Snead - The Repubes have spent 25 mil to buy this election, and Walker hasn't won yet.

If you don't vote, don't blame others.

Yeah! I believe you - Polls are really super-accurate!

Unions are lobbyists for the middle class. If corporations can lobby the government, why not teachers, firemen and cops?

And whose head is going to explode when Walker does his "perp" walk because he is going down!!

BTW, Ed is going to be just fine if Walker wins, however the people of Wisconsin will be stuck with that fool until he goes off to prison. Much like Nixon... win at all cost until it ended up costing too much!

The public sector union employees in WI had already agreed to benefit cuts and to contribute more toward their retirement funds and health benefits. But Walker would not even talk to them as he was instead out to destroy the unions as part of the bigger GOP ideology to suppress democratic votes. Walker eliminated collective bargaining and also legislated for voter suppression via voter id laws designed to disenfranchise minority, student, and elderly voters - which fortunately has since been stifled by WI courts, and Walker also oversaw redistricting to favor GOP lines for voting.

Walker is a puppet of the Koch brothers TPer ideology. RECALL WALKER WISCONSIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

JoAnnaSmith1

The days of the unions stealing from the taxpayers have ended, unless the unions/Democrats (same thing) can concoct up something else to whine about.

you are complaining about a process that is legally allowed in Wisconsin but you give a pass to the Michigan Republicans who have ILLEGALLY passed over 96% of their bills under “immediate effect?” Funny thing, Michigan Republicans don't even have the 2/3rds majority in the House. MAGIC!!!!!

Wisconsin law permits voters to recall elected officials - you have a problem with the law?????

How about Medicare Thief Rick Scott denying the right to vote for American citizens who are "guilty" of having a "funny" last name?

You want to talk about concocting anything, look at the Republican Party - plenty of examples there.

JAS1 is a troll who knows zip of what she spews, much less her knowledge of what's happening in Wisconsin.

RECALL WALKER WISCONSIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I swear, I don't think I'd shed many tears if the republicans took the south and went one direction, and the Dems took the north and went another. Not even kidding.

"It is essential that there should be organization of labor.
This is an era of organization. Capital organizes and therefore labor must
organize." - Teddy Roosevelt

A corporation is an organization, able to call on the strengths of many members.

A union is an organization, able to call on the strengths of many members.

The difference is, you are fine tossing cash to the corporations in exchange for garbage (F-35's? Iraq war? Bank bailouts?), but not accepting the fact that labor should likewise be treated the same (UAW).

Therefore, by virtue of greed to purchase 'crap', start unfunded wars and bailout banks, it is through virtue of equity to bailout labor when it requires it. If you want to unfund both, so be it.

But whichever path is chosen, it should remain equitable.

Don't go too nuts over Walker.

This is a 1-2pt race.

The random samplings are off, esp. when taken as a comparison to previous voter turnout. White, blue collar workers of suburban milwaukee are over-represented by 5 pts, and voters over age 60 are over-represented by 16%.

At least according to their previous gubernatorial election.

The one glimmering facet that paints the portrait as pretty non-definitive, was the under 30 bracket which broke by +20 pts from the National Trend in FAVOR of Walker. And Romney.

That, right there, points to the flaw in the polling data. Hypothesis? Much smaller group, and geographically targeted at suburbia and not urbia. The more the voter base expands, the better Democrats do, historically.

This is a race that will rely solely on voter turnout.

tek: This is a 1-2pt race.

More distortion from tek. Note there is no reference to the numbers he/she is referencing, that seems to be a real problem for you. tek is getting his/her numbers from a "progressive" blog with no verifiable numbers:

http://bdgrdemocracy.wordpress.com/2012/05/17/the-may-marquette-franklin-poll-what-did-we-learn/

Let's not forget, the majority if not all of Walker's monies came from out of state sources. He put his state and the welfare of his people up for sale to the highest bidder. If the Wisconsin voters don't stomp this guy into the ground then they deserve what they get. It's their chance to make things right for themselves.

Thank God the good Koch Brothers have protected the interests of the corporation people against the union thugs! (i just mouth-puked)

Gee do ya think? Walker already beat this man two years ago. The only thing the Unions and Liberals have done in WI is galvanize the conservatives to vote against their over spending policies.

Overspending! On wages and pensions for public servants! That's rich! (pun intended)

Get use to that feeling of defeat libberals...You are in for much more in Nov.

Sam the state of WI was in a nearly 3 billion dollar short fall. The Public Unions were killing school districts. I wish I had to pay as much as they are required to into my Health care plan....and pension...haaa. try a 401 K like the rest of the country.

Like I said before, THANK GOD the good Koch suc...uh...brothers funded the anti-union fight to protect the corporation people from having to pay more. Of course its only fair the little people should pick up more slack. There are more of us! (I wonder if corporation people look anything like the Cloverfield monster...)

I am a bit confused, if the figures(?) I have heard about the Unions representing12% of workers, why are we not concerned about the 88% that are not part of a union? Of Course, it could be like the administration giving sign-on bonuses to all all GM(unions) workers regardless of length of service.

Teknisen,

The state of Wisconsin isn't a corporation. It is inherently inequitable, when you have public employee unions negotiating with a government that generally speaking consists of 50% democrats, who are in bed with the very public employee unions that the state is negotiating with. These aren't arms length negotiations.

Didn't Nov 2010 teach you liberals anything? We don't want any part of your socialist crap. We don't want you spending taxpayer dollars to buy votes, bankrupting government in the process. Get over it.

All public employees need to take a 25% hair cut and lose all pensions and replace them with 401K's and SS. We had it with the ruling class.

Hate to burst the libbies bubble, but the union/democrats put more money and effort into this weak attempt to remove a great Governor, than the Republicans did. The State though can ill afford the $2-$3 million they had to spend on this fraud recall!

Walkers opponents fail to mention he was left a huge budget deficit by a democrat that he had to clean up. Wisconsin was a financial mess. I am sure the liberals would say to just raise taxes more to allow unions to negotiate whatever they want and bill it to the tax payer. Citizens should be thanking Walker for helping clear up the state budget issues. He did not take all power away from unions only some. There are a lot of people that believe unions are just as corrupt as corporations and have more influence.

Nolan,

There is a big difference between governments and corporations. I wanted to point that out to you since you seem to be a low information voter.

This recall election is proof of the ease that corporations and special interests (that includes unions for all the morons who are sure to piss and moan) can buy off elections.

What if the republicans launch a recall if they lose? This is why people don't trust either party.

"Racine -- Democratic National Committee Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz told 75 Democratic Party supporters Wednesday that the national party was "putting all of our effort into this fight" to help Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett topple Gov. Scott Walker in Tuesday's recall election."

""To date, we've put over $1.5 million into this state to make sure that we could both get the recall on the ballot, help with the signature-gathering effort, coordinate with the grassroots on the ground," she said.

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/155740275.html#!page=3&pageSize=10&sort=newestfirst

In other words, It's the same $1.5 Million they were going to spend setting up the Obama Machine, renting office space, hiring a few staffers, putting in phone lines,etc....and not a penny more.....

