GOP House hopefuls to challenge long-serving Dems

Two Republicans looking to challenge long-term Dem incumbents are starting with distinct disadvantages in campaign cash. But they hope that voters thirsty for change will give them a look this fall.

Dan Mielke, a businessman and farmer from Rudolph who is challenging U.S. Rep. Dave Obey, D-Wausau, reported $1,576 cash on hand in the campaign finance reports filed in April. Obey reported $1.1 million cash on hand.

"If we get the cash we believe he's beatable," said Mielke. "It's a no-lose situation for me. I expect to win. I expect to remove that man from office. If I can't do it in this election hopefully I'll get close enough that he'll decide to retire."

Paul Stark, an Eau Claire resident and custom home builder who is running for the 3rd Congressional District seat held by U.S. Rep. Ron Kind, D-La Crosse, says he decided to run because he sees a lack of leadership in Washington.

"I have been in a sense apathetic because I would help in the presidential elections but other than that I hadn't been doing much," he said. "So I decided that if I want change then maybe I need to step forward to spur that change on."

Stark reported no cash on hand in the most recent reports. Kind reported more than $729,000.

This is Stark's first fun for political office, not a professional politician, which is how he characterizes Kind.

"I am not a politician, and I also running that way," he said. "I am a Washington
outsider ... just a regular guy."

Listen to the Mielke interview here.

Listen to the Stark interview here.

-- By Greg Bump

Ryan, Walker early GOP favorites for leading 2010 statewide races

STEVENS POINT -- Paul Ryan and Scott Walker are the heavy early favorites for the 2010 Republican Party nominations for U.S. Senate and governor, according to the annual convention straw poll conducted by WisPolitics.com.

Ryan, the GOP congressman from southeastern Wisconsin's 1st Congressional District, garnered 123 votes from official convention attendees who picked him as their favorite to challenge Democratic U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold, should the Middleton Democrat choose to seek re-election to another six-year term in 2010. Ryan was the only person in the Senate field with a triple-digit vote total.

Walker, the former legislator from Wauwatosa just re-elected to the Milwaukee County executive's office, received 157 votes from GOP activists asked to indicate who they favor to face Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle in 2010. Walker, who withdrew from the 2006 gubernatorial primary to allow Mark Green a clear path to the party nomination, was the only person in the governor field with a triple-digit vote total.

In last year's WisPolitics.com straw poll, state GOP activists favored former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson for president in 2008 and Walker for governor in 2010.

In this year's WisPolitics straw poll at the Wisconsin Republican Party convention in Stevens Point, 220 total ballots were cast by convention delegates, alternates and official guests. There were more than 400 official attendees at the convention.

Only one vote per person was allowed, and only ballots with one candidate marked in each category were counted. This poll in no way was endorsed by the Republican Party of Wisconsin.

WisPolitics, since it was launched in 2000, has conducted straw polls at state Republican and Democratic party conventions and considers them but one measure of a candidate's popularity and viability.

Paper balloting was conducted Friday and Saturday at this year's convention. WisPolitics.com also will conduct a straw poll at the state Democratic Party convention next month.

WisPolitics.com is an independent non-partisan political news service based in Madison, Wis. WisPolitics also operates these companion sites: WisOpinion.com, WisBusiness.com and IowaPolitics.com.

2008 GOP CONVENTION STRAW POLL QUESTIONS, RESULTS
220 total ballots cast

1) If a 2010 primary for governor were being held today, which Republican would you choose to be the party's nominee?

--Scott Walker, 157
--J.B. Van Hollen, 24
--Bill McCoshen, 9
--Scott Fitzgerald, 8
--Tommy Thompson, 5
--Mike Huebsch, 4
--Mark Neumann, 4
--Rick Graber, 1
--No Vote, 1
--Mark Todd, 0

Write-ins, 7
--Mark Gundrum led with 2

2) If a 2010 primary for U.S. Senate were being held today, which Republican would you choose to be the party's nominee?

--Paul Ryan, 123
--Mark Green, 44
--Tim Michels, 23
--Ted Kanavas, 8
--Scott Klug, 3
--Curt Culver 2
--No vote 1

Write-ins: 16 total
--Rick Graber led with 6.

-- By Staff

Delegates approve platform

The delegates have approved the state party platform without changes.

