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Jan. 3, 2007

The New Year – 2007 - is ushered in by the inauguration of Jim Doyle as Wisconsin’s Governor, beginning his second four-year term. The Governor, the re-elected and newly elected members and leaders in the Legislature and the new Attorney General, J.B. Van Hollen, have all pledged to work for the betterment of Wisconsin and its citizens. We wish all of them well in their endeavors and thank and congratulate all who have chosen to dedicate a significant portion of their lives to public service. We are all indebted to that commitment.

The New Year will also include an extremely important non-partisan election to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, the state’s highest court. In what was expected to be a two-person race has turned into a three-way contest which will force a February primary. The candidates are seeking to fill an open seat created by the retirement of Justice Jon Wilcox. The two candidates, Judge Annette Ziegler and Attorney Linda Clifford, who have been announced candidates for months, will  offer different judicial philosophies and the result of this election will likely have a long-lasting impact on the direction of the Court on many key issues. As we have discussed on numerous occasions, the majority on the current Court have rendered some controversial decisions in recent years in high-profile cases, leading many to suggest that the Court is “legislating from the bench”. Tidbits will profile the candidates and the issues as the campaign unfolds.

The New Year has already paid tribute to an unselfish, patriotic American who was one of the true statesmen of our times. Perhaps it took the passing of Jerry Ford for him to receive the recognition and accolades he so well deserved. He helped the country heal in a time of great need and we join in the mourning for, and admiration of, this humble, but great man.

Wisconsin Politics

Inaugurations
Gov. Jim Doyle was sworn in Wednesday at noon, beginning his second term in office. As part of the “One Wisconsin, One Future” celebration, the Governor has been taking part in events across the state to celebrate the Inauguration. The inauguration ball will take place at Monona Terrace tonight.

The Legislature was sworn-in at 2 p.m. today at the Capitol Rotunda. J.B. Van Hollen was also sworn in at the Attorney General's office in the state Capitol.

Supreme Court has Three Candidates
Washington County Judge Annette Ziegler and Madison attorney Linda Clifford, as expected, have filed nomination papers as candidates for the Wisconsin Supreme Court election. A third candidate, Joseph Sommers, an Oregon attorney whose name surfaced only recently, also filed papers as a candidate, forcing a primary to be held on February 20.

The highest vote-getters will face off in the general election on April 3. The April winner will replace the retiring Justice Jon Wilcox and will take office on August 1st.

[See the list of all candidates for the Spring Election at the State Elections Board webpage.]

Governor Doyle Makes Key Appointments Including New
and Continuing Cabinet Secretaries
Kevin R. Hayden, Secretary of Health and Family Services. Hayden, who has been Administrator of the Division of Health Care Financing at the Department replaces Helene Nelson, who stepped down last month. Hayden became Division Administrator on July 31, 2006 where he has overseen the state’s Medicaid program, including BadgerCare and Healthy Start.

Prior to entering State Government, Kevin Hayden was president and chief administrative officer for Dean Health systems, Inc. He also served as chair (appointed by Governor Doyle) of the Wisconsin Board on Health Care Information, and as a member of the Wisconsin Health care Quality and Patient Safety Board.

Hayden holds a Master in Programs in Health Care Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UW-Madison.

Roger M. Ervin, Secretary of Revenue. Roger Ervin replaces Michael Morgan who was appointed Secretary of the Department of Administration in December. Prior to accepting the Secretary position, Ervin was a senior executive in the office of Government and Public Affairs at Foley and Lardner.

Previously, Ervin was managing director and vice president for two different international management consulting firms; U.S. Envoy to Africa for Business and Trade; regional manager for the African development Bank; and, senior advisor to the U.S. House of Representatives committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs and the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary.

Roger holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Tulane University.

The following cabinet secretaries will remain in their positions:

• Rod Nilsestuen, Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection

• Mary Burke, Department of Commerce

• Matt Frank, Department of Corrections

• Lorrie Keating-Heinemann, Department of Financial Institutions

• Scott Hassett, Department of Natural Resources

• Dan Ebert, Public Service Commission

• Celia Jackson, Department of Regulation and Licensing

• Frank Busalacchi, Department of Transportation

• Roberta Gassman, Department of Workforce Development

• Antonio Riley, Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority

Sean Dilweg, Commissioner of Insurance. Dilweg has been serving as the Executive Assistant at the Department of Administration. He replaces Jorge Gomez who announced his resignation last month.

Prior to serving in the Administration, Sean was a lead Policy Advisor for members of the Joint Committee on Finance during three biennial state budgets; was Committee Clerk for the Senate Committee on Environment and Energy; and, served as chief of staff for state Sen. Rob Cowles (R-Green Bay).

Dilweg holds a Masters in Public Administration from the La Follette Institute of Public Affairs at UW-Madison and a B.A. from Lawrence University.

Dan Schooff, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Administration. Schooff most recently served as Campaign Manager for Gov. Doyle's reelection campaign.  He has also served in the Doyle Administration as executive assistant at the Public Service Commission and as division administrator for the Division of Energy at the Department of Administration. Dan replaces Gina Frank Reese who will remain in the administration.

Dan served three terms in the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing the Beloit area, where he served as a member of the Joint Committee on Finance. He earned a B.A. degree from the UW-Madison.

Patrick Henderson, Executive Assistant, Department of Administration. Pat, who has been Gov. Doyle's Legislative Director, is joining Schooff and newly appointed Secretary, Mike Morgan, in forming the new leadership at the Department of Administration. He replaces Sean Dilweg, the new insurance commissioner.