All the way to Wisconsin to address a crowd of 75.....

She also said this earlier in the week:

"The chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee said Friday that if Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett (D) doesn’t prevail over Gov. Scott Walker (R) in next month’s Wisconsin recall election, there won’t be any ramifications for Democrats nationally."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/election-2012/post/wisconsin-recall-dncs-debbie-wasserman-schultz-sees-no-national-impact-if-democrats-lose/2012/05/25/gJQAVJ8KqU_blog.html

Can they distance themselves any farther away ???

Sorry guys, it's over for Wisconsin. I feel for the teachers and life responders but big money always wins. The polls are right correct. Many people will not show up to vote and the money is on the Republican's side. Some people are actually enjoying this. I think it is quite tragic but life will go on. God Speed.

I can see from the lefty comments that most of you got your talking points from horse's ass Mr. Ed. The idiot talking point is: "well, they spent more money and bought the election".

Nobody believes that the left spent less money on this whole recall crap. Except lefy horse's ass Mr. Ed.

The country spoke loud and clear in 2010. Do we have to shout it again? SHELLACKING

1/20/2013 - the end of an error

Wow, offwiththeirheads, what a truly classy comment; it must have taken years to develop such eloquence....not to mention the really intelligent sounding vocabulary. I'm truly impressed, as I'ma sure others are!

JustSlapMe: You made a comment about anti-voting suppression laws and I had to comment.

This weekend I went to a former DuPont estate converted into acres of gardens and had to show photo ID to get in. To enter any downtown highrise in any city you need photo ID. To use a credit card or debit card, get a prescription filled or to cash a check one usually needs a photo ID. To enter an arena or stadium to watch a ball game or attend an event one needs a photo ID. So, with all that in mind, when doing something really important like voting, why is it a problem to require a photo ID. Who among us doesn't participate in some aspects of American life that is a citizen doesn't need and use a photo ID for other things that they wouldn't have one to vote?

Just askin'.

What a waist of time, trading dumb for dumber!

bayllie...your time would be better spent talking to a wall than to waste time on a logic-impaired facist like JoannaSmith who doesn't give a damn about anything but helping to teabag everyone, including her own country. I've seen better heads on a glass of root beer, to quote someone as smart as her.

@norm903

I'm curious where you live. I have never needed an ID to enter any kind of a game. Until recently, I have worked on high-rises in many cities doing maintenance and half the time, no ID is required unless it's a state of federal bldg. And usually, if they want an ID and you have multiple guys there, they're okay with only IDing the guys who have keys or key cards.

The biggest problem with these efforts to require IDs is their motivation. They aren't trying to stop voter fraud. They are actually COMMITTING voter fraud by cherry-picking who they want to vote by looking at names and addresses. This is not a response to a problem. Joseph Stalin said that the real power doesn't rest with the voters. It rests with those who count the votes. He got that right and I'm sure we can agree that the Eastern Europeans and Asians know how to fix an election. THAT IS THE REAL ISSUE. If you are 75 and not very mobile, why should you have to prove you're eligible to vote to someone who is likely more of a criminal than you are? They are attempting voter fraud. Preventing legitimate voters from voting is voter fraud. That is,BTW, how the shrub stole Ohio in '04. When will we learn? The real fraudsters are the "registrars and they need to be prosecuted when they commit fraud. The police must have a reason to pull you over in your car. Why shouldn't a registrar be forces to prove intent when they question someones status?

Thomas Blue: I stand corrected about entering a game, you are right and I was wrong. The rest of post 1.36 is accurate. Additionally one needs photo ID for any number of other things, like boarding a bus, plane, or train. If you can't provide a photo ID to vote you are likely in the country illegally or trying to commit fraud. Sorry Blue, that's my two.

Amy in Portland

Unions are lobbyists for the middle class

They were at one time when union membership was over 30% of all workers and all in private sector jobs and people had no benefits and lived on starvation wages in sweat shops.

Today, the Unions represent ab out 12% of all workers of which only half of those are in the private sector. Why did they move to the federal government? SIMPLE. You can't chase those jobs overseas, and the more you demand the more the politicians will give you no matter how bad a deficit it causes!

The reason Scott Walker is winning in Wisconsin is because for the first time in years, Wisconsin has had a net increase in jobs. Instead of laying off Teachers, Firefighters and Police, they are hiring. All because the put an end to the public unions forcing the gouging of the Taxpayers, and funneling the union dues to politicians who are only too glad to give them more for their re-election help!

Everyone wants budget cuts, just as long as their check doesn't get cut. Everyone wants sacrifices made, just as long as they don't have to sacrifice. Everyone wants to do the right thing, just as long as they can have the cake and eat it too. Everybody is like this in the world, and if you believe that, then until we're all working in a sweat shop in China, making $1.12 an hour, we will all want somebody else to do the dirty work for us until things get better.

Now, why would you believe all that?

Listen, the Democrats only want higher taxes, so they can spend it on themselves. Basically, the democrats want to use your hard earned tax dollars on spending sprees that just line the pockets of the managers of the "stimulus" money being "put" into the economy. That's all. There is no plan. The money just goes right into the pockets of the elite, whom appropriate the funds. Follow the money, and you will see what's really happening.

Oh yes, and after this you'll get the, "If we hadn't done that, things would have been much, much worse." speech. But wait a minute, don't I get a rebuttle? I mean seriously, are you people paying attention? Just because somebody tells you things would have been much, much worse if something hadn't happened, be very very cautious of that person. It's like someone selling snake oil, and saying, "If you hadn't used that lotion to wash your shirt, it wouldn't be as clean as it is now." How does that person know that? Has a shirt ever been washed with that oil before? What were the results?

I am so tired of hearing that ---- when the whole time ---- deep down inside we all really know what is happening. Listen people and remember, the laws of supply and demand are real. If a product is in need, it will sell. If it isn't, it won't. And also remember, the laws of supply and demand are always correcting. No matter how much the markets are tampered with, the true laws of supply and demand are always correcting themselves. Constant tampering in the same way, in the markets, will not last forever.

Yes we need taxes, but as low as possible, to make it easier to do business. Remember that more business means more revenue. Remember the people throughout history who warned others about bad situations on the horizon. Remember how they were cherished for doing these things. Governor Scott Walker should be applauded for doing the things he's doing in Wisconsin, especially for having to go uphill against his own people as he's doing ---- and as it looks right now, it appears that the people who are voting for him deserve him to continue (7 point lead in the polls).

If your horse has completely run all his strength out, and you urgently need him to gallop right now, do you beat him? Or do you realize that he is exhausted, lead him to water, and let him rest for the night? Will you get farther by giving him rest, or by running him now? This is the same thing happening with our economy right now. Will you give it rest (with less taxes), or will you beat us now (with more taxes)?

What did Walker do that was so bad? He did what he said he was going to do. So, sorry Wisconsin Dems, but you didn't pay attention enough to what he said the first time you should have to live with him. Next time wake up and vote. And take notice, I'm a Democrat.

