Here's the latest on the campaign to recall Gov. Scott Walker in Wisconsin, compiled by John Nichols, Washington Correspondent of The Nation:
1. Joe Ricketts, famed anti-Obama financier, is a $100,000 donor to Scott Walker.
- It appears that the two had a meeting in Chicago before Walker got the check.
- This is part of Ricketts' broad political initiative.
2. Tom Barrett is calling on Scott Walker to release thousands of emails from his days as Milwaukee County exec and answer more questions about the John Doe probe that has ensnared several former aides.
- Walker's rattled by this demand and has dismissed it as a “desperate attack from a desperate campaign."
- But there is no question that these emails are central to the John Doe probe.
- The investigators referenced them in the formal filings against veteran Walker aide Tim Russell. In fact, the indictment of Russell included the Walker email that seemed to suggest knowledge of the secret campaign project inside the county executive's office.
- Walker wrote: “We cannot afford another story like this one. No one can give them any reason to do another story. That means no laptops, no websites, no time away during the day, etc.”
- This is not just a challenge for Walker but for the media.
- Walker claims he has talked about the John Doe “more than any person has in the state of Wisconsin.”
- That absurd. He has been cagey about it from the start -- especially with regard to his meetings with the DA and development of his criminal defense team.
- The question is whether reporters/interviewers will let him get away with it.
- Walker's response to questions got a lot of radio play today -- bringing the profile of the issue way up.
3. Walker flubbed a question on his new jobs numbers Monday.
- He was asked how many of the new jobs he claims to have discovered were created in Milwaukee -- an area he has focused on in his attacks on Barrett.
- Walker admitted he did not know.
- His aides eventually acknowledged that the new figures weren't broken down by city or county. So no one knows where they came from.
- That's how sketchy the figures are.
- Problem: They have not been reviewed, calculated OR verified by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) folks who analyze job increases/losses.
4. Since implementation of Walker's agenda and cuts, according to the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance, the number of teachers in Wisconsin public schools fell 2.4 percent. Poorest, most hard-pressed school districts population-wise suffered worst hits.
Wisconsin Democrats have 15 days to rally and end Scott Walker's term as governor. Walker was joined on the campaign trail by Gov. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota.
5. As Ed has noted, three key Dems on the House Oversight Committee have asked that chairman Darrell Issa contact Walker to clarify Walker's testimony before their committee last spring. This comes in light of comments about busting unions that came to light in a recent documentary.
- "This new video raises serious questions about the veracity of Governor Walker’s testimony before our Committee, in which he repeatedly described his decision to strip public sector union workers of collective bargaining rights. Instead, this video suggests that his motivation was to 'divide and conquer' public sector unions in order to turn Wisconsin into a "completely red state," write U.S. Reps. Elijah Cummings of Maryland, Gerry Connolly of Virginia and Chris Murphy of Connecticut
- "We ask that you write to Governor Walker on behalf of the Committee and request an explanation for why his statements captured on this videotape appear to contradict his testimony before the Committee."
- Connolly and Murphy asked some of the most damning questions when Walker testified.
- This is quite notable. Getting play in Wisconsin.
[Editor's Note: The Ed Show has featured extensive coverage of the worker revolt under Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin. Walker faces a recall election on June 5 against Democrat Tom Barrett, Mayor of Milwaukee. John Nichols, Washington Correspondent of The Nation, has reported on the situation in Wisconsin since Walker's union-busting campaign began shortly after he took office in January 2011. That reporting was compiled for his excellent book Uprising: How Wisconsin Renewed the Politics of Protest, from Madison to Wall Street. John has been a frequent guest on the Ed Show, and periodically he'll be sending us more notes on the Wisconsin recall campaign as we get closer to the June 5 vote.]
Leave a Comment:
Go Walker!
Agree - the Dems are toast in this recall and I for one am sick of recalls! Walker may not have handled his legislative agenda well but the results are positive (just look at the lame questions Ed is asking - The governor flubs a question on job creation because he doesn't know where 30,000+ jobs created in the last year were created, who these people are, who hired every one of them, and what each job paid). Big Ed is very anxious - prepare for the BIG lies in the next 2 weeks.
I don't think there's any question he's going to win at this point.
Barrett's troops have their boots on the ground and are digging in for a victory. Start packing, Governor!
"Boots on the ground" and just where else would these boots be? are they on anyones feet??
@stupidita,
We know they're not on your feet, because you and romney are runnin' around spewing NAKED arguments...
Expose 'Em All Wisconsin!!!
democrats have to hound scott walker the way the repubs did to our President over his birth certificate.
Cheese, what else is ed going to talk about? he beat to death the "War on" everything under the sun.
