VIDEO: First Read Minute: The impact of Wisconsin

It's Wisconsin recall day, and NBC's Mark Murray and Domenico Montanaro discuss how the race between Gov. Scott Walker and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett is just the latest sign of political polarization and what the impact of the race could be nationwide.  Mark and Domenico also reveal the top 10 battleground media markets in the presidential race.

Discuss this post

Can we at least wait until the polls close before we start writing the obituaries?

On a positive note - my friends to the north of me are reporting extremely heavy turn-out which doesn't bode well for Walker!

GO Barrett!

Since the right wing collapse cowards struck early under FT's here a repost;

Today is the day we have all been waiting for;

Eenie..Meanie…Miny…Moe – which way will the hot mess in WI go..?

We’ve come too far to turn back now!

According to lawyers familiar with a Milwaukee criminal corruption probe, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker is now a "target" for prosecution.

The legal sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Walker faces "serious legal challenges," including a "possible indictment" regardless of the gubernatorial recall election results on Tuesday.

The investigation began in 2010 when Walker served as Milwaukee County executive.

Six people have been charged, with accusations ranging from campaigning for Walker on government time to embezzlement. 13 other Walker associates have been given immunity from prosecution in exchange for their testimony in the case.

This week, Governor Walker acknolwedged he has now transferred $160,000 from his campaign accounts to a legal defense fund. Mr. Walker confirmed the money is strictly for his own defense and not for any current or former staff.

Lawyers for Governor Walker recently appeared at the Milwaukee courthouse but refused to say why they were there. The lawyers have also refused to comment on the Governor's status in the investigation.

On Tuesday, Wisconsin voters will go to the polls in the state's recall election. Fifteen months ago, Walker set off huge protests at the Capitol when he took aim at unions representing state government workers and passed a law ending many of their rights to collective bargaining.

And the little birdy goes… tweet… tweet… tweet…!

Any guesses how many of his corrupt cronies start to sing like canaries? lol

If Mr. Walker has nothing to hide – why is he moving campaign cash around into a defense fund…?

Do the right thinggood people of WI, kick this crook & his corporate comrades to the curb before Mr. divide & conquer is locked up!

  • 21 votes
Reply#1 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 12:04 PM EDT

Ah, see there old gal, what we got here is a reverse of Obama's situation.

In Wisconsin the reforms are working. There is a record to which Walker points, and against which the silly unions can't refute.

Obama also has a record. It is terrible. In fact poor guy's week is already off to a bad start, and then this Wisc. thing is going to be held against him.

OUCH.

Oh and Feisty, perhaps you ought to look up the definition of investigation. Then get back to us when actual charges are filed, K?

Oh, has anyone see my pal Anna Molly?

  • 26 votes
#1.1 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 12:12 PM EDT

Feisty, isn't that the truth, the media is already slicing and dicing before the polls even close. Your post was terrific the first time, worth repeating a second time especially since the anti-free speech folks are out in force.

  • 13 votes
#1.2 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 12:27 PM EDT

It seems carrot top has thrown all of her chips (err, southern comfort bottles) into the pot on her wish that Barrett, the union troll will win this thing. She may have to go back to Jack Daniels on Wednesday!

  • 17 votes
#1.3 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 12:28 PM EDT

Your post was terrific the first time, worth repeating a second time especially since the anti-free speech folks are out in force

Thanks Jody!

The good people of WI need to know this creep is facing indictment - how embarrassing would it be to have him win only to be hauled off in hand-cuffs?

  • 16 votes
#1.4 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 12:29 PM EDT

Pure poetry old gal.

Too bad it's all just more silly none sense from a libbie.

That you and Jody do not recognize that Walker will win going away is just priceless.

Going to make this place super fun for the next few months.

Gosh, seems like just a few months ago the 'Sleeper' had awoken and Walker was toast.

That's what you call huge failure.

And now for the icing on the cake - getting to watch the Ed Schultz meltdown.

  • 16 votes
#1.5 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 12:39 PM EDT

Feisty - it would actually serve the little righties right if Walker wins and is indicted within the month! But, better yet, hopefully Barrett will win so they can just cart Walker off to jail with no fuss!

