Proponents of high-speed and commuter rail in Wisconsin love to compare the rail system to the interstate system.  They are not the same at all.  They are robbing our highways of historical accuracy.

 The National Interstate and Defense Act of 1956 was approved not only for providing efficient means of commerce - it was constructed so our military could efficiently move ground troops from one end of the country to the other.

The concept of a national highway system was first conceived soon after World War I.  The Bureau of Highway Roads asked the Army to provide a list of roads it considered critical for national defense.  It is said the President Dwight D. Eisenhower embraced the need for such a system after having traversed the county in an Army convoy during WWI and after experiencing the German autobahn while serving as the Supreme Allied Commander of the Allied Forces during World War II.

During his State of the Union address on January 6, 1955, Eisenhower told congress; “A modern highway system is essential to meet the needs of our growing population, our expanding economy, and our national security.  We are accelerating our highway improvement program under existing State and Federal laws and authorizations.”

In April of 2009, President Obama announced his vision; “Imagine whisking through towns at speeds of over 100 miles per hour”.   He even thinks you’ll be able to board a train without all of the security hassle of the airports.  That makes sense because terrorists have never ever blown up trains (insert sarcasm here).  He even compared his vision to the vision of the Transcontinental Railroad that was constructed during the Civil War.  An incredible vision prior to the invention of the horseless carriage.

The proposed Wisconsin corridor would extend Amtrak’s current Milwaukee-to-Chicago Hiawatha line.  They say it will start service in 2013 and have a top speed of 79 mph (and hopefully 110 mph by the end of 2015) all while making stops in Brookfield, Oconomowoc and Watertown, while others would run nonstop between Milwaukee and Madison.  I can make the same run at 65 mph with no stops and I won’t have to catch a cab once I get to Milwaukee.

In the last state budget, Wisconsin taxpayers subsidized this route with $6.5 million in Wisconsin taxes.  This does not include federal subsidies that make this route affordable at $80 (Portage to Milwaukee).  Of course, if I want take my wife and our two kids; we’re looking at $240 (roundtrip). With 600,000 annual rides, Wisconsin kicked in $10.83 cents per ride.

That means you would have paid $43.32 to send my family to Milwaukee.  I would prefer you subsidize the gas for my car.  We could even stop at McDonald’s for lunch for that price.  

Pew Research estimates that Amtrak loses up to $462 per passenger on some lines while the federal government subsidized the system to the tune of $1.5 billion dollars a year.

Congressional candidate Peter Theron put out a press release this morning promising to introduce a change to federal law that would drop the continuing-effort condition on federal transportation funding.  Under his proposal, canceling the train project would not require the payback of spent funds. Any unspent funds would go back to pay down the federal debt.

“Wisconsin taxpayers should not have to pay for the mistakes of Governor James Doyle.  Everyone uses the interstate highway system, but the train will only be used by an elite few.” - Peter Theron

I couldn’t have said it better myself.

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The party had commitments from television, radio and 6 county newspapers to cover the event, including Madison Newspapers with distribution in eight 2^nd Congressional communities and Madison.

“We thought it was the ideal forum to allow voters the opportunity to get to know both Republican candidates before the primary,” says RPSC Chair Tim McCumber.  “It’s unfortunate that the Lee campaign could not accommodate our schedule.”

The RPSC is a grass-roots organization dedicated to conservative principles of government. It is their goal to educate and promote candidates who believe in the same principles: pursuit of individual happiness and responsibility; social justice; a prospering economy; and the right to American liberties as established by the US Constitution. Membership is $15 a person or $25 for a family.  You can learn more by calling McCumber at (608) 643-6332 or by email to chair@saukgop.org. 

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Until recently, Mr. Feingold could afford to “maverick” a vote when the Democrats didn’t need him.  He is also very crafty at voting for issues that appeal to conservative independents (he recently opposed the financial reform bill) and his extreme liberal base (the lone opposition to the Iraq war). 

Then the party needed him, so he stood in line.  He had to vote for Obama Care and the Stimulus Bill.  Both votes were just a vote away from failing to pass.  He paints himself as thoughtful, but in reality he is crafty.  He doesn’t risk the party line and rarely votes against a vote they don’t already have secured.

Now – his political butt is on the line for towing the party line.

