One Wisconsin Now

Milwaukee Marathon to feature 20-Mile ‘Paul Ryan Finish Line’

One Wisconsin Now, a progressive research and advocacy group, will host a “Paul Ryan Finish Line” at mile 20 of Sunday’s Milwaukee Marathon to highlight how the Romney-Ryan plan comes up short for Wisconsin’s middle class families according to Executive Director Scot Ross. [The Paul Ryan Watch]

Student Loans Hurt Economy

One Wisconsin Institute conducted a survey of 2,700 state residents that showed over one-third of individuals with bachelors or advanced degrees have outstanding student loan payments. [Badger Herald]

Student loan debt deepens

One in five American households now owes money on student loans – more than double the percentage of households and nearly triple the average amount of college debt of two decades ago. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]

Research shows impact of student loan debt

Scot Ross, Executive Director of the Institute for One Wisconsin, a Madison-based group with a liberal orientation, said they received 2650 responses to a survey on student debt in the state. Findings include the loss of $200 million in new car purchasing power, and decreased chances of home ownership, as people struggle to pay student loans. […] [Wisconsin Radio Network]

Student debt up 15 percent since 2007, Pew report finds

A recent report from the Pew Research Center shows a 15 percent increase in student debt since 2007, leaving one in five families in the U.S. with student debt. A statement from left-leaning advocacy group One Wisconsin Now said the national student debt bill is at $1 trillion. [Badger Herald]

Walker’s petition initiative undermines Supreme Court

In response, an activist group known as One Wisconsin Now has started its own petition initiative to match Walker’s fundraising efforts. The organization asks signers to “Stand with the Constitution,” referring to the ruling made by Dane County Circuit Court Judge Juan Colas, who believed Walker’s law violated the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. […] [Badger Herald]

$114,000 Worth of TV Money for Gudex ALREADY!

The great people over at One Wisconsin Now sent out a press release today talking about the private school supporting out of state group spending money on TV advertising in the 18th State Senate District. Their ad hasn’t been posted online yet, but it’s fairly amateurish. It’s got a stock photo of Gudex that pans over stock footage of a factory […] [Wisconsin Soap Box]

Thompson is Sorry Alright! “

“Those who remember Mike Gableman’s campaign that included a roundly-criticized, race-baiting television ad will have to see about the tone the Thompson campaign may take in the final months,” said Scot Ross, executive director of One Wisconsin Now, a Madison-based liberal organization. The controversy didn’t bother only Democrats. Some Republican operatives contacted by the State […] [Cognitive Dissidence]

Meet the Wisconsin Karl Rove

If former Gov. Tommy Thompson defeats U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin in this year’s U.S. Senate race, it will mark not only an impressive coda to his long political career, it will represent yet another victory for the political mind behind his campaign. “Those who remember Mike Gableman’s campaign that included a roundly-criticized, race-baiting television ad […] [Wisconsin State Journal]

Fundraising Season

Wisconsin Department of Revenue records show that Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Petri did not pay any state income taxes from 2002 through 2005. The records were obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press from the liberal advocacy group One Wisconsin Now, which requested them from the Revenue Department. [Cognitive Dissidence]

Petri paid no state income tax for four years

A member of the state’s congressional delegation paid no state income taxes for four years. With tax record issue front and center during this political season, Scot Ross with the liberal advocacy groupOne Wisconsin Now said Congressman Tom Petri was the only member of Wisconsin’s eight-member House delegation who paid no state income taxes for any […] [Wisconsin Radio Network]

Tom Petri (R-Wi 06) One of the Richest Congressman Paid NO Taxes in Wisconsin (Major Update)

Petri, who is regularly listed by the Center for Responsive Politics as one of the wealthiest members of Congress, was the only member of Wisconsin’s eight-person U.S. House delegation who didn’t pay state income taxes for any years over the past decade. Liberal advocacy group One Wisconsin Now provided the Department of Revenue tax records […] [DailyKos]

Abrahamson asks Appeals to take Prosser case

Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Clerk Diane Fremgen declined to comment on the issue and could only confirm the letter was filed, though she did say it is unclear when Abrahamson would make a decision.One Wisconsin Now spokesperson Mike Browne said Prosser’s alleged behavior has not reflected well on the court as a whole.“Justice Prosser’s [alleged] behavior […] [Badger Herald]

