» July, 2009
Student Loan Payments Now More Affordable
Posted by: Sam on 7/2/2009
There is good news for
students and families working to pay off student loans. Yesterday the
Income-Based Repayment (IBR) program was put into effect, which will
cap monthly loan payments at only 15 percent of their discretionary
income. After 25 years in the program, borrowers' debts will be completely forgiven
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi praised the program, saying "our nation’s economic competitiveness depends on young Americans having access to the highest quality education available, regardless of financial need."
As the cost of college remains a
concern for many Americans, this program makes student loans more
affordable and makes a quality education more attainable. This
represents the largest investment in student financial aid since 1944.
In addition to cutting monthly
payments, the IBR program tomorrow also brings the second interest rate
cut on subsidized federal student loans — decreasing from 6 percent to
5.6 percent. Over the next few years these rates will continue to
decrease until they reach 3.4 percent.
You can use the Department of Education's calculator to estimate how you will benefit from the new initiative.
mhrx863t9k
Neumann Officially Ready to Party Like it's 1995
Posted by: Sam on 7/1/2009
GOP has-been Mark Neumann officially filed his paperwork with the Government Accountability Board today and will be running for governor.
“It’s official. Mark Neumann is ready to party like it’s 1995,” said Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chairman, Mike Tate. “It looks like the GOP has trotted out yet another mid-90’s retread politician to help save their ever-shrinking party.”
Wisconsin voters haven’t heard much from Neumann since he retreated into obscurity following his loss in the 1998 US Senate race. And there’s a reason: he hasn’t had anything new to say. For his announcement, Neumann merely dusted off a few speeches from 1995 and selected remarks at random.
During his time in Congress, Neumann’s opinions and beliefs were exposed to be far out of step with the views of Wisconsin voters. From privatizing schools and social security to supporting discrimination and outlawing abortion, Neumann took positions far outside of the mainstream.
Sen. Ted Kanavas May Move to Texas
Posted by: Sam on 7/1/2009
WisBusiness reports that Senator Ted Kanavas (R-Brookfield) may be planning a move to Texas after a letter on his Web site hinted that he would be open to the move.
In response, DPW Chair Mike Tate said "don't let the door hit you on the way out."
» June, 2009
"Flip Flop Scott" Thanks Democratic Leadership for Stimulus Funds
Posted by: Sam on 6/30/2009
Gubernatorial candidate Scott Walker has once again been caught flip-flopping on the federal stimulus. This week, Walker admitted the funding infusion will actually save his county from a transit crisis after months of labeling the stimulus as wasteful and unnecessary.
In an interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel yesterday, Walker states that the county can “get through 2011 without a major crisis in transit funding, thanks to an infusion of federal stimulus funds.”
The comments come in stark contrast to Walker’s remarks in a Jan. 6 interview with the very same newspaper, in which he declared, “I’m not asking for any new projects or things to be done here." Walker went as far as to pen a column in the Wall Street Journal Feb. 28, titled “Why I’m not lining up for stimulus handouts.”
To help keep up with Walker’s hypocrisy, the DPW has added his latest 180° turn to the “Walker Flip-Flop Timeline."
New DPW Facebook Page
Posted by: Sam on 6/29/2009
To stay in better contact with DPW members, we are in the process of transitioning from a Facebook Group to a Facebook Page.
This change will allow you to see updates as they happen in your news feed and give your feedback. Through our Facebook Page we can continue to build our online community and keep you involved in the Democratic Party of Wisconsin.
Thank you for your continued support and be sure to visit the Page and become a fan.
Find a National Health Care Day of Service close to you
Posted by: Sam on 6/26/2009
Tomorrow thousands of service events will take place tomorrow across the country to highlight the need for health care reform and show that there is wide support for meaningful health care reform this year.
The National Health Care Day of Service is an extension of United We Serve, a new initiative announced by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama that is asking all Americans to help build sustained and meaningful community service opportunities and lay the foundation for reform in America.
