I'm giving a chanclaso to the insane amount of money in politics. While the national media covered the Wisconsin recall election, very few outlets reported on the vast difference between funds raised. Even though Governor Walker stripped away collective bargaining rights for state employees, restricted access to abortion, weakened sex education for students, and completely divided the state of Wisconsin, his campaign outspent his rival ten to one and raised more than $30 million while his opponent raised $3.9 million. More often than not, money trumps everything in electoral outcomes and Wisconsin elections are no different. Governor Walker ran on putting Wisconsin workers back to work and creating more jobs in the state, but Wisconsin is dead last in job creation. What mattered most: money raised and spent. It's shocking that the race was even as close as it was.
Aplauso
I'm giving an aplauso to Gail Collins for shedding light in her new book, As Texas Goes...: How the Lone Star State Hijacked the American Agenda," on the terrible national political influence Texas has had on the country. I'm from Texas and while I love my home state for its sense of grandeur, our politics are terrible for the state, and most certainly for the country. While most Americans are familiar with the disastrous eight years under President Bush, Texas is also home to the Dick Armeys, Tom Delays, and Joe Bartons of the political world. We love to brag about how great Texas is but until we dramatically reduce the teenage pregnancy rate, become the number one state in college graduates, and have voter turnout over 80% then we will have something to be truly proud of. Thanks Ms. Collins for reminding us that Texas has a lot to accomplish before it sets the national agenda again.
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Wisconsin gained over 33,000 jobs in the past 16 months. We had lost over 150,000 jobs from 2008-2010 under a disasterous Doyle administration that gave us a 3.6 Billion dollar deficit.
Facts:
Wisconsin's unemployment is at 6.7% and falling. It was 7.4% when Walker took office.
Unemployment claims are down
Revenue is up...meaning more jobs
Wisconsin ranks #11 in the U.S. with the largest employee wage increases in 2011.
Wisconsin ranks #19 best states to do business in vs. 41st worst a year ago.
Wisconsin ranks #7 as states with the best prospects for job growth in 2012.
86% of employers in Wisconsin say they will be hiring this year
93% of employers in Wisconsin support the bold, business friendly policies of Walker.
7% of employers in Wisconsin supported the failed policies and leadership (lack of) of Tom Barrett.
Manufacturing, which is the heart and sole of Wisconsin is the fastest growing sector in our state.
Wisconsinites agree...the public union privileges in this state had gotten out of control and stifled business growth in the private sector. Combined reporting and one of the highest corporate tax rates in the nation do not promote or help businesses grow.
Wisconsin is the catalyst and map for how our federal government should work. By November, when the rest of the nation can see just how well Wisconsin is Working...the Obama disaster will finally be over!