Rep. Petri paid no state taxes for four years

Petri, who is regularly listed by the Center for Responsive Politics as one of the wealthiest members of Congress, was the only member of Wisconsin’s eight-person U.S. House delegation who didn’t pay state income taxes for any years over the past decade. Liberal advocacy group One Wisconsin Now provided the Department of Revenue tax records […] [La Crosse Tribune]

Petri paid no income taxes for 4 years

Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Petri did not pay any state income taxes from 2002 through 2005, records obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press show, and his spokesman blamed it on losses incurred because of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. “Tom Petri can shamelessly blame 9/11 for how he avoided taxes for his foreign portfolio, but it’s […] [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]

Wisconsin to allow electronic documents for election day voter registration

Wisconsin students and young voters got a big boost on Tuesday when the state board overseeing elections adopted a policy allowing people registering to vote on Election Day in November to present identifying documents from a laptop or portable digital device. he advocacy group, One Wisconsin Now, said in a press release that they believe the GAB’s board’s action […] [AlterNet]

Column: It’s not what Ryan said, it’s what he didn’t say

The fact checkers have been working overtime to catalog the distortions and dissembling of Republican Vice Presidential candidate Paul Ryan’s speech at the Republican National Convention on Wednesday. Ryan’s fact-challenged polemic was even too much for reliable Republican mouthpiece Fox News, which said of his primetime remarks, “to anyone paying the slightest bit of attention […] [Milwaukee Community Journal]

Scot Ross: It’s not what Ryan said, it’s what he didn’t say

The fact checkers have been working overtime to catalog the distortions and dissembling of Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan’s speech at the Republican National Convention on Aug. 29. Ryan was 32 when he voted in favor of the Iraq war, stood with Bush, Cheney and Rice throughout his 30s, and lent no hand at […] [Capital Times]

Ryan Speech Ignores Complicity in Iraq War

One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross released the following statements in response to Rep. Paul Ryan’s speech at the Republican National Convention. “Tonight, Paul Ryan had the opportunity to at long last apologize for his complicity in sending so many members of his fellow generations off to die and be injured in the Iraq […] [Milwaukee Community Journal]

Its not what Ryan said, it’s what he didn’t say

Ryan’s fact-challenged polemic was even too much for reliable Republican mouthpiece Fox News, which said of his primetime remarks, “to anyone paying the slightest bit of attention to facts, Ryan’s speech was an apparent attempt to set the world record for the greatest number of blatant lies and misrepresentations slipped into a single political speech.” [WisOpinion]

WI to allow electronic documents for voter registration: policy expected to help students, young people register

Wisconsin students and young voters got a big boost on Tuesday when the state board overseeing elections adopted a policy allowing people registering to vote on Election Day in November to present identifying documents from a laptop or portable digital device. The advocacy group, One Wisconsin Now, said in a press release that they believe […] [Center for Media and Democracy]

Paul Ryan Knocked it out of the park for Waukesha County Republicans

Congressman Paul Ryan, R-Janesville, enthused Republican supporters in Waukesha County during his vice presidential nomination acceptance speech at the GOP National Convention in Tampa on Wednesday. But not everyone was happy with the speech. One Wisconsin Now director Scot Ross in a prepared news release said Ryan did not “at long last apologize for his complicity in sending so many […] [Muskego Patch]

Wisconsin Gov. touts recall win at convention

Gov. Scott Walker played up his historic recall victory in a speech Tuesday at the Republican National Convention, saying taxpayers chose to stick with a leader with bold plans for reform. The liberal group One Wisconsin Now slammed Walker just ahead of his speech, accusing him of a “win at all costs mentality” and of “slavish devotion” to corporate […] [San Antonio Express]

Wisconsin’s Scott Walker Reduced to Warm Up Act for Governor’s Night at RNC

Right wing celebrity Gov. Scott Walker’s star power appears to be on the wane in recent weeks, as evidenced by his warm-up act role on Governors’ night at the Republican National Convention. One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross commented, “Walker’s fall looks a lot like the superstar arena rock band of yesteryear now consigned […] [FoxPoint-Bayside Patch]

What’s behind Dairy State’s rise in GOP circles?