On Sunday, at a campaign stop in Hudson, Feingold said, Ron Johnson talks “like public employees are evil.”  He then added, “When his house is burning down he doesn’t consider a public employee evil. We saved the jobs of firefighters. When somebody robs one of his kids and they call the police he doesn’t think a public employee is evil.”

 Now flashback to last week, where Jack Norman handed out a piece in a class I attended that was entitled “Compendium of Communications Commandments”.    The piece instructed the group to DO “Talk about why we need public structures”.  It said “Don’t start by saying we can’t cut government programs”.  WHY: “The very word can elicit negative images of us-them/politicians.  ‘Public Structures’ leapfrogs the listener to what govt does (instead of getting stuck on negative stereotypes of govt per se’”.

We were also led on a vision quest by Democrat Jessica King of Oshkosh.  While Jessica’s story( in my world) is quite awe-inspiring – that of a little girl who raised herself up out of tragedy to become a successful community leader – she turned into one of a life that could only have been successful if it had not been for the police officer and the social workers in her life.   Instead of advocating for the social programs that, beyond any doubt, factored into her life, she reinforced the “structures” not the “programs”.

Back to Feingold.  His attack on Johnson did not address Feingold’s support of unionized workforces that continue to demand more and more from taxpayers, he instead talked about the structures – the firefighters and the police.  Right out of Jack Norman’s playbook.

So, who is Jack Norman?

Mr. Norman is a research director for the Institute for Wisconsin’s Future – a liberal think tank, that (surprise, surprise) advocates community organizing.  From their website:

“Wisconsin is a good place to live and work. We want to keep it that way for our children and grandchildren. This quality of life relies on a network of effective public structures — schools, roads, bridges, the legal system, fire protection, health, sanitation, parks, culture, social services and public safety. These public structures are threatened by budget cuts and policies designed to reduce the scope of state and local government. IWF works with organizations and individuals statewide to inform and mobilize citizens in defense of the public sector services and infrastructure vital for family well-being and business success.”

From what I have seen, they have already successfully infiltrated the management teams in the cities of Eau Claire and Altoona.  Each of the presenters lamented how horrible the Tea Party is and bashed corporations and the rich for “not paying their fair share”. 

Back to their “cheat sheet” for liberalism:

DO “Redefine “waste and abuse” as tax breaks, loopholes, and giveaways that benefit corporations/the rich; sweetheart contracts to politically connected donors or special interests” and DON’T “defend the status quo”.  WHY:  “Acknowledge the rich haven’t been paying their fair share, have undue influence…”  (Um, the rich pay almost all of the taxes).

Don’t see it yet?  Perhaps it is because I failed to share this little tidbit:  DO “Use value-laden language” and DON’T “just talk about facts without making a basic values connection”.  WHY:  “You have to win peoples’ hearts and minds…the majority of the public wants to find a way to avoid cutting services they care about & supports taxing rich Wall bankers and corporations the off-shore jobs”.  Not quite sure what that sentence means, but I think they don’t like corporations.

I am going to sidetrack because I hate this anti-corporation rhetoric.  Corporations are not evil.  Corporations are not people - they hire people.  Corporations pay incredible amounts of tax – property, payroll, FICA, and profit tax and taxes we probably haven’t even heard of (like franchise fees).  They donate into our communities and support the Little League.  The profits they earn feed our retirement plans.  That little mutual fund in your 401K or IRA actually makes money buying stocks in corporations that make a profit.  It would be rather pointless to buy stock in a company that loses money.  Almost every working, middle class person is banking on corporate profits for their retirement.

Let’s pick on this summer’s corporate bad guy of the year, BP.  If they go broke – who the hell is going to clean up the mess?  I say buy their gas and help make sure the mess gets cleaned up.  And by the way, Ron Johnson should only sell his shares in BP after they have rebounded on the stock market.  He probably bought at $60 a share and it is still on the rebound at around $40 a share.  The man should give just volunteer a 33% loss in investment earnings just because BP had an accident and he wants to run for Senate? 

As an additional FYI, without any influence from Candidate Johnson, the stock has come back up from about $23 a share after capping the well.  These prices are also being driven up by those mean old Wall Street guys who manage the mutual fund in your retirement account.  Are they insane buying BP?  No.  BP will rebound – just as Exxon did.

So, back to Feingold.  The “Maverick” is falling in line and playing out of the team handbook.

Russ has been basically running scot-free without any threat to his position in the political world until now.  He has traditionally run “folksy feel-good” ads and voted the occasional “maverick” vote that gets him free press and endears himself to his base and the independent conservative voter. 

