Even Sen. Barack Go Gwen! is now Go-to Gwen Obama knows ere’s a safe bet – many voters didn’t other member of Wisconsin’s Congressional dele- Milwaukee is know the name of Gwen Moore’s oppo- gation. It even surpassed the remarkable statewide Hnent until they read it on the ballot. margin for Sen. Herb Kohl, 67.4%, though the her House The freshman (make that freshwoman) Mil- better known Kohl surpassed her by 3% within the waukee representative, Wisconsin’s first African county. American in Congress, may turn out to be a guar- While the GOP wound up offering only token antee of failure for a longstanding Republicans resistance, Moore campaigned like she was run- dream – which is to break up the county as a ning against Ronald Reagan. Democratic stronghold. She hired a campaign manager, flooded the On Nov. 7, in unusually heavy midterm community with flyers and yard signs, sent money turnout, she scored figures to relish. She drew to other candidates and still flew back to D.C. to 71.5% of the vote in her district, helping drive do the public’s work. Gov. Doyle and Lt. Gov. Lawton to nearly 62% of Add fund-raisers, forums, and showing up as the county vote on their way to a 160,000 margin she always has at union rallies. She shrugged off over Mark Green. personal health issues to fulfill what became her The percentage of Moore’s win was not only main function – serving as cheerleader, champion crucial for Doyle. It was also higher than every Moore continued Page 6 More election coverage and photos inside

Vol. 66, No. 11 Thursday, November 23, 2006 What now? State’s top Dems explore the near future

By Dominique Paul Noth In Wisconsin, Gov. Doyle is Editor, Labor Press back in office, the Democrats emocrats have been control the Senate -- and the given a gift -- the Assembly Republicans have a "Dmajority," said Sen. narrow five-person majority Judy Robson, shortly after the rather than the two-thirds domi- Democratic caucus met and nance they once held among 99 named her the new majority members. leader in the state Senate. In D.C., Democrats have "I believe that we can now Congress, by one vote in the get things done that are very Senate and by about 30 in the important to labor, including House (with some races still minimum wage and (Ted) being recounted as we went to Feingold looks ahead Kennedy's bill on collective bar- press). But there is still President Bush with the biggest gaining," said US Sen. Russ than to the people and cities that Security guards hover with hands out to keep Bill Clinton megaphone and executive Feingold.. need help. With (Wisconsin Rep. from being pulled off the Milwaukee Theatre stage by ardent "It was a tremendous victo- David) Obey in charge of appro- authority, plus a lame duck ses- handshakers Nov. 3. See story Back Page. ry, but it's important that we priations, it's going to be fairer sion with Republicans in control Democrats don't emulate the and better." until January. Republicans in the arrogance Right after the election that "We're going to have to they have shown," said US Rep. changed the balance of power, watch this," said Feingold, par- Gwen Moore. Labor Press asked Wisconsin's ticularly concerned that the "Part of my expectations top Democrats to offer in inter- appropriations bill that must be involves the congressional distri- views some realistic expectations passed will tempt the bution of money," said about what will change and what Republicans to "tack on" such Milwaukee Mayor Tom can be done. things as a repeal of the estate Barrett. "For the last 12 years The weight of what hap- tax. Another on-guard area is earmarks have been directed pened was just settling in when Bush seeking to push through into Republican districts more we spoke: Future continued Page 4 Rove beached by swifter Labor 2006 hings were looking good popular vote and still lost). operation to turn around the vote. for the Democrats in the 2004 (when Iraq was clearly Doubt is unavoidable, but it Tweeks before the election. going south and tax relief was should never lead to paralysis. But too few believed it. only noticeable for the very It certainly didn't paralyze Conservative talk radio end- rich). A cloak of invincibility, Labor 2006. Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton plunges into a Pere Marquette Park lessly twisted expectations or at least Teflon, had stuck to Don't just ask re-elected crowd to kiss and hug longtime supporters. against the inevitable. (Nor did the GOP coupe driving the Gov. Doyle, whose numbers they apologize Nov. 8. They wrong way on I-94. went up in Milwaukee and other were still broadcasting from Mainstream pundits were centers of strong union member- President Bush's 51st State of also dubious. Virtually every ship. Don't just ask Jim Sullivan Denial.) news commentator threw in a in District 5 or John Lehman in For progressives, the doubts caveat up to Election Day: Karl District 21. They now occupy stemmed from bad memories: Rove was coming, with his 2000 (where Al Gore won the proven last-minute professional Labor 2006 continued Page 7 Page 2 — AFL-CIO MILWAUKEE LABOR PRESS, Thursday, November 23, 2006 www.milwaukeelabor.org

Dominique Paul Noth, Editor of the Milwaukee A squeaker, but it’s Sullivan Labor Press, produced the political stories, ust as Jim Sullivan was rganized labor also profiles, opinions and photos in this edition. about to begin his accept- helped elsewhere to turn Jance speech at Miller Park's OBeloit's Sen. Judy Fridays restaurant on election Robson from minority leader to night, the management turned off majority leader as the Senate Finally, state voters the lights. went Democratic 18-15. It was closing time and the JOHN LEHMAN, an Assembly see the Dawn count had been delayed in veteran seeking to move up to Wisconsin District 5, which the open District 21 senate seat, ou can't say three times is a charm for Dawn Marie Sass. straddles Milwaukee County seemed far behind in early You wouldn't be counting high enough. This was her third and Waukesha County. And this returns until the full vote gave Yattempt to replace Jack Voight as state treasurer, and it was a time (poetic justice after all the him a comfortable 53-47 percent charm, but if you tote up all her past attempts to win public office it's false cries of fraud and finger- win out of some 60,000 votes more like six, seven times the charm. pointing at Milwaukee's election over Racine's well-heeled county Even her supporters have lost track. But for more than a decade she's been on some ballot somewhere. operation) it was Waukesha that Only flashbulbs illuminated exec. was overwhelmed by the new This was also a much- Sass has long lived in the twilight zone of try, try again. Fellow the acceptance speech of Jim union members who know her either admire her persistence or have machines and voter turnout and Sullivan, surrounded by his watched tally since William ran hours behind deadline in written her off as a perennial also-ran. sleepy family. McReynolds’ outside support counting ballots. groups had flooded the region No more, though. Riding the Democratic gale, the former treasur- The final count loomed as balance and intelligent progress TV and radio stations at the last er of her AFSCME District 48 local, a longtime Milwaukee County crucial. A victory for Sullivan to the district. He had opened minute with particularly ugly ads employee now working out of Children's Court, Sass broke through was central to returning himself to tireless door-knocking smearing Lehman's reputation Nov. 7. By some 9,000 votes in the current count, she supplanted Democrats to a majority in the and engaging the public individ- and principles, but to no avail. Voight, the veteran incum- Senate. ually and in groups. In Senate District 31, bent who had been under A win for incumbent GOP Reynolds in contrast seemed KATHLEEN VINEHOUT bumped Doyle the highest Sen. Tom Reynolds would be a to have an almost paranoid GOP veteran Ron Brown by 3 Republican official in state disaster for unions, which had response to TV cameras and the percentage points while District government. butted heads with Reynolds on concept of open debate. 