Arrested, Maced for collecting ballot signatures

Last night I was forceably arrested and Maced for collecting ballot access signatures on the lakeside Terrace behind the University of Wisconsin's Student Union during an open to the public hip-hop concert.

My initial writeup, with community discussion can be found at  the online Forum maintained by the Isthmus, our local alternaweekly

News coverage from the Capital Times

Candidate Masel sprayed, arrested at Union Terrace
By Steven Elbow

University police confronted Ben Masel, longtime local activist and current U.S. Senate hopeful, while he was circulating nomination papers on the Memorial Union Terrace Thursday night.

After a brief struggle, he was pepper-sprayed, arrested, and charged with trespassing, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, then released.

Masel says he's being singled out.

Several politicians confirmed today in interviews they have used the terrace to solicit signatures, including both Democratic candidates for secretary of state...

The Cap Times also covered my non-arrest at Madison Area Technical College Tuesday, where the responding City officer showed much superior judgement. (Previously diaried here)

Irate calls may be directed to:
Wisconsin Union Director's Office 262-2263
UW Presidents Office 608-262-2321
UW Public Affairs: 608-262-5061
UW Police 608-262-2957