Read the full platform.

-- By Staff

McCain to come back to Wisconsin 'soon'

John McCain will be back in Wisconsin soon, but details aren't available yet, campaign officials said.

McCain visited South Milwaukee recently for what his campaign billed as an economic summit.

-- By JR Ross

Simmons: McCain offers hope in sea of cynicism

Eighty percent of Americans think the country is on the wrong track, George Bush's approval ratings are near historic lows and Democrats are trying to paint a John McCain presidency as a third term for the incumbent president.

So Sarah Simmons, former political director for the RPW, says no one on McCain's campaign goes into this fall's election thinking naively that it's a good environment for Republicans.

But Simmons sees McCain as the answer for the cynicism and pessimism running rampant through moderate and swing voters.

"Here's a guy who's been through the worst of it and still gets up every day with the idea of serving his country and changing laws and changing Washington so that it's doing the people's work and not working for him," said Simmons, who's working for McCain's campaign as his director of strategy, coordinating work by campaign pollsters with the media team, along with other tasks.

Simmons was laid off by the McCain campaign last year in a shake up as he faced money problems and diving poll numbers. But she was brought back on board just before the Florida primary as McCain's come back gained steam.

Simmons said the campaign is now starting to focus in on the key states for this fall's election, saying it started with about 20 that have gone back and forth between the two parties over the years.

She expects to spend some time in Wisconsin this fall working with Jennifer Hallowell, who was recently hired as McCain's regional director for Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana. But she's not counting on being stationed here.

"What I've learned over the last year of watching John McCain is the one thing you should remember in the land of McCain is never say never," she said.

Listen to the interview.

-- By JR Ross

RNC chair praises McCain compared to Dem presidential candidates

RNC Chair Mike Duncan portrayed Dem presidential candidates as a threat to Americans' pocketbooks, guns and safety Saturday morning in a speech to GOP delegates.

Duncan spliced video clips of comments by Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton to suggest they fundamentally don't understand the economy or how to tell the truth. He said Democrats have two liberals and two lawyers as their candidates for president and contrasted that with presumptive GOP nominee John McCain.

"We have a westerner and a warrior," Duncan said.

Duncan largely gave GOP activists a pep talk about what's at stake in this fall's elections and the party's chances of holding onto the presidency. But he also acknowledged the difficult environment Republicans face this fall, pointing to several special elections for the U.S. House that Dems have won in recent months.

"I can give you lots of reasons, but I can give you more excuses," Duncan said, calling those losses a wake up call for the party.

He said part of the Dems' success has been their ability to portray their candidates as conservatives.

"The Democrats are taking our principles," he said.

Duncan also told delegates a story about President Abraham Lincoln and the RNC's chair talking to him before the election of 1864 and the chance he would lose. Duncan described a country weary about the ongoing war and an opponent who "promised peace but not victory." He said Lincoln knew he would be beaten -- and badly -- unless something dramatic happened. Duncan said Union forces then began to turn the tide of the war, and Lincoln won re-election.

"You're the difference between winning and losing in this country," Duncan told the delegates. "You're the front line against the 527s, the unions and the interest groups who are going to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to elect Democrats."

Listen to a media availability Duncan did following his speech here.

-- By JR Ross

Van Hollen touts GOP's future

Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen isn't buying the notion that Republicans have failed to adequately reach out to young people.

He told delegates he looked at his table last night and saw GOP chair Reince Priebus at 36 years old, U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan at 38, Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker at 40 and himself at 42, the "old man at the table."

"Folks, we've got a future," Van Hollen said, adding that Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch is 43 and 44-year-old John Gard has got a good shot at the 8th CD this fall.

Van Hollen ticked off a list of accomplishments at the state Department of Justice, telling delegates that the agency is cross training some agents with immigration and customs enforcement officials and he returned more than $1 million to state coffers by doing away with government waste. He also pledged to work for legislation that would allow retired police officers to carry concealed weapons and promised to continue efforts to ensure election integrity.

Van Hollen also said the DOJ has stopped being a reflection of the attorney general's political agenda and is instead focused on its core mission.

"We're being the lawyers for the state," he said.

He also dismissed the notion that Republicans want the same things as Democrats, but just less of it.