23 was a cliffhanger that eventu- Sass has also run for labor bills and as the only no But Sullivan had strong ally ousted GOP conservative Milwaukee alderman and vote in both parties on a vital organization and support not just Dave Zien, replacing him with for Milwaukee County energy conservation initiative. from community groups but PAT KREITLOW. treasurer and clerk. The A Reynolds win would actu- through a landmark cooperation The 1,000 vote margin was new job, in the $62,000 ally make moderate Republicans in political activism between the another backfire example for the salary range, represents in the legislature secretly cringe, Waukesha and Milwaukee labor GOP strategy of placing two about an $18,000 bump in so difficult has he been to antici- councils. constitutional amendments on the pay for a largely unnoticed pate or work with. But it would The embarrassments of ballot. See opposite page. statewide race on which delight newspaper columnists, Reynolds, and the strong case hat totally surprised the she spent very little money. who have had grand fun with the being made for Sullivan, carried WRepublicans were the To give her credit, the eccentricities, ideological zeal the day, but just barely. By 2 results in the Assembly, where last time she tackled Dawn Marie Sass and conversational gaffes of a.m. on Nov. 8, he had taken a Democrats haven't gained seats Voight, she questioned the Reynolds. comfortable margin of 2,000 plus for 16 years. But gain they did. reliance on Strong Funds to handle the state's major college fund Yet the district also had a votes, but the final count a few The dominant Republican investment program known as EdVest. Well, today, Strong is no more strong conservative contingent days later brought his margin majority of 21 seats (60-39) and the administration fees she questioned are dispersed. that regarded voting for any down to 658 votes. shrunk drastically. By the time As treasurer, Sass will handle a budget in the $2.5 million range, Democrat as a move to the dark Helping was the lopsided the smoke cleared, the a staff of 15 and responsibility for disbursing all the state's money. side. two-to-one win in Assembly Democrats were within five Members of both parties had nice words for Voight as an efficient All that guaranteed a tough District 13 by David Cullen, who votes. nonpartisan and worried that Sass' win was a political fluke. She has race for Sullivan, a Wauwatosa shared the victory party with Among the victors was a four years to prove them wrong - that good things happen from perse- alderman determined to bring Sullivan. labor figure. Lehman's District verance and good people get into office when least expected. 62 Assembly seat was won by Come to think of it, there were a lot of long disheartened former AFT organizer CORY Democrats who also learned that this year. Sass could become their MASON. Braveheart. www.milwaukeelabor.org AFL-CIO MILWAUKEE LABOR PRESS, Thursday, November 23, 2006 — Page 3 Ballot questions pass but slap GOP silly round the nation, politi- giously conservative variety, to servative Wisconsin retirees. in the nation (no exceptions for supported having this question cians learned the danger mischief in decisions, as the The same state that wants to be rape or incest). on the ballot in six counties and Aof using ballot referen- opponents fear. almost unenforceably tough on • Stem cell research expan- five municipalities (from Racine dum and questions to try to drive It was true that a successful immigrants but also approved a sion passed in Missouri. to Manitowoc) – and even this their base to the polls. In “no” vote would not have raise in the minimum wage. • Not just Arizona but every community action group was Wisconsin it helped drive some changed anything. And the yes For Wisconsin to be labeled state asked to raise the minimum startled by the depth of success. of that base right out of office. may also change nothing — it as less progressive than Arizona wage agreed. Sure, no one is against At first blush, the just opens the door. has got to hurt. • National voter turnout cheaper health care, but then, no Republicans and their allies More likely is that business- If you dig deeper into statis- increased by about 20% over the one is against modern schools or hailed success in the passage of es that seek to keep skilled per- tics around the nation, you will last midterm election,. better sewers, but such questions an advisory “return of the death sonnel regardless of sexual ori- detect more than burst of success • Virtually every advisory are often defeated. penalty” and a mandatory change entation may pass Wisconsin by for the Democrats and for union- question on the ballot pushing And these were not vague in the state’s Constitution (per- as a location since there are now backed candidates. There is also for a speedy orderly withdrawal referenda but quite specific. haps intended to confirm the ille- potential hurdles to domestic a generational gap and a gender of US troops from Iraq was The Eau Claire County gality of same-sex marriage but benefits and protections. gap at work. backed. question was typical: “Should actually opening up a judicial A simple reality of business • Initial results suggest that a the Wisconsin Legislature estab- Pandora’s box of uncertainty decisions is to weigh an inviting fifth of white evangelical voters, Health care rules lish a plan that will reduce health about civil unions, heterosexual climate within a state – a far once regarded as Republican- ut there was commonality care costs by at least 15%, and or otherwise). broader question than taxes. safe, moved to Democrats. Bamong conservatives and guarantee access to universal, Both questions won easy The passage also robbed • For the first time, both liberals, a remarkable one for affordable health care coverage victories in Wisconsin, which the Wisconsin of the opportunity to sexes voted in the majority for Wisconsinites. for all Wisconsin residents and polls had anticipated. be the first state to reject this sort Democrats, but women again far The astounding winners families by 2008?” But then the elected GOP of marriage amendment. One more than men. And women’s were not the headline-making On average, 82% of the vot- conservatives, now far fewer of state beat us to the punch, large- voices were loud and clear not statewide questions but the votes ers on these 11 questions them, looked again. ly over the concern about part- only in House and Senate results in localities pleading for state demanded legislative action. Both amendments were nership benefits. but also on ballot questions. policy and state relief on health Citizen Action called the rejected two to one in Dane That was Arizona. Yes, the • South Dakota voters reject- costs. results a mandate that legislators County and ran close to even in Arizona that attracts many con- ed the toughest anti-abortion law Citizen Action of Wisconsin ignored at their own peril. Milwaukee County. The rest of the state recorded on average 55- 59% approval, lower than polls had suggested and 10% or more lower compared with how such questions fared two years ago in other states. Dane County also set a record voter turnout among stu- dents. Milwaukee also saw a surge. So did every locality where there was strong campus population. And where there was a strong “no” vote, many Republicans lost local elections. isconsin’s two largest population centers Wdrove up Gov. Doyle’s numbers to new records for him – well ahead of the votes on the two questions. All that helped power him to an 8% range vic- tory over Republican Mark Green. And yes, around the state it seems that hundreds of thou- sands of voters for the marriage amendment also put their values behind Doyle. Psychologically, gay couples react to these marriage defini- tions as unnecessary, demeaning and encouraging homophobia, probably indisputable. They are certainly not a welcome mat. But passage may not induce activist judges, of the dominant reli-

