Wisconsin

Is there more to Gilkes's resignation? Maybe, but maybe not, too

September 30, 2011 by Uppity Wisconsin

Keith Gilkes is leaving his post as the governor's chief of staff to return to his own political consulting business.

Is there more to it, like preparing for a John Doe investigation instead of a recall?  Maybe. Some of my friends certainly think so.  And they may be right.  A lot of Walker staffers are already knee-deep in it.

But I did the same thing as Gilkes, returning to my own consulting business after a two-year break as chief of staff to Mayor John Norquist.  "I don't do government, I do politics," I used to say, usually being careful to attribute the line to the late, legendary Dem consultant Paul Tully.

Gilkes' Facebook page offers a clue as to why he might be leaving, under employment:

Quote, unquote

September 30, 2011 by Uppity Wisconsin

"If I had a nickel for every person that said to me, you know, Mark, we told you to run for Senate before, glad you’re running for Senate now, or we like both you and Scott, we’re glad you’re running because we wanted to vote for both of you, I wouldn’t have to go out and fundraise for my campaign."- Mark Neumann.

Let's do the math. Ron Johnson spent $10 million last year on his Senate race. So Neumann, at a nickel apiece, must have talked to 200 million people who want him to run. If that's the case, he definitely should.

'Shoot First' law next on extremist agenda for Wild West Wisconsin

September 28, 2011 by Uppity Wisconsin

Concealed carry. Check.

Let's see, what's next on the extremist agenda?

Ah, yes, the Castle Doctrine, or what some prefer to call the Shoot First bill. And ask questions later, if there is anyone alive to ask.

The Wisconsin "castle doctrine" bill is scheduled to get a vote this week in an Assembly committee, including some amendments to broaden its scope.

WisPolitics.com reports: