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Those of us engaged in the state government relations business plan our schedules based on odd vs. even numbered years. The first half of any odd numbered year is dominated by the crafting and adoption of the multi-billion dollar two-year state budget. (See Pat Osborne's 2005-2007 Budget Overview for a preview.)
The last half of an even numbered year is dominated by the process of electing those people who make the budget and other critical public policy decisions that affect all our lives. Every four years, of course, we have either a presidential or gubernatorial election that garners the majority of media attention. While other elected offices have a lower profile, the men and women who hold these positions play a major role in shaping the rules and regulations that impact on business, professional and personal decisions.
Tuesday, September 14, was Primary Election Day in Wisconsin. Congratulations to the winners and to all who competed. Most of the focus is on those who were victorious, and deservedly so. We at Hamilton would also like to recognize and express our appreciation to three people who competed and lost but who have served their state and their constituents with distinction for a combined total of 57 years. Thank you, Mickey Lehman. Thank you, Bob Welch. Thank you, Mary Panzer. We wish you all well. (Go to The Hamilton Consulting Group’s Primary Election Update for more information.)
Subsequent to her primary defeat, Senator Panzer announced that she was resigning her position as Senate Majority Leader. Earlier today, the Senate Republicans elected Scott Fitzgerald to replace her. (See related story and profile below.) We also offer our congratulations to Senator Fitzgerald.
We have updated our 2004 Election Overview and will continue to follow and cover significant developments between now and General Election Day on November 2nd.
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Budget Overview for 2005-07
As referenced in our Intro, the primary legislative focus in the first six months of odd numbered years is on the multi-billion dollar two-year (biennial) state budget. The budget bill is introduced by the governor; the Joint Finance Committee holds public hearings around the state and creates its own amended version; and, both houses finally agree on a final, further amended product, which is then signed by the governor with various line item vetoes. This is all the public part. In reality, the development of the budget is an ongoing process involving all state agencies, the budget shop in the Department of Administration, the governor's office and solicited input from others having a stake or interest in the state budget.
Hamilton's Pat Osborne has written a 2005-2007 Budget Overview that takes a look back at the 2003-05 Biennial Budget and a look forward at the 2005-07 Biennial Budget. This review helps us all to understand the challenges that the governor and Legislature face in crafting a balanced budget for the upcoming biennium.
Regulatory Reform (Jobs Creation Act) Article
Bob Fassbender of The Hamilton Consulting Group has teamed up with Attorney Paul Kent in publishing an excellent article, “Changing Wisconsin’s Regulatory Climate,” in the September 2004 issue of Wisconsin Lawyer, the official publication of the State Bar of Wisconsin. The 2003 Jobs Creation Act represents monumental change in Wisconsin’s regulatory process. Substantial change has been made regarding the procedures for developing administrative rules that apply throughout administrative agencies. Additionally, air and water permitting are specifically addressed. The new law will have a significant impact on any business or individual who is subject to government regulation. |
| Wisconsin Politics |
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Primary Elections Over, Candidates Look to November
The September primary elections, held on Tuesday, opened the door for new leadership in the State Senate and guarantees several new faces to the 2005-06 State Legislature. The most significant event on Tuesday was the defeat of Senate Majority Leader Mary Panzer, who was challenged by fellow Republican Rep. Glenn Grothman. Grothman won with an overwhelming 80 percent of the vote. Grothman's challenge to Panzer began with strife over the so-called Taxpayers Bill of Rights or TABOR. Panzer's inability to produce the votes needed in the Senate to pass TABOR prompted Grothman to seek election to the Senate seat. This primary challenge in a heavily Republican district included other non-policy issues that made Panzer vulnerable to a successful Republican challenge that probably would not have succeeded for a Democrat challenger.
Sen. Panzer issued a statement resigning from her post of Majority Leader effective today. Sen. Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) was elected the new Majority Leader by his colleagues.
In another upset, Rep. Mickey Lehman (R-Hartford) was narrowly defeated in his primary race by Don Pridemore. Lehman has served the 99th Assembly District since 1988. TABOR and a local road issue were prominent in the race.
In the Republican primary for U.S. Senate, businessman Tim Michels defeated mega-car dealer Russ Darrow, State Sen. Bob Welch and Attorney Robert Lorge. Michels received 42.5 percent of the vote and will face incumbent Democrat Russ Feingold in November.