This year, we have seen most of Feingold’s maverick votes tossed aside that answer to the whim of Harry Reed.  The attack ads are flying off the shelf.  His first one blatantly lied and accused Johnson of wanting to drill for oil in Lake Michigan.  (For the record, Johnson supports domestic drilling – as most Americans do.  That is not a mandate for drilling in our Great Lakes).

Enjoy watching the real Russ come out.  Russ has never, ever worked in the private sector.  He is working to save the only job he has ever had.  Politician.

In 2010, let’s help him become a true maverick and go out on a real limb – by having him find a new job.

*** DISCLAIMER ***

Last week I was at a training program that I often jokingly refer to as Bureaucrat School.  I have to confess that it is an excellent program and the materials discussed did not go through approved channels.  I am not going to name the program, but for those who know where it is – please know that it is an excellent program.  The director does a fantastic job and these materials were not provided to the program for approval.  The actual materials submitted to the program were excellent, but constituted only 10 minutes of a 90 minute class.

Now just sit back and watch to see how much of this is taken out of context!

****************

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This past week Wisconsin dropped the ball again as it lost federal dollars in Wisconsin’s effort to “Race to the Bottom”.  I refer you to this piece I wrote on the topic last November:  http://sauk.wisgop.info/2009/11/04/how-to-get-edu…d-in-wisconsinhow-to-get-education-reform-started-in-wisconsin/.

There is a lot of misconception out there regarding the charter school movement, how they work, and how they help kids and families.  The statewide teachers’ union leadership helps propagate this information because they are only interested in their own power over the education process.

Prior to my becoming involved with Merrimac Community Charter School (MCCS), I had the same problem.  I thought charter schools were run by a bunch of fringe nut jobs on the left and on the right.  My experience proves otherwise.

People who think I am right wing nut job need only to look at our success.  We have increased enrollment from 48 students in 2003 to 92 students in 2010.  We immediately cut the cost of running the school in half the first year, yet our Wisconsin Knowledge Concepts Exam (WKCE) scores are higher than the state averages, but  also exceed those in our own school district.  This has all been accomplished with union teachers who love working at our school.

Last session, I dedicated my time to correcting a 2003 annexation law that was abused here locally.  During this upcoming session, I plan to work toward expanding the charter law in Wisconsin.  I will give anyone who is interested a tour of MCCS during operational hours to see it’s just a regular public school with an excellent science curriculum and multi-age community and project based programming.

One of the problems with education reform is true reformers want it all in one chunk.  Expanding who can authorize a public charter school is one very tiny step that will lead to a long-term goal of reform.  When the public sees success in this area, they will embrace other reform ideas as well.

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Fundraisers outside the district are not all that uncommon, particularly if a friend is hosting a fundraiser at their home.  This out-of-district fundraiser is more of a slap in the face.  If you are going to bring in the top guns, why not share them with your future constituency?  Aren’t their any good restaurants over there?  One of my favorites is Arthur’s in Spring Green.  Not to leave anyone out, but I have been there.  They have good food and lots of space.  In fact, it is in Sauk County. 

Scott Walker and JB Van Hollen really enjoyed Arthur’s.  We enjoyed showing off one our fine establishments.  Heck, we have even been to the Hillcrest, too!  Senator Luther Olsen can share a story about his ride home to Ripon in a snow storm after that event.  Rep. Keith Ripp enjoyed it as well.

Keep your eyes on Republican political  newcomer Howard Marklein.   Without any prior campaign experience, he has a real shot at this seat.  Last weekend, Marklein hosted Congressman Paul Ryan.  The location?  Spring Green.

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The first award, the Wisconsin Award was giving to only 19 counties for achievements in the area of membership, fundraising, communications, and recruitment.  These activities are assigned point values and only the best counties receive the recognition.

The second award the RPSC received was the Ripon Award.  This award is given out to the county with the largest percentage of membership increase in the state.  Sauk County led the way with a 104% increase in membership in 2009. 

            “I am very proud of our entire leadership team”, says RPSC Chair Tim McCumber.  “We need to keep growing this organization and translate our success into positive results at the polls.”

            The RPSC is a grass-roots organization dedicated to conservative principles of government. It is their goal to educate and promote candidates who believe in the same principles: pursuit of individual happiness and responsibility; social justice; a prospering economy; and the right to American liberties as established by the US Constitution. Membership is $15 a person or $25 for a family.  You can learn more by calling McCumber at (608) 643-6332 or by email to chair@saukgop.org. 