Screw the economy, it's all about taxing the rich & more regulations, gay marriage, free birth control pills, wind mills & solar panels, large government, stop all economic freedoms.
Where are all the Kool-Aid drinkers at ??
Where is Obama, where are the Dem leaders? When are they going to support all the people who have brought the Walker recall so far; When is Obama going to deliver on his campaign promise to "put on his shoes" and march side by side with us? This is a pivotal governor election that will determine the trajectory of the November election. But nothing. Nothing from our "leader". Nothing from "our party". If Obama, as the self-proclaimed torch-bearer for hope and change, can't deliver on this movement for reclaiming human, worker dignity, survival of the middle class, and implementing financial reforms; then, our country has truly lost its moral compass and compassion for humanity, and he doesn't deserve to be reelected. He has betrayed the trust of so many, and proven himself to be a person with as little integrity as his opponent. So in the end, as an independent, it doesn't matter who gets my vote.
Its a sad day to think that so many of us vets who have served and died to preserve "democracy", have in the end done nothing more than only to perpetuate capitalism.
The reason why Walker's "divide and conquer" video has gone so viral, is because it is a snapshot of the ugly underbelly of our "democracy" and how it works. Where the politicians are making back-room deals with the 1-percenters and lobbyists, and not meeting the needs of the masses.
America, especially Wisconsin, WAKE UP BEFORE ITS TOO LATE!
Sagesfool....No Obama and no dems because they know that Ed and all of his crazy ideas about this are dead wrong. They do not want to associate with Ed Schultz and his agenda. Don't you understand? That is where everyone is that you are wondering about.
Go Walker. I just want Ed Schultz to say "the people have spoken" when this is over.....and not make some up crazy excuse. You watch though. One thing about left wing nuts. When they lose, its not their fault and they march and try to recall. Now they are going to lose again. Shut up after this one.
You are wondering where Obama is on his promise to put on his shoes and march side by side with you?
Well, how about this....HE HAS NOT KEPT ANY OF HIS CAMPAIGN PROMISES....WHY IN THE HECK DO YOU EXPECT HIM TO KEEP THIS ONE.
I love it, when left wingers slam Obama for his lies along with everyone else. You and Booker ought to get together.
From one Vet to another A-FREAKIN'MEN!
Walker talks.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVlcOHIrIUM
I agree, Obama needs to be here in WI helping us, he wants our help, well its a two way street! We could use the help of Bill Clinton, Joe Biden. Where are all those Democratic Governors, they should be supporting Barrett. Why is it that the Republicans can get who ever they want when they want, but when Democrat's need help we have to beg, its pitiful!
Courage! Dems have poured a million dollars into WI, there are over a thousand volunteers, nobody can vote but Wisconsonites- you guys have done great work, and you're no doubt exhausted. Just hang in there, keep working, get that vote out, make sure your elders and students can vote, and remind this country what we're all about!
I think the people of Wisconsin will rejoice when the door smacks a crooked Walker in the fanny on the way out. Each day that passes he becomes more pathetic and a pawn for the GOP. 14 days and do we ever hope hes gone! Its time for Wisconsin to have some one who works for them not a self serving politician who would lie ,cheat and steal to stay in office. Millions have been spent for him and its disgusting. I think we need to start the count down Ed have a sign and check off the days. You broke this story and I hope you will be there for the big day. If he stays in office all of America looses as they will follow him to the edge of the cliff in other states! Wisconsin VOTE !!!!!
Funny thing, the unemployment rate in WI has been going down under Walkers time in office.
But what card toting liberal cares about jobs!!! ZREO it's all about the tax.
Here is what I hope Pam. I hope when Walker wins again...that you and Ed will have the guts to say "the people of Wisconsin have spoken" Will you?
You will not be rejoicing. You say the millions spend on him disgusts you. Answer me this....does the millions spent against him by everyone outside the state of Wisconsin disgust you too? Or are you two-faced also.
The people of Wisconsin are sick of union thugs taking their money and spending it on their left progressive cronie politicians. Don't tell me you are for that.
Just promise me one thing. You will "hush" after this election when Walker stays in.
Keep going Gov. Walker.
No she will not be silence by you or anyone else. We have freedom of speech even though republicans would love to take that away from everyone.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Wisconsin_protests
Johnny, Johnny oh my. I know a rat when I see one and this man is a rat. You say the people of Wisconsin will keep him in office. You forget when this began and the people of Wisconsin yelled about him at demonstrations. You for get all the signatures to get a ballot to recall him. I think Scottie has a very big problem hes not trusted and the people of Wisconsin will fight to the last vote! They have earned the right. You continue the propaganda that is spewed here everyday. I do not give up and i sure as hell will never back down. Its called backbone. I will not be silenced ! You have great day Johnny! Walker has to go!!!!!!
Thankful, Thank you. I guess this guy wasn't around when Ed broke the story and went there for his show what 2 or 3 times to be with the Wisconsinites. We are Americans we route for the under dogs and condemn the tyrants. No matter the state we must stand with who ever is being taken to the cleaners. The phone call to the fake KOCH brother says it all and Walker made his bed and now he has to lie in it.
johnny,
do you mean the same way the people of florida "spoke" when the repubs demanded the count be stopped, and daddy bush had his friends annoint his son president? is that what you mean?
Johnny,
Isn't Wisconsin the worst in the US for job creation? Is this the DFL's fault?
When will the GOP take responsibility for tanking the United States, middle class and poor and shafting the women
in this country (all women / rich or poor)?
I am not from Wisconsin. I just cannot stand the way Ed lies and spins what is going on. There are pros and cons on both sides....but when the right is condemned for exactly what the left does, that makes me a little sick. Wisconsin is voting. It is their state. Unless you live there, we are out of it.
The GOP is not shafting anyone just because Ed says they are. They are not taking the US. Obama has been president for almost 4 years.
Let Wisconsin decide and when they do, no matter which way.....let it be. Tell Ed to shut up.
The unemployment rate in WI is lower than the national avg..
And has been going down under Walkers time in office....
Really not think that all those people getting to take home a pay check again are going to vote Walker out, do you?
Heres your man......
http://www.politifact.com/wisconsin/article/2011/jan/01/look-scott-walkers-campaign-promises/
Jobs and economy
Some voters scoffed at Walker"s pledge to create 250,000 jobs in his four-year term. But economists are as likely as not to say that's a good bet.
Wisconsin has lost more than 155,000 jobs since the recession began, though private sector employment is up 34,700 in the last year, state figures show.
It went with less notice, but Walker also promised 10,000 new businesses would be created.
Walker didn't show many cards on his economic development strategy — targeted tax cuts, restructuring a state agency, staying in touch with business leaders — but his concrete job pledge makes this an easy one to track.
Candidate Obama Claimed $4 Trillion In New Debt Was "Unpatriotic" – But President Obama Has Added More Than $5 Trillion In New Debt:
Under President Obama, The National Debt Has Surpassed A Record $15.6 Trillion. (Department Of The Treasury, www.treasurydirect.gov, Accessed 5/13/12)
By The End Of His Term In Office, President Obama Will Nearly Double The Nation's Public Debt
The Washington Post: "[President Obama's] Record On The Growth Of National Debt Is The Worst Of Recent Presidents."
President Obama Promised To Cut The Deficit In Half – But He Didn’t “Come Close” To Keeping His Promise
the repubs were too busy signing pledges to grover norquist and to each other. they have said "no" to every economic policy that President Obama put forth, AS PER THEIR PROMISE TO EACH OTHER to undermine our President.
The bush admin left 2 unfunded wars, billions in revenues given away, an unfunded drug program, and it's the next guy's fault? Bush and Congress let Wall St do whatever it wanted, it broke our economic system, and it's President Obama's fault? Really? What planet do you live on?
I wish people would conduct their own independent research on these articles. Poor US Republicans have a party that blatantly lies to them, and they don't even question it. This is going to be a hard time for them, because like Democrats, most of them are not members of the 1%.
Several State have a lower rate than the national average. WI is going up. Over 100,000 jobs lost under Walker. But then you still believe jobs and unemployment should have turned around as soon as GWB left. Don't forget, Rinnie had a 10.8% unemployment rate. Don't forget he raised taxes 11 times. The debt cieling 18 times. But, hell, it's ALL Obama's fault. WRONG
Get rid of that puppet of the rich as quickly as your next breath. Common sense people dont deserve a puppet; they need a real person to govern.
An eyeopener to anyone who thinks you can just tax the rich
LMAO
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDW_107azmE
An eyeopener to anyone who thinks you can just tax the rich
Levying fair and appropriate taxes at all levels is just one piece of the picture. I'm surprised that Republicans don't want to improve the country for all citizens. Maybe they can't see the Big Picture?
Of course they're free to think and feel that way; just as the rest of us are free to think and feel that our country is a great investment, and we'll all benefit in the long run if we take care of it.
Yep...Fair....everyone pays exactly the same...EVERYONE. We all get the same service. We should all pay the same price. Income tax based on a percentage of income is inherently unfair and unconstitutional. It violates equal protection.
And please don't hand me that BS that rich folks use more national resources....They pay gasoline taxes, aviation fuel taxes and airport use taxes like anyone else does when they use those services.