Press Gazette: Doyle discusses health care at Obama meeting
Posted by: Sam on 6/25/2009
WASHINGTON — Gov. Jim Doyle highlighted the expansion of Wisconsin's BadgerCare Plus health insurance plan in a meeting Wednesday with President Barack Obama and four other governors.
The meeting followed a regional White House Forum on Health Care in March that Doyle co-hosted with Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, who also attended Wednesday's meeting at the White House.
In an interview following the closed session, Doyle said Obama was particularly interested in what states are doing on health-care reform that might help lawmakers in Washington as they work to provide affordable coverage to every American. Doyle said the president was keen on ensuring that states have the flexibility to develop innovative programs.
Read the full Green Bay Press Gazette Story.
Here's what President Obama had to say after their meeting:
Health Care Stories for America Launched
Posted by: Sam on 6/23/2009
New Web Ad:
Posted by: Sam on 6/22/2009
The DPW today released a new Web ad to highlight Scott Walker's illegal corporate-funded motorcycle campaign tour.
The facts are clear: Scott Walker is an announced candidate for governor using corporate cash and taxpayer resources to literally fuel his campaign tour. Walker is essentially using an illegal corporate credit card to finance his campaign for governor.
Milwaukee County Supervisors File Complaint Against Walker
Posted by: Sam on 6/19/2009
Members of the Milwaukee County Board have filed an elections complaint against Scott Walker for illegally funding his statewide motorcycle campaign with corporate cash and tax dollars.
“Scott Walker is an announced candidate for governor using corporate cash and taxpayer dollars to literally fuel his campaign tour,” said Mike Tate, Chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. “This is an egregious violation of election rules and I hope the Election Commission will punish Walker to the full extent of the law.”
Furthermore, Walker is using campaign staff to advance and coordinate his motorcycle trips, and the campaign's involvement clearly politicizes the event. (Source: Walker. Campaign e-mails, 6.14.04, http://www.wisopinion.com/blogs/uploads/0507walkerride.pdf)
Read the complaint: http://www.wispolitics.com/1006/090619WalkerComplaint.pdf
2009 State Convention Video
If you were at the State Convention last weekend you may have run into the DPW YouTube Crew. Check out the video and see what delegates and visitors had to say about this year's convention:
We have also updated out State Convention Page with photos and links to articles covering the State Convention.
Balloon Man!
Woodson welcomes Gov. Doyle at the 2009 Convention
Big Talker Walker
DPW State Convention Video Message
AP: Wisconsin Democrats to Elect Youngest Party Chair
At age 30, Tate is set to become the youngest state chair in the nation of either party when Wisconsin Democratic Party activists elect him to a 2-year term Saturday during their convention in
Tate will be in charge of hiring staff, raising money, defending Democratic policies and attacking Republicans. His goal in 2010 is to help Senator Russ Feingold and Governor Jim Doyle win re-election and keep the party in control of both houses of the Legislature.
Read the full AP story.
Van Hollen Misled Public, Media About Cuts to DOJ
From WisPolitics…
The state Department of Justice faces a much smaller cut in GPR and all funds than the $17 million Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen publicized last week in criticizing the JFC budget, according to the Fiscal Bureau summary released today.
….According to LFB, the JFC budget would cut the agency $7 million in GPR compared to the base year doubled, a reduction of 8.3 percent. The reduction in all funds would be almost $3.9 million, equal to a 2.1 percent cut. …
JFC Co-Chair Mark Pocan, D-Madison, countered the LFB numbers back up the Dems’ contention that the AG is has been misleading the public.
“I can pretty much tell the attorney general wasn’t a math major,” Pocan said. “We’ve been saying this since day one. The cuts he’s been coming up with don’t match what’s in the budget or what’s in reality.”
Pocan said Van Hollen totaled up all the cuts JFC approved without taking into account the new money pumped into the agency.
See the LFB summary: http://www.legis.state.wi.us/lfb/2009-11Budget/JFC/doj.pdf
Washington Post: Obama Calls for New Beginning With World's Muslims
CAIRO, June 4 -- President Obama asked Thursday for a "new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world" in a speech that urged Islamic nations to embrace democracy, women's rights, religious tolerance and the right of Israel to co-exist with an independent Palestinian state.