Thomas Blue

bayllie...your time would be better spent talking to a wall than to waste time on a logic-impaired facist like JoannaSmith who doesn't give a damn about anything but helping to teabag everyone, including her own country. I've seen better heads on a glass of root beer, to quote someone as smart as her.

yes, I know. I guess I'm not really talking to her (she never responds with facts so what's the point) but to people who read her crap.

JAS1

Please present the legislation that allows for this.

Funny thing is Medicare Defrauder Rick Scott don't have a legislature that allows is. Five months before the election, Scott decides to "coincidently" clean house.

Scott is conducting a massive purge of voters from Florida roll calls including passports are now targeted as non-citizens, minorities are targeted both latinos, blacks and anyone of color. Voter fraud in FL is virtually non-existent yet people have to go to hearings to prove their citizenships. People who have been born here: like the 91-year old WW2 vet. It is easier to get a gun, shoot people than to vote in Florida today.

@norm

Walker wasn't out to stop voter fraud as there was none in WI - check the stats. Walker legislated the ID laws, then banned certain IDs from being used - like student ids, closed the state DMV offices where one could get their ID, and reduced the hours of the remaining open DVMs. You may not understand, but not all voters drive - think students, elderly, the poor without transportation etc. Then there was also an issue regarding a fee for the ID. Did I mention he closed most DMV where it hurt him most politically. If you think Walker is doing anything for WI other than advancing RWNJ ideology and his own career you'e dead wrong. Dig into the reality of his actions and legislation.

RECALL WALKER WISCONSIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

JustSlap....., YOU ARE A LIAR!! I happen to live here in WI. Show me the source for your claim that Walker has closed DMV offices. FACT, under WI. voter ID law, anyone could get a FREEvoter ID by just going to their DMV office.

When Walker wins next Tuesday, it is going to be a great day for WI. It will be the 2nd of many victories to come by conservatives, taking back our country, 1 state at a time. I can hardly wait to tune in Mr. Ed on MSNBC and watch his sorry ass make excuses and claims of voter fraud that stole the election from Barrett. SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!

The drug stores had better order extra supplies of Kaopectate and Lomotil ! When libbies realize their best efforts to unseat Walker have failed, there will be a "run" on all the anti-diarrhea products !! LOL !!!

They will soil their underwear while having NO CLUE as to why the two-time Democrat loser was unable to get elected. Reality will "just slap" them into a screaming $hit fit !!

Many older minorities, have built up a healthy distrust of of local Governments over their lifetimes. Many times this distrust is based on past interactions with an actively hostile local Government. Now in their later years many cannot or do not drive so they do not have drivers licenses. many are on fixed incomes and do not trust Credit Card companies and so write checks for all purchase, yes there are MANY older and even younger folks who do this. Many have lost or misplaced Social Security cards; many times their only concern is their MEDICARE card, which in some states is a valid replacement for a Social Security card.

Requiring these elder citizens to go thru the hoops to vote is the most mean spirited thing I think the Republicans have tried to date. Many people died and or fought for these very rights, there is no voter fraud problem. This is a very THINLY VEILED attempt to disenfranchise as many minority voters as possible. It is no coincidence that Republicans are pressing this legislation; as far as they are concerned, desperate times call for desperate measures. It is just amazing to me how the Republicans CONSISTENTLY pick on the poor, the sickly and the elderly, or immigrants.

One day, hopefully soon, I hope all these groups get together and give the Republicans a collective, bloody punch in the nose.

Scott Walker said WI spending was out of control, then he gave 30% raises to his staff, offered a +$80K job heading a state department to a donor's kid right out of college, then somehow - yet unexplained in detail, 'found' $600M of state money unaccounted for to help him balance the budget. Then he still fell short of balancing the budget so Walker then stole millions from a federal fund provided to the state to help WI taxpayers underwater with their mortgages, then he raised the state's budget giving even more money in tax breaks and incentives to WI job creators who made WI dead last for jobs in 2011, then when he didn't like the jobs reports Walker solicited his own job report yet unverified showing an increase in jobs.Walker also hired a 'Deer Czar' from Texas to help DNR opponent Cathy Stepp - now appointed head of the DNR by Walker, create a plan yet undisclosed to sell off WI public lands to the highest bidder to help promote private 'game farms' versus public hunting grounds and putting all WI state parks, forests, natural areas, and hunting/fishing grounds in jeopardy of being sold to the highest bidder.

Instead of jobs bills, WI got gun rights legislation, abstinence taught over contraception in WI schools, equal pay for women legislation abolished, lowered environmental standards for WI air and water quality, reduced or eliminated environmental permitting processes, and instead of fixing WI schools Walker legislated for school choice vouchers his cronies can use to send their kids to private schools on the WI taxpayers dime.

Mired in a campaign violation investigation of his staff doing Walker campaign work on the taxpayer dime,Walker has spent close to $30 million of mostly out of state donated money from the likes of the Koch brothers to defend his recall.

RECALL WALKER WISCONSIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's all going to boil down to turn-out!

From what I'm hearing there's thousands of boots on the ground up there to GOTV!

Stand United Badgers!!!

Toss this bum out on his ass before they haul him off in handcuffs!

Toss this bum out on his ass before they haul him off in handcuffs!

That would be funny. The first governor in history to be hauled off in handcuffs while giving his acceptance speech.

The first governor in history to be hauled off in handcuffs while giving his acceptance speech.

I've got plenty of *popcorn* handy for the occasion!

Walker is obviously an idiot if he ignores all of the Wisconsin people who are pissed off by his policies. Let him burn.

He and his ALEX cronies have spent over 64 million in Wisconsin. This is the only thing helping our economy, certainly not Walker. If they win, it's because money wins.

the sad part in all of this is that no longer do voters have a real say in politics..it is all about money..if enough aads are placed on TV and radio that are never verified for truth then...what is the point anymore. Politicans today are buying elections..if they spend enough money on ads that are stretching the truth to the end...and people are foolish enough to believe it all..then where is the honesty in our government that we as a nation have fought for for so many years ?

Toss this bum out on his ass before they haul him off in handcuffs!

Or just haul him off in handcuffs now. Why wait?

The fake phone call with David Koch was bad enough, but the video of Scott Walker and his "Divide and Conquer Strategery" should have put the nail in his coffin. Let's hope Walker's lies about jobs, and outside money can't save his sorry arse.

weemee "He and his ALEX cronies have spent over 64 million in Wisconsin."

I understand that the Democrats and their union cronies have outspent the Republicans - all for naught.

It looks like the unions picked a fight they couldn't win - and wasted lots of money in the process.

Bottom line - Walker was able to avoid massive layoffs of teachers and his plan seems to be working.

Too funny.

Walker is doing a great job. The state of illinois has to TRY to duplicate it, but its too late! LOl! dont hear feasty and all the other libs talkin bout that!

i wonder, what would they do if the dems won? raise taxes, rob the taxpayer again, and overspend like before? what a bunch of idiots!