This week’s GOP convention will be a striking testament to the remarkable prominence three Republicans from Wisconsin have achieved in national politics. Reince Priebus will preside as chairman of the Republican National Committee. His good friend Scott Walker is among a handful of governors with prime-time speaking slots. And their good friend Paul Ryan will […] [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]

Candidate is more the voice of past generations

You may know that U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan is the first member of Generation X slated on a major party presidential ticket. But if you think this translates into Ryan offering a fresh, forward-thinking approach, speaking to the challenges facing his generational peers, “don’t believe the hype,” as our 1988 Gen X anthem goes. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]

Van Hollen wants Supreme Court to take ID case

Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen says he will ask the state Supreme Court to bypass lower courts and consider his appeal to decisions blocking the state’s voter identification law. One Wisconsin NOW spokesman Mike Browne said in a statement that Van Hollen was “using his taxpayer financed office to convince the partisan, conservative Supreme Court majority […] [WTMJ]

Romney and Ryan are too extreme: Scot Ross speaks out

One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross doesn’t mince words when it comes to Paul Ryan’s budget – he calls it as he sees it in Ryan’s Hometown Janesville, Wisconsin. …Ross passionately explain[s] how the economic policies of Paul Ryan are a slap in the face to out Wisconsin Values. [Milwaukee Community Journal]

Cullen Quits Senate Democratic Caucus

State Sen. Tim Cullen quit the Senate Democratic caucus Tuesday, saying Senate Democratic leader Mark Miller had snubbed him by refusing to give him a meaningful committee chairmanship. Miller won support from the liberal group One Wisconsin Now. The group’s executive director, Scot Ross, issued a statement thanking Miller “for refusing to buckle to Sen. […] [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]

Scot Ross: The real reason Wanggaard didn’t sue

For the last month, un-elected state Sen Van Wanggaard and the right wing have been whipping up their tea party electoral base with innuendo and accusations of a conspiracy to steal the election from the “good people” of Racine County. Because a court would have required the Republicans to provide real proof to back up […] [Capital Times]

DA Won’t File Charges in Alleged Voting Irregularities in Recall Election

No criminal charges will be filed in connection with alleged voting irregularities in the June 5 recall election, the Racine County District Attorney’s Office said Friday. District Attorney Rich Chiapete said his office received four separate complaints and while a complete investigation into the allegations was conducted, the information “did not rise to the level […] [Caledonia Patch]

Calling out the phony outrage of voter fraud in Racine; prove it.

Taking the lead, One Wisconsin Now wants answers, and they want them now. Dragging this thing out in the press gives the advantage to right wing propagandists, muddying the waters around our electoral system, and vilifying voters and poll volunteers, and generally establishing a history of “defending the vote.” [Democurmudgeon]

Wanggaard Will Not File Recall Recount Appeal

The election results from both June 5 recall election in the 21st State Senate District and the subsequent recount will stand as incumbent Republican Van Wanggaard decided Tuesday not to challenge the results that show him losing to Democrat John Lehman by more than 800 votes. “My first call this morning was to leave a […] [Mount Pleasant Patch]

Recount Final Total: Lehman Wins By 819 Votes

Monday, with Democrat John Lehman remaining the victor in the recall race against Republican Van Wanggaard. The final vote total: Lehman 36,358; Wanggaard 35,539, a difference of 819 votes. [Brookfield Patch]

Respect the Integrity of the John Doe Inquiry

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported this week that popular radio personality Charlie Sykes received leaked information about individuals who might be charged in the John Doe investigation of criminal wrongdoing by aides and allies of Gov. Scott Walker. Watchdog groups like One Wisconsin Now are calling on Sykes’ superiors to reprimand him. [Capital Times]

Gov. Walker: No implementing ObamaCare until after elections

Governor Scott Walker says Wisconsin still will not work to implement so-called Obamacare. Republicans in Congress and GOP Presidential candidate Mitt Romney have vowed to repeal the law. The liberal group One Wisconsin Now says Walker and Republicans need to, “stop fighting against consumers.” In a statement, Deputy Director Mike Browne says, “Consumers now have […] [WTAQ]