"We do need some taxpayer money and we do want far less of it," Van Hollen said. "But there are other things we want more of. We want more of prioritization, we want more of focusing on public safety, and we want more of integrity of government."

Listen to Van Hollen's speech: http://www.wispolitics.com/1006/Van_Hollen_speech.mp3

-- By JR Ross

Huebsch: GOP puts faith in people, not government

Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch told delegates today Republicans and Democrats differ in on very key area: Where they put their faith.

Huebsch said Democrats, led by their presidential candidates, put their faith in government, believing that by electing them, "they will solve your problems through government control."

"We as Republicans do not place our faith in government but in each other," Huebsch said.

U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan called Huebsch the last line of defense for Republicans against the spending priorities of Gov. Jim Doyle and Democrats, who control the state Senate. Playing off that idea, Huebsch ridiculed the idea of taking money from one and giving it to another to strengthen the economy, saying instead, "You take less from all."

Huebsch also took a swipe at Barack Obama's wife, Michelle, for comments she made earlier about being really proud of her country for the first time in her adult life as she watched her husband's campaign.

Huebsch said Pat Nixon never would have made comments like that at the height of the war in Vietnam, nor would have Rosalyn Carter said something like that on the heels of Watergate or Nancy Regan during the Iranian hostage crisis.

"That is the difference that we have going into this year, the pride that we have in this country and in its people," Huebsch said.

Listen to Huebsch's speech: http://www.wispolitics.com/1006/Huebsch_speech.mp3

-- By JR Ross

Sensenbrenner says Republicans need to act, vote like Republicans

U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner said that Republicans have lost their way and are paying for it at the ballot box.

The Menomonee Falls Republican, who was a leader in instituting the Real ID program, criticized Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch, R-West Salem, for passing a budget repair bill that stripped the program of its funding.

He commended Republicans in the state Senate for voting against the legislative budget repair plan that diverted $22 million earmarked for Real ID into the general fund.

"Unfortunately Speaker Huebsch decided to push it through the Assembly, and he did so in a manner that does not fix the problem of over-taxing and replaces transportation fees with more state borrowing. Exactly the same move that helped destroy the Republican brand nationally," Sensenbrenner said. "Everyone sees this as a political shell game that simply postpones hard decisions."

He said Republicans need to get back to their core values.

"We need to act like Republicans and vote like Republicans," he said.

Sensenbrenner drew applause when he said sometimes leadership consists of saying no to bad policies, such as when he opposed President Bush on immigration issues.

Listen to audio here.

-- By Greg Bump

Ryan: "This is the one that counts"

U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan told the crowd that the fall election will determine whether the 21st century will be considered "a great American century."

"This is a transformative time," Ryan said. "This is the one that counts."

Ryan said the country faces the three challenges of globalization, Islamic radicalism, and a "crushing" tax burden.

"This is not just a few angry radicals waging Jihad," Ryan said regarding terrorism. "You do not win this by playing defense."

Ryan added a host of taxes set to return during the next presidential term, and described the new taxes propsed by Rep. Charlie Rangel, they chairman of Ryan's House Ways and Means committee.

"They're confident enough to say this to the American people," Ryan said of the Democrats. "This is the engine of economic growth they're trying to stall."

Listen to Ryan's speech here.

-- By Andy Szal

Sen. Fitzgerald: GOP landscape "starting to change"

Senate Minority Leader Scott Fitzgerald said he is seeing a change in the state's electoral landscape as he tours Wisconsin recruiting candidates and workers for the fall's state Senate campaigns.

"The landscape out there is starting to change," Fitzgerald assured delegates, attributing that to both the presidential election and increased grassroots efforts.

He then launched into an attack on the majority Senate Democrats, accussing them of attempting to overhaul health care and attack business.

"They can't see the link between what a businessman does, and that is create jobs," the Juneau Republican said.

He closed his speech by advocating for candidates in the targeted Senate districts, including incumbents Alberta Darling, Sheila Harsdorf and Dan Kapanke, and challengers Ben Bakke, Chad Fradette, Tim Lakin, and Tom Tiffany.

Listen to Fitzgerald's speech here.

-- By Andy Szal

Walker: Re-election shows potential for conservatives in '08

Milwaukee Co. Exec. Scott Walker told delegates that his re-election in Milwaukee County, along with other conservative victories in April, shows that predictions of a Democratic year in Wisconsin could be premature.

"Last month, voters showed they'll make the right pick when given a choice between liberals and conservatives," Walker said, also citing the elimiation of the Frankenstein veto and the election of Michael Gableman to the state Supreme Court.

"Conservatives can win in 2008 if we're proud and bold about our ideas," Walker added.

Listen to Walker's speech here.

-- By Andy Szal

McCain is Dems' "worst nighmare," Priebus says

RPW chairman Reince Priebus told the GOP conventioners that they should be proud to support presumptive presidential nominee John McCain.

"John McCain's never voted for a tax increase - ever, ever in his life," Priebus said. "He never asked for any earmarks ever in his life."

"John McCain is Democrats' worst nightmare," he said.



-- By Greg Bump

Ryan tells delegates GOP has right message but running out of time

U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan told delegates this morning Republicans have a winning message but haven't done a good job selling it to the public and are running out of time to do it.

"We know who we are. We know what works," said Ryan, chair of the this year's convention. "But we have not done an effective job of explaining to the American people who we are and what our plan is."

Ryan said he will unveil legislation next week called "A Roadmap for America's Future" that he says will focus on health and retirement security and global economic issues.

Ryan said the plan will be "controversial in some quarters." But he said it is time for Republicans to "take stock of who we are and take stock of the messes we've created."

Ryan, a Janesville Republican, said the political left is on the offensive, but he said America remains a "center-right nation." He said it's time for the GOP to stand by the principles that it is known for.

"Friends, it's gut check time."

"We have to show the American people we have a plan to solve their problems," Ryan said.

Listen to audio here.

-- By Greg Bump

Walker urges Republicans to "lift people up"

Milwaukee Co. Exec. Scott Walker said that instead of praying to get into an election, he prayed to get out of one two years ago during his keynote address to the RPW convention's prayer breakfast this morning.

Walker said he knew that someone had to leave the GOP gubernatorial primary in 2006, because neither he nor Mark Green was raising enough money to keep pace with incumbent Gov. Jim Doyle. But he said he was uneasy about announcing his decision to leave the race until a prayer card from his grandmother told him to "focus back up on the horizon."

"That's something that's not easy to do," Walker said.

Walker largely stayed clear of politics during his speech, choosing instead to focus on his experiences both as a father and a "preacher's kid."

He focused on a passage from the book of Matthew -- from which Ronald Reagan's famous "city on a hill" quote was taken -- and urged his audience to let their deeds speak on behalf of their faith.

He added that Republicans could "lift people up," and show they have the better policies instead of tearing down their opponents. He recalled Sen. Sheila Harsdorf's 2000 campaign, in which Harsdorf explained political attacks to her young son by saying her opponent was still "a good person."

"Even though you might have differences, that doesn't mean you have to hate your opponent," Walker said.

-- By Andy Szal

Catching up with Courtney

Former state chairman Brad Courtney says he is keeping involved in the political game since stepping down from the RPW's top spot a year ago.

Courtney was Milwaukee Co. Exec. Scott Walker's co-finance chairman in this spring's re-election, and is chairman of U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner's re-election campaign.

He said prospects for Republicans in 2008 are not as dire as some may think.

"I think we bottomed out in '06. I think with Senator McCain at the top of the ticket I think Wisconsin's going to be a battleground state," Courtny said. "I think we have a very good chance of winning, and he'll have long coattails."

Listen to the Courtney interview here.

-- By Greg Bump

Culver for Senate?

There's a name on the WisPolitics.com 2010 Senate straw poll ballot that's drawing some interesting looks.

The name of Curt Culver is definitely not one of the usual political suspects.

He's the chairman and CEO of MGIC Investment Corp., which has been rocked recently by the national mortgage crisis.

But some influential Republicans have been talking to him and circulating his name as a possible opponent for U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold in 2010 because he'd be a good contrast with Feingold on geography (Feingold is from the Madison area and Culver is from the Milwaukee area) and on the resume (Feingold has been a politician most of his adult life, while Culver has run a big business).

While the possibility of his candidacy appears remote given the state of the economy and MGIC at the moment, WisPolitics.com confirmed enough interest to put him on the ballot.

See more on Culver.