So really, how did Labor 2006 do? he AFL-CIO's Labor 2006 Trecorded these estimates: More than 205,000 union members volunteered. Union members knocked on more than 8.25 million doors, made 30 mil- lion phone calls and passed out more than 14 million leaflets. More than 20 million pieces of mail went to union house- holds, not including those sent by affiliate unions. The final four days turned out 187,000 volunteers, nearly 8 million phone calls and 2.5 mil- lion door knocks. Page 4 — AFL-CIO MILWAUKEE LABOR PRESS, Thursday, November 23, 2006 www.milwaukeelabor.org Transparency is a key. She stronger platform for its Future never expects the Democratic Milwaukee representatives. Also State AFL-CIO already outlining agenda caucus to do what the GOP did, taking a bigger role in Madison From Page 1 he Wisconsin State AFL-CIO is already shaping and asking meet in secret caucus and then may be the Milwaukee County input for its Working Wisconsin Legislative Agenda for the appointments before the vote without explanation. Board, given its constant need to T 2007-2008 session that begins in January in Madison. changeover to Democrat control No longer, she says, will a revamp Walker's budget and seek Among the concerns already in play are affordable health care, of committees. bill be written up with lobbyists, support outside his office. economic development that provides family-sustaining jobs and "We need to assert our passed by a committee and only The change in Washington includes family-friendly policies, and workers' rights - especially oversight role in Congress," said then get a belated dismissive also gives Barrett hope. Noting the right to organize a union without fear. Moore. public hearing. "We have to that the Ideas, input and support are being sought from all union But with power comes make sure there's a real commit- expected members. Contact Phil Neuenfeldt, the legislative director, at responsibility, and all these tee process, with true public new (414) 771-0700, ext.13 (also [email protected]), or Democrats say they will honestly hearings and an opportunity for Speaker Joanne Ricca, legislative staff, ext. 24 (also [email protected]). pursue bipartisanship, not just citizens" to openly shape the of the giving lip service to it, because legislation, said Robson. House "it will take everyone to solve Still, "there will be some has set "I'm waiting to see a glimmer of The hearings in D.C. are these problems," said Robson. bold initiatives," Robson added. forth an light there," said Moore. unlikely to focus on impeach- arrett has a unique per- The smaller gap in the Assembly agenda Sen. Judy Robson With minimum wage and ment but they will focus on spective, having served is also giving her hope, as is the for quick EFCA, Feingold believes, there waste in such areas as Iraq and Blegislative roles both in reality that Doyle will no longer action, Barrett says, "I totally are Republican sympathizers that Hurricane Katrina, these leaders Madison and the US House be peppered with wedge issue he agree with it, and I worked with may even provide a veto-proof speculate. before becoming mayor - and has to veto. Nancy (Pelosi) in Congress and Senate majority, if needed. But there are many issues boy, is he looking forward to that Barrett notes that he will no she will get things done." We spoke a day before "we have to get moving on," said change in committees. longer dread going to Madison to Pelosi's action list includes a Feingold announced that he Feingold, itemizing such areas as The Republicans under one- lobby for the city. He expects a minimum wage increase, alterna- would not run for the presiden- "health care for all Americans" party rule "have so controlled the far more understanding hearing. tive energy, keeping jobs in the tial nomination in 2008, partly and "the better Senate bill on bully pulpit with the media and Barrett noted that Robson US, letting the government bar- because the new makeup of immigration." the public," said Barrett. "But comes from Beloit, "and while gain directly for lower prescrip- Congress appeals to him and eingold has a bill in the now the leaders of the commit- it's a smaller city both demo- tion drug costs, lower tuition what he calls an electorate Senate that would allow tees will be Democrats, they'll graphically and economically it costs for college, returning to the "hunger" for progressive issues. Fstates freedom to find their have the cameras and they'll set has problems similar to stem cell research issue that The Democrats entering own paths to universal health the hearings." Milwaukee's." It is the sort of prompted Bush's only veto in six power are unlikely to forget how care. Robson hopes that pressure There is some skepticism recognition of like needs he has years -- and, of course, pressing they were treated in D.C. by the from "people like Feingold and about how genuinely cooperative longed for in the majority. for solutions on the Iraqi war, Republicans - "throwing people (Madison area Rep.) Tammy the White House will be, but ut what sort of reception well beyond the removal of out of the room, locking the Baldwin will get that bill to us - from Madison to Washington will Milwaukee County Defense Secretary Donald door, not even talking to the this is something we must there is a determination not to Bget, given that the proper- Rumsfeld, and passing the other party," said Moore, but she address and the voters clearly punish but to quickly move for- ty tax has to absorb Madison homeland security recommenda- emphasized again and again: want us to." ward. mandates and the GOP routinely tions of the 9/11 commission. e have to resist Moore offers the caution "We know what it's like to ignored cries for help? Of special interest to unions being vindictive - that if the "shopping list" gets be in the minority," said Robson. Considering some of the is the collective bargaining bill, "W- and we have to too long, it could make progress She intends the Republicans in things County Executive Scott the Employee Free Choice Act address the great deal of frustra- more difficult. She points out the state Senate to get far better Walker has said about Doyle and (EFCA), which both Feingold tion reflected in the election over that the new House will include treatment than they dished out the Democrats, that trek may be and Moore want to see move- the war, the (nonexistent) many "moderate Democrats, and because "we have to restore con- harder for him now, but the new ment on and Senate Republicans weapons of mass destruction, the we can't expect to hold them fidence in the legislature." legislature should produce a are still threatening to filibuster. infringement of rights." together on every vote." And the budget is much on But she also sees a pragmat- her mind: "We must stop some ic reason for the Republicans to of the extension of these tax cuts cooperate. for the very rich and not burrow "We're going into a presi- ourselves deeper into debt." dential election period," she said. "Part of Republican philos- "The greatest harm they (House ophy was putting government in Republicans) could bring to such horrible (fiscal) shape that their nominees or to recapturing it's tough to find a way out," Congress is coming off as petu- added Barrett. lant children."