  • 12 votes
#1.6 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 12:44 PM EDT

I see Spanky has given his monkey hand a rest, and proven he can perform a BM after a sturdy bowl of cheerios, what with all the crap he posts around here. Don't know how he finds the time considering he has to stuff 27+ tacos down Spanky Jr's throat, followed by a super-sized soda at each feeding (his own words), swig a bourbon and soda on the sofa (his own words), spend time fretting over Obama regulations (his own words) as he delays increasing staff from 1 to 2, charge a widow $500 p/hour to ask financial advice on newsvine (his own words), and clean the carb with a pipe cleaner (his own words). Problem with Spanky, with all his snark, I still can't figure out why he detests Obama. Being a lawyer and all, you would think he could make his case simple and sweet vs. the passive approach of 'what about Obama and that stock market'.

The response to any Spanky post .. so what of it? We should all thank our lucky stars he isn't a trial lawyer. He would still be arguing his first case after purchasing that law degree from Nicaragua 20 years ago.

  • 9 votes
#1.7 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 12:52 PM EDT

Can we at least wait until the polls close before we start writing the obituaries?

Hi Feisty...

Just keeping my fingers crossed that the obituaries will be for Walker.

Paul Ryan should be next. If Walker takes his a&& out of Wisconsin, Ryan may think twice the next time that he spews his hate rhetoric, and pushes his self-serving "budget"

  • 11 votes
#1.8 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 1:05 PM EDT

The good people of WI need to know this creep is facing indictment - how embarrassing would it be to have him win only to be hauled off in hand-cuffs?

Place this one in the circular file along with Sandra Fluke being the next Rosa Parks. Just another embarrassment for the Dumb Fux.

  • 6 votes
#1.9 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 1:37 PM EDT

Poor JoAnna: Still so jealous about Feisty that you must launch pejoratives (look it up) every chance you get?

The people have Wisconsin have already won. They took their fate into their own hands and launched that recall, knowing that few are successful. They fought against HUGE amounts of money, thrown at them by the Koch brothers and the rest of the carpetbaggers, and showed the nation that it is possible to fight back.

Win, lose or draw, Wisconsin, you have modeled to the rest of the nation what it will take to cause those snakes to slither back under the rocks.

  • 7 votes
#1.10 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 2:03 PM EDT

I would like to be the first to congratulate Scott on the recall victory. Just want to know why you needed to spend that much money if all those people in Wisconsin are so happy with the job you are doing?

  • 4 votes
#1.11 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 2:20 PM EDT

The 3rd governor recall in history -

the 3rd time is a charm.

  • 2 votes
#1.12 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 7:10 PM EDT

Paul Ryan should be next.

Amen!

    #1.13 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 9:28 PM EDT
    Reply

    Butthurt for unions and democrats.

    • 24 votes
    Reply#2 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 12:09 PM EDT

    Hey spankster -

    Just heard that additional poll workers have been called in because of the phenominal turn out in Wisconsin.

    Think that will help Walker - for all the people to voice their preference?

    I also understand that several legal groups are watching the re-call election very closely and assisting many citizens the Governor's machine has tried to disfranchise. Any truth to this?

    One thing for certain-- it will be very interesting after 9:00 tonight either way...

    maybe we will get to see if Walker follows through on his threat to begin "re-call ping pong" if he loses.

    • 2 votes
    #2.1 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 2:38 PM EDT

    I understand the Union Thugs are going door to door in Wisconsin... if they show up at your house don't make any jokes about where Jimmy Hoffa is buried or you may get wacked!

    • 3 votes
    #2.2 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 3:06 PM EDT
    Reply

    Damn Amy, you kinda took a beating on that last thread.

    Perhaps you ought to consider taking the day off from First Read?

    • 21 votes
    Reply#3 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 12:15 PM EDT

    Amy is kind of into self abuse, burning coals and all.

    • 21 votes
    #3.1 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 12:23 PM EDT

    Gees, you two are bullies. Proud?

    • 9 votes
    #3.2 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 12:36 PM EDT

    Yeah, Amy starts spoutting stupid crap about Rice, who by any measure has enjoyed huge success n her life, and we are the bullies.

    Perhaps Amy should have thought it through just a touch?

    But where is the fun in that?

    • 18 votes
    #3.3 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 12:40 PM EDT

    Don't_carrry_it_all - Spanky and JAS aren't worth reading - most people don't bother. They just spout their hatred of Obama and all things not far right at every opportunity.

    Amy can wipe the floor with them. Not to worry!

    • 8 votes
    #3.4 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 12:46 PM EDT

    At least Obama Tweeted his support to Barrett in Wisconsin. Big effort by Barry to show he supports the union cause. I bet he was wearing his "comfy-shoes" when he did so.

    • 13 votes
    #3.5 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 12:53 PM EDT

    And now I see, poor JoAnna, that you are jealous of Amy as well. My goodness, this simply isn't your day is it?

