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Feb. 23, 2007
Washington
County Circuit Court Judge Annette Ziegler outpaced her two
opponents in this week’s Supreme Court primary election. She and
second place finisher, Attorney Linda Clifford of Madison, will
face off in the spring general election on April 3. Judge Ziegler
amassed almost 58 percent of the vote to 26 percent for Clifford
and 16 percent for Joseph Sommers, a criminal defense lawyer from
Dane County who was eliminated from the race based on his third
place finish. The turnout for the April election is expected to be
about three times higher than the primary turnout, but the margin
of victory in the primary makes Judge Ziegler the clear
frontrunner heading into the April election.
The State Senate’s failure
to act on the proposed constitutional amendment limiting the scope of the
partial veto afforded Wisconsin governors means that the issue will not be
before the general electorate this year. The measure passed both houses of
the Wisconsin Legislature last session and passed the Assembly by a wide
margin earlier this year. For a proposed constitutional amendment to be
presented for approval by the voters, it must pass two successive sessions
of the Legislature in identical form. The Senate can still adopt the measure
before the end of the 2007-08 session and the matter would be presented to
the people in 2008.
Governor Doyle underwent
successful hip surgery earlier this week. We wish him a full and speedy
recovery and expect that we will see a golf handicap reduction later this
summer.
Policy Developments
Azar Named to PSC
Governor Jim Doyle has appointing Lauren Azar to the Public
Service Commission (PSC) effective Monday, March 12, 2007. Azar,
of Madison, replaces Bert Garvin, who is stepping down.
Azar
is an energy law attorney with Michael Best and Freidrich. She received her
law degree from UW-Madison and also holds an M.S. in Water Resources
Management.
Jason Helgerson Appointed Medicaid Director
The Secretary of the Department of Health and Family Services has
announced the appointment of Jason Helgerson as the new Administrator of the
Division of Health Care Financing, effective March 19th.
Helgerson has served as Executive Assistant for the Department since
February 2005 and has instrumental in the development of BadgerCare Plus.
Prior
to coming the Department of Health and Family Services, Helgerson served as
the Executive Assistant for the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. Helgerson
holds a Master of Public Policy degree from the University of Chicago and a
Bachelor of Arts degree from The American University in Washington, D.C.
Other Appointments
The Senate unanimously approved the appointments of Department of
Administration (DOA) Secretary Mike Morgan and Department of Revenue (DOR)
Secretary Roger Ervin.
Morgan served as Secretary of Revenue for the Doyle administration prior to
the appointment. Secretary Morgan received his undergraduate and law degrees
from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He was a running back for the
Wisconsin Badgers from 1974 to 1977.
Taking Morgan’s place at the Department of Revenue is Roger Ervin. Prior to
accepting the Secretary position, Ervin was a senior executive in the office
of Government and Public Affairs at Foley and Lardner. Roger holds a
Bachelor of Science degree from Tulane University.
Senate Democrats Prevent Vote on “Frankenstein Veto” Bill
On Feb. 20, Senate Democrats refused [15-18] to allow floor debate and a
vote on a constitutional amendment to restrict the use of the partial veto
by Wisconsin governors.
Tuesday was the last day for the state Senate to take action on the proposed
constitutional amendment [AJR-1]
in order to place the amendment on a statewide referendum in April 2007. All
18 Senate Democrats voted not to bring the amendment to the state Senate
floor for a vote. All 15 state Senate Republicans voted in favor of taking
action today to get the amendment to Wisconsin voters in April.
Sen.
Risser said the Senate Ethics Reform and Government Operations will hold a
hearing on the bill sometime after the completion of the state budget but
before the end of the legislative session.
The
proposed constitutional amendment passed in both houses of the Legislature
in the previous session and in the state Assembly this session, 70-25. The
Senate’s inaction on the amendment today ensures the Governor will be able
to use the broad item veto in the upcoming state budget.
Joint Finance to Hold Budget Hearings Around the State
The Legislature's Joint Finance Committee has scheduled six public
hearings in March and April for Wisconsin residents to comment on the budget
plan.