Published Monthly by the Milwaukee County Labor Council AFL-CIO www.milwaukeelabor.org Secretary-Treasurer ...... Sheila D. Cochran President ...... Willie D. Ellis Vice-President ...... Annie Wacker Communications Director and Editor ...... Dominique Paul Noth Advertising & Editorial Assistant ...... Lynnda Guyton EXECUTIVE BOARD - Mary Jo Avery, Communications Workers of America Local 4603; Lyle Balistreri, Milwaukee Building & Construction Trades Council; Carolyn P. Castore, Office & Professional Employees International Union Local 9; William F. Christianson, International Association of Machinists Lodge 1845; Paula Dorsey, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 426; Douglas Drake, (USW, for- merly United Steelworkers of America Local 1527); Nacarci Feaster, Laborers Local 113; James K. Fields, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 33; Stanthia Grier, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 2150; Brandon W. Jensen, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 998; Candice Owley, Wisconsin Federation of Nurses & Health Professionals; Sam Purdy, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 494; Scott J. Redman, Plumbers and Gas Fitters Local 75; Patrick R. Weyer, Brewery Workers 9, United Auto Workers; Ross M. Winklbauer Sr., Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical & Energy Workers (USW, formerly PACE) Local 7-0232.

AFL-CIO Milwaukee Labor Press Editorial and Business Office 633 S. Hawley Road, Milwaukee, WI 53214 Telephone (414) 771-7070 FAX (414) 771-0509 E-mail: [email protected]

THE MILWAUKEE LABOR PRESS (USPS 350-360) is published once a month by the Milwaukee County Labor Council AFL-CIO, 633 S. Hawley Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53214, and is also available by subscription for $12 a year. Non-profit periodical postage paid at Milwaukee, WI. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the MILWAUKEE LABOR PRESS, 633 S. Hawley Rd., Suite 110, Milwaukee, WI 53214. The Publisher reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertisement which is deemed objectionable. Publication of advertisements is not to be construed as a personal endorsement nor are all ads necessarily from unionized companies or services of the Milwaukee County Labor Council or any of its affiliates. COPY DEADLINE: Usually by noon 3rd Monday of each month except December (2nd Monday). www.milwaukeelabor.org AFL-CIO MILWAUKEE LABOR PRESS, Thursday, November 23, 2006 — Page 5 CWA presses AT&T to fulfill job pledges

t took a four-day strike by a District 4 vice president, Seth leader. “The union is saying we some 100,000 employees at Rosen, Local 4603 President first want promises that these IAT&T back in 2004, but the George Walls and district staff jobs will indeed be union.” Communications Workers of representatives Ann Crump and Said a rank and file CWA America emerged with an inno- Tom Verkuilen. member, “All these communica- vative contract and a company AT&T points to an tions companies need to change pledge to bring contracted and announcement in September that and break the cycle of temporary outsourced jobs back into the it would move back inside the contracted hires, here today and union fold in new areas of serv- company some 2,000 jobs it had vanished tomorrow. That hardly ice. either contracted or outsourced. helps build the community.” The contract and the CWA These are customer service and uality service through concessions made good eco- installation work in new media. training and experience nomic sense for AT&T — and About 1,200 of those jobs were Qis a basic advantage of produced immediate rewards for customer service help for broad- CWA’s skilled workforce. There CWA as thousands of union-less band users that had been posi- is, intriguingly enough, a trend workers in AT&T Wireless tioned in countries like India. away from outsourcing. One stores joined up. Where these jobs will land respected report found that 25% But now, as the potential for is still undetermined, however, 90 marchers from CWA locals urged AT&T on Oct. 26 to think of media companies in 2005 and the moves will not be com- good jobs expands in high-speed union, as it promised, as it pushes into the video world. were disappointed with the video services, the union is pleted until 2008. results and already bringing determined that AT&T live up to – and thanks to fiber technology The CWA contract language he CWA welcomed that work back to America. its commitment. And CWA has and router boxes, both work in requires an effort to convert con- announcement but Alex Colvin, a labor studies reason to worry that AT&T is the high-speed Internet world.) tract jobs in growing parts of Tremains keenly aware how professor at Penn State hiding behind the thicket of the he union is unhappy at AT&T’s business into company mergers and expansions also University, suggests that AT&T’s contract language rather than reports that AT&T is using positions. bring pitfalls. decision to bring jobs in-house buying in enthusiastically. Tmanagers and nonrepre- Another crucial concern is Several hundred jobs in reflects that growing corporate All those concerns erupted sented employees for the U-verse the jobs that CWA’s displaced Milwaukee disappeared when realization that not all technical in Downtown Milwaukee service and its video hub opera- workers thought they had first SBC became AT&T -- workers support and customer service October 26, surprising passersby tions, with Wisconsin a key dibs on, if they are willing to who under regulation made sure work can be effectively sent at AT&T’s headquarters on market in the fight against take a geographical move and that phone competitors of SBC overseas. Broadway St. Some 90 members entrenched cable systems. some lower benefits. had fair access to the market. At a time when businesses from statewide CWA locals, AT&T, if you hadn’t figured These so-called “premise They placed and monitored talk about “unions’ dwindling including Milwaukee’s Local it out, is behind the television technicians” install and service orders and the speed of repairs. influence,” Colvin said, what 4603, joined in informational ads complaining about cable the new products. The union One of those big competitors, of CWA won at the AT&T bargain- picketing that looked a lot like monopoly and pricing in the fought to keep these employees course, was AT&T long distance, ing table reflects a growing reali- traditional strike picketing – state. It expects unions to sup- part of its health plans though so when it became the boss, not ty about traditional union lever- signs, speeches and chants. port its efforts, since firms like they have no pension or 401(k) a client, the need to monitor van- age and skills. A union that has been coop- Time Warner have laid cable and opportunities, said Jim ished. Yet these dropped workers “On the Internet it comes erative in changing times was run services with a determined Courchane, the executive vice expected first crack at new jobs. down to whether people think laying down a marker that future exclusion of union workers. president of CWA Local 4603 “AT&T is in effect saying unions are good or not,” said expansion live up to the promis- AT&T points out that differ- who, along with VP Rich the union should help them Courchane. “The way we fight to es. ence in response to CWA march- Pearson, was key organizer for change the regulatory climate to keep and expand these jobs will On the line are not just es – basically, we’re union so the protest. get these expanded digital servic- be a key – and who else is doing