State Senate Will Not Vote on Bad Campaign Finance Measure Nobody Outside of the Capitol Supported/More

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Common Cause in Wisconsin Reform Update
Monday - December 30, 2013




CONTACT:
Jay Heck – 608/256-2686





1. Year Ends on a Positive Note as Fitzgerald Says Assembly Bill 225 Lacks Sufficient Support
2. Support for Redistricting Reform in Wisconsin Beyond All Expectations
3. Wisconsin's Voter Photo ID Law Likely to Take Another Hit in Federal Court in Early 2014

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1. It is always nice to end the year on a positive note -- and one of them was provided by State Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) last Friday when he said that one of the bills that the State Senate would not be considering in 2014, before the 2013-2014 legislative session ends in March, is Assembly Bill 225. This is the campaign finance and election measure that nobody outside of the State Capitol building asked for, wanted or supported. It would double current campaign contribution limits for legislative and statewide candidates and, even more alarmingly, double the amount of special interest political action committee money (from $150,000 to $300,000) that the legislative campaign committees controlled by the legislative leadership could collect every two years. Fitzgerald said there wasn't "sufficient support" in the State Senate to pass Assembly Bill 225 -- which is correct. We count at least 20 votes against AB 225 in the 33-member State Senate. So Fitzgerald wisely opted to pass rather than lose on this one.

Thank you to all of the CC/WI members and other citizens who wrote or called your State Senators opposing AB 225. This victory is yours. Celebrate it!

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2. At the beginning of 2013, redistricting reform was an issue that few citizens, other than hard-core political junkies, even knew about, let alone cared about. Now, as we enter 2014, the issue is huge and it is certainly the most prominent political reform issue in Wisconsin today. With the support of 15 Wisconsin daily newspapers, dozens of legislators and tens of thousands of Wisconsin citizens, it is an issue that will not only not go away, but it will also be an election campaign issue in 2014 that every state legislative and statewide candidate running for office this year will have to address.

And the question is simple: Which side are you on? Do you favor non-partisan redistricting reform (Senate Bill 163 and Assembly Bill 185) that will cost Wisconsin taxpayers much less and result in more common sense district boundaries and competitive elections? Or, do you support the current corrupted status quo in which hyper-partisan districts are drawn by the direction and control of legislative leaders in total secret, complete with signed oaths to keep quiet, and without public input, and which cost Wisconsin taxpayers millions of dollars to pay costly, partisan lawyers to wipe out competition in most state legislative and all congressional elections in Wisconsin?

As an election issue in 2014 -- this one is a winner. And it could be a killer for some who oppose reform.

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3. Until North Carolina enacted its own photo voter ID law in 2013, Wisconsin's 2011 law, Act 23, was the most extreme and restrictive photo voter ID law in the nation. It was so extreme that it was blocked by several state and federal courts in Wisconsin and has never been in place, other than for a Spring Primary election in 2012. Two of the lawsuits on this matter were heard in Federal Court in Milwaukee recently and a decision on them is expected in early 2014. CC/WI filed an amicus brief in one of those cases against Act 23.

We are cautiously optimistic that the decision will come down in favor of getting rid of Act 23. The integrity of voting in Wisconsin has never been proven to be anything other than stellar and among the highest level of integrity in the nation. That's how Wisconsinites are. Charges of widespread fraud, or even anything other than a couple of isolated incidents of a person voting who didn't realize they were unable to, are totally without foundation. Investigations of suspected fraud undertake by Attorney General JB Van Hollen and others after the 2004, 2008 and other elections have come up with nothing. There is no voter fraud in Wisconsin. Period. Exclamation Mark. End of Story.

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We recently sent around our year-end appeal. We almost never do anything like this, so please take a look at it and consider whether CC/WI is worthy of your support. We hope you will conclude that we are.

We wish you all our best for a Happy New Year and a 2014 filled with hope, kindness and and a healthy dose of political reform!




Jay Heck, Executive Director
Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 W. Johnson St., Suite 212
Madison, WI  53703
608/256-2686

Want Good Government?
Join Common Cause in Wisconsin!
www.CommonCauseWisconsin.org

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Taking Political Reform into 2014 and the Upcoming Elections!

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Dear Friend of Reform,

Against the odds, 2013 has been a positive year and one in which we moved forward on much-needed political reform in Wisconsin. CC/WI led the effort to make non-partisan redistricting reform a huge issue that has steadily gained support and momentum over the last year and is still gathering steam! Fifteen daily newspapers, dozens of legislators and tens of thousands of citizens are increasingly clamoring for an end to hyper-partisan gerrymandering and demanding a public hearing on this matter. We have been relentless in pushing this ahead!

CC/WI also fought last Summer to successfully revise a bad campaign finance and election bill in the Wisconsin Assembly and make it better -- although not good enough to win our -- or your support. We will take that fight into 2014 when and if the State Senate takes up the legislation. But -- good news -- on December 27th, State Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald said he would likely not bring this legislation to the floor of the State Senate for consideration because it lacks sufficient support.

CC/WI also led the effort to get a bipartisan electioneering disclosure measure introduced in the Legislature so that Wisconsin citizens can know what outside special interest groups are trying to influence their votes.