The
hearings are:
-
March 20 (Milwaukee) 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
-
March 21 (DeForest) 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
-
March 27 (Chippewa Falls) 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
-
April 4 (Prairie du Chien) 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
-
April 11 (Rhinelander) 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
-
April 12 (Green Bay) 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Wisconsin
Politics
Clifford/Ziegler Advance in Supreme
Court Race
The election between the two finalists on April 3 will be for
a 10-year term to replace retiring Justice Jon Wilcox. See
Hamilton Consulting Group’s Update for biographies on the
candidates and links to their campaign websites.
Ziegler led the balloting, receiving 58 percent of the vote, followed by
Clifford with 26 percent. Madison Lawyer Joseph Sommers came in third with
16 percent. Only the top two advance to the April general election for the
post, vacated by the retirement of Justice Jon Wilcox.
In a
related event, Judge Annette Ziegler this week gained the endorsement of
former Governor Tommy G. Thompson.
Doyle Hip Surgery Successful
Doyle successfully underwent Surface Replacement Arthroplasty (hip
resurfacing) surgery Thursday at University of Wisconsin Hospital in
Madison. According to his doctor, he has been cleared to resume his duties
as Governor. Governor Doyle will be at the hospital for a few days for
observation and is expected to be on crutches for six to eight weeks.
Legislative Activity
The legislature reconvened on Tuesday, February 20, 2007.
Senate Joint Resolution 1 establishes the 2007-2008 Session Schedule.
Senate Democrats Announce Legislative Session Agenda
Senate Democrats have several issues as part of their “Wisconsin
Families First” legislative agenda. Democrats will work on the following
consumer protection legislation:
-
Expansion and stricter enforcement of Wisconsin’s successful and popular
telemarketing do not call list
-
Restrictions on payday lending institutions
-
Privacy protections for people who have their taxes professionally
prepared
-
Shield Wisconsin outdoors enthusiasts from having their personal
information sold to Businesses
Senate Republicans Unveil 2007-2008 Agenda
State Senate Republicans unveiled their
legislative agenda for the 2007-2008 session. The agenda is highlighted
by a “back to basics” approach focusing on lowering the tax burden on
Wisconsin families, restoring fiscal discipline and honest budgeting,
helping Wisconsin’s economy grow and ending the hidden tax on health care
that cost Wisconsin families $550 million in 2005.
Senate Republicans will also focus on fostering a strong economy and
creating good-paying jobs by lowering taxes, encouraging investments in
Wisconsin businesses, curbing lawsuit abuse, and fostering new fields like
nanotechnology.
Political News
Doyle will be on crutches following surgery: Appleton Post-Crescent,
Feb. 22, 2007.
Ziegler, Clifford advance in state Supreme Court race: Beloit Daily News,
Feb. 22, 2007.
Democrats disappoint by blocking reforms (opinion): Racine Journal Times,
Feb. 21, 2007.
PSC nominee
says she'll be fair: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Feb. 21, 2007.
Judge takes
more than half of votes: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Feb. 20, 2007.
Sick leave
is staying: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Feb. 20, 2007.
Experts: Doyle's oil company tax will probably cost consumers at pump:
La Crosse Tribune, Feb. 19, 2007.
Doyle wants 98 percent insured by next year: La Crosse Tribune, Feb.
19, 2007.
Read budget, then judge Doyle's plans (opinion): Marshfield News
Herald, Feb. 19, 2007.
New farmers' health plan unveiled: Green Bay Press-Gazette, Feb. 19,
2007.
Wisconsin hopes to be leader in health care reform: Janesville
Gazette, Feb. 19, 2007.
Doyle's budget has good intentions, but doubts remain (opinion):
Appleton Post-Crescent, Feb.18, 2007.
Tuition hikes in Doyle's budget and more: La Crosse Tribune, Feb.
18, 2007.
New revenue
secretary looking to — quietly — make his mark: Milwaukee Journal
Sentinel, Feb. 17, 2007.
Hospital
tax would shift costs: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Feb. 16, 2007.
Upcoming Fundraisers
March 4
March 6
March 8
For
details, go to
Hamilton Consulting Fundraiser Calendar.
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