replacing jobs the union knew it you should support us. Also marching Oct. 26 were es going,” commented one CWA that?” would lose when AT&T was But the CWA fears that net- bought by SBC and appropriated work technical specialists nation- the better-known AT&T brand. It wide and the folks building is the emergence of many new Internet hubs and routers for jobs as the reconfigured AT&T AT&T look pretty much like the rolls out its head to head compe- cable guys. The contracting and tition for television and video subcontracting process, union services. (Many more homes leaders say, do not yet fulfill the contain phone wires than cable 2004 understanding. Page 6 — AFL-CIO MILWAUKEE LABOR PRESS, Thursday, November 23, 2006 www.milwaukeelabor.org gressional District. lican colleague James Sensen- Moore She went to Congress saying brenner. From Page 1 her job was to learn. Well, she Moore may have actually must have been a quick study been itching for a real challenge and major draw for the entire back at Marquette University. She in this Nov. 7 race to demonstrate Democratic ticket. Kohl – the other guaranteed is now regarded as a rising star in her growth in local effectiveness walk-homer on the ballot — the black congressional caucus and national issues. openly jokes how much he loves and a shrewd voice on both poli- Instead she had a weak and Moore’s basketball-analogy tics and policies. obviously inept GOP opponent introductions and says it’s the These same radio shows pre- who ended up simply testing her best icebreaker he’s ever had. dicted she would be political patience. She was shrewd enough llinois Sen. Barack Obama, dead meat because her son was to know that any response to his backing Doyle’s bid Oct. 31, part of the election night tire- increasingly desperate press stood casually in his slashing trial, yet the community releases would simply give him I unearned media attention. Gentleman’s Quarterly jacket in responded to her lack of preten- a chilling wind at Pere Marquette sion or evasion, her simple stand- n conversation at one of her Park, but held onto Moore affec- up support as a loving mother. fund-raisers, Moore indicated tionately through the speeches. ajoling, arguing and rally- Ishe had been fuming as he And while the affection is ing her party and state falsely criticized her for not Union leaders (Doug Drake of USW and John Schmitt of Laborers genuine, “I also think he wanted Ccolleagues, she worked attending a forum on immigra- Local 113) bracketed Gwen Moore at her Nov. 2 fund-raiser. to stay warm,” laughed Moore. across the aisle and in both hous- tion (she had organized it), or Former President Clinton, at es of Congress to bring millions suggesting she was against a packed similar event at the Mil- of dollars in jobs, entrepreneur Christmas trees or, most painful waukee Theatre, kept turning to and environmental support to given her priorities, accusing her Moore for local references and Milwaukee. of “hurting” black children. scribbling notes from her before All that never deterred her “I HAVE had worthy oppo- his speech. from speaking out against the nents,” said Moore in that memo- Moore, her longtime fans course of the Iraq war, the geno- rable upward inflection. “From say, has emerged on the national cide in Darfur, the privatization both parties. I HAVE HAD wor- stage without changing an iota efforts on Social Security, the thy opponents,” she repeated, from the “You Go Gwen” who hole in Medicare prescription emphasizing the past tense. served 16 years in the state legis- payments you can drive a truck Both labor (enthusiastically) lature. through, and the mean spirit and business (more privately) But political insiders say she behind the immigration bill know she has been effective, but actually has changed, -- getting pushed by her Wisconsin Repub- she never walks and talks like a smarter and deeper on more slam-dunk incumbent. Quite the Machinists business agents cheering Sen. Kohl at a Labor issues, and crisper in her always Waiting game opposite. She shushes supporters 2006 rally were (from left), Bill Christianson, also an MCLC spontaneous delivery. who suggest she has some lock on board member, Don Griffin and Scott Parr. Three years ago, conserva- her seat. “I’m always only having tive talk radio universally scoffed a job for two years,” she said. “I at her run for Congress, painting have to earn my way back.” any of her three primary oppo- That might seem a basic nents as stronger. Moore breezed civic lesson, but it flies in the face by them across the Fourth Con- of the attitude of most incum- bents (though this election may change that arrogance). APRI gets busy “She and Herb (Kohl) truly earing up for 2007, the believe they have to go back to GMilwaukee chapter of the A. the people,” said an aide who has Philip Randolph Institute (APRI) worked for both. has elected its officers and But there was also method resumed regular meetings, which behind the $5.5 million of his are held once a month at own money Kohl threw into a Laborers 113, 6310 W. Appleton race against weak opponents, the Avenue, on every second Friday frequent fund-raisers Moore held, at 5 p.m. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and their dual constant public APRI is an organization of (prominently quoted in our presence. trade unionists. Among its goals Page 1 story) and Kathleen They were making deliberate are encouraging African Falk wait their turn to speak efforts to strengthen the entire American trade unionists to at the Obama rally. Falk also Democratic ticket, not piling on become active in their communi- kept the public waiting. As we an assured personal triumph. went to press she had not ty -- and in the Labor Kohl is popular throughout decided whether to concede the state and Doyle and other can- Movement and the ideas it sup- the Attorney General seat to ports. the GOP’s J.B. Van Hollen or didates knew the advantage of Anyone interested in joining seek a recount after the offi- standing shoulder to shoulder should attend the next meeting, cial canvas. A concession is with him. December 8, 2006, or call the most likely in the razor-thin But in Milwaukee in 2006, it membership and organizing race, though even exit polls was Gwen Moore who had the chairperson, Nacarci Feaster, at had predicted the winner coattails (or should that be 414-873-4520. would be the Democrat. skirts?) – the personal power to drive out the inner city and South Side vote. A line of candidates hung on to “You Go Gwen” for dear life. And Nov. 7 she kept all of them warm. OBAMA GROUPIES? Certainly that could be a fair description of the enthusiastic students and workers in the top photo. But the Labor Press camera also spotted two MCLC executive board mem- bers, Mary Jo Avery (left) and Stanthia Grier. For more on Milwaukee’s rousing support for top Democratic speakers, see story on Page 12. www.milwaukeelabor.org AFL-CIO MILWAUKEE LABOR PRESS, Thursday, November 23, 2006 — Page 7