Satanick usually you make some sense. This is the Wisconsin voter's chance to through him out and they are coming down on his side.

Austerity! Goooo Walker! Brink back PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY and a Balanced Budget!

GT

I was on a trip through Wisconsin when I heard about the issue with Scott Walker. When I got home I looked into it.

Here is all you need to know. The prosecutor, a democrat, had announced that he was holding off until after the recall election to announce any indictments.

There are 2 things that can mean.

Not enough evidence yet, or no evidence and we are simply on a fishing expedition or playing the opportunity up for some political gain.

Other than this fundraiser, Walker's past is clean. The only way Walker falls is if he contradicts himself like Scooter Libbey did. Even that is part of the politcal games, if nothing is wrong trip them up and you still score.

Americans for Prosperity is sponsoring a bus tour (in follow-up to their Stand for Walker tour) called A Better Wisconsin, is busing supporters in and around Wisconsin. How pitiful. Preserve democracy, and kick Walker out.

Seeing first hand the hardship Governor Walker's budget cuts has caused families with disabled children and the elderly of Wisconsin is enough to sway my vote to the other side. How can this man take away from Disabled paralyzed chilren and our own elderly in Wisconsin? How can he sleep at night knowing what his decisions has caused familes who care for these children and elderly? Remove a program ran by individual counties to give assistance for medical transportation and lodging when the children are in hospitals for life threatening conditions, taking medical supply companies from out of state who deliver substandard at best supplies? I mean really Governor Walker, the state paid caregivers of disabled and elderly .35 to .50 per mile for medical transportation. Now you have taken that away from familes who are in need of this assistance and given it to a company in Arizona? Now medicaide pays hundreds of dollars for each trip. Where is the savings? Medical supllies are now shipped from a company in Michigan. They are substandard at best. Is someone lining someone's pockets? There is no good answer here.

ROY WILSON-336103

Too funny.

yes, Roy. It is "funny" that Walker has the WORST state in job growth because of his policies. It may be funny to you, but not to the people of Wisconsin.

TruePatriot-445959

Americans for Prosperity is sponsoring a bus tour (in follow-up to their Stand for Walker tour) called A Better Wisconsin, is busing supporters in and around Wisconsin. How pitiful. Preserve democracy, and kick Walker out.

and according to the Koch brothers, it's a pure coincidence that it's happening this week. Lying pieces of $hit.

bay lie,

Walker's really has not been in office that long and his policies are just now beginning to take effect. A recent report shows job growth. Nice attempted distortion by you ... but that's what you are good at doing.

Funny thing though the job numbers Walker pulled apparently from his backside cannot be verified by anyone. The credible numbers reflect that more jobs lost under Walker than anywhere in the country.

To the Unions that were spared under Walkers first wave of Union busting and who are supporting Walker, just remember the video of him saying "divide and conquer". If Walker wins your union will be next on the chopping block and WI will become a right to work state with all the benefits like 15% lower overall wages compared to non right to work states.

As far as the budget in Wi is concerned all the needed cuts to employee wages and benifits were agreed to by the unions before Walkers union assault began. The hole in the budget now is a result in giving corporations huge tax cuts and therefore needed social safety net programs have to be slashed or eliminated.

The thing to keep in mind for teabaggers and republicans is that when you take everything away from the poor they have nothing to lose and will come for what you have.

"Boots on the ground" means SEIU union hacks with the mission of dragging anyone they can find to the voting booth...including a majority of so-called "voters" who wouldn't recognize Governor Walker if they were standing inside an elevator alone with the man.

So I guess that when Republican Governor Walker announces economic numbers and figures, they are to be questioned and doubted and most certainly described here as wholly inaccurate...but when Democrat President Obama announces econimic numbers and figures, they are to be 100% believed and accepted as "gospel" and most certainly described as completely accurate.

Good to know.

Walker leads by 7 heading into Tuesday's Wisconsin recall

I moved away from Wisconsin 7 years ago due to a job transfer. I go back every 4th of July to spend a week on the lake with friends just North of Madison. From discussions with these friends they tell me the opinion of a majority of Wisconsin tax payers is they are fed up with the Public Unions, outside rabble rousers, and Democrat thugs. They figure the public unions have had it really good for a long time and now have crossed the line. One of my friends made the comparison between Germany and Greece. Lots of Germans in Wisconsin. The tax payers are the Germans. They work really hard and see the Greeks, the public unions, as not having to work very hard and getting to retire with a great pension and great benefits at the age of 60 while they have to work until they are 65. It's a pretty fair comparison. Why should they work their asses off while the people that work for them have it better than they do? Some of my friends that believe this that have never voted are going to be voting in the recall election.

Its true the Kochroach Bros. and Rove can buy an election. Good Luck Wi.

Sven...

I read an opinion piece in a newspaper about a year ago...the author said that private sector workers "will end up working until age 72 to pay for the pensions and healthcare of public sector workers retiring at age 55".

The unions have bet the ranch on this recall and a Walker victory will have repercussions for union's everywhere.
It seems Walkers best defense regarding this recall vote is that he's reduced property taxes, reduced the unemployment rate, created jobs, and turned a 3.7 billion state deficit into an expected 154 million dollar surplus by next summer.

Amy, the Republicans do not want our educational system to improve, much easier to lead sheep that way. As long as the Republicans control the money this country will continue its march to corporatism.

Are you kidding Amy? Teachers deserve to be treated as professionals not assembly line workers (Steve Jobs quote). Pay for performance and the ability to choose union membership a must! This is what conservatives embrace. Our educational system needs to move forward with the high performers leading the way. Let's get the unions out of the way.

Oh and amy, please explain to us lowly tax paying slobs why its unfair to have teachers and public workers pay into their benefits?? Hmmmmm???? Benefits which most people dont have and most employers cannot afford. Explain please. I'm waiting to hear this.

BIV you are the poster child for the Republican educational system, you follow so well your masters voice. BAH BAH BAH black sheep. So to your point about unions, yes now we trade them for paid political sheep following the money masters, and how is that better probie.

Maine teachers retire on an average of $19,000 a year, hardly a princely sum, and they are not allowed to collect social security, even their spouses' benefits, if they are widowed, because that is considered "double dipping."

I understand Wisconsin teachers agreed to every cut Walker asked for, and he still went further and took away their bargaining rights. It isn't even the money that matters, it's the bullying contempt these professionals have been treated to with which I object.

Amy, You do realize that public sector employees with the federal government do not have collective bargaining "rights". Instead of bitching about what goes on in another state, you need to get involved in YOUR STATE and DEMAND better pay for teachers ..... that is, unless you are fudging on the numbers you post.

Most of us in private industry pay roughly 50% of our health insurance premiums. You will have to pardon me if the tears are not flowing down my cheeks for these teachers who receive way too much in bennies !

If teachers unions would start to support merit based pay and firing under-performing teachers, then I think they would start to get general support from independents such like me. Unfortunately for the students, I don't see that happening. It's sad because I really think a strong public education system is key to our country - but the system will not be strong until the bad teachers can be weeded out and the good teachers given incentives to stay.

