Keeping track of state politics is very important. Nowadays that is where all the legislation is happening. To accomplish this I will use JR Ross's from Wispolitics.com model. That includes Rising, Mixed, and Falling. Now like anything in politics it may change week to week, but this is to give people an idea of what's going on in Wisconsin politics.
Congressman Ron Kind (D) CD3 was on Wisconsin Public Radio Thursday afternoon.
* He discussed the imaging problem of the Democratic Party. He noted that most of the leaders are approaching 80 years old and come from east or west coast. This is the reason why Democrats are having problems in the Heartland
* He also was bothered by the fact that Sec. Clinton did not step foot in Wisconsin after she lost the primary. He said that Republicans in Congress started off by stubbing their toe in trying to destroy the ethics watchdog. You can listen to Ron Kinds full interview on WPR.org.
Newly elected Congressman Mike Gallagher (R) CD8 was on WPR Friday morning to discuss the repeal of Obamacare
* He spent most of the time bashing Obama's "Over regulations".
* When asked about replacements of Obamacare. He did not give much specifics. He cited Speaker Ryan's Betterway strategy. He also mentioned Health Savings Accounts and allowing people to buy medical insurance across state lines. However, these are nothing new for a new congressman. Congressman Gallagher's full interview is located on WPR. Org
Dane County is Thriving
Dane County Executive Joe Parisi (D) used to represent the 48th Assembly District in Wisconsin from 2004-2011 until he succeeded Kathleen Falk as Dane County Executive.
A recent article by the Captial Times pointed out how Dane County is thriving compared to the rest of the state. Joe has not ruled out a run for Governor.
New Judge in Western Wisconsin
Governor Walker has appointed Polk County Assistant D.A Daniel Tolan to be the next circuit court judge in Polk County ( Northwest Wisconsin). He was given the power of incumbency and will face director of child support Malia Malone and Municipal Judge David Danielson in an election. Tolan has the support of State Rep. Adam Jarchow.
Stock Report
Rising: The taskforce to combat heroin and opioid abuse
Scott Walker kicked off the 2017 legislative session by calling for a special session to combat opioid addiction. Gov. Walker signed executive orders to implement recommendations by the opioid task force. Executive order #228 is to direct Wisconsin state agencies to take further action to combat opioid abuse and addiction based on the recommendations of Lieutenant Governor Kleefisch and Representative Nygren #229 is to implement federal funds made available by the 21st-century cures act. Executive order #230 requests a special session to pass bills related to opioid use.
Mixed: Anyone who wants to challenge Tammy Baldwin
Senator Tammy Baldwin (D) doesn't seem to be bothered by the GOP targeting her seat in 2018. She has been busy introducing legislation to allow Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices. She also persisted in calling for a federal investigation into King's Home for Veterans and called for a special committee to investigate Russian hacks.
Falling. Tony Evers and Martha Laning
Yes, this is the second time in three weeks that I have had Martha stock falling. Talking to progressives around Wisconsin. They are upset that Supreme State Court Justice Ziegler is getting a free ride. This could have harmful consequences on public education in Wisconsin as school choice advocates are targeting DPI superintendent Tony Evers. I don't care if they feel that she was unbeatable. You can't beat somebody with nobody. I agree with progressives we deserve answers.