseverance is power. In the ruins of two towers, at the western wall of the Pentagon, on a field in Pennsylvania, this nation made a pledge, and we renew that pledge tonight: Whatever the duration of this struggle, and whatever the difficulties, we will not permit the triumph of violence in the affairs of men -- free people will set the course of history.


Today, the gravest danger in the war on terror, the gravest danger facing America and the world, is outlaw regimes that seek and possess nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons. These regimes could use such weapons for blackmail, terror, and mass murder. They could also give or sell those weapons to terrorist allies, who would use them without the least hesitation.


This threat is new; America's duty is familiar. Throughout the 20th century, small groups of men seized control of great nations, built armies and arsenals, and set out to dominate the weak and intimidate the world. In each case, their ambitions of cruelty and murder had no limit. In each case, the ambitions of Hitlerism, militarism, and communism were defeated by the will of free peoples, by the strength of great alliances, and by the might of the United States of America.


Now, in this century, the ideology of power and domination has appeared again, and seeks to gain the ultimate weapons of terror. Once again, this nation and all our friends are all that stand between a world at peace, and a world of chaos and constant alarm. Once again, we are called to defend the safety of our people, and the hopes of all mankind. And we accept this responsibility. (Applause.)

Quotable:


'I used to be indecisive, now I'm not so sure' --Scott McCallum

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"Join in the new game that's sweeping the country. It's called "Bureaucracy" Everybody stands in a circle. The first person to do anything loses." -- Anonymous

REGULATIONS.GOV TAKES CAPITOL HILL TO THE LIVING ROOM

(PC World) On Thursday, the Office of Management and Budget launched Regulations.gov, the latest feature of the Bush Administration's Electronic Government Act. A one-stop online shop, the portal enables interested citizens to research and comment on federal government activities.
Lee Rainie, director of the Pew Internet and American Life Project, said, "It's not nirvana, but it's an enormous step in the right direction. The distance between Washington and the rest of the country has been shrinking for almost two centuries, and this shrinks it almost to zero."
Regulations.gov garnered 68,000 hits in its first 6 hours.

Here is a site that will be very useful for anyone interested in Federal policy: Regulations.gov

A man who clearly has no business ever running a city, let alone Madison.

Here is an early 2004 presidential race analysis from the Bush senior advisor: Karl Rove
Rove is apparently coming into the Midwest next week for Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker. This is very unusual.

Governor Doyle takes first whack at the Budget:
: Budget Repair Outline

Welcome to Political Hell!

Go to WisOpinion!

Described by one of her campaign people as a "raging bitch". This is your Supreme Court Justice. Elect Judge Pat Roggensack - Supreme Court 2003

TIPS ON LOBBYING:

Want something from our friends on Capitol Hill? Check out these tips and go get what is rightfully yours. (Or what could be yours)

Here's a link to all of Wisconsin's officials, idiots included.

The new administration.

TEN RULES FOR NEW CABINET SECRETARIES:



1.) You work for the Governor.

You serve at his pleasure. Remember that. The Governor sets your policy, principle, and politics. Don't ever disagree with him publicly while working for him. (Cabinet meetings may be generally be considered "public".) If you find that you can not agree and follow his course, shut up, and find a new job. Once you are again a free agent you may speak your own mind.


2.) The agency works for you.

The career staff often believe that they run the agency. This should not and need not be true. If you do not disabuse them of that notion early on, you will be failing both the Governor and the voters who elected him. You must gather your agency's senior and midlevel staff and lay out the fact that there is a new administration, and with the new administration comes a new direction. Invite them to join in helping the administration achieve the goals it was elected to deliver. Suggest that changes will be made and reorganization is likely. Make it clear that you respect the staff but that you will be ultimately directing the agency. Do not let the staff make key decisions without your approval. Don't let them set the timetable, or withhold information that is critical to your decsion making. Don't let them recommend a single action in writing: always demand multiple options. Find an agency legal counsel who will aid you in your adminisrtative activities within the agency, who will search for a "yes" rather than one who tells you "it can't be done".


3.) Make the Chief of Staff your friend.

