Both parties need to stick to the Constitution when conducting business in Washington

UWGOP member Ben Turpin reflects on the debate surrounding the health care bill and the ways the Dems are trying to pass it. Turpin argues that no matter who you are or what party you belong to, the Constitution needs to be abided by. Is reconciliation justified? What about Louise Slaughter's attempts to pass the bill through her work in the House Rules Committee? And do procedural rules need to be revamped?

The article can be found here: http://www.thenewbenturpin.com/

Brett Davis to run for lieutenant governor

Brett Davis, a Republican Assembly member from Oregon, has annouced that he will run for the seat of Lieutenant governor. The article from the Badger Herald describing the announcement can be found here: http://badgerherald.com/news/2010/02/23/new_candidate_joins_.php

The train is coming to Wisconsin...but are these really the right times?

This article was published in the Cardinal last week. Although the money may go to another state if we don't take it, the costs associated with a rail line are much more than just the initial development.

The government needs to do more research before just launching this project. Are people even going to use the line?  Perhaps need to do some statistical evidence before taxing citizens

Additionally, as Walker has noted other times when addressing this issues, cost for a project like this often runs 2 to 3 times higher than they are initially proposed - are these the right economic times for such a proposal? As Walker has pointed out, often times no rail line (or any other form of public transportation) can run without "substantial subsidy for operations." This is reflected in the proposed ticket prices. A $20 to $33 for ticket from Milwaukee to Madison will not cover operations, and will cost the state $7.5 million to run the rail, says the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau. Finally, will the funding for this transportation be siphoned from the already raided transportation fund which services our heavily used roads?

All are important things to think about before we rush into another very costly government funded program. Please comment if you wish.

The Cardinal article: http://www.dailycardinal.com/news/republicans-say-rail-line-may-cost-taxpayers-in-future-1.1159954

Walker Speaks at Capitol - Dems scoff at his calls for tax breaks

Scott Walker was at it again yesterday, touting job creation and tax breaks for businesses and families as he attempts to capture the electorate this fall when voters go to the polls. Walker is the current Milwaukee County Executive running for Governor.

It surprised me that Assembly Floor Leader Tom Nelson, D-Kaukauna was quoted in the Daily Cardinal as disagreeing with Walker, saying the more regulation on businesses would be more favorable for state economic growth. He says it's a step back on "important progressive changes the Legislature has made this year." Progressive to regulate and tax businesses? It hasn't worked too well thus far...

The Daily Cardinal article can be found here:
http://www.dailycardinal.com/news/walker-outlines-platform-on-job-growth-taxes-1.1087776

Wis. man sues after arrest for openly carrying gun

An interesting article published in the La Crosse Tribune related to the second amendment.
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Health care bill is horrific but there is still HOPE

Both of these bills amount to a disaster of epic proportions for this country. CBO numbers based on unbelievably dubious assumptions (and simply the fact that these numbers are being based on more years of taxing than years of benefits that correspond to those taxes) aside, this bill is going to result in crushing new taxes. There is no way around that. A disproportionate amount of that burden will fall on the shoulders of the rich, who can apparently never be punished enough for the audacity they've displayed in having been successful in life, but if you think the rapidly disappearing middle class will not feel this, I've got a bridge (not to nowhere, I'll leave that one alone for today) I'd like to sell you. That's not to speak of the inevitable problems that will come from government management of yet another formerly (at least partially) private sector or the massive expansion of government (meaning more bureaucracy and more spending by an entity that produces NOTHING other than the "service" of wealth redistribution) that is involved. At this point, there's nothing that can be done about any of that. The necessary votes to kill the Republican filibuster have been bought and paid for (by the taxpayers of this country) and obviously, some version of this bill is going to become law. The only hope there is that some of the worst provisions will end up being removed during the joint resolution process.

However, there are several positives to find hope in. Alabama Representative Parker Griffith has deserted his party, citing among other things the Democrats' undying desire to spend massive amounts of money this country does not have. The passage of the health care bills was the last straw for him. There are is also talk of Republicans working to win over other Democrats. This is to say nothing of the bludgeoning incumbent Democrats, particularly those in traditionally red states, are likely to take in the 2010 elections which are right around the corner. The Democratic majority seems to have chosen health care as its one punch. They have accomplished surprisingly little of their agenda in the time they've had so far. They will barely manage to sneak this monstrosity through the legislative process in the end and we are already seeing some of the consequences. So called "moderate Democrats" are going to have a very difficult time presenting that image at any point in the future after having voted for this. Who knows? Obama should have an easy win in 2012 but his complete disregard for some of his campaign promises ("you'll get to watch the health care negotiations on CSPAN and everyone will have a voice" quickly turned into back room negotiations the majority of Congress knew nothing about, for instance) may change that. The main point is this: as awful as this health care situation is, it may well end up being the worst we see from this extreme left White House administration and the likewise leaning, near super majority Congress. 2010 and 2012: now that's change I can believe in!

Holiday Party is approaching...Please RSVP!

The University of Wisconsin – Madison College Republicans will be having a holiday party this Friday, December 4th at 8:30pm. The event will be held at Brocach Irish Pub, located at 7 West Main Street, near the capitol building.

The event will feature many special guests and speakers, including Representative and lieutenant governor candidate Brett Davis. Additionally, congressional candidates Chad Lee and Terrence Wall will be in attendance.

Attorney General JB Van Hollen will be the keynote speaker at the event.

The CRs are asking that non-dues paying members play $10 at the door, and a suggested $10 donation is also asked for any general member of the public that wishes to attend. Those who have paid dues will be allowed to attend for free. Free food will be available, and a cash bar will be open. Please RSVP via our Facebook event or by contacting the Chair at wisconsincrs@gmail.com.

ANYONE IS INVITED TO ATTEND