By the way, Culver is due to make an appearance tomorrow on the statewide news magazine program "UpFront with Mike Gousha" to talk about the mortgage foreclosure crisis.

See more on the show, which airs at various times in the five major statewide markets.

-- By Staff

Delegates impressed by Pawlenty

Despite his disparaging words for the Green Bay Packers at the end of his speech, GOP convention-goers were generally impressed with Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty's keynote address Friday night.

Trempeleau County delegate Dave Anderson said Pawlenty's address was outstanding, and that "he's got to be on the short list" for a vice-presidential spot with John McCain.

Anderson said that Pawlenty would help the GOP ticket not just as an appealing politician, but as the governor of a neighboring state. In particular, he said his native Western Wisconsin could move more toward McCain if they see a name they are familiar with on the ballot with the Arizona senator.

Brown County delegate Robert Henderson added that Pawlenty's speech was excellent, and that he would make a "good choice" for the vice-presidency.

Not all delegates were ready to finalize the top of the fall GOP ticket, however. Price County delegate Jeffrey Fahl said that he still didn't know enough about Pawlenty to advocate for his VP selection, but did say he made very good points during his address.

-- By Andy Szal

Hospitality suites humming

Tonight's chairman's banquet ran nearly an hour longer than scheduled, but that didn't stop the conventioneers from cramming hospitality suites afterward.

The CERS/RACC suite had a tiki theme, with a industrial-size blender mixing up exotic drinks for guest.

Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen's suite had a luau theme, with chicken wings and beers from the local Point brewery.

Milwaukee Co. Exec. Scott Walker's room had was Milwaukee-themed, with Harley posters on the wall and Miller beer on tap.

Dan Mielke, who is challenging U.S. Rep. David Obey for the 7th Congressional District seat, had a patriotic-GOP theme, with life-size cardboard stand-ups of Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush and John McCain.

Sensenbrenner says Western District replacement may not be named until 2010

The president wants to nominate candidates to fill two openings on the federal bench in Wisconsin at the same time, but U.S. Sens. Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold have yet to recommend names for the Western District spot, causing a delay, U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner said Friday.

Sensenbrenner said he feared it could mean the Western District opening would not be filled until at least 2010 because time was running out for this president to nominate someone, and then next one may need until late 2009 to forward a candidate.

The congressman said making an appointment to the federal bench has taken on even more urgency because U.S. District Court Judge John Shabaz is on medical leave, and his return is uncertain.

"With a change in administration, we really start from scratch," Sensenbrenner said.

Sensenbrenner said he forwarded to the White House five names for the Western District opening six weeks ago. All had been recommended by a nominating commission and include Milwaukee Circuit Court Judge Michael Brennan, Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge J. Mac Davis, U.S. Attorney Erik Peterson, defense attorney Stephen J. Meyer and Eau Claire County Circuit Court Judge Lisa Stark.

Sensenbrenner and the Dem senators have also made their own recommendations for the opening on the Eastern District bench.

Sensenbrenner recommended all six candidates forwarded to the lawmakers from the nominating commission, which included: Brennan, Davis, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Timothy G. Dugan, Racine County Chief Judge Gerald P. Ptacek, Assistant U.S. Attorney James L. Santelle and Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Maxine Aldridge White.

Kohl and Feingold recommended Davis, Dugan, Santelle and White for the post.

Sensenbrenner said the possibility of filling either post before the end of the year could hinge on whether Kohl and Feingold can persuade their Senate colleagues to vote on a nominee.

Listen to the interview.

-- By JR Ross

Gard tells crowd "2008 can be our moment"

Eighth Congressional District candidate John Gard, the former Speaker of the state Assembly, received a coveted speaking slot at the chairman's banquet, and unusual honor for a candidate.

Gard said despite what national pundits are saying about this being a bad year for Republicans, this could be a year to surprise.

"I predict the day after the election people will be saying 'I don't believe it but the Republicans had a lot better year than we ever thought they would have,'" Gard said.

Gard touched on issues including national security, abortion, energy independence, and his opponent Steve Kagen's treatment of First Lady Laura Bush.

Listen to the audio here.

-- By Greg Bump

Priebus says Republicans are redefined

RPW chairman Reince Priebus said at the County Chairman's Banquet tonight that his party has spent the last year redefining itself.

"We're here because we want to change the world," he said. "We're her because we want to change the bottom line of society."

Priebus, a Milwaukee attorney, got a very kind introduction, which he said was because he has "represented over half of the politicians in the room."

"We'll see how things go in front of the Government Accountability Board in the future."

-- By Greg Bump

Many legislators made the trip

State legislators spotted at this year's convention:

State Sens. Scott Fitzgerald, Alberta Darling, Robert Cowles, Ted Kanavas, Glenn Grothman, Mary Lazich.

State Reps. Jeff Fitzgerald, Kevin Peterson, Steve Nass, Rich Zipperer, Joan Ballweg, Bill Kraemer, Scott Newcomer, Joel Kleefisch, Pat Strachota, Mark Gottlieb, John Townsend, Dan LeMahieu, Don Pridemore, John Nygren, Roger Roth, Steve Wieckert, Robin Vos, Jeff Mursau, Jim Ott, Scott Gunderson, Jerry Petrowski.

Former Reps. Gabe Loeffelholz, Debi Towns, John Ainsworth, Jean Hundertmark.

Other elected officials: Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen, U.S. Reps. Paul Ryan and Jim Sensenbrenner, former Assembly Speaker and 8th CD candidate John Gard, Milwaukee Co. Exec. Scott Walker.

Pawlenty should broaden appeal

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty told the Republican conventioneers that they must update their message to fit the issues of this time.

Pawlenty, whose is often mentioned as a potential vice presidential candidate, said that on the issues the GOP message is stronger than what is offered by Democrats, from taxes to the energy crisis to health care.

"Do you want government to take over your health care - courtesy of the people that brought you the Katrina response," he said.

But, he said, the party needs to change how the message is delivered, citing recent failures in the "ultimate marketplace" of politics - elections.

"If we're the marketplace party ... we've got to look each other in the eyeballs and see the warning lights are flashing on the dashboard," he said. "More people than we would like are choosing the products and services of our competitors."

Pawlenty said the GOP needs to "return to the core values that made our party successful in the first place that we've drifted away from."

Recalling the optimism of Ronald Reagan, Pawlenty told the crowd that they should do more to appeal to young voters, and to diversify.

The crowd was friendly to the Minnesota governor until the very end of the speech, when he exited the stage by saying, "Thank you for listening, have a great conventionand I look forward to coming back to our sister and neighboring state - and to the Vikings beating the Packers."

That brought a round of lusty boos.

Listen to Pawlenty's speech here.

-- By Greg Bump

Nowak working for Gard -- again

Ellen Nowak, who worked for John Gard as one of his chiefs of staff when he was Assembly speaker, is back working for him again, this time as campaign manager of his congressional bid.

Nowak went to work for School Choice Wisconsin after Gard lost his first bid for the 8th CD and left the group at the end of 2007. She joined the campaign in February and has moved to De Pere.

-- By JR Ross

Pawlenty: GOP needs more positive message

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty told reporters Republicans need to offer a more positive message to win voters over this fall and praised presumptive presidential nominee John McCain as the perfect messenger.

"I think we have to be more than just the accountants for the Democrats," Pawlenty said during a media availability prior to his speech. "We just can't be the ones to say things are on the wrong track. We have to offer solutions."

Pawlenty, often mentioned as a potential vice presidential pick for McCain, fended off questions about whether he would be willing to share the GOP ticket this fall with McCain.

But when asked what qualities a VP pick would need to help McCain win upper Midwest states like Wisconsin and Minnesota, Pawlenty ticked off a series of attributes that could be found on his resume, including agricultural issues and economic development.

"I'm focused on being governor of the state of Minnesota," said Pawlenty, who broke away from intense budget negotiations to deliver the speech. "I have a day job, and I'm happy to support John McCain as a volunteer."

Pawlenty, who said he was in Stevens Point at the request of the Wisconsin GOP and not McCain, said Republicans still have work to do to re-claim their brand with voters and persuade them they are different from Democrats. He acknowledged troubling signs in the electorate, including recent GOP losses in special elections for House seats, and said President Bush has begun to try to rein in spending, a core value for the party.

"I think people are looking to Sen. McCain to kind of re-energize our chances in that regard," Pawlenty said. "He is a person who I think can appeal in states and in places that traditionally or recently we haven't had that kind of appeal."

Pawlenty also said Republicans missed an opportunity to connect with young voters and need to ramp up those efforts. Asked what the GOP could offer young voters, Pawlenty showed his sense of humor.

"We need to make sure we don't get up in their grill, and we gotta bounce," he said, pausing for a few laughs. "You know what I'm saying?"

Listen to the availability here.

-- By JR Ross

Walker focused on helping McCain, GOP legislators

Milwaukee Co. Exec. Scott Walker says he's not looking ahead yet to 2010 and the governor's race, instead he's focused on helping John McCain win the White House and Republicans win seats in the state Legislature.

Walker, who in April was re-elected to his second full term as county executive, is considered by many to be the frontrunner for the 2010 GOP nomination for governor. Walker ran for governor in 2006, but dropped out before a primary with Mark Green. Green eventually lost in the general election to Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle

Walker said Doyle will be vulnerable if he runs for re-election because of "broken promises and all the failed slogans." He said on the single biggest issue facing Wisconsin families, the economy, "we've seen next to nothing from this governor."



-- By Greg Bump

Wisconsin delegation for national convention gets good hotel

Being in charge has its benefits.

Mary Buestrin, Wisconsin's national committeewoman, chaired the Housing Committee for the 2008 Republican National Convention, so delegates can thank her for the nice digs they'll have in Minneapolis later this summer.

The Wisconsin delegation will be at the Marriott City Center in Minneapolis for the convention, which runs Sept. 1-4.

See the hotel.

The hotel is about 20 minutes by bus from the convention, which will be held at the Xcel Center. Buestrin said it's a shorter ride than many of the other state delegations will have. There are few hotel options near the center, which is in St. Paul, she said.

Buestrin led the party's effort to find housing for 46,000 people who will head to Minneapolis for the convention. She said finding accommodations was much different this time compared to 2004, when the party had about 40 hotels near the hall in midtown Manhattan at its disposal.

This time, there are 101 hotels the party is using, but they're spread all over the area.

-- By JR Ross

GOP field for 49th down to three

The GOP field for the 49th Assembly District has shrunk by one.

Kathy Kopp, executive director of the Platteville Area Chamber of Commerce, has decided against a bid.

That leaves three candidates in the race to take on freshman Dem Phil Garthwaite of Fennimore: David Kuhle of Hazel Green, Dennis Lundell of Livingston and Travis Tranel of Cuba City.

-- By JR Ross

OWN jabs McCain with "Stamporee"

Liberal group One Wisconsin Now is putting on a "Stamporee" outside the convention to highlight what they say is John McCain's "rubber stamp" record on voting with President Bush.

The demonstration is being acted out on a street corner near the convention center.

In the Stamporee sketch, OWN director Scot Ross plays the part of a narrator who lists various issues, from the war in Iraq to women's reproductive rights to actors wearing Bush and McCain masks, and an actress dressed as Cindy McCain. McCain then applies a giant rubber stamp that spells out "McSame" to a poster board as banjo music plays in the background.

"We're showing how in the United State Senate John McCain has been a rubber stamp for George W. Bush. Many of these policies have been disastrous for America and for the rest of the world," Ross said.

Ross said the display has gotten a few honks, while one motorist shouted "Yeah, stay the course."



-- By Greg Bump

Mielke hosts 'retirement party' for Obey

Dan Mielke is billing his hospitality suite tonight as a retirement party for Congressman Dave Obey, D-Wausau.

Mielke, a Rudolph farmer, is challenging Obey, chair of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, for the 7th CD in northern Wisconsin.

"While there, meet Dan Mielke, who, with our help, intends to force Congressman Dave Obey into retirement!" the invite reads. A woman was passing out the invites in a cream-colored envelope to people as they entered the convention hall.

-- By JR Ross

Pawlenty will be here despite budget acrimony

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty is facing a difficult budget battle in his home state, but he will still find time to deliver the keynote address at the Wisconsin GOP convention tonight.

Kirsten Kukowski, spokeswoman for the RPW, said Pawlenty called about an hour ago to confirm that he will make it to Stevens Point.

The Minnesota state legislature has been locked in a budget battle. The legislature adjourns Monday. Read more about the Minnesota budget battle here.