And we are a party to a lawsuit against Wisconsin's extreme and overly-restrictive photo voter ID law that was recently heard in Federal Court in Milwaukee and will be decided in early 2014.

At this time of year we want to say "thank you" to you for your efforts to assist us and to advance these reforms. We also hope that you will end 2013 by making a year-end contribution to Common Cause in Wisconsin so that we can continue to remain on the offensive in the New Year.

We intend to make support for non-partisan redistricting reform, electioneering disclosure and other reforms important election-year issues that candidates for public office in Wisconsin must address.

But we need your help to take our battle to this next, higher level.

Please go here to print out a contribution form and mail your check or credit card payment to:

Common Cause in Wisconsin
P.O. Box 2597
Madison, WI 53701-2597

Thank you -- and Best Wishes for a Happy and Healthy 2014!

Jay Heck, State Director
Sandra Miller, Director of Information Services and Outreach
and the CC/WI State Governing Board

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Seriously Flawed Campaign Finance Measure to Get a Hearing Wednesday/Monday's Appleton Redistricting Reform Hearing

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Common Cause in Wisconsin Reform Update
Wednesday - December 18, 2013

CONTACT:

Jay Heck – 608/256-2686







1. Bill to Raise Contribution Limits that No Citizen Wants
2. "Alternative" Public Hearing on Redistricting Reform Draws a Crowd in Appleton Despite Snowstorm

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1. A campaign finance measure that no citizen of Wisconsin (outside of the Capitol or special-interest lobbying corps) has asked for or supports, will be the subject of a public hearing today in the Capitol.

Assembly Bill 225 passed in the State Assembly last June on a voice vote. Common Cause in Wisconsin led the fight to force drastic changes to the legislation when it was first introduced at the end of May. But while the final version was a vast improvement over its original form, we did not then, and cannot now support it because the downside to the legislation far outweighs the little good that it contained.

Adding online voter registration was unquestionably positive. Other states have had this for some time, and it is time Wisconsin enters the twenty first century with, at the very least, this voter technology. But the doubling of campaign contributions is a big mistake -- like pouring gasoline on a fire in a system that is already awash in incomprehensible amounts of special interest and secret money. Doubling the contribution limits for Assembly candidates from $500 to $1,000 and for State Senate candidates from $1,000 to $2,000 is bad enough -- but doubling the limit for statewide candidates from $10,000 to $20,000 is intolerable. Anyone who suggests that an individual making a $20,000 campaign contribution to a candidate for public office in Wisconsin will not be "remembered" and that candidate will not be "beholden to" the contributor in some way is either naive or dishonest. It's no different than a child remembering which Aunt sent him or her a birthday card with a crisp $20 bill and which Aunt just sent a card. It's human nature.

Worse than even that provision in AB 225, is the one which doubles the amount of special interest political action committee (PAC) money that can be collected by the four legislative campaign committees -- which are controlled by the four legislative leaders in the Capitol: the Assembly Speaker and Minority Leader and the State Senate Majority Leader and the State Senate Minority Leader. The last thing Wisconsin needs is more political power and money concentrated in the hands of the legislative leadership in the Capitol. As we warned last June, that is a prescription for political disaster and another scandal.

We urge you to contact your State Senator and tell her or him that you oppose Assembly Bill 225 in its current form. If you are not sure who your State Senator is, go here.

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2. In contrast to AB 225 -- which has no public support whatsoever, but still gets a public hearing -- redistricting reform legislation (Assembly Bill 185 and Senate Bill 163) has the support of tens of thousands of Wisconsin citizens as well as that of 15 Wisconsin daily newspapers, CC/WI and the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin. Seven and a half months after it was introduced and after hundreds of requests to hold a simple public hearing on the legislation, State Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (D-Rochester) still refuse to sanction even airing the issue. This cannot be helping their public image.

Instead, they have their proxies issue immature, petulant and factually-challenged press releases like this one Monday, from State Representative Tyler August (R-Lake Geneva), who has obviously never even read the redistricting reform legislation he so vehemently opposes. Both on the floor of the Assembly in mid-November and yesterday in his release, August states: "I do not support putting that responsibility [for drawing the boundaries of state legislative and congressional districts] into the hands of an unelected, unaccountable board."

What?

Nowhere does AB 185 and SB 163 give any district drawing responsibilities to any "unelected board" whatsoever. That task goes to the non-partisan Legislative Reference Bureau and must be approved by an up or down vote of both houses of the Legislature. One would think, at the very least, opponents would know what they are against.

Despite all that drama, an "alternative" public hearing on redistricting reform was held in the Appleton Public Library on Monday evening and about 60 citizens braved a snowstorm to engage in the discussion. State Senator Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay) and State Representatives Penny Bernard Schaber (D-Appleton), Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh) and Eric Genrich (D-Green Bay) received testimony from many in the audience including Common Cause in Wisconsin State Governing Board members Cal Potter of Sheboygan Falls, Roger Utnehmer of Sturgeon Bay and CC/WI State Director Jay Heck. The League of Women Voters of Appleton also spoke in favor of the reform as did many other citizens from the Appleton area. No one spoke against redistricting reform. Again, no one outside the Capitol seems to think it's anything but an excellent reform that needs to be instituted in Wisconsin.