On a pickup truck provided by and Senate, the Democrats Labor 2006 IBEW’s Forrest Ceel, Sen. Herb grabbed control of more state From Page 1 Kohl and AFSCME President legislatures and a majority of Gerald McEntee (right) picked up seats once held by Republicans, governorships. the Labor 2006 crowd. Two days giving the state Senate a National AFL-CIO President earlier, SEIU President Andy Democratic majority. Both had John Sweeney pointed out all that Stern (below) stopping by the concentrated union member-to- but he also sounded a necessary MCLC to thank phone bankers. member support from the Labor warning - don't rest on your lau- Every day, Labor 2006 bubbled 2006 Milwaukee area zone. rels and don't assume that work- with unions working together. Look at the national exit ing families will win without polls and surveys. Union house- intense further scrutiny and holds represented one out every effort. four votes cast and went by more e have no inten- than 74% to union-endorsed can- tion of depending didates. "Wnaively on the nion members who had- Democrats to lead the way n't voted at all in the last toward the changes working fam- midterm race - the 2002 ilies showed they want," said U Sweeney. ` survival of the Republicans - returned in heavy numbers in "It was working people act- 2006, a large part of a 20% ing together who made the differ- - higher penetration (about 17% AFL-CIO coordinator for Labor national increase in turnout. ence in the elections, and we're of households) than the national 2006 Zone 1. And while non-union voters going to keep . . . working peo- average of 13%. Setting goals for the state split between Democrats and ple working together to demand It hurt that unions are hand- AFL-CIO was the executive vice Republicans, union households that Congress take decisive cuffed by rules and carefully president and political chief, Top candidates on the state went nearly 75% for union- action." honor the limitation on only con- Sara Rogers, while similar over- ticket and local candidates facing backed candidates in the Senate Among labor's top domestic tacting union households on sight was provided for the tight contests also stopped by to races. Union voters broke overall priorities are a real minimum their lists. This year it doubly Milwaukee County Labor thank and motivate the troops. 63% for Democratic candidates wage, restoring freedom to hurt because the teams of work- Council by Sheila Cochran, sec- here were other coordinat- while non-union were about organize and bargain, giving ers had to skip homes they knew retary-treasurer and chief operat- ed campaigns - by the can- 50%. Medicare the power to negotiate would give them a positive ing officer. didates themselves, by The Republicans took a T for lower drug prices, stop response. Among the labor leaders community groups, by the "thumping," as even President rewarding companies for sending here was a price to the dropping in to thank the partici- Democratic Party. What was dif- Bush admitted, but it was not a jobs overseas and restoring fund- effort -- exhaustion. More pants were Andy Stern, interna- ferent from 2004 was that all blowout. It was a contest ing for college so all the children, rank-and-file participants tional president of SEIU, Anna these campaigns had more voters fought an inch at a time. Real T not just children of the wealthy, will certainly be needed in 2008. Burger, who runs the Change to responding. change will also be by inches. can get a higher education. This time Labor 2006 turned Win federation, and AFSCME And thus, aside from the The Republicans thought the The change has started. The time and again to its most reli- International President Gerald governor's office and the state split in federations reflected a agenda is on. But scrutiny is able volunteers. McEntee. Senate, aside from the US House weakness in political unity. The essential. But gradually, too gradually media thought the labor efforts for comfort as the election grew were a sideshow to the GOP jug- close, the field of participants gernaut of private companies and expanded mightily. More unions Madison Ave. marketing to acti- pitched in with money for the vate voters. They were wrong. campaign, money for the candi- ove's Get Out the Vote dates and growing numbers for was not as good (hear Labor 2006 itself. this, networks) as stub- R The real goal was met, born grassroots efforts led by a because even union members few trained and paid leaders but who weren't actively working in relying on people willing to take Labor 2006 were actively con- off work or give up their tacted - multiple times by multi- evenings and weekends, pound ple means: flyers, mailings, the streets, and do it again and phone calls, emails, visits. again. Labor 2006 sometimes set It helped to have a message up shop in union halls, but the of competence on your side. It Milwaukee County Labor helped to have trained leaders Council building owned by the using the same technology as the GCC was Election Central -- a GOP but with authentic voices. battery of phone banks, a launch- It helped, in union terms, that pad for neighborhood walks. Wisconsin had a fractional The resident taskmaster was advantage over many other states Sue Ledbetter, the Wisconsin Page 8 — AFL-CIO MILWAUKEE LABOR PRESS, Thursday, November 23, 2006 www.milwaukeelabor.org How to value each vote ow hard should you work to keep a single heading for Hillside and consulting along the way vote from being suppressed? Milwaukee got with the protection team. Meanwhile, Sen. Lena Ha theatrical reminder 10 days before the elec- Taylor, a lawyer, heard the same broadcast and hurried tion and radio listeners got an unintended front-row to help. Within hours the confusion was resolved, the seat to a real example Nov. 7. voter was recontacted and legally cast his ballot. On Oct. 29 at Serb Hall, the MCLC under the This was one confusion the protection specialists urging of Secretary-Treasurer Sheila Cochran had battled all day. Felons free of paper (completing brought in actress mZuri to present her one-woman their parole or probation) are emancipated in show built around the life of 1960s voting rights Wisconsin, with full rights restored. The issue of their activist Fannie Lou Hamer, who survived beatings in names should have been solved through a statewide Mississippi to stir the nation’s conscience. The actress voter database, but delays from the private company added freedom songs of the era in her rich voice and hired to build it put this confirmation service on the contemporary comments as if Hamer were speaking shelf for this election. With only a few hours email from the skies, a performance and message that Instead, the state Department of Corrections has and voice mail notice, the brought the audience to its feet in applause. put out a list for poll workers riddled with errors – MCLC hosted an election The afternoon of Election Day, Cochran had on names and aliases of felons who can’t vote but also of celebration party with food and her nonpartisan hat to explain on WMCS 1290 her citizens who had completed all legal obligations. drink Nov. 9 for Labor 2006 work with the voter protection team, a collection of People in the latter group can fill out a challenge bal- workers. While the hall was trained experts and lawyers constantly on their phones lot that is later verified and counted, but here’s the packed, DJ Jay Reinke (right) and computers in a basement on Vliet St., hooked up rub. If they are wrong in their insistence they are found singalongs the hardest to the election commissions, community groups and emancipated, they’ve committed felony fraud and face part of field mobilization. similar agencies. All day and night, the team sent arrest. On Nov. 7 both poll workers and named citi- helpers to backlogged or hassled poll workers, antici- zens were understandably leery about filing a chal- pated dilemmas, clarified rules and procedures, and lenge ballot without confirmation from the state. started reports on what worked and didn’t in The frustrated caller turned out to be absolutely Milwaukee’s election machinery. honest, but the worry about potential criminal hazard Prepared for disaster, the team funded through probably