The new 43rd Assembly District covers parts of four counties – Rock, Jefferson, Walworth, and Dane. The district stretches from Whitewater and Cold Spring in the east to the Town of Rutland and near Oregon in the west; south to Milton and Edgerton and around the City of Janesville. A description of the district or…

A few thoughts on the New 43rd’s results: 1. A Big Margin. Historically, the Old 43rd saw close races between Republicans and Democrats. No more: this was a 58-42% contest between the winning Democrat Andy Jorgensen and defeated Republican Evan Wynn. How’s that stack up against past races? Andy Jorgensen won the New 43rd with…

Over a hundred people attended a debate at Hyland Hall between Reps. Andy Jorgensen and Evan Wynn in the 43rd Assembly race. The Whitewater-Area League of Women Voters and UW-Whitewater Student Government co-sponsored the forum. Two candidates, two lecterns, brief candidate biographies, opening and closing statements, with over a dozen questions for both candidates in…

Wisconsin has thousands of laws, for all manner of restrictions, prohibitions, requirements, limitations, bans, etc. Considering this foundation, there are two ways to look at adding new laws. Some people will say that more laws are needed to shape and mold conduct in the right direction, to guide society to a better way of thinking…

No American ever became popular defending Chinese manufacturing. But purchases of less-expensive foreign goods free comsumers and communities to invest and spend on higher-end American products. That’s why I’m opposed to Rep. Jorgensen’s proposal to limit Wisconsin communities’ purchases of infrastructure goods produced in China (or anywhere else). Protectionism is the wrong direction for the…

Wisconsin discussed, debated, protested for or against, and saw legislative & gubernatorial recall elections over Gov. Walker’s collective bargaining changes. It was, in fact, a national and international story. These changes were easily the biggest political issue for Wisconsin in a generation – with protests and recall elections unprecedented in our history. How odd, then, that of the two candidates running for…

Most legislators send newsletters, at taxpayers’ expense, to constituents. Although I know that some residents don’t have computer access, it’s still a lot of paper, sent to a lot of homes. Many of these so-named newsletters are no more than thinly-disguised campaign flyers. Republicans, Democrats, the few independents who might be in a state legislature somewhere:…

Every election brings flyer after flyer in the mail, tree after tree chopped down in the hope that at least a few voters will change their minds, or go to the polls despite earlier plans otherwise. Most people are clear in their convictions, and would vote for or against a candidate without a single scrap…