Have you been following the news in Cleveland oh wher the fire fighters have been ripping the city off for years. A minimum of 2 firehouses are typically shut down on holidays because so many fireman call off sick. Don't be a fool and think that any of these people are looking out for you.

If teachers unions would start to support merit based pay and firing under-performing teachers,

We tried removing seniority from that here in MN.

It failed horribly.

Ruken,

Can you explain what you mean by "removing seniority...failed horribly"?

I'm curious to know what was tried, what the result was, and opinions on why things happened they way the did.

Thanks!

Can you explain what you mean by "removing seniority...failed horribly"?

I meant that we tried making it so that for teachers seniority != job security. It was felt that promising young teachers were being hurt over the worse older ones.

The bill failed horribly in the Legislature.

Somehow the vast majority of of us in the private sector get by with 401ks and without collective bargaining rights, without being *demoralized*.

Why should certain professions be treated better, especially on taxpayer's dimes, especially since these are aren't arms length negotiation processes since democrats are in bed with these unions?

The only middle class folks who are helped by public sector unions are the few middle class folks who are members of them. The vast majority of middle class folks who are in the private sector end up paying for them to benefit via taxes. Hurting many middle class folks to help a few middle class folks, isn't helping the middle class as a whole.

jim-1455434

No, I didn't fudge the numbers.

Right now the average amount that retired teachers in Maine receive is about $19,000. Out of this amount, teachers pay almost $4,000 per year for their individual health insurance plan.

Did you know that most teachers are unable to collect any Social Security benefit, even if they have earned it or would normally be entitled to a spousal benefit? The Government Offset Provision and Windfall Elimination Provision eliminates or drastically reduces this benefit for all state retirees. For retired teachers, the state retirement system is all they have.

......

Retired teachers in Maine receive a 45 percent health benefit. Gov. LePage's proposal is to freeze this benefit at today's amount and then allow it to increase by only 4 percent per year. Since health insurance costs typically rise by more than 4 percent per year, this will result in further erosion of teacher retirement.

http://bangordailynews.com/2011/04/03/opinion/governor's-pension-plan-unfair-to-teachers/

Hey Ames - How's Maine? Just wanted to point something out...a simple search "Average Teacher Salary Maine" and it pulled the following:

In 2007, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average teacher salary in Maine was $45,333.33. The following year, Maine teacher salaries rose by 1.89 percent to $44,375. In 2009, the average teacher salary in Maine increased again by 1.66 percent to $45,110.

You keep quoting this $19,000, which from your link I noted is from an opinion page. Frankly, I'd rather take the Bureau of Labor's word for it.

Have a nice day!

Classic Liberalism always leading with the heart, (I actually think that is something to be comended) unfortunately liberal ideas have little value in the real world. It's great when you are just thinking out loud about how wonderful the world could be, and if we all could just get a long. But the real world is far more serious and needs far more serious answers.

Just look to the ideas of Chris Hayes and Lawrence O'donnell, no doubt very smart and interesting people but they lack the ability to understand how idealistic ideas need to fit in a realistic world.

Juiceisgood

The average Maine teacher's pension is $19,000 a year, and they are not allowed to draw Social Security benefits, even if they paid into it from another job.

Yes, they also draw a salary while they are working, did you honestly think people with master degrees should work for free just because their clients are mere children?

The hatred (jealousy?) for teachers coming from Republicans is apparent. Funny, how Republicans will defend a guy making 20 million a year from investment income only paying 14% in taxes, but rage at teachers' dinging the taxpayers for a living wage. Weird values you Republicans have.

Lawrence O'Donnell made an absolute FOOL of himself when he declared on TV that Trayvon Martin was "executed". Later, we see pictures of the face and back of head of Zimmerman proving his injuries when he was attacked.

Then we have "The ED Show" .... instead of "Mr. Ed the Talking Horse" from the '60's, we now have "Mr. Ed the Talking Jacka$$" on MSNBC.

PS.

I worked at an L.L.Bean Call Center for eight years and will draw a small pension from that job, as well as recieving my Social Security benefits and money my current employer is matching in my 401 K. You folks act as if "bennies" in the private sector are unheard of. I should think teachers are as deserving of benefits as a call center employee. We need to pay teachers a decent salary if we have any hope of improving education in America. Treating teachers with contempt is really not good for our nation as a whole. I don't understand why Republicans don't see that.

Amy,

What's weird is you trying to compare apples to oranges... Just because one person makes that kind of money in the PRIVATE sector is no relation to someone that makes their living off of the taxes paid by hard working citizens. To ask that they contribute as much as the private sector is only fair...

Amy,

The average Maine teachers pension for normal retirement is $19,641, with an average age of retirement at 58 years of age. More can be made with more years of service. The age for me to retire with SS payments is 67. I'd like to retire 10 years earlier with income!

This isn't a bad deal in Maine since the cost of living is a lot lower than many other states.

Amy,

The typical republican making 20 million a year, doesn't expect me to turn over my money that I have earned so he can make 20 million a year. In contrast, public union employees expect me to turn over money that I have earned to provide them with a level of benefits that I don't even receive where I work and almost no one in the private sector receives. Why the heck would I feel that someone whose salary I pay should be treated better than I am where I work? That you think this makes people who think like me tea party members is ridiculous.

Also, JSYK, the top 1% of earners pay nearly 40% of all income taxes.

Finally, if teachers feel they are getting screwed over on their pensions and receive so little as you claim to be the case, why do they fight tooth and nail to keep them? If we in the private sector are treated so much better, as you claim to be the case, why aren't public employee unions demanding that they get 401ks with 50 cents to 75 cents matching on the dollar up to 6% of their salaries and be allowed to join SS and pay for this privilege as well. This notion that they are getting screwed because they can't receive SS is especially laughable, given that many of us in the private sector would gladly opt out of SS pyramid scheme if we could.

She said they "retire" with a salary of $19,000..In other words, when they retire, their pension pays them on average $19,000 a year..6th grade education, huh?

there is a crooked man, with a crooked little face...he walks a crooked mile, with the kochs he does keep pace...utoh, don't let the rain come down

he left his college without graduating after publicly being charged with campaign violations while running for class president. he left milwaukee county bankrupt (and one teenage tourist dead) by breaking contractual obligations and violating public trust. he allowed his previous (milwaukee county) staff to violate the law so he could get (at the state level) where he is today. next stop, the white house. the man (i use the term loosely) is a snake. end of conversation.

wisconsin was NOT facing a deficit. doyle made sure of that before he left office. but corporate doners were starting to feel hunger pangs, so this wisconsin outsider...this president-of-the-US-wannabe...this little napoleon...fed them wisconsin's age-old principles and true values on a platter, leaving his own lack of moral integrity to stand in their stead.

you who are now laughing at those who are trying to get rid of this bully before he can do anymore irreversable damage to the true citizens of this state, keep laughing. this show is soon to come to a theater near YOU.

utoh, don't let the rain come down...

armurray

Getting teachers to retire at age 58 opens up a job for a younger, more recently educated teacher. Obviously, you don't see the benefit to the whole country of having a healthier, happier, better educated teaching force. We are falling behind in the world in the quality of our education. It's not about coddling teachers, its about paying a decent wage to attract better candidates who will make teaching their career.

Sheryn: You are so right. I wish some of these people would read about how corrupt Walker is before they they make comments. This has been going on all his life. When he is indited by the John Doe investigetion in process Wisconsinites will have to pay the price again. Corruption in office is what we are tlaking about. The idiot who just listen to the commercials will be sold down the stream again.

And the list goes on. Add the war against Unions(aka working people). The repukes wage war on so many fronts that it seems inconceivable how they can win.

Ron-1861300 -- I'm with you on performance reviews, which employees in the private sector are often subjected to, and much better than Bush's No Child Left Behind and teaching to a test.

However, per Ruken's post, seniority or experience typically counts for something in the private sector too. Schools that bring in cheaper college graduates is part of the reason teachers aren't as good.

Amy is also correct that teachers deserve more respect than they are given. The pay and putting up with other people's brats are additional reasons why teachers usually leave after five years. But attacking teachers is unacceptable.

What's weird is my Tea Party sister is a teacher, yet she is anti-government. She wants everything privatized. She doesn't trust the government--she trusts Big Business more. Once again weird, because we can at least vote out a politician, but we have NO say in what corporations like Exxon/Mobil do. I don't get this, can a rightwinger explain this?

NC Yankee -- Agreed about better benefits, though retirement is even sweeter for police than teachers...but instead of attacking teachers, ask why not me too? The real problem is the private sector has steadily lost wages and benefits over the last 30-40 years. That's why you are feeling chintzy about your tax dollars. Instead, ask why not me too?

That's why Teapublicans LOVE divisiveness like this -- getting middle class folks to attack middle class folks. Reflect upon your post in regard to the 1% and taxes. Did you see the article today?

35,000 wealthy earners pay no income tax

http://lifeinc.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/30/11958591-thousands-of-wealthy-earners-manage-to-zero-out-tax-bills?lite

The poor with large families pay no federal income tax because of tax breaks like the $1,000 per child write off (i.e., the religious-Right tax break). But these folks still pay plenty of other taxes like sales tax. The self-employed/small business owners (often the richest 5% to richest 2%) who aren't subjected to third-party reporting (W2) abuse write offs to show zero income. The richest 1% who make money off money (capital gains) pay only a 15% tax rate.

The 47% not paying the taxes are not the "bottom 47% as Teapublicans love to spin it. The majority of the 47% not paying taxes are the top earners in this nation.

I don't see why more use of computer lectures for education, while limiting property tax increases to pay for schools, teachers and the like isn't utilized. Once the student is in high school, a significant amount of money for schools goes into sports. Not only are the vast majority of high school athletes denied the opportunity to make a living as a professional, the cost of health care insurance for sports injuries also climbs.

There are numerous and quite varied lectures available via computer, to enhance the educations of students 12th grade and lower. College education degrees aren't as valuable as they once were in the work force, and many are almost useless. The question about education, shouldn't be teacher's salaries, but what are we educating these students for? In the 1960's the country was in the Cold War, and the push was on to educate in the fields of engineering and science to beat the Russians to the moon. Computers as we know them hadn't been invented, nor cell phones, microwave ovens, nor even velcro nor Tang.

So there should be clarification about what these teachers salaries are paying for as it relates to the future of our nation, because that's precisely what those students are, The Future of America, not the excuse as a pension provider.

Tis the season

Amy, the Republicans do not want our educational system to improve, much easier to lead sheep that way.

Really, then them hiring more teachers in Wisconsin an Missouri instead of laying more off is a mistake!

True Patriot

Bush by-passed the Republican majority to have Ted Kennedy write "No child Left Behind"

I don't remember the exact criteria Bush asked, but as I remember, they were

Merit pay for teachers

Teacher testing

A Graduation test

Student Testing to establish what schools were being successful and which were not on a level playing field.

Vouchers for schools that were failing, so parents and kids wouldn't be trapped in failing schools and therefore limiting their future success.

There is nothing wrong with any of those concepts - it is the system for applying those concepts that is a failure.

This is America. If you make a rule, someone is going to find a way around it for just about any reason you can and cannot imagine.

What went wrong is, that many schools started teaching to just pass the GT's. That cut the challenge of the more motivated students because the less challenging material was offered to those who are better students.

So, what we get is more kids passing the graduating test, a drop in high end scores for those wanting to go to college.

There are people in government (and vocal constituents) who think science class should cover the Flintstones. And this is why I can't trust merit-based pay.

Amy, instead of moaning and groaning about teachers and others in Maine not being able to collect social security, how about getting the law changed. Teachers in other states pay into both systems so are entitled to collect from both.

It's not rocket science, but if you work two years at a job paying into SS and 30 years at a job NOT paying into SS, you are not going to be eligible to receive anything.

Here is the thing. If corporations, Banks and others all did the right thing, we wouldn't need regulations. If workers did their jobs and company's did the right thing, we wouldn't need Unions. Corp's are always looking for work as cheep as they can get it. Cheep labor is what allows these people at the top to make so much money. I remember back in the day at GM. There was some structure in salary's of upper management. These Days these CEO's make so much money it's not even funny. And what is really bad is they get paid if they make money or not. Now if a worker does not do his job, he gets fired. If a CEO don't do his job, He gets a bonus. Is that Right or wrong? I was working at a place that made the workers work for nothing, No way these people could live on what they were getting paid. No Benefits, No nothing. and had to be on call. Now the only way these kind of company's witch are Motels, can get help is they have to hire people that are on welfare. Its just what Walmart does. Here is the catch. Management gets paid very well, they get bonus for keeping labor cost low, they get full benefits. The GM get even better pay and Benefits. The GM gets to drive a new Cady and a new SUV, New home. And all he has to do is know how to work the numbers. Let things go and don't keep the build up. And In my case the GM started Charging a hidden cost of $50.00 a night during the summer months and called it a Resort charge, even though they are not a resort. But it made them $180,000.00 per year. Is that right? So you see if every one did the right thing all the time, we wouldn't need Unions or reg's. But because doing the right thing's is not profitable. So one will do the right thing.

Or the election was viewed as a referendum on Walker's policy of standing up to corrupt unions. And you can see what the results were.

My grandfather, a very shrewd business man and survivor of several campaigns in WW2 as part of the 3rd Seabee division had a few very well stated lines to deal with people who had unreal life views.

Francis "Tris" Taylor "Shyt in one hand and hope in the other.......which ones real?"

Aaahh, yet another inflammatory, personal attack on another poster ! Too much buttered popcorn making you cranky today ? Or is it the fact that Scott Walker is leading in the polls ??

I sure as hell would believe him before I took to heart any of your intentional distortions.

Ah, the old hope and change! How's that working for ya?

Ah, the old hope and change! How's that working for ya?

Just fine - thanks for asking!

The DNC did walk away from the race. Walker was never going to be recalled, all this money wasted, time wasted, effort wasted because socialist unions want to pout and stomp their feet. Feingold wouldn't run because he knew he'd lose, the DNC didn't want to waste any money with Obama in trouble, etc.

Walker did what he said he would do and it was successful, all voters have to do is look at ILL and CA to realize they don't want to go that way.

Phil,

Sadly it's too late for California. We will just have to wait for the state to file bankruptcy, and start anew. We are too entrenched with liberal minds here that would rather spend billions on a high speed rail line to nowhere than to worry about such things as educating our kids. We would rather continue to shove more and more tax money to bloated unions and to cover unfunded pension liabilities than to fix roads.

JK, which unfunded pension liabilities would you be talking about? I know the Teachers Retirement fund and the Public Employees Retirement funds are fully funded. So what unfunded pension liabilities are you talking about?

Verno,

Below is the content of an OC Register article appearing in the 2/22/2012 edition. Additionally, please also keep in mind that the impending cost of unfunded health benefits will also tax California's financial resources more than the unfunded pension liabilities...

OC Register -- 2/22/2012

SACRAMENTO – Two dozen city and county governments in California face a combined $135.7 billion in unfunded pension liabilities, according to a study released Tuesday that also found the problem is growing.

The Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research and a nonprofit group, California Common Sense, evaluated 24 local government pension systems that are not part of the California Public Employees' Retirement System, the state's main pension fund. The funds ranged from those for smaller entities, such as Santa Barbara and Stanislaus County, to the largest local governments in California, including Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco.

The report found that none of the systems is at least 80 percent funded, which often is used as a benchmark for the minimum funding level of pension funds. The study assumed a 5 percent annual rate of return for the funds' investments, much more conservative than the 7.75 percent or greater annual return rate assumed by many of the funds.

The two retirement systems operated by Fresno came close, with a funded ratio of 78.5 percent, while the pension system in neighboring Kern County was only 41.5 percent funded.

"Each system substantially understates liabilities and overstates funded ratios," the report stated.

Anne Holdren, executive director of the Kern County Employees' Retirement Association, said the county's pension system uses different assumptions than Stanford's group. She said the association projects it has a 60 percent funded ratio, which she said is an acceptable level of funding.

"The board has all these very strict governance and funding policies to assure that the funding is enough to meet their liabilities," Holdren said.

Kern County's Board of Supervisors has been trying to negotiate concessions from public employee unions since June 2010. The board is pressing for lower pension formulas for new workers, and retirement and health care contributions from older employees who don't currently pay.

A tentative agreement has been reached with public safety unions, but the county remains at an impasse with other labor groups.

Tuesday's report was co-authored by California Common Sense, a student-oriented nonprofit organization at Stanford that focuses on government transparency. The study found that benefits paid to retired workers also vary.

Government retirees in the city of Los Angeles received the highest pensions in the 2009-2010 fiscal year, with an average annual benefit of $46,211. Stanislaus County was the lowest at $24,179 a year.

Public safety employees retire with more generous benefits. The average pension for a retired peace officer or firefighter in Fresno County was $48,732, while the average in San Jose city was $90,612.

The study found that spending on public employee pensions has grown 11.4 percent a year since 1999, making it the fastest-growing cost for cities and counties.

Los Angeles County spokesman David Sommers said the county has been careful to protect taxpayers and disputed some of the report's findings. He estimated that Los Angeles County's pension system is 90 percent funded.

He also said it has been revised four times since 1977, including four separate benefit rollbacks and increases in employee contributions.

"We've been very conservative over the decades, not spending in good years to the detriment of bad years," Sommers said.

Los Angeles County pulled out of the Social Security system three decades ago, he said. The county also negotiated no cost increases in its current labor contract, which will save taxpayers in the future, Sommers said.

The report's authors said the study represents 99 percent of the independent public employee pension systems in California. It is being released at a time when Gov. Jerry Brown seeks to bring public-sector retirement benefits more in line with those in the private sector and as weak investment returns are adding to the unfunded liabilities of many government pension funds.

Residents in San Diego and San Jose are expected to vote on pension reform initiatives in June, but unions are fighting back.

The California Public Employee Relations Board ruled last week that San Diego's initiative to move most new employees into a defined-contribution plan amounts to an unfair labor practice because city officials failed to negotiate with workers first. The board filed a lawsuit to try to remove the measure from the city's ballot.

On Tuesday, San Diego Superior Court Judge William Dato refused to disqualify the initiative, saying thei ssue can be dealt with after the election.

Heck, California hasn't figured out that they just need to stop spending money they don't have. Brown raided the 911 funds now, I'd bet there is no money to replace that, ever!

JK1963 if all that is true then why are they broke and damn near bankrupt?

Jerry,

Easy answer...we have let our California leaders give too many benefits to the unions. It's clear that we have put in place contracts which have not been in the best interest of Californians as a whole. While these contracts with the unions have been a great deal to it's minority membership, the vast majority of Californians will ultimately have to pay the price. Additionally, our Democratic leadership here in Ca. has adopted the short sided mentality of taxing the rich more proportionately than then rest, which in good times is a great deal because we would be flush with cash. Unfortunately, in bad times, the bulk of where Ca. receives it's tax revenue dries up and our leadership has been adamant to reduce in proportion the level of spending associated with the decreased revenue. This has now happened for so long that we have dug ourselves into a hole which we can't recover from and hence the only real solution (short of taxing everyone at 100% and spending $0 dollars) is bankruptcy...

Is it really the "unions" fault? Are their benefits something outrageous, or something we as workers should all enjoy? And was their pay and benefits at the time they were contracted outrageous, or only outrageous in hindsight because the rest of us have gone into the crapper? In the old days, government workers took lower pay in exchange for job security and decent benefits. Private sector workers were supposed to compete for higher pay and a share in the profitability of the business they worked for, with the risk it could all go bust. What happened to that model?

Wm,

Of course it's the unions fault! How could it be the taxpayers' fault, since we effectively don't get a voice in the negotiations of public union contracts.

The problem with public unions is that there is ZERO accountability to the people that pay the wages of the public servants (i.e. - the taxpayer). When the unions are able to influence the very government that they are on the opposite side of the bargaining table, there is no protection for the people footing the bill. If the union is on both sides of the table dictacting the terms then who is the party that is supposed to look out for us and make sure we are being fairly represented?

Wm...

Excellent point comparing the way things used to be to the way things now are. With the benefit of now having paid politicians in their union pants' pockets, government union workers have morphed things into a third category..."job security and decent benefits" combined with the "higher pay" you mention, all capped off with about the best pension benefits any group of vote-buying politicians can offer.

Wm...

"Outrageous ?" you ask...

In the small Connecticut city across the river from me, a 2012 newspaper article about the local police union's contract negotiations might answer your question. The article stated that the police union had offered a concession that would save the city hundreds of thousands of dollars...I think a figure in the $600,000 range was reported.