Invited to participate in the hearing were State Senators Mike Ellis (R-Neenah) and Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin), who chairs the State Senate Committee with jurisdiction over Senate Bill 163. Also invited were State Representatives Dean Kaufert (R-Neenah) David Murphy (R-Greenville) and Chad Weininger (R-Green Bay), who is the new Chair of the Assembly Committee with jurisdiction over redistricting reform legislation, replacing Tyler August. Let's hope Weininger has at least read AB 185 before condemning it for something that is not contained in the legislation, as August repeatedly did.

In any event, none of the Republican legislators attended the hearing on non-partisan redistricting reform. But we will keep trying -- because this, afterall, is not an issue that is or should be partisan.

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Jay Heck, Executive Director
Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 W. Johnson St., Suite 212
Madison, WI  53703
608/256-2686

Want Good Government?
Join Common Cause in Wisconsin!
www.CommonCauseWisconsin.org

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"Alternative" Public Hearing on Redistricting Reform in Appleton This Monday

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Press Release

December 12, 2013

CONTACT:

Jay Heck – 608/256-2686

"Alternative" Public Hearing on Redistricting Reform



Monday, December 16th in Appleton

Legislators of Both Political Parties Invited to Attend and Participate

Today, the Assembly Committee on State Affairs and Government Operations is holding a public hearing on some insignificant issues that no one, aside from the few people affected by the legislation, cares about or that matters one iota. Maybe cosmetologists, dry cleaners, land surveyors and dentists. But no one else. Seriously.

Meanwhile, that committee continues to ignore -- at the direction of Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) -- scheduling a simple public hearing on redistricting reform legislation -- an issue that thousands of Wisconsinites, almost every daily newspaper in Wisconsin, and numerous legislators of both political parties support or, at least, support holding a public hearing on the matter. Earlier this week, the Wisconsin State Journal captured this irony, perfectly.

No one is begging -- and certainly not expecting Vos or State Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) to support redistricting reform. They should, but neither is clearly yet of that caliber of Wisconsin elected leader that will be remembered for doing something great and significant for all of the citizens of Wisconsin and make history. Their agendas have been too narrowly partisan thus far. But that could change. We hope it will.

But in the meantime, if no public hearings on redistricting reform legislation -- Senate Bill 163 and Assembly Bill 185 -- is forthcoming from the majority party, Common Cause in Wisconsin thought that "alternative" public hearings on this issue would be a good idea. Because every day, more and more Wisconsinites are supporting this common sense, basic reform that is the key to ending much of the polarized, poisonous political cesspool that has become the norm in Wisconsin. And those citizens are not about to "settle" for accepting the fact that the current legislative leadership apparently fears even "allowing" a public hearing on the issue. At the end of October, we had almost 300 citizens attend a public forum in Stevens Point that concentrated primarily (but not exclusively) on redistricting reform.

Therefore we are delighted that State Senator Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay), State Representative Penny Bernard Schaber (D-Appleton), and other legislators have organized this "alternative" public hearing on non-partisan redistricting reform this Monday in Appleton -- in the middle of the Fox Valley -- and therefore close enough for citizens from Green Bay, Oshkosh, Neenah, Menasha, Fond du Lac and other communities to easily get to -- provided the weather cooperates.

Fox Valley legislators of both political parties have been invited to participate and we hope all -- or at least many -- will be there. This is a hearing about non-partisan legislation that is critical to repairing the current, nasty polarization that plagues Wisconsin's state government and politics. It ought to be supported by everyone who wants state government to work for all of the citizens of Wisconsin -- not just for the hyper-partisan few on the fringes.

We urge you to get to Appleton on Monday and make your voice heard! Here are the details:

WHEN: Monday Evening, December 16, 2013, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

WHERE: Appleton Public Library (Meeting Room C) - 225 N Oneida St, Appleton, WI

We hope to see you there. Your voice and support are critical.

__________________________________________


Jay Heck, Executive Director
Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 W. Johnson St., Suite 212
Madison, WI 53703

608/256-2686

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Put Advisory Referendum Question on Redistricting Reform on November 2014 Ballot

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Common Cause in Wisconsin Reform Update
Wednesday - December 4, 2013

CONTACT:

Jay Heck – 608/256-2686







1. Joint Resolution Introduced to Put Non-Partisan Redistricting Before Voters
2. Many Less Competitive State Legislative and Congressional Elections in 2012 than in 2010 because of 2011 Gerrymandering
3. Scott Walker and the "Heart if Darkness" Criminal Investigation of Wisconsin Recall Money

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1. On Tuesday, State Representative Dana Wachs (D - Eau Claire) and a group of other Assembly first term members introduced a joint resolution calling for an advisory referendum on the question of whether the Wisconsin Legislature should adopt a nonpartisan system for redistricting of legislative and congressional districts in the state (beginning in 2021). The referendum would be held on the date of the November, 2014 general election. Common Cause in Wisconsin was on hand at the press conference to show our support for this initiative. We have no doubt that it would be supported overwhelmingly by the voters of Wisconsin were it to be on the ballot next year. The question is whether the arrogant legislative leadership will even allow a public hearing on this measure, or, will they block that from occurring as they have public hearings on redistricting reform legislation -- Assembly Bill 185 and Senate Bill 163?