    • 6 votes
    #3.6 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 2:04 PM EDT

    Why are you on here spanky....nobody wants you here! Go back to faux news wher you belong!

    • 5 votes
    #3.7 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 2:34 PM EDT
    Reply

    political polarization? Sorry guys, that sounds like just another false "both sides do it" argument. What we have here is an extreme right wing agenda meeting it's natural enemy - of all people, teachers. Teachers!

    The real story is: what the heck is happening in the Republican Party? "Conservative" used to mean, defending society's instituitions, being law abiding and responsible. Now, the likes of casino owner Donald Trump is a "conservative," Mitt Romney, who spent the Vietnam War in Paris, is "severely conservative" and Scott Walker, the enemy of public school teachers, is a "conservative" rising star. It's bizarre.

    • 11 votes
    Reply#4 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 12:33 PM EDT

    What's happening is the conservative agenda is winning in Wisc.

    Unlike in Cali and Illinois.

    But yeah, Mitt spent Nam in Paris. Whereas Obama spent his 16th and 17th years in a drugged out haze.

    Good point Amy.

    Now off with you. You need to fire up them coals. Obama is having a very tough time these days, and really needs you.

    By the way, he also really needs your money. Have you contributed yet? Seems a lot of you [80%] are not.

    Step up Amy.

    • 22 votes
    #4.1 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 12:43 PM EDT

    What's happening is the conservative agenda is winning in Wisc.

    The state has a balanced budget. Unions are now paying their fair share to their pensions and healthcare cost. The state is attractive to both new businesses coming into the state and existing businesses staying in the state.

    And then there's that mess to the south of Wisconsin. At least the economy picked up a little in Illinois when those Democratic coward legislators ran away from their jobs in Wisconsin and checked into the Motel 6 in Rockford Il.

    • 22 votes
    #4.2 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 12:51 PM EDT

    Good post, Amy. When the Republican candidate for Senate from Indiana (can't recall his name--the one who defeated Lugar) says that compromise means that the Democrats do what the Republicans want, that is an example of the hijacking of the Republican party. That is beyond polarization---what can the Democrats do when the Republican party refuses to compromise in any meaningful way? A sad state of affairs.

    • 9 votes
    #4.3 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 12:56 PM EDT

    What's happening is the conservative agenda is winning in Wisc.

    Maybe because my state has only a little over a million residents, but the fact Walker's opponents collected a million signatures to recall him, doesn't sound like a "winning" situation, in my book.

    PS our Tea Party governor also cut teachers' benefits, however, he didn't create a firestorm in the process. If even our loud mouth bully of a governor could pull it off, then Walker could have implemented austerity measures without inciting a riot. For that alone, he should be recalled.

    • 6 votes
    #4.4 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 1:15 PM EDT

    Wrong nolimit...

    Murdoch said that he will not compromise at all with anything from the Democrats, bringing harsh words from many of his own teapublicans who realize that such attitudes are harmful to the United States.

    There is a good possibllity of a Republican cross-over vote for Murdoch's opponet this year due to the way he has alienated so many.

    Wouldn't THAT be someting...

    A new Democratic Senator from Indiana!

    • 1 vote
    #4.6 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 2:47 PM EDT

    Too bad the democrats don't have numerous Billionaires pumping millions into the race anonymously like the GOP, eh spamkwad. I really wonder how many average Joes are giving to the Romney campaign? Probably only the stupid ones. When you have the Koch brother basically buying the election who needs the common man. If Romney wins, the GOP will have signed their death knell because they will then have to get results. Kinda hard to do when your only idea is cutting taxes. If it takes Obama getting beat for that to happen so be it.

    • 1 vote
    #4.7 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 11:19 PM EDT
    Reply

    JoAnnaSmith1

    What's happening is the conservative agenda is winning in Wisc.

    The state has a balanced budget. Unions are now paying their fair share to their pensions and healthcare cost. The state is attractive to both new businesses coming into the state and existing businesses staying in the state.

    Yes Joanna on the BACKS of working people, i know that makes you happy because your not a working person, your a person that works on a blog all day!!!!!

    • 12 votes
    Reply#5 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 1:00 PM EDT

    Jeff, you're a bit confused... you are talking about feisty redwig! Get your facts straight next time!

    • 9 votes
    #5.1 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 1:09 PM EDT

    left is fuzzy

    Jeff, you're a bit confused... you are talking about feisty redwig! Get your facts straight next time!