kept other ex-felons from exercising their the nonprofit LaborCommunity@Work mainly found rights, especially if they weren’t listening to the radio brushfires of intimidation. As Cochran explained to at just the right time. radio host Eric Von how the team responded to single The error-prone felon list was not the main voters as well as systemic failures, listeners called in problem encountered. Most complaints dealt with to relate their experiences. understaffed, undertrained or underprepared poll But one called in out of confusion and frustra- wards and workers on a day when full databases tion. A former felon who had legally voted for 10 were still not available, voting machines broke down years, the distressed caller had left the Hillside here and there, lines moved too slowly and thou- Terrace polling place unsatisfied because his name sands of voters were taking advantage of absentee was on a no-no list – not once but three times. ballots and same-day registration. But all these prob- Cochran had her cell phone out and was out the lems can be managed by better preparation and Actress mZuri works with Milwaukee stagehands (here it’s Bill studio door in minutes, abandoning the interview, ongoing technological attention. Burgardt) to set up her one-woman performance at Serb Hall Oct. 29. The event drew about 100 persons to see mZuri resurrect the spirit of voting rights pioneer Fannie Lou Hamer. www.milwaukeelabor.org AFL-CIO MILWAUKEE LABOR PRESS, Thursday, November 23, 2006 — Page 9 Memories overcome sadness CC aa ll ee nn dd aa rr at passing of Janie Jackson For updated master list of events, visit www.milwaukeelabor.org f you measure wealth by influence on others, and the Wednesday, November 29 Idepth of loss by the look in MCLC Executive Board, 2 p.m. people’s eyes, then Janie Lee Yatchak Hall, 633 S. Hawley Rd. Jackson died very rich indeed while the Milwaukee community Tuesday, December 5 suffered a painful wound Oct. 27 Rock ‘n’ Roll Closing Celebration when Jackson’s heart failed. United Way Community Campaign Her death came after a 2005 Must register online at diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral unitedwaymilwaukee.org/2006closing.html sclerosis (ALS, commonly or call (414) 263-8160 known as Lou Gehrig’s disease). We Energies Auditorium, 231 W. Michigan St. News of her passing spread Wednesday, December 6 quickly among her families – and Delegate Meeting that should be plural. Aside from Milwaukee County Labor Council AFL-CIO her family of kin her families 6:30 p.m., Serb Hall, 5101 W. Oklahoma Ave. included her church, her civil rights groups and her union Friday, December 15 (United Auto Workers). MCLC Holiday Open House A native Milwaukeean, Noon to 4 p.m. Jackson’s universe of friends was Yatchak Hall, 633 S. Hawley Rd. large, including many who partic- Putting together the King celebration last January even while ipated for years in the annual Lou Gehrig’s disease was consuming her, Janie Lee Jackson Martin Luther King Jr. memorial (right) was presented the Owen Bieber Social Activist Award by events at Washington Park she her longtime friend, Sheila Cochran. helped organize. Her own family was large as spiritual mentoring by example, a theme of “A Duty to Give Back,” well – starting with her husband, determination to see those around the UAW and her local presented Major Jackson Jr., two sons, Erick her reach their full potential. Her her the Owen Bieber Social McWilliams and Kevin Jackson, religious devotion was reflected Activist Award. Even last January, and five “special daughters” she in her work for the Mission of while fighting the paralyzing onset helped raise: Ta Jaun Mudd, Christ Lutheran Church. of ALS, she helped organize the Maura Bond, Lauri Grayson, Her union drew some of her King event. She was 63 when she Darice Brown and Toni Clark, deepest involvement. Over the died. now a Milwaukee County supervi- years she served the local as sor. financial secretary, executive Another close friend who board member, UAW CAP coun- remembers Jackson as a mentor is cil delegate, civil rights chair and Sheila Cochran, now secretary- related roles on committees, treasurer of the MCLC. Cochran councils and as MCLC delegate. simply said: “I lost my anchor.” For the international union she A comforting but tough pillar was an executive board member of values and purpose – that’s how of the national UAW civil rights many describe Jackson, a graduate council. of North Division High who She was also a member of the earned her practical nurse license NAACP, the National Council of at MATC. It was a profession she Negro Women, the A. Phillip would return to, as a volunteer Randolph Institute, CLUW nurse, after her retirement from (Coalition of Labor Union Delphi, where she worked 28 Women) and CBTU (the Coali- years as a surface mount operator. tion of Black Trade Unionists) Not just Cochran speaks of her Because her life reflected the Page 10 — AFL-CIO MILWAUKEE LABOR PRESS, Thursday, November 23, 2006 www.milwaukeelabor.org www.milwaukeelabor.org AFL-CIO MILWAUKEE LABOR PRESS, Thursday, November 23, 2006 — Page 11 Twice bitten enough for Bryan Kennedy he Democrats had better ducked extensive open debates, buddies. candidates, and more of and even while Gov. Doyle More states will soon be in Tthem, in 2006 over 2004. gained noticeably in the district, rebellion against the unfunded Advance footwork succeeded in Kennedy could only add 4% to headaches of his Real ID bill, finding them, matching them to his losing 2004 total. That made which hardly looks like a smart their districts' temperaments, and 2006 another blowout -- nearly way to advance homeland securi- standing by them. 62% voting for the Republican, a ty. The immigration border fence That's the general national vote difference of nearly 82,000. bill he pushed through the consensus. But the match either Sensenbrenner would be a House, plus his efforts to turn didn't exist or didn't catch fire in "tough nut" (in all senses of that undocumented workers from Wisconsin's 5th US phrase) for anyone to crack. But civil violators into felons, almost Congressional District. this was a year - if not the year - single-handedly brought millions Making his second run he had made himself vulnerable. of citizens and foreign workers against a 28-year House veteran, His grumpy demeanor as House to the nation's streets in protest. James Sensenbrenner, Bryan Judiciary Committee chair He bent over for the Kennedy and his supporters angered his own party as well as National Rifle Association ended up with some harsh reali- the opposition. He insisted on his against the wishes of law ties in a year that Kennedy him- own agendas against the wishes enforcement experts who wanted self described as the "perfect of the White House and the party to check dealer records to moni- Bryan Kennedy made a strong case for change (here at a UAW storm" to propel him into office. leaders (not an endearing trait tor guns used in crime and called Brewery Workers Local 9 gathering) but most voters didn’t seem After $600,000 in campaign when you look at those agendas). those who objected "crybabies." donations over three years, after He was revealed as one of All this made suburbanites to be listening in Rep. James Sensenbrenner’s district. being forced to rely on press the House's leading free-load in Waukesha, Ozaukee and laughingstock of Republican Well-spoken, moderate and releases as Sensenbrenner junketeers and corporate best Washington counties a national extremism and added a new genuinely thoughtful, the UWM word to the national political lex- professor