We won't let up on pushing for this newest measure as we have not on AB 185/SB 163. Neither,hopefully, will the 15 daily newspapers in Wisconsin that support non-partisan redistricting reform legislation and public hearings on the measures. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) and State Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) can continue to run, but they cannot hide.

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2. CC/WI recently analyzed and compared the number of "competitive" general elections in the State Legislature and in Wisconsin Congressional Districts that occurred in 2012 -- after gerrymandering -- with elections in 2010, before the most partisan, expensive and secretive redistricting process in Wisconsin's history occurred in 2011. Our release was just updated and demonstrates why this is a much bigger issue now, than it was before the 2011 redistricting process, as well as just how few legislative districts offer voters a real choice in general elections and how now, not a single congressional district does.

It's very sad and it ought to outrage every voter -- regardless of political persuasion -- in Wisconsin.

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3. Supporters of Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker have decided that they should attack the latest "John Doe" investigation into possible illegal coordination between Walker's campaign and outside special interest groups, and of the secret, undisclosed money that aided Walker's ability to prevail during the 2012 recall election. Some Walker backers are calling this latest investigation a partisan "witch hunt" and have even tried to make the case that it is somehow an attack on "free speech" and political expression. They are sadly mistaken, misguided and apparently desperate. That's just not how John Doe investigations work. A recent and excellent article by Mary Bottari of the Center for Media and Democracy, in which CC/WI is cited, provides an excellent explanation of what is going on.

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Jay Heck, Executive Director
Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 W. Johnson St., Suite 212
Madison, WI  53703
608/256-2686

Want Good Government?
Join Common Cause in Wisconsin!
www.CommonCauseWisconsin.org

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In the News - December 2013

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Campaign finance bill stalls in Senate
December 30, 2013 - Bob Hague, Wisconsin Radio Network
Beat was busy in 2013
December 30, 2013 - Bill Lueders, Sheboygan Press
Senate won't act on increased campaign limits
December 30, 2013 - WHBY 1150 AM, Fox Cities
2013 was a busy year on the Wisconsin politics scene
December 28, 2013 - Bill Lueders, Appleton Post Crescent
Bill Lueders: Politics & money beat was busy in 2013
December 28, 2013 - Green Bay Press Gazette
Bill Lueders: Beat was busy in 2013
December 27, 2013 - LaCrosse Tribune
Northeast Wisconsin Democrats call for non-partisan voter boundaries
December 17, 2013 - Nick Penzenstadler, Appleton Post-Crescent
Democrats call for referendum on redistricting
December 5, 2013 - Aaron Drews, The Badger Herald
Inner workings of influential pro-business group ALEC revealed
December 5, 2013 - Dee J. Hall and Matthew Defouri, Wisconsin State Journal
Democrats Call For Redistricting Referendum On November 2014 Ballot
December 5, 2013 - Rick Jensen, Door County Daily News
The Legislature’s unfinished business
December 3, 2013 - Bill Lueders, WisconsinWatch.org

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CC/WI Analysis Shows More Competitive Legislative Elections Before the 2011 Gerrymander

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Common Cause in Wisconsin Reform Update
Thursday November 21, 2013

CONTACT:

Jay Heck – 608/256-2686







1. CC/WI Analysis Shows More Competitive Legislative Elections Before the 2011 Gerrymander
2. Wisconsin Citizens Continue to Clamor for Redistricting Reform Hearings
3. Unfolding Investigation of Walker Campaign and Outside Groups During Recall Election Underscores Need for Electioneering Disclosure Law

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1. One of the primary reasons redistricting reform is needed in Wisconsin is because of the secretive, hyper-partisan and expensive (to Wisconsin taxpayers) 2011 redistricting process that produced fewer competitive state legislative elections in which Wisconsin voters have a real choice in general elections and thereby now have to endure a far more unresponsive and arrogant Legislature.

CC/WI compared the number of competitive State Assembly and State Senate elections in 2010 -- before gerrymandering -- with the 2012 elections. (We define "competitive" as general elections decided by 10 percentage points or less -- so no election with a greater spread than 55 percent to 45 percent).

In 2010, there were 21 Assembly general elections that fell in the "competitive" category. Those occurred in Assembly Districts: 15, 20, 26, 37, 42, 43, 44, 45, 51, 57, 62, 68, 70, 72, 74, 75, 80, 85, 88, 93, and 94.

In 2012, the number of "competitive" Assembly general elections fell by about 30 percent from 2010 to just 15. Those Assembly districts were: 1, 26, 37, 49, 50, 51, 62, 67, 68, 70, 72, 75, 85, 88, and 93.