Reaction pours in over historic court ruling on health care

The U.S. Supreme Court today upheld President Barack Obama’s Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), which is commonly referred to as “Obamacare.” ne Wisconsin Now deputy director Mike Browne said, “One of Gov. Walker’s first acts upon taking office was authorizing the use of taxpayer dollars to sue to repeal Obamacare. Thankfully, the U.S. Supreme […] [Biz Times]

Wisconsin reacts to court ruling on health care reform

One Wisconsin Now Deputy Director Mike Browne: “It’s time for Gov. Walker and legislative Republicans to stop fighting against Wisconsin consumers and work with Democrats to implement health insurance reform.” [WLUK-TV]

Wis. Officials react to health care ruling

Wisconsin political leaders on both sides of the federal health care debate reacted quickly and sharply to the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act, which opponents dub “Obamacare. The liberal group One Wisconsin Now says Walker and Republicans need to, “stop fighting against consumers.” In a statement, Deputy Director Mike Browne says, […] [Janesville Gazette]

RNC funded lawmaker’s request to intervene in voter ID case

The effort to intervene in a voter ID lawsuit that spurred controversy for two state lawmakers was funded by the Republican National Committee. The liberal group One Wisconsin Now has asked the accountability board to investigate the legal work done for the two lawmakers. The board has not said if it is considering any sanctions […] [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]

Rep. Vos entangled in yet another ethics scandal

Rep. Robin Vos is fast developing a reputation as the most scandal-plagued member of the Legislature. Though ethics laws are clear on the fact that it is illegal for legislators to accept gifts of legal services — which can be worth tens of thousands of dollars — Vos engaged private lawyers to represent him in […] [Capital Times]

Voter ID cases unlikely to be decided by election day

A judge is expected to rule next month on a challenge to Wisconsin’s photo ID law. The decision would come weeks before this fall’s primary elections. Yet, as WUWM’s Ann-Elise Henzl reports, it is unlikely the state’s policy will be set in stone, by the time voters go to the polls. Groups have filed four […] [WUWM]

Vos drops out of voter ID lawsuit after conflict of interest suggested

Vos’ withdrawal comes after the state Government Accountability Board said last week that his participation in the suit could be a conflict of interest, Vos said Friday. The lawsuit will move forward without him. Wisconsin’s voter ID law, which Democrats object to but Republicans support, requires voters show a valid photo ID at the polls. […] [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]

Lawmaker Drops Out of Photo ID Lawsuit

State Representative Bob Ziegelbauer (I-Manitowoc) says he’s no longer involved in a lawsuit seeking to preserve Wisconsin’s Voter ID law, following questions about how attorney fees in the case were being paid for. Liberal group One Wisconsin Now has asked the Government Accountability Board to determine if the Manitowoc Independent and Republican state Representative Robin […] [Wisconsin Radio Network]

Vos pulls his name from attempt to intervene in photo ID case

second state lawmaker is pulling his name from an effort to intervene in a lawsuit over the state’s photo ID law. Rep. Robin Vos (R-Rochester), the influential co-chairman of the Legislature’s budget committee, said he was withdrawing his name from a motion filed in the case after questions were raised about whether he was violating […] [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]

Manitowoc Rep. Ziegelbauer Withdraws Voter ID Law Request Amid Complaint

A state lawmaker says he’s no longer trying to intervene in a lawsuit so he could try to preserve Wisconsin’s photo ID law for voting. Independent Bob Ziegelbauer of Manitowoc withdrew his request, after the Government Accountability Board received a complaint about it. The liberal group One Wisconsin Now asked the Board to determine if […] [WTAQ]

Regardless of Recall Outcome, Progressive Policy Push Persists

Milwaukee Ald. Bob Bauman wants to see evidence from Waukesha that effective public transportation for job access is available to Milwaukee residents before Waukesha negotiates about a water sale. You either believe in equal opportunity, and regional actions, or you don’t. One Wisconsin Now is pushing for disclosure about the provision of legal services to Republican lawmakers […] [The Political Environment]