In an address designed to change perceptions of the United States in the Arab Middle East and beyond, Obama reviewed the troubled historical legacy between Islam and the rest of the world, from colonialism through the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the uncertainty surrounding cultural and economic globalization. Watch the video of President Obama's speech:
Van Hollen Distributing Republican Talking Points, Lobbying Orders to State Employees
In addition, Van Hollen's office has been sending the same talking points used by the Republican Party of Wisconsin and the Scott Walker for Governor campaign to employees, along with their political lobbying instructions.
The citizens of Wisconsin deserve to know more about Van Hollen's forced state employee lobbying campaign. Read the DPW's open records request.
2009 State Convention: The Difference is Leadership
Obama Plans June 11 Visit to Green Bay
» May, 2009
AP: Wisconsin budget panel finalizes plan to close hole
Read the full AP story.
WisPolitics: Wineke Prepares to Exit as Party Chair with Dems on Top
Posted by: Alec on 5/27/2009
As Wineke prepares to step down from the post next month, the party is coming off the best showing a Dem prez candidate has had in the state in 40 years, has control of both houses of the Legislature and saw Steve Kagen not only win the 8th CD but become the first Dem in decades to defend the seat as well.
Read the full WisPolitics story.
President Obama nominates Sonia Sotomayor to Supreme Court
President Obama announced today that federal appeals judge Sonia Sotomayor will be his nominee for United States Supreme Court Justice. Sotomayor will be the first Latina justice as well as the third woman to serve in the position.
Obama called her "an inspiring woman" whose unique background and experiences will bring the perspective of the oridinary people to the Court. Sotomayor grew up in the South Bronx and graduated from Yale Law School. She has worked on a variety of levels in the federal court system as a district attourney, corporate litigator, federal district judge, and judge on the Second Circut Court of Appeals.
RPW in Primary Denial
Posted by: Alec on 5/21/2009
The Republican Party of Wisconsin is in complete denial about the upcoming GOP primary showdown between Scott Walker and Mark Neumann. Case in point: See the giant “Scott Walker for Governor” banner up on the RPW home page: (screenshot attached and below)
This e-endorsement runs contrary to a statement RPW spokesperson Kirsten Kukowski made to a reporter a few weeks ago when she said the party does not plan to formally endorse a candidate until its convention in May 2010.
GOP Hearts Dick Cheney
Founders Day 2009 a Success!
Posted by: Alec on 5/19/2009
Politico: GOP, RNC to Rebrand Democrats as 'Socialists'
Posted by: Alec on 5/13/2009
A member of the Republican National Committee told me Tuesday that when the RNC meets in an extraordinary special session next week, it will approve a resolution rebranding Democrats as the “Democrat Socialist Party.”
When I asked if such a resolution would force RNC Chairman Michael Steele to use that label when talking about Democrats in all his speeches and press releases, the RNC member replied: “Who cares?”
Which pretty much sums up the attitude some members of the RNC have toward their chairman these days.
Read the full story: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0509/22445.html
Introducing the Wisconsin Prosperity Project:
A recent story in the Wisconsin State Journal exposes a new conservative master plan to create the Wisconsin Prosperity Project, a group of 14 new right-wing independent organizations designed to smear Democratic candidates.
The mastermind behind the entire shady plan is indicted felon Scott Jensen, who is facing trial for using taxpayer money for campaign purposes.
The group’s main organizer is Mark Block, who paid a $15,000 fine in 2001 for illegally coordinating a Supreme Court campaign with an outside “independent” group – the very same type of organization he’s pulling together now.
The DPW has uncovered some more fun facts about the
· The WPP seeks to create a “New Minority Group” by 2011.
· The Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance and the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute (WPRI) are included in the group’s structure, even though they consistently tell the media that they are non-partisan.
· A group called Freedom Force will have a budget of $250,000 to train interns.
(sounds pretty fishy)
· According to the WPP summary, “The groups within this infrastructure would be publicly separate and privately coordinated.” (i.e. they will lie to the public about coordination.)