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A RINO is a Rebublican In Name Only. That phrase is technically correct in describing Leinie, but it’s application over the past few years has been predominantly used for moderate Republicans. We have a real fear that the Democrats are using his name recognition to drum up support and split the GOP vote - as if having 2 (possibly 3) candidates weren’t enough.

Our group finds it difficult to stomach the sudden change in direction by Mr. Leinenkugel. His website describes the perfect Republican and his statements fit the rhetoric. Unfortunately, none of it supports his record in Madison over the past 18 months. There are a lot of people who don’t see the news and this race, while garnishing attention, won’t get a lot of media during the primary. He only needs to fool enough people - particularly independents - to hand the job back to Mr. Feingold.

Mr. Leinenkugel publicly supported the highly controversial $47 million high-speed train from Spain in a no-bid contract. Leinenkugel’s record also includes supporting the federal stimulus package, the Governor’s most recent budget that raised taxes and fees by over $3.5 billion, and Doyle’s Global Warming bill; a bill that would have linked Wisconsin’s emission laws directly to California’s, subsidized construction in other states, and cost every family and business in Wisconsin more for every drop of electricity they use.

He says he’ll repeal the national healthcare, however, his wife is a nurse. I have yet to see a nurse that doesn’t embrace the liberal agenda for national healthcare. When Trish O’Neill, a nurse from Columbus, ran as a Democrat in the 47th Assembly, SIEU was all over her candidacy without even interviewing any other candidates. The leap of faith in her role as a nurse was adequate enough for them. I have a hard time believing the Leinie household is hopeful for a successful repeal effort.

I have met Rep. Andy Jorgenson. He’s a pretty nice guy. I just don’t see moderate Democrat in his future. I also don’t see too many Republicans lining up to headline his fundraisers - except Dick. Of course, all good Republicans headline Democrat fundraisers.

Mr. Leinie claims to be a Reagan conservative. Possibly a Reagan Democrat, but not conservative.   A Reagan conservative supports tax cuts and reduced spending. A Reagan Democrat supports tax cuts and more spending.  My guess is he is the latter, but without the tax cuts.

It’s been fun to watch the feedback from liberals as they claim the Sauk County GOP seeks party purity. If only that were true. We have two (or more) moderate Republicans representing Sauk County and we support them both.  While we may get frustrated occasionally that they strayed from the party line, they mostly uphold our conservative values and we respect their right to a personal opinion.  If they voted dramatically in favor of liberal policy on a frequent basis, that support would most certainly wane.

We only ask that if you file as a Republican, you actually are one.

The smell test stinks on this one. My guess is once Dick convinces enough people he is a Republican, he’ll become frustrated in the lack of GOP support.   Mr. Leinenkugel will most likely file as a third party candidate, garnering about 5% of the independent vote and hand the election to Mr. Feingold.

If Dick really wants the job - he’ll file as a Democrat and run an effective campaign that takes Russ Feingold out of the equation.

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Leinenkugel served as Commerce Secretary for the past 18 months. During his tenure as Wisconsin’s job czar, the state lost over 166,000 jobs. He also helped Governor Doyle secure the highly controversial $47 million high-speed train from Spain in a no-bid contract. Leinenkugel’s record also includes supporting the federal stimulus package, the Governor’s most recent budget that raised taxes and fees by over $3.5 million, and Doyle’s Global Warming bill; a bill that would have linked Wisconsin’s emission laws directly to California’s, subsidized construction in other states, and cost every family and business in Wisconsin more for every drop of electricity they use.

“Obviously, Mr. Leinenkugel has spent too much time in the family tasting room”, says RPSC Chair Tim McCumber, referring to the Leinenkugel Brewery in Chippewa Falls. “This isn’t a matter of someone who might be in the middle of the road or even a ‘RINO’ (Republican in Name Only); this guy is a ‘DIRC’ – a Democrat in Republican Clothes.” McCumber adds, “If he wants to defeat Senator Feingold, then he should do it in the Democratic primary”.

The county party will now recruit other counties to support their resolution for debate on the floor at the Republican Convention next month in Milwaukee. Membership in the RPSC is $15 a person or $25 for a family. You can learn more by calling McCumber at (608) 643-6332 or by emailing chair@saukgop.org.

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