The fall off in the number of "competitive" State Senate general elections was even more dramatic. In 2010, there were six "competitive" general elections that occurred in State Senate Districts: 5, 21, 23, 25, 29, and 31. In 2012, after gerrymandering, the number of "competitive" State Senate general elections fell to just two. Those happened in State Senate Districts 18 and 30. Note in the map of State Senate districts in the 2012 elections (to the right) the contorted shape of many of the districts. This is classic, partisan gerrymandering

Opponents of redistricting reform continually and inaccurately complain that reforming this process didn't happen prior to the 2010 elections so why is there so much noise about doing it now? The answer is simple, obvious, and straightforward: There are many fewer competitive general elections in Wisconsin now as a result of the 2011 gerrymandering. That, and the fact that the process is now intolerably hyper-partisan, secretive and a massive rip-off of Wisconsin taxpayer money.

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2. A recent article by Bill Lueders of the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism shows that numerous citizens have contacted Republican state legislative leaders and the chairs of committees with jurisdiction over redistricting reform legislation demanding public hearings. Many others have written to newspapers supporting hearings, and the number of citizens opposing either redistricting reform or public hearings is negligible. Instead of abating, the demand for action on this reform is rising. Common Cause in Wisconsin and the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin have been relentless in calling public attention to the need for redistricting reform and for public hearings -- and we are not about to stop now. Neither are most of Wisconsin's daily newspapers, like the Wisconsin State Journal, which yesterday editorialized: Earth to GOP: Hold a hearing now.

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3. The continuing, unfolding revelations in yet another secret "John Doe" investigation of possible illegal campaign activities by Governor Scott Walker's campaign and outside special interest groups supporting his re-election during the 2012 recall election is about many things. But central to it is the vast and increasing amount of secret and undisclosed money that flowed in that election and which continues to pollute and undermine the integrity of Wisconsin's statewide and legislative elections.

The Governor and Legislature could act tomorrow (or even today) to disclose much of this secret money by calling up and acting on bipartisan electioneering disclosure legislation, Senate Bill 166, which was introduced last April by State Senators Mike Ellis (R-Neenah), Jon Erpenbach (D-Middleton) and State Representative Dean Kaufert (R-Neenah), with consultation and the strong support of CC/WI. Enactment into law of this critical measure would go a long way toward eliminating much of the mystery, and therefore the possibilities for illegal wrongdoing, that the latest criminal investigation is digging up. Just as important, Wisconsin citizens deserve to have the same right that citizens in many other states (including Illinois) currently have in knowing who is trying to influence their vote at election time. Secret money in politics very often leads to wrongdoing and scandal. Senate Bill 166 would help reduce much of this secretiveness.

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Jay Heck, Executive Director
Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 W. Johnson St., Suite 212
Madison, WI  53703
608/256-2686

Want Good Government?
Join Common Cause in Wisconsin!
www.CommonCauseWisconsin.org

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Take Action TODAY: Support Redistricting Reform Legislation/Oppose New Restrictions on Voting

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Press Release

November 14, 2013

Today: Support Redistricting Reform Legislation/
Oppose New Restrictions on Voting

Today, Thursday, is (mercifully) the last floor session day for the Wisconsin Assembly in 2013. There is a lot jammed onto the calendar, and the session will likely not end until Friday morning, if then. This is a horrible way to do what is supposed to be the business of the citizens of Wisconsin, but that message never seems to resonate with those who wield the gavels of power.

First, the good news: Assembly Democrats will attempt a "pulling" motion to bring the non-partisan redistricting reform legislation, Assembly Bill 185 -- that Common Cause in Wisconsin has been relentlessly advocating for without pause since the beginning of this year -- to the floor of the Assembly today (tonight or tomorrow) for a vote. The "pulling" motion is necessary because the Assembly Republican leadership has obstinately and arrogantly refused to even schedule a public hearing on the measure -- despite unprecedented support for AB 185 (and its counterpart, Senate Bill 163) from citizens and from nearly all of Wisconsin's daily newspaper editorial boards.

So, on this last floor session day of 2013, the pulling motion will be tantamount to a vote for support for redistricting reform or against it.

Now, the bad news. As we reported to you earlier this week, the Assembly will also vote on a "new" voter photo ID law -- Assembly Bill 493 -- that Wisconsin does not need and which is a blatantly partisan attempt to make it more difficult for certain segments of Wisconsin voters whom Republicans suspect of being more likely to vote Democratic, to be able to vote at all. Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) wisely delayed consideration of any such measure until next year -- and after the current trial of Act 23, that is now occurring in Federal Court in Milwaukee is completed.

Common Cause in Wisconsin opposes Assembly Bill 493.

Also on the Assembly calendar schedule for today is another ill-conceived, ill-advised and absolutely unnecessary measure that greatly shortens the time that Wisconsin voters will be able to cast "in-person" absentee ballots prior to election day. Assembly Bill 54 was designed for one purpose and one purpose only -- to provide fewer opportunities for voters who live in Wisconsin's most populous counties and who might tend to vote more for Democrats than Republicans (particularly Milwaukee and Dane Counties), to cast a ballot at all before or on election day. There is no call by election clerks for this legislation or any call by voters for it. It is designed exclusively to advantage Republicans running for office and disadvantage Democrats.

Common Cause in Wisconsin opposes Assembly Bill 54.

Now we need you, the citizens of Wisconsin, to weigh in today!