    Nothen fuzzy about this, to be honest, if he were a real man he would have stripped all public workers of collective barganing right, not just teachers and state workers, but cops, fireman and state troopers, but he crapped out, knowing that he he did this to the cops, correctional officers and fireman he would not have any protection his sorry ass!!!!

    walker is a real wussy!!!!!

    • 8 votes
    #5.2 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 1:20 PM EDT

    Jeff:Yes Joanna on the BACKS of working people,

    So you think Walker went too far . . . .

    Jeff: walker is a real wussy!!!!!

    So now you think Walker didn't go far enough . . . .

    So which is it? At least try to look like you're being consistent Jeff. And it's amazing that you think the police and fire wouldn't do their jobs if they happen to lose a political fight. That is just a level of confusion and bitterness not even seen much by the Liberal crowd here at FR.

    • 5 votes
    #5.3 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 1:28 PM EDT

    JoAnnaSmith1

    Jeff:Yes Joanna on the BACKS of working people,

    So you think Walker went too far . . . .

    Jeff: walker is a real wussy!!!!!

    So now you think Walker didn't go far enough . . . .

    So which is it? At least try to look like you're being consistent Jeff. And it's amazing that you think the police and fire wouldn't do their jobs if they happen to lose a political fight. That is just a level of confusion and bitterness not even seen much by the Liberal crowd here at FR.

    he went too far when denying collective bargaining with the unions, something fought for 50 years ago.

    instead of cutting school funding and giving Hugh tax breaks to the rich, he should have shared the pain, kept tax rated the same and cut school funding if he was really serious about being fair.

    getting rid of collective barganing right was someting he did not have to do the, unions agreeed to everything else.

    he did it because maybe he just hates unions.

    • 4 votes
    #5.4 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 1:48 PM EDT
    Reply

    To:

    Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL, who wrote: Can we at least wait until the polls close before we start writing the obituaries?

    This is the third time that I agree with you. It is not over until is over. Either way it will say allot about who gets voted in.

    • 5 votes
    Reply#7 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 1:44 PM EDT

    Its over! Walker Wins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      #7.1 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 10:46 PM EDT
      Reply

      Skanky oops I mean spanky! I can't wait to see if your on here tomorrow loser boy! We can smell your stench from here! You are the epitome of evil and we can't wait to watch you burn scumbag!

      • 2 votes
      Reply#8 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 2:25 PM EDT

      Joannasmith - somebody should shoot you and out you out of your misery! Why are you on here......because your a hate spewing cu@!

      • 3 votes
      Reply#9 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 2:37 PM EDT

      Ummm, COH, Super Bon, you are treading awfully close to the line.

      • 2 votes
      #9.1 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 2:55 PM EDT

      Can someone throw a net over Super Bon? He is way over the line with that last ugly comment. Wow.

      • 2 votes
      #9.2 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 4:38 PM EDT
      Reply

      busness dont like it because they cant s h it on you as easy take a walk walker.

      • 1 vote
      Reply#10 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 5:44 PM EDT

      Mucker 86, I live in NY State. We pay a freaken fortune for those parks. My wife and I just down sized our home because we could not afford the taxes. Bought a home for $147,000 AND PAY $9,200 per year in tax to live on our own property. That is right in 15 years we'll be paying for the house twice. The 8.75% sales tax hurts along with 8.0% state income tax. Yeah we pay the highest sin taxes and gas taxes in the country. So those nice parks, well they are not free.

        Reply#11 - Tue Jun 5, 2012 7:41 PM EDT

        Congrats to Gov. Scott Walker. There is more in the US that unites us then there is that divides us. A win for Liberty and Freedom is a win for America.

        • -----KEEP IT GOING AMERICA----
        • ---VOTE CONSERVATIVE 2012---
          Reply#12 - Wed Jun 6, 2012 12:42 AM EDT

          Go figure = I'm sure you can afford to be a conservative!! Walker is like the rest of the Bigoted REpublicans - give to the rich and steal from the poor!!

          • 1 vote
          #12.1 - Wed Jun 6, 2012 9:08 AM EDT
          Reply

          Wisconsinites will get what they voted in again. Good luck! Walker will be creating jobs paying minimum wage but go for it!! Big money got him in and guess the people of Wisconsin want to keep paying the billionaires - for me I'd rather give it to the middle class.

          • 1 vote
          Reply#13 - Wed Jun 6, 2012 9:07 AM EDT
          You're in Easy Mode. If you prefer, you can use XHTML Mode instead.
          As a new user, you may notice a few temporary content restrictions. Click here for more info.