would make a better County workers about to lose big icon: "Senselessbrenner." BBoowwlliinngg Congressman, as even the in an effort to hoard wage checks It also poisoned the state's largest newspaper point- MCLC MIXED Republican hopes of wooing ed out in its endorsement. But Latino voters, which soared to iven the uncertainties SENIOR BOWLING it was a bit like sending an 44% GOP in 2004 and, accord- about the Milwaukee intelligent collie against an OCTOBER 2006 RESULTS ing to recent exit polls, shrunk to County budget and the attack dog. G TEAM WINS LOSSES a virtually irretrievable 27% continued speculation about job Wednesday after the elec- GUTTER RATS 37 19 across the nation this year. cuts under County Executive tion, Kennedy thanked his sup- 8 BALLS 30 26 Kennedy made those points, Scott Walker, it could be that LABORER's 113 29 27 porters and said he would but not in a devastating "what hundreds of county workers CRAZY 8's 26 30 remain politically active but not are you folks thinking?" manner. thought they were frugally sav- ONE BOARD OVER 24 32 run for a third time. ing for a rainy day. SLAMMERS 22 34 Instead, they are about to IND. HIGH SERIES OVER 470 wash away thousands of dollars SAM SAMUELSON 635 in wages, warns Dan Diliberti, DAN LAACK 591 the county treasurer. BOB WAGNER 579 Diliberti is taking the unusu- DON WIEDMANN 562 al extra step of notifying all County Treasurer Dan Diliberti DEL GROSS 541 these workers by mail that those WAYNE FRANZEN 536 long uncashed checks (probably Nor will it be wise in the DUANE DEUEL 473 in most cases) or lost checks future to hang onto checks, since IND. HIGH GAME OVER 180 will soon not be worth the paper new ones will have a tighter void SAM SAMUELSON 237 they're printed on. So get them date (60 days). BOB WAGNER 226 cashed or deposited - or they It's not only a bad idea to WAYNE FRANZEN 223 hang onto checks, Diliberti DAN LAACK 217 will be void. DON WIEDMANN 216 Diliberti says a new bank pointed out, but "some employ- DEL GROSS 204 has been awarded the county's ees have lost thousands of dol- ELMER HELM 194 checking account contract and lars in interest earnings." DUANE DEUEL 182 that all checks have a redemption Don't phone the treasurer's IND. HIGH SERIES OVER 400 date at which they expire. office. he said, since letters are RAE MATOWSKI 436 PHYLLIS NAVARRETE 410 Between those two realities, the being mailed out to all affected IND. HIGH GAME OVER 150 checks will soon be worthless. workers. He just wants to be sure that people who don't cash LAVERNE WERNER 169 The dilemma of lost, mis- ELAINE KARIER 160 placed and/or uncashed checks checks DO open their mail from PHYLLIS NAVARRETE 155 extends to hundreds of workers, the county. RAE MATOWSKI 152 union and non, that he is contact- ing by letter. In one case, Diliberti found a worker with $30,000 in uncashed wage checks. Page 12 — AFL-CIO MILWAUKEE LABOR PRESS, Thursday, November 23, 2006 www.milwaukeelabor.org BELOW: A week before the election, Wisconsin’s first family, Jessica and Jim Doyle, are relaxed pictures of confi- dence at the Obama rally. Next to them was the senator with even greater reasons for confidence, Herb Kohl.

With labor and community supporters behind him, Bill Clinton charms a large crowd at the Milwaukee Theatre Nov. 3 while (right) on Oct. 31 Illinois Sen. Barack Obama applauds the crowd gathered to hear him at Pere Marquette Park. Dems’ big draws put substance into stumps t’s old news that the two them with intellectual observa- second book that is the nation’s — arithmetic.” You know everything already (so biggest “rock stars” of the tions. Both found it revealing top best seller, “The Audacity of But both also turned serious you) govern by assertion and IDemocratic Party descended that, amid the partisan hoopla and Hope,” anchored a Halloween with similar reflections in quite attack. Competence is irrelevant. on Milwaukee just before celebrity enthusiasm, their listen- morning rally at Pere Marquette different styles about the moral Consequences are irrelevant Election Day to stir support for ers were willing to turn quietly Park. He drew cheers of recogni- crisis in America exposed not just because you’ve got all the Gov. Jim Doyle and the rest of attentive when they addressed tion from a crowd of about 2,000 by the actions of the administra- answers.” the state ticket. how Democrats should act in the when he described the Republi- tion but also by the tenor of the ”One of the things I’ve What was not much noticed future. can campaign as “name-calling, campaign. learned is that if you’re in a hole, in the news, though, was that nei- ot that the speakers did- slash and burn and smack- Obama: “We may be the quit digging. But if you’ve got ther the incarnation of “The n’t get off some devastat- downs.” first generation in a long time to an ideology, you say, ‘Hand me a Audacity of Hope” nor the man Ning condemnations and “We’ve been fed a politics of pass on an America that is a little bigger shovel.’” from Hope delivered typical rousing quips about the GOP cynicism,” said Obama, as poorer and a little meaner than the “Well, ‘stop and think’is not stump speeches. along the way. opposed to the hope that embroi- one we inherited from our par- the same as ‘cut and run.’” Both engaged large crowds Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, ders his personal experience and ents.” utside, blowing their with philosophy and challenged riding presidential fever and his national reputation. Clinton: “People know airhorns, garbage trucks Former President Bill Clin- something is profoundly amiss in Orented by the National ton (born, of course, in Hope, our national life, that basically Rifle Association circled the Arkansas) strolled with Doyle we’re not relating to each other as Milwaukee Theatre with “Dump onto the Milwaukee Theatre stage we ought to.” Doyle” vinyled on their sides. the afternoon of Nov. 3, setting a bama lamented the loss Inside, Clinton cautioned a crowd of about 4,000 to waving of a quality he called partisan crowd to “not give up and dancing. O“essential to the on anybody.” nd Clinton got off his American spirit.” He certainly anticipated an own more frequent “At each and every moment, election switching sides. Azingers, particularly we have believed in the possibili- “Essentially,” he argued, when he encapsulated the GOP ty of something better,” he said, “it’s not fair to blame the Repub- message: offering a motivational history of licans, because it is only a nar- “If you vote for those America’s path of setbacks fol- row strip of the Republican Party Democrats, they will tax you into lowed by more embracing that was in control of this coun- the poorhouse, and on the way to advances. try’s machinery in the last six the poorhouse you will meet a ter- Clinton also traced the histo- years.” rorist on every street corner, and ry of how America jumped off the Democrats, he said, “have when you try to run away from tracks and discussed relying on become by default both the pro- the terrorist, you will trip over an an ideology that doesn’t look gressive and the mainstream illegal immigrant.” reality in the eyes and makes the conservative party in America.” Clinton also drew laughs “No. 1 priority the concentration Emcee for the Clinton event when he explained his answer to of wealth and power.” was an old friend and one of his people who wonder, “‘What When you govern through early supporters, AFSCME great economic idea did you only your own ideology, Clinton International President Gerald bring to Washington?’ and I say said, “You have nothing to learn. McEntee.