· The group’s logo is a picture of a house underneath a large tree.
(apparently, the tree is there to cover up all of the shady doings inside the house.)
Check out the New DPW Web Ad
Posted by: Alec on 5/11/2009
The DPW has released a new Web ad to introduce Republican gubernatorial wannabes Scott Walker and Mark Neumann to the citizens of Wisconsin. Check it out:
Olbermann Exposes Belling as a 'Welcher'
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
GOP Survivor Island
"It is true that being a republican moderate sometimes feels like being a cast member of Survivor-you are presented with multiple challenges, and you often get the distinct feeling you're no longer welcome in the tribe." -- Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME)
MJS: Belling Won't Pony Up on Racehorse Bet
Mark Belling to Vote Doyle for Governor
Posted by: Alec on 5/4/2009
Conservative talk show host Mark Belling will vote to reelect Governor Jim Doyle, according to a recent blog post he wrote in advance of the Kentucky Derby race. Belling, a horseracing enthusiast, wrote that he would vote for Doyle if 50-1 long-shot racehorse #8 Mine That Bird wins the
“#8 MINE THAT BIRD -- If this horse wins, I’ll never bet on another race and will vote for Jim Doyle for reelection,” wrote Belling on his blog. See Belling’s blog post:
Mine That Bird won at 50-1.
The DPW assumes that Belling is a man of his word and will make good on his pledge. Unfortunately it looks like Belling has already removed the post from his blog in an attempt to avoid embarrassment and save face with his ultra-conservative listeners. Fortunately, the DPW has uncovered a cached version of Belling’s original post for your reading pleasure.
Note to Vegas bookies: don’t assume Belling will make good on future bets.
I Wonder Who's Writing Steele's Strategy Memos ...
Posted by: Heidi on 5/1/2009
New DNC Web ad:
» April, 2009
What has the GOP Accomplished in First 100 Days?
Posted by: Heidi on 4/30/2009
DNC TV Ad
Posted by: Heidi on 4/28/2009
Walker Should Let Neumann Ride on Back of Harley
"If
Read the full blog post at Eye on Wisconsin.
(Photo from Blogging Blue)
100 Days of NO
Posted by: Heidi on 4/23/2009
Watch the latest Web ad from the DNC. Special guest appearance by Wisconsin's very own Paul Ryan.
Celebrate 39th Annual Earth Day in Honor of Gaylord Nelson
(Gaylord Nelson, late Wis. Gov., U.S. Sen. and Earth Day Founder)
Nearly four decades ago, Wisconsin’s Gaylord Nelson founded the first Earth Day, marking the birth of a new national environmental consciousness.
Now, after eight gloomy years under George Bush, President Obama has given us a new reason to celebrate this Earth Day. The Obama Administration has committed to a comprehensive energy plan that will generate millions of new clean energy jobs, including thousands here in Wisconsin.
Read the full DPW statement
Fraley Hired to Lead MacIver Institute Communications
Hypocrisy Watch: House Republicans Drove-Up National Debt Under Bush, Now Feigning Concern
Washington Republicans voted to support the Bush administration's reckless budgets, which more than doubled the national debt, but now criticize President Obama's efforts to spur economic recovery and growth. In light of their change of heart we wonder: has the Party Of No turned into the Party of Hypocrites? Watch the new DNC Web ad:
'Flip-Flop Scott' Gets the Bice Treatment
Bice: Walker
County
That's been well documented.
But the Republican gubernatorial wannabe now is hoping to turn President Barack Obama's economy recovery plan - and
"My decision not to accept federal stimulus money was not popular with liberals, but it was the right thing to do," Walker wrote in a fund-raising letter to supporters this week. "I need your help to share our commonsense message with people across Wisconsin. A government handout is not stimulus! Will you help, by sending a generous contribution . . . ?" ...
"It's a lie," said Supervisor Patricia Jursik, a fiscal conservative. Read Bice's column.