Several candidates faced primary challenges where there is no general election opponent insuring several new faces for both houses. On the Senate side, Rep. Luther Olsen (R) won the 14th Senate district and Rep. Lena Taylor (D) won in the 4th Senate district. On the Assembly side, former legislator (Assembly 1961-1972) Fred Kessler (D) won the 12th Assembly district, Tamara Grigsby (D) won the 18th Assembly district, and Joan Ballweg (R) won the 41st Assembly district.
Go to The Hamilton Consulting Group’s Primary Election Update for more information.
Scott Fitzgerald, Senate Majority Leader
Sen Scott L. Fitzgerald is a graduate of Hustisford High School. He received a B.S. in journalism at UW-Oshkosh in1985. Other education included the U.S. Army Armor Officer Basic Course (1985) and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. He is an associate newspaper publisher, and a member of the US Army Reserve (rank of Lt. Colonel). He holds memberships in the Reserve Officers Assn., the Wisconsin Newspaper Association, the 6th Congressional District Executive Committee, and is on the board of directors for Forward Wisconsin, Inc.
Sen. Fitzgerald has served in the Senate since 1995. Committee assignments include: Joint committee for review of Criminal Penalties (Co-Chair); Committee on Education, Ethics and Elections; Committee on Finance; Joint Committee on Finance; Committee on Homeland Security, Veterans and Military Affairs and Government Reform; Committee on Judiciary, Corrections and Privacy. |
| Upcoming Fundraisers |
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Saturday, Sept. 18, 2004
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Sen. Ted Kanavas (R-Brookfield), Brookfield
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US Sen. Russ Feingold (D), Milwaukee
Sunday, Sept. 19, 2004
Monday, Sept. 20
Tuesday, Sept. 21
Monday, Sept. 27
Wednesday, Sept. 29
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CTCW Political Tidbits is a weekly newsletter on Wisconsin political and policy developments prepared for CTCW members by The Hamilton Consulting Group. Employees of CTCW member organizations can subscribe at: http://www.ctcw.org/form-subscribe-tidbits.html.
To unsubscribe, go to: http://www.ctcw.org/form-unsubscribe-tidbits.html.
© 2004 The Hamilton Consulting Group |
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For further information on these initiatives, contact Jim Hough at The Hamilton Consulting Group.
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In the News |
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Feingold asks Michels for six debates: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Sept. 17, 2004.
Midwest challenges outlined: Green Bay Press-Gazette, Sept. 17, 2004.
Employment in state continues to rise: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Sept. 17, 2004.
Union starts Web site to identify firms it says is sending jobs overseas: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Sept. 17, 2004.
Better mercury standards (opinion): Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Sept. 17, 2004.
Hospitals join forces to improve drug safety: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Sept. 17, 2004.
Solve health care crisis: Go play! (opinion): Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune, Sept. 17, 2004.
Michels' margin of victory brings national GOP backing: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Sept. 16, 2004.
Fitzgerald taking over Senate reins: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Sept. 16, 2004.
Some primary leaders face no further challenge: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Sept. 16, 2004.
Olsen replaces Welch in Senate: Baraboo News Republic, Sept. 16, 2004.
New drugs work miracles, but prices out of this world - and climbing: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Sept. 16, 2004.
State banks can keep subsidiaries: Madison Capital Times, Sept. 16, 2004.
Associated Bank to cut 225 local jobs: La Crosse Tribune, Sept. 15, 2004.
Moore poised to be state's first black representative: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Sept. 15, 2004.
Senate race props up lackluster turnout at polls: Appleton Post-Crescent, Sept. 15, 2004.
Drzewiecki wins in GOP Senate race to face Hansen: Green Bay Press-Gazette, Sept. 15, 2004.
Ziegelbauer wins new term: Manitowoc Herald Times, Sept. 15, 2004.
Kamke wins GOP spot in 85th: Wausau Daily Herald, Sept. 15, 2004.
State to tighten driving restrictions in '05: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Sept. 15, 2004.
Laura Bush sings praises of president: Wisconsin State Journal, Sept. 14, 2004.
Elizabeth Edwards on stem-cell tour talks of 'right thing to do': Wisconsin State Journal, Sept. 14, 2004.
Bush popularity surges in state: Appleton Post-Crescent, Sept. 14, 2004.
26 banks settle over back taxes: Madison Capital Times, Sept. 12, 2004. |
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