I am inviting all Republicans and Conservatives to join me on Big Eddies Blog for a Walker Victory Party on June 5. The cyber party begins at 10:00.
That is when Barrett will make his concession speech and Big Eddie will shed his tears..
Color me there....If I am not laughing too hard to log on. We will hear one of two things....either a lot of excuses from the Libs or......crickets.
AA your just for total anniliation of the state in every aspect
Governor Walker reminds me of a fat Norway rat eating grain in a farmer's grain bin. There always is a rancid stench when you get around a building that has been infested with large Norway rats. An infestation of Norway rats destroys the value of the property making it fit only to be condemned for health code reasons. Walker leaves an awful stench like a building infested with fat Norway rats. He contaminates anything in civilization that the middle class needs such as government programs, public services, and public education. At a time when the BRIC countries, especially Asian countries are pushing mathematics, science, engineering, and electrical engineering; Governor Walker has cut almost one billion dollars in public education! No wonder all the good jobs and companies will go to Asia instead of America. He has destroyed the right for collective bargaining. Governor Walker is just like an infestation of Norway rats. All he leaves is his right winged Tea Party filth and stench and does not give a rat's tail about our children, the middle class or the future of his state. Walker wants to give more tax cuts for the richest vermin at the top. He does this so the richest one percent can eat more tax cuts leaving the detritus of our civilization behind for the middle class to clean up.
America is infested by fat Norway rats eating our country's seed corn. Those fat Norway rats are the radical right wing Tea Party Republicans who spread their filth and stench everywhere in our society, while eating tomorrow's seed corn. The Tea party is about bringing down a strong middle class and replacing it with the filth and stench of extreme wealth inequality and Third World type class structure. Democrats need to be the rat catchers and destroy the right winged Tea party and Governor Walker. Otherwise, all our children will do is watch the Asian country's kick America's but in jobs, new corporate start ups, and in technology, while all we have left here is a rancid backward country filled with right winged filth from our Tea Party/Norway rat infestation. Wisconsin voters must deal squarely with their right winged Norway rat infestation in June. Otherwise, the Norway rats are only going to multiply like good vermin and eat our children out of their future while spread their vile right winged filth everywhere.
Yep...Those Norway rats are Liberal Looters and Moochers sucking the life out of the Producers. Every society that has believed and gone all in for the likes of the Democrat/Liberal platform, has become either a third world hole or a repressive dictatorship, or both.
Liberals just don't understand economics. Repeat after me, "You cannot give a man a "right" such as food, shelter or health care, without first enslaving someone else, in order to provide that right...unless you are the one providing that service en toto."
Republican vulture capitalists who take and destroy good businesses on Main Street like Bain Capital are the Norway rats devouring the seed corn. If you do not invest in the future of the country you end up getting your butt kicked by the Asian countries that do. The BRIC countries are investing in engineering, science, mathematics, and infrastructure like bullet trains and high speed broad band. The only thing modern conservatives in America want to do is have more tax cuts for the plutocrats, the king rats at the top. What jobs have the Bush tax cuts created for the country? Last year corporate profits were $2 trillion. So we should be at full employment according to the philosophy of the conservatives called supply side economics. This philosophy has only created more wealth inequality while the King rats, the plutocrats at the top, eat the seed corn that the middle class needs for future growth.
Conservatives do not understand economics at all. In fact they are beholden to a false ideology perpetuated by vulture capitalists, based on wanting to make quick money but producing nothing of lasting value. This GOP philosophy is based on selfishness and greed while devouring the future growth of the country like a rat infestation. The United States invested at the end of WW II in the GI Bill, the interstate highway system, infrastructure upgrades, and the space program. All of these investments created a wealthy thriving middle class. When middle class people have good jobs, good public sector investments, good infrastructure investment the country grows, prospers, and businesses innovate and become much more productive as technology advances. There is a partnership between Big Government and Big Businesses that has a healthy outcome. This is what happened in Ike's time and during the 1960's.
Our country needs to have investment in public education, state of the art infrastructure, higher education, engineering, and science. We need an Apollo energy program that eliminates our need to consume imported oil from the Middle East. We can not let the greedy Norway rats who are the conservatives eat up the seed corn that our children need for future economic growth. The Tea Party is a rat infestation that eats away at America's economic growth while Asia grows and prospers leaving America far behind.
The Only way Walker Wins, If you Beat Yourself Wisconsin ONLY YOU can VOTE him Out, not Ed, President Obama, eTc, Don't drop the Ball Now!! take it to the HOUSE Finish up STRONG !!!
if roney and wALKER WIN AMERICA IS DEAD