Obey to Keynote DPW Founders Day Gala
Congressman Dave Obey will give the keynote address at this year's Founders Day Gala as Democrats across the state gather to celebrate his 40 years in Congress. The event will be held on Saturday, May 16 in Milwaukee. Purchase tickets for Founders Day
Insani-Tea
Thousands attend tax-day protest in Madison,Wis.
By Scott Bauer
MADISON, Wis. - Speakers at a sometimes angry rally Wednesday accused Gov. Doyle and lawmakers of smoking crack cocaine, said government spending was ruining the country and called for the ouster of all elected Democrats. AP has the story
Sykes Endorses DPW Ad, Check
WE'LL CASH THE CHECK
By Charlie Sykes
The Democratic Party of Wisconsin will begin running a new TV ad this weekend that accuses Milwaukee County Exec Scott Walker of “talking out of both sides of his mouth” about federal stimulus funds.
The ad, which will debut Sunday on WTMJ-TV during “Sunday Insight with Charlie Sykes,” calls the likely 2010 gubernatorial candidate “Flip Flop Scott.”
The ad plays the Benny Hill theme while flashing text of various statements
Paul Ryan's Budget a Cruel Joke for 1st CD Constituents
Ryan's Fabricated Budget Figures
Walker Flip-Flops on No Wish List Pledge, Releases Own Stimulus Wish List
Scott Walker flip-flopped on his no wish list pledge and reversed course on his months-long, anti-stimulus campaign when he released his very own $130 million stimulus wish list. To keep track of Walker's constantly changing positions on the stimulus, the DPW has created a Walker flip-flop timeline. See the full timeline
» March, 2009
Michael Steele on Obama...
Posted by: Alec on 3/31/2009
I Guess the Head of the Republican Party Wasn't Available
Posted by: Alec on 3/30/2009
A former lieutenant governor of Maryland, Steele was elected RNC chairman after six rounds of balloting in January. State GOP Chairman Reince Priebus helped campaign for Steele to get the post and is now one of his top advisers.
The Republican Party is reeling from severe setbacks nationwide in the November election. Steele's had a rough start as party chair, having to apologize for calling conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh "incendiary and ugly."
The party has not announced any headliner for Saturday.
Paul Ryan Flip-Flops on AIG Bonus Tax
Posted by: Alec on 3/30/2009
Janesville Republican Paul Ryan flip-flopped on his vote last week in favor of a punitive tax increase on AIG employees.
After he voted for it, Ryan said he would have voted against the 90 percent tax increase, if he had known that legal scholars would deem it unconstitutional. Politico has the story.
Ryan's Budget Debut Ridiculed by National Media
Posted by: Alec on 3/27/2009
Steele: I Might Run for President
Posted by: Alec on 3/26/2009
Fernandez Must Come Clean on Illegal Campaign Attack
Posted by: Alec on 3/25/2009
The Democratic Party has evidence that DPI candidate Rose Fernandez and Republican Rep. Don Pridemore were in contact on DPI issues. Now Fernandez needs to come clean and admit that her campaign helped orchestrate the illegal campaign attack the GAB is poised to investigate.
The DPW is seeking records related to the collaboration. See the DPW release.
An Oldie but a Goodie
Posted by: Heidi on 3/24/2009
PRIDEMORE WATCH: GOP Legislator Lit Up in the Press for Illegal Campaigning
Posted by: Alec on 3/23/2009
AP: Democratic Party complains about legislator's release
Journal Sentinel: Democrats file complaint over comment on superintendent candidate
Waukesha Freeman: Dems file complaint against state Rep. Pridemore, Improper use of office alleged
WisPolitics: State Democratic Party files complaint over Pridemore press release
Capital Times: Nasty fight erupts over legislator's role in DPI race
MilwaukeeWorld: Dems to GAB: Pridemore campaigns with state resources
PRIDEMORE WATCH: Republican Uses State Office for Illegal Activity
Posted by: Alec on 3/20/2009
Yesterday, Republican Rep. Don Pridemore (R-Hartford) illegally used his state office and taxpayer resources to launch a press release that was a blatant political attack on DPI candidate Tony Evers. This was a calculated political attack, done on the taxpayer dime, designed to assist DPI candidate Rose Fernandez.