Before joining the Governor, Henderson worked as legislative aide to State Senators Jim Buamgart and Cal Potter. He is a graduate of UW-Madison.

Ron Hermes, Legislative Director in the Office of the Governor. Replacing Pat Henderson is Ron Hermes who most recently has been the Legislative Liaison at the Department of Health and Family Services.  Prior to his appointment at the Department, he was a partner in a Madison lobbying firm.  He also served as a legislative aide to State Senator Fred Risser and former State Senator Kevin Shibiliski.

Hermes received his bachelor’s degree from UW- Oshkosh.

Randy Romanski, Executive Assistant at the Department of Natural Resources. Romanski has been the Deputy Chief of Staff in Gov. Doyle’s office. Randy replaces Mary Schlaefer who was previously appointed Deputy Secretary of DNR.

Prior to his appointment in the Governor’s office, Romanski served as the executive assistant at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.  He also formerly served as a policy analyst and communications specialist at the Wisconsin Department of Justice for then Attorney General Doyle and for three years as staff in the State Senate.

Romanski received his undergraduate degree from UW-River Falls and has a Masters Degree in Public Policy and Administration from the La Follette Institute.

Mark Green Rejoins Godfrey & Kahn Law Firm
Former Congressman and 2006 Republican gubernatorial candidate Mark Green has rejoined Godfrey & Kahn’s Green Bay office where he will work on regulatory and administrative legal matters as well as assist businesses on international market issues.

Green served eight years in Congress following six years in the State Assembly. He was a member of the House Judiciary and International Relations Committees and chaired the State Assembly’s Judiciary Committee. Mark has a bachelor’s degree from UW-Eau Claire and a J.D. degree from UW Law School.

2007-08 Session Schedule Set
The following are the periods on which 2007 session days are scheduled. However, in the past, sessions have not been held on some of the scheduled days and sessions have been held on days not included.

The Governor’s office has informed legislators that the Governor will deliver the State of the State message on January 30 and will present his budget proposal on February 13.

2007

Jan. 3 – Inauguration.

Jan. 9 – Session (If needed.)

Jan. 30 – Feb. 1. Session

Apr. 17 – 19. Session.

 May 8 – 10. Session.

Sep. 18 – 20. Session.

Oct. 23 – 25. Session.

Oct. 30 – Nov. 1. Session.

Nov. 6 – 8. Session.

Dec. 11 – 13. Session.

2008

Jan. 15 – 17. Session

Jan. 22 – 24. Session.

Jan. 29 – 31. Session.

Feb. 20 – March 1

Feb. 19 – 21. Session.

Mar.13 – 15. Session.

Feb. 26 – 28. Session.

Mar. 4 – 6. Session.

Apr. 24 – 26. Session

Mar. 11 – 13. Session.

May 6 – 8. Limited Business Session.

May 15 – 17. Session.

May 27 – 28. Veto Review Session

May 29 – June 29. Budget Session.

Federal Developments

Former President Ford Mourned
Former President Gerald Ford died Dec. 26 in his home in Rancho Mirage, Calif., at 93, the nation's longest living commander-in-chief. Ford’s state funeral was an elaborate invitation-only service at the Washington National Cathedral on Jan. 2. 

Eulogy’s were presented by President George W. Bush, former President George H.W. Bush, Henry Kissinger and Tom Brokaw. Afterward, Ford's body was flown to Michigan to be buried on a hillside near his presidential museum. Federal offices were closed as part of the national day of mourning honoring the late President.

Political News

Doyle lists 'kids first' for his second term: Green Bay Press-Gazette, Jan. 3, 2007.

Doyle hopes for less rancor as he prepares for second term: Janesville Gazette, Jan. 3, 2007.

Doyle’s priorities: funding education, healthcare: Superior Daily Telegram, Jan. 3, 2007.

City joins inaugural celebrations: Eau Claire Leader-Telegram, Jan. 3, 2007.

Doyle says technology, growth put state on right track: Madison Capital Times, Jan. 3, 2007.

Outsourcing has its boundaries: Appleton Post-Crescent, Jan. 2, 2007.

Slow Growth Predicted For The Economy: Wisconsin State Journal, Jan. 2, 2006.

State, UW team up on health care: Madison Capital Times, Jan. 2, 2006.

Dems, Doyle Push Health Care Changes: Madison Capital Times, Jan. 2, 2006.

State must deal with $1.6 billion budget deficit: Wisconsin State Journal, Jan. 2, 2007.

Leading legislators see less contention: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jan. 2, 2007.

Concealed carry, DNA backlogs big issues for Wis. Legislature: La Crosse Tribune, Jan. 2, 2007.

Judge, two attorneys file for state Supreme Court opening: Fond du Lac Reporter, Jan. 2, 2006.

FdL District Attorney moving to AG's office: Fond du Lac Reporter, Jan. 2, 2007.

Suit on bill drafts becomes battle for legislative power: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jan. 1, 2007.

Crime lab prioritizes testing: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jan. 1, 2007.

How Will State's New Political Makeup Affect Business? Wisconsin State Journal, Jan. 1, 2006.

Business Leaders See Opportunity In 2007: Wisconsin State Journal, Jan. 1, 2006.

Posts filled on way out the door: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Dec. 29, 2006.

Doyle filling out incoming cabinet: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Dec. 29, 2006.

Doyle And Democratic Senate Differ: Wisconsin State Journal, Dec. 26, 2006.

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