Please contact your State Representative and urge them to support the pulling motion for Assembly Bill 185 and to vote against Assembly Bill 493 and Assembly Bill 54.

If you are not sure who your State Representative is, go here.

Thanks for actively supporting good government in Wisconsin.

__________________________________________


Jay Heck, Executive Director
Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 W. Johnson St., Suite 212
Madison, WI 53703

608/256-2686

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Photo Voter ID Legislation Still Too Restrictive/Partisan Redistricting Costs Taxpayers Big Bucks

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Common Cause in Wisconsin Reform Update
Wednesday November 13, 2013

1. New GOP Voter Photo ID Measure Is a Loser
2. Gerrymandering Costs you Plenty While Six Months Have Elapsed Without Public Hearings

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1. In a time span of less than two weeks, Assembly Republicans have introduced, rushed through committee and scheduled for a vote (on Thursday), a revised photo ID measure -- Assembly Bill 493 -- on the last day of floor action in the Assembly in 2013. Why? Because they realize the photo voter ID law they passed and had enacted into law in 2011, Act 23, is very likely unconstitutional and will never be in effect in Wisconsin because it is far too extreme and restrictive. That matter is being litigated right now in federal court in Milwaukee. So the GOP wants to pass AB 493 -- a completely partisan Republican measure -- to appease their base before going home until January. The Republican-controlled State Senate wisely went home Tuesday without considering any new photo voter ID measure because they say they want to see what happens with Act 23 first.

Assembly Republicans (and only Republicans) have crafted a slightly different version of Act 23 which contains a couple of exceptions to having to produce one of the very narrow array of proscribed photo identification forms. AB 493 allows for the ability to sign an affidavit in lieu of producing specific forms of ID at the polls, but only if the voter swears that they are too poor to be able to afford any costs associated with getting documents needed to get an ID, something they know many people would be reluctant and even resistant to doing. Why? Because it is demeaning and insulting for almost any person to go before someone in public and have to sign a statement saying they are indigent. And the Republicans know that.

If they are the least bit serious and sincere about providing a legitimate affidavit option to voters without the proscribed photo ID, then they would have provided for an unconditional affidavit such as Michigan does with their Photo ID Law -- which says that if you do not have the proscribed form of photo identification in order to vote, you can simply sign the affidavit that says you don't and your vote is counted like all other votes, not "marked" or labeled and set aside such as AB 493 stipulates it must be.

Assembly Republicans don't say it, but what they are really seeking is permanent partisan advantage. That's why they insist on enacting into law one of the most restrictive and extreme photo voter ID laws in the nation -- more extreme than in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, or South Carolina -- states with a long history of denying many citizens the vote. Those deep south states allow more forms of ID to be be used to vote than AB 493 or Act 23 does.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel got it exactly right Tuesday when they editorialized against this latest partisan attempt to restrict voting, and asked when are the public hearings on Senate Bill 163/Assembly Bill 185 --- non-partisan redistricting reform legislation.

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2. In the aftermath of the Common Cause in Wisconsin Reform Forum in Stevens Point on October 28th, which saw between 250 and 300 citizens attend, there is further renewed interest and momentum behind redistricting reform which we -- and most of Wisconsin's major newspapers -- have been pushing relentlessly for the last six months, and particularly since August. One of the most aggressive advocates for non-partisan redistricting reform has been the Beloit Daily News and their most recent editorial on the subject deals with how Wisconsin taxpayers are being ripped off under the current system of partisan gerrymandering. Read it and get mad and demand that your State Senator and your State Representative make non-partisan redistricting reform a priority and that public hearings be held now.

To contact your state legislators, go here. If you are not sure who they are, go here.

Stay tuned for exciting news about redistricting reform public hearings!

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Jay Heck, Executive Director
Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 W. Johnson St., Suite 212
Madison, WI  53703
608/256-2686

Want Good Government?
Join Common Cause in Wisconsin!
www.CommonCauseWisconsin.org

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Public Support Growing for Non-Partisan Redistricting Reform in Wisconsin/Voter Photo ID Law on Trial

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Common Cause in Wisconsin Reform Update
Tuesday November 5, 2013

1. Public Support Growing for Redistricting Reform
2. Wisconsin's Extreme and Restrictive Voter Photo ID Law Goes on Trial This Week
3. New Voter Photo ID Measure Circulated While Current Law is Litigated

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1. The huge turnout of more than 250 citizens attending our Reform Forum in Stevens Point last week provided new and growing evidence of extensive citizen support and momentum for non-partisan redistricting reform legislation (Senate Bill 163 and Assembly Bill 185) that has been stalled by State Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) since its introduction last April. Both apparently fear this needed reform so much that they continue to refuse repeated requests by CCWI and almost every major newspaper in Wisconsin to allow even a public hearing on the legislation. Clearly, the citizens at UWSP and most Wisconsinites feel otherwise.

Recently, the Kenosha News editorialized about increasing citizen interest and support for redistricting reform as evidenced by the big crowd at the CC/WI event last week. The Wisconsin State Journal weighed in yet again on the need for public hearings on redistricting reform. And CC/WI Board Chair Bill Kraus shared his insights on the matter on our blog site and elsewhere.