If the city would accede to other union demands on the new contract, the police officers would drop their demand that the reimbursement of costs for buying and cleaning their uniforms be added to the officers' weekly paychecks. In the past the officers had turned in their receipts and got an 'expense' check in return...as happens in the real world that most government union folk don't reside in.

The real savings would come down the road...as all that 'uniform' money, if reimbursed by being added to 'paychecks'...would therefore be used in future pension calculations, raising the pension costs to taxpayers for every single present and future police officer working for that city.

The understand the value of using that expense money to increase pensions, consider this...the officers would have had to pay state and federal income taxes on that added money, but still wanted the deal. The only possible 'economic' reason for that is the fact that the amounts of money added to their pensions had to be far greater that the state and federal taxes they would have paid on the extra amounts in their paychecks.

The union negotiators who offered to drop this demand acted as though the officers were akin a great sacrifice abd should be hailed for offering to drop that demand.

"Outrageous" ??? You make the call.

Again, is it the unions or YOUR elected representatives? I've been to many a school board meeting and have yet to find one where the teachers had any leverage. The police tend to be a separate issue. Go to any town hall and look who is also there - it's the police. In many towns their department and often the fire dept are in the same building as the town hall or just next door. You are all upset with the disproportionate influence that the police unions have. Are you just as upset by the disproportionate influence that groups like the NRA and Right-to-Life have on politicians?

Wm,

You are comparing apple to oranges and you know it. Influencing politicians through lobbyists is vastly different from government representatives taking contributions directly from public unions. These are the SAME public unions that sit across from a table at negotiations and hammer out contracts. Perhaps if there were legislation that prohibited elected representatives from accepting political contributions from unions things might change, but when the fox is in charge of the chicken house, the only losers are the chickens!

Last time I checked money was money. Lobbyist money was the same as union money. You know the easier solution would have been an ombudsman or prohibiting public sector unions from directly contributing financially to candidates. After all it's illegal for government workers to campaign for their bosses on government time, or to be forced to buy tickets to campaign events. A certain former GOP Illinois governor sits in federal prison for doing this. But then isn't it the elected officials who are in effect voting themselves these campaign contributions?

You mean like progressive Warren Buffet, progressive Bill Gates, progressive George Soros, progressive Hollywood, progressive wall street? Yea, thought so.

The union poodles are all riled up, trying to smear Gov Walker with lies. The unions are going to lose. Enough is enough for the greedy power mad public sector. The people will speak, putting radical unions in their place.

BIV lies what lies and yes lets change from public sector to Corporate sector what an improvement. Your azz must be jealous of all the sh*# coming out of your mouth.

Apparently BIV hasn't been watching the news. No, faux does not count as news. Walker has in fact put WI up for sale to the highest bidder at the expense of the people that educate and protect the public.

You know, if Walker wins, I really hope that during hunting season there are reporters who go over to the soon-to-be former public hunting areas that will be turned private through the Walker regime.

When they realize that they will have to pay a hefty fee just for the priviledge to hunt on those lands, I really hope the Minnesota reporters say, "Well, we have public hunting lands in Minnesota. Want to come on over?"

More $$$ for the Land of 10,000 Lakes, baby! Not in fees, of course, just general good old-fashioned tourist dollars.

As a hunter, in one of the most liberal rag bag states in the union-New York, the Repubs are my best allies. Apparently you know nothing about the Pittman/Roberts act? Most of the lefty's here are anti hunting all the way. Hell, our gun club keeps a picture of the prez on the wall of the clubhouse-the LAST prez that is!

You mean the worthless leach bureaucrats? Thought so.

Obama hasn't been impeached yet.

Valhalla Phil,

And what impeachable offense has he committed?

Yea Valhalla and make note thats a Cantor asking, the reason my photo is crying!

He violated Executive Order 12333 by killing Osama

Excellent Post. Too bad these loons that follow the democrat-communist party will never get the big picture.

Gee. Wonder why he isnt leading by dbl digits.

Probably because some of his aides have been busted. Scotty is so unsure about being busted himself he started a defense fund. He has been outspending the opposition by many millions.

The reason is Unions have lots of power and money. They do not want to have their budgets cut or stagnated. That is why they tend to have elections in shoool buldings and lone issues, so that the turn out is low. Why not put on option on the state tax form for option to donate to the state education fund.

They will hire non union workers that can he held accountable for the job they do and flourish all the while getting their fiscal house in order. Pretty simple...

Illinois?! Illinois hasn't got a pot to piss in! Now, what party is in charge of Illinois.................

Hey Stuart: When President Reagan fired the air traffic controllers, some dissenters and critics thought for sure the nation would come to it's knees. No airline company folded and no disastrous crashes or mid-air collisions occurred. Wisconsin will survive!

What if all the millions and millions of dollars spent on the Walker re-call election had been put into the Wisconsin economy? I know my state could use the money.

Walker is being the only Adult here in trying to get the states deficet in line with its tax income. If teachers were concered they would get rid of the School Boards and many directors to cut costs and put an end to the bloted school spending.

Hey Stuart, go read the Communist Manifesto again. You democrat-communists are losers, plain and simple. The 2012 tidal wave will be sweeping you commie MoFo's out in the streets. Get a job. Do something with your life. I am sick of paying for you lazy slugs.

Commieslayer,

That's it.....instead of being able to debate your point with Stuart logically you go all first-grade on him. Go down to your local police department and tell them they are 'lazy slugs', go down to your local fire station and tell them they are 'lazy slugs', go to your local library and tell them they are 'lazy slugs', go to your local school, into the classroom of a teacher who is trying to handle 15-30 kids, many of whom have issues because of dysfunctional parents and tell the teacher they are 'lazy slugs', go to your local military/national guard and tell them they are 'lazy slugs', are you getting my point? All these people are 'public employees' and you pay for them.....and, personally, I think they are all worth more than they are getting paid.
As for Unions, enjoy your weekend, enjoy any benefits you get, enjoy any sick leave you get, any vacation you get, because these, as well as many others, are benefits brought to you by unions. But, hey, feel free to trust your employer to always do what's best for you....even over his/her own 'need' for profits....that's worked so well, hasn't it?

...couldn't agree with you more. The level of ignorance toward proven fact is astonishing. People want to know what is really going on without knowing truth and create reality through falsified hypothesis. The nation crumbles in the hands of the un-willing and "lazy slugs" that try to dismantle the foundation of which we stand. These "lazy slugs" put up with all the garbage and crap that is thrown at them, then taken for granted when it is time to make sacrifices. In truth, the real "lazy slugs" are those willing to strip away defenses and infrastructure to benefit themselves.

That's really un-Amereican. I'll gladly pay more taxes if it meant that we can still grow and prosper as a nation. And it does mean that!...history has shown ths to be true time and again. With both Democrate and Republican administrations. Stop creating boogie men and asking the rest of the world to join in your sissified wuss-fest of what isn't even true. You'll be the first on the front line of the next war if Romney makes his way into office.

As for Wisconsin and Scott Walker...if he stays in office...Wisconsin gets what they deserve...