The Chief of Staff is the voice and right hand of the Governor. Don't try to bypass or backdoor the Chief of Staff, for that way lies doom. Meet or speak with the Chief of Staff frequently. The Chief of Staff either knows what the Governor's mind is on a policy area or can find it out more quickly and accurately than you. (Yes, Of course you are old friends and allies of the Governor, check with the Chief of Staff anyway.) The Chief of Staff has more frequent contact and a better view of the big picture.


4.) Your first job is to get the Governor re-elected.

This is the big picture. Many new members of an administration wrongly believe that they must achieve mighty deeds and darn fast too. Remember this: speed kills. If you work hard to make sure your boss is re-elected he will have the necessary time to achieve great things. Policy changes are often difficult in our system of government, increase the likelyhood of re-election and you increase the probability of achieving lasting change. In practice this means actively seeking out ways to be participatory and helpful to the campaign staff and the Chief of Staff.


5.) Your second job is to achieve the Governor's policy aims.

See rule number four.


6.) Return your phone calls.

This seems like a small thing, it is not. Upon this small item will much of your reputation for success and professionalism as a cabinet secretary be founded. This does not mean only your friends, treat your former opponents with professionalism and you disarm them and may even make them allies. Hold your friends close and your enemies closer.


7.) Shine a light on your problems.

If there is a problem or crisis that involves your agency tell the Chief of Staff immediately. Yes, if that means a call at three in the morning on Christmas Eve so be it. You have a job that now has you on call 24/7. If the first time that the Governor learns of a problem in your agency is in the paper or on the TV news, you will be looking for another job.


8.) Don't become a media hound.

The next worse thing to not telling the Governor of bad news, is for the Governor to see news going out under a cabinet member's name.
It is hard to over-estimate the importance of this. Never just put out a press release, call a press conference, or return a reporter's call. ALWAYS contact the Governor's office with the news first. If you have good news, consider offering to build an event for the Governor related to it. Every press release should mention your boss three times before mentioning your own. Don't work the media without first clearing it with at least the press secretary and probably the Chief of Staff as well. You exist to make the Governor look good not to indulge your own ego.


9.) Make your boss' life easier.

Your boss will need a variety of help that is not immediately obvious. Offer to help. He must attend events and fundraisers at which many people will be attending for the sole purpose of complaining. He will be chewed on incessently. If you attend with him you can save him from some of that suffering. He will be able to direct troubled people to "a member of my cabinet". You will suffer some as a result but will save him a bit of his enormous burden. Shared suffering the the lot of a good cabinet member. He may also need to hire more people than his immediate office can place, once you master the technique of hiring good people within your domain, offer to fill your opennings with his choices first. Everyone likes to master of their own domain but remember your boss first and you will both profit by it.


10.) Don't leak (and the corollary: Don't be caught leaking.)

You owe loyalty to the Governor and the press is not your friend. Leaking may well allow you to win a budget or policy battle within the administration. It will also truly hurt your boss. An administration that leaks is perceived to be ill-run and undisciplined. A cabinet member who is thought to have leaked is at best seen as a free-lancer and at worst a traitor. If you must betray your boss in that fashion make sure that you are "off the record" or "on background", and ask the reporter explicitly what he understands those terms to mean before speaking.

OUR PURPOSE:
By a Society which has undertaken the task of contributing, as far as lies in its power, to the diffusion of useful knowledge, no means should be neglected by which instructive amusement can be afforded.

Timid (although well-meaning) persons might perhaps be inclined to censure such a society, should it set the example of applying the powers of the press to the production of a Wisconsin Report. They might object that the instrument which is intended for good might be used for evil; that publications in form so cheap as to be accessible to the lowest class of readers, would soon fall into the hands of the lowest class of writers.

We doubt this, although we know it is the opinion of many excellent persons; we have good and substantial reasons to assign for our doubts, but into those reasons we shall not enter, the time for them is past. The evil (if it be an evil) is already in being.

The demand of the public has already called into existence free periodical publications, of which eight or ten have established a regular readership. It will be cheering intelligence to those who would have dissuaded from this undertaking, that the most noxious of them have been hitherto the least successful.

The channel, then, is open. Through its course must flow much of the information conveyed to the minds of a large and increasing class of readers. We are called upon to pour into it, as far as we are able, clear waters from the pure and healthy springs of knowledge. That duty we will not neglect; in the attempt to fulfil it we think that we ought not to fail.

Our saintly citizens profess to be unaware of the state's pending fiscal doom.