Meanwhile, the cost to Wisconsin taxpayers for legal fees to high-priced lawyers for the most partisan, uncompetitive and secretive redistricting process in Wisconsin's history has been confirmed to be more than $2 million according to this report from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

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2. In 2011, the Wisconsin Legislature passed, and Governor Scott Walker signed into law, the most extreme and restrictive voter photo identification law in the nation. Since then, North Carolina has enacted into law a measure even more extreme. Wisconsin's law (Act 23) was so pernicious that it was almost immediately challenged and enjoined by state and federal courts. It was in effect for only the Spring primary election in 2012.

This week, the Wisconsin law "goes to trial" in federal court in Wisconsin and the entire nation is watching. CC/WI submitted a brief of Amici Curiae in the case of Jones v. Deininger, et al., 12-CV-00185 (LA), which you can read here.

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3. While Act 23 was about to go to trial last week, Assembly Republicans, with the approval of Speaker Robin Vos, began circulating new photo voter ID legislation for introduction and consideration this month. The new measure is just about as restrictive and extreme as Act 23. But Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald wisely announced that the State Senate would not be considering any new photo voter ID legislation this year -- and not until the outcome of this week's trial was known. Vos, meanwhile, wants to go ahead with the new measure. We are sure he will grant a public hearing to new, restrictive voter legislation.

But what about non-partisan redistricting reform measures? Here is how you can contact Speaker Robin Vos and let him know how you feel about that kind of heavy-handed maneuver!

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Jay Heck, Executive Director
Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 W. Johnson St., Suite 212
Madison, WI  53703
608/256-2686

Want Good Government?
Join Common Cause in Wisconsin!
www.CommonCauseWisconsin.org

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In the News - November 2013

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Heart of Darkness: Criminal Investigation of WI Recall Money
November 26, 2013 - Mary Bottari, Truthout

Heart of Darkness: Criminal Investigation of WI Recall $
November 23, 2013 - Mary Bottari, PR Watch

Another Wisconsin John Doe probe targets an open secret
November 22, 2013 - Jack Craver, The Capital Times

Public wants action on redistricting
November 22, 2013 - Bill Lueders, Beaver Dam Daily Citizen

Legislative contacts indicate Wisconsinites want action changing redistricting process
November 19, 2013 - Bill Lueders, Isthmus

Bill Lueders: Public wants action on redistricting (column)
November 19, 2013 - Bill Lueders, Wisconsin Rapids Tribune

Bill Lueders: Public wants action on redistricting
November 19, 2013 - Bill Lueders, The Capital Times

On-Campus Political Forum Draws Large Crowd
November 4, 2013 - Kyle Florence, The Pointer - UW-Stevens Point

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Political Reform Forum in Stevens Point Monday Draws Largest Audience Ever

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Press Release

October 30, 2013

Political Reform Forum in Stevens Point on Monday Night
Draws Largest Audience Ever

Between 225 and 250 Citizens Assemble to Support Redistricting and Reforms

We have sensed for some time that Wisconsin citizens are not happy with the way their state government is functioning on a whole host of issues. Increasing numbers of citizens are "getting" that their voices don't count for much when they are in a non-competitive state legislative or congressional district.

More and more Wisconsinites every day are comprehending that the way in which Wisconsin legislative and congressional districts were drawn by hyper-partisan, expensive, and secretive Madison attorneys under the direction of legislative leaders in 2011 resulted in a rigged system in which very few voters have a real choice in general elections. We now have an unprecedented number of "safe" voting districts in Wisconsin where a citizen's vote doesn't mean very much because the result of the election is already preordained.

And because legislators have been given these safe seats, they can easily afford to be non-responsive to the concerns of many of their constituents.

Redistricting reform, and other critical political reform issues such as reducing the amount of special interest money in our elections, and voting rights being protected for every Wisconsin citizen were just some of the issues discussed Monday evening at the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point during the most well-attended and energetic event in our six-year series of "reform forums."

We set up the room for 150 attendees, hoping we would draw nearly that number on an evening when a World Series game was on TV and the weather was chilly. Instead, citizens arrived in such large numbers that we had to bring in 75 more chairs -- and then accommodate even more people.

The panel of legendary former Congressman David Obey, State Senator Julie Lassa, State Representative Katrina Shankland, Common Cause in Wisconsin Chair Bill Kraus and Director Jay Heck and the great questions and comments from the audience -- moderated by UWSP Political Science Professor Dennis Riley, combined to result in our most electric reform forum ever!!

To see the complete forum on Wisconsin Eye, go here:

For other media coverage, go here, here, and here.

Get inspired to take back your government! We certainly were.


__________________________________________


Jay Heck, Executive Director
Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 W. Johnson St., Suite 212
Madison, WI 53703

608/256-2686

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Former U.S. Rep. Dave Obey to Speak at Reform Forum on October 28th

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Press Release

October 22, 2013

Common Cause in WI Public Forum at UW-Stevens Point to Focus on
Redistricting Reform and Other Political Reform Issues

Former Congressman Dave Obey will be among Panelists

Monday Evening, October 28th

6:30 - 8:00 PM

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Dreyfus University Center - Laird North (Alumni Room)
1015 Reserve Street
Stevens Point, WI

Wisconsin has experienced tumultuous change over the last couple of years in the way we conduct elections and consider public policy. The core political fabric of Wisconsin – once heralded as a national model – has been dramatically transformed.

Are these changes detrimental to our state’s political process or were they needed and will they improve it?

In 2011, Wisconsin endured the most secretive, partisan and expensive (over $2 million) redistricting process in state history – resulting in dramatically less competitive voting districts for the Wisconsin Legislature, and not a single U.S. Congressional district in which voters have a real choice. Should a measure that takes redistricting out of the hands of partisan legislators and puts that process into the hands of a non-partisan entity get – at the very least – a public hearing?

Tens of millions of dollars were spent by outside interest groups on largely negative advertising leading up to last year's general election. But the citizens of Wisconsin are still in the dark about who was really behind much of this avalanche of “outside” campaign cash and the constant barrage of special interest group “phony issue ads” during the election.

Does this lack of disclosure protect "free speech" or is it a perversion of democracy? Do citizens have the right to know who is trying to influence their vote? Or, are these “anonymous” communications a form of protected speech?

And what about Wisconsin’s photo voter ID law – one of the most extreme and restrictive such measures in the nation? It has been blocked by the courts, but may return in a new form soon. Is requiring a photo ID at the polls needed? Is there really voter fraud or is this a voter suppression measure?

Prior to 2011, public financing of statewide and legislative elections helped ensure that our legislators and our state’s highest court were somewhat beholden to the public rather than completely funded by private interests with deep pockets. Yet in 2011, Governor Scott Walker gutted the state’s public financing system, while at the same time, increased the limit on individual campaign contributions to Supreme Court candidates from $1,000 to $10,000.

With so much outside money flowing into Wisconsin's Supreme Court races, should we continue to elect or consider appointing our State Supreme Court Justices?

And finally, the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2010 decision in Citizens United vs Federal Election Commission allows corporations, labor unions and other interest groups (and their "Super PACs") to use unlimited money from their general treasury coffers to flood our airwaves with negative messages, giving them far greater influence on the outcome of elections. How has the Citizens United decision affected Wisconsin and does it matter?

These vital reform issues will be the focus of discussion in Stevens Point this coming Monday evening during one in a series of "reform forums" held across the state by Common Cause in Wisconsin:

"What Ever Happened to Good Government
in Wisconsin?
And How Can We Fix It?"

Panelists will include:

Former Congressman Dave Obey (D-7th District, 1969-2011)
State Representative Katrina Shankland (D-Stevens Point)
Republican Strategist and Common Cause in Wisconsin Board Chair Bill Kraus
Executive Director Jay Heck of Common Cause in Wisconsin
State Representative Scott Krug (R-Town of Rome) *Invited*
State Senator Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point) *Invited*

Political Science Professor Dennis Riley of UW-Stevens Point will serve as Moderator.

Please join us for what we anticipate will be an informative and lively discussion.

Full details can be found here.
__________________________________________

Jay Heck, Executive Director
Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 W. Johnson St., Suite 212
Madison, WI 53703
608/256-2686

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State Senator Mike Ellis Supports Public Hearings on Redistricting Reform Legislation

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Press Release

October 18, 2013

State Senator Mike Ellis Supports Public Hearings
on Redistricting Reform Legislation

"Have the Public Hearing. What are You Afraid of? Have the Hearing,"
says the Neenah Republican

In a recent, wide-ranging interview with Appleton Post Crescent editorial page editor Larry Gallup, State Senator Michael Ellis (R-Neenah), the Senate President and longest serving GOP legislator in the Wisconsin Legislature, had a lot to say about a public hearing on Senate Bill 163, bipartisan redistricting reform legislation that was introduced almost six months ago. Despite repeated calls from Common Cause in Wisconsin, the editorial boards of almost every Wisconsin daily newspaper and the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, State Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) has thus far failed to schedule a public hearing on the measure. Both Lazich and State Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) have refused to say why.

Here is the Post Crescent exchange on redistricting reform:

Gallup: Most of the editorial boards in the state — and we’re one of them — have grouped together to advocate for a public hearing on a bill to change redistricting. Is there any chance that hearing will happen?

Ellis: I think they should have a hearing on it. There’s no reason why we can’t investigate that. I know the Democrats didn’t do it when they were in power and the Republicans won’t want to do it because they’re in power. But why don’t we just shake yesterday off and think of tomorrow? There’s no reason we can’t have a public hearing and explore the options that are available. It certainly is working in Iowa. So I don’t have any problem if anybody asked me. Have the public hearing. What are you afraid of? Have the hearing.

Ellis is a powerful and effective voice in his Caucus and in the Wisconsin Legislature. Let's hope his endorsement for public hearings will encourage more Republican legislators to speak out in favor of them as well -- and soon.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, just moments ago, weighed in on this important development. We will have more on redistricting reform next week.

__________________________________________


Jay Heck, Executive Director
Common Cause in Wisconsin
152 W. Johnson St., Suite 212
Madison, WI 53703

608/256-2686

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