-- By Greg Bump

GOP state convention underway

RPW has registered 437 total people for their convention this year, which includes 386 delegates and 12 alternate delegates.

An estimated 500 people attended last year's event in Lake Geneva.

-- By Andy Szal

WisPolitics.com staging straw polls on 2010 races

WisPolitics is conducting a straw poll at both party conventions this year. Results from the GOP straw poll will be released late Saturday afternoon.

The following are the rules for this year's poll:

-- A list of possible candidates will appear in alphabetical order on a paper ballot for each question. A write-in spot will follow.

-- All convention delegates, alternates, and official guests will be eligible to vote. Only one vote may be cast per person. WisPolitics staff will stamp the credentials of all voters and use other means to ensure nobody votes more than once.

-- Ballots with more than one name marked will not be counted. Ballots with an illegible write-in name will not be counted. WisPolitics will be the sole judge as to whether a ballot should be counted.

-- The results will be counted by WisPolitics staff and released at www.wispolitics.com on the Saturday of the convention.

Here are this year's questions for Republicans:

Straw Poll Ballot
RPW Convention 2008

1) If a 2010 primary for governor were being held today, which Republican would you choose to be the party's nominee?

_ Scott Fitzgerald
_ Rick Graber
_ Mike Huebsch
_ Bill McCoshen
_ Mark Neumann
_ Tommy Thompson
_ Mark Todd
_ J.B. Van Hollen
_ Scott Walker
_ ____________________
Write In

2) If a 2010 primary for U.S. Senate were being held today, which Republican would you choose to be the party's nominee?
_ Curt Culver
_ Mark Green
_ Ted Kanavas
_ Scott Klug
_ Tim Michels
_ Paul Ryan
_ ____________________
Write In

One vote per person, only ballots with one candidate marked will be counted.
This poll is in no way endorsed by the Republican Party of Wisconsin.

Even without McCain, prez race on the minds of GOP convo attendees

State Republicans will get one of John McCain's potential running mates this weekend. But the presumptive GOP nominee has other commitments.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a frequently mentioned veep possibility, will be the main attraction at the GOP state convention in Stevens Point, delivering the keynote address Friday night. There will also be a VIP reception for him before the speech.

See more on Pawlenty

But even without McCain there still will still be plenty of presidential activity, planning and discussion, because Wisconsin is a key state in the GOP's Electoral College math, because some conservatives are still warming up to McCain, and because a lot of elected Republican candidates down ballot are depending upon the maverick to do well in Wisconsin.

And while McCain's not visiting the convention, he did help the state party out this week. The Seattle Times reports that a portion of the funds raised at a McCain event in Washington state on Tuesday were slated to go to the Wisconsin GOP.

Wisconsin is again expected to be one of the most contested states in the country come November, and both major-party nominees are expected to invest a lot of time and resources in the state. John Kerry won the state by about 11,000 votes in 2004, while Al Gore edged George Bush here by about 5,000 votes in 2000.

GOP convo highlights

While the prez race is at the top of the priority list, Republicans also will be mulling their chances of taking back the Green Bay-area congressional seat and holding onto to the state Assembly.

Former Assembly Speaker John Gard, who is challenging Dem U.S. Rep. Steve Kagen of Appleton in a rematch of their 2006 contest, is slated to appear at the convention on Friday. He will speak Friday before the dinner and will share a hospitality suite with U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Janesville.

See WisPolitics.com background on the 8th CD rematch

Ryan, a longshot veep possibility, will also have a speaking spot at the convention, along with U.S. Reps. Jim Sensenbrenner of Menomonee Falls and Tom Petri of Fond du Lac. All three will address the convention on Saturday.

Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch, R-West Salem, Senate Minority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, and Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen will also get Saturday speaking gigs.

Hospitality suites on Friday night will be hosted by Van Hollen, Ryan, and Scott Walker, the current GOP frontrunner for the 2010 governor election.

Also hosting a suite will be Dan Mielke, the Rudolph farmer who is challenging U.S. Rep. Dave Obey, D-Wausau.

The Republican Assembly Campaign Committee and Committee to Elect a Republican Senate will have a joint suite.

Friday workshops will focus on GOTV efforts and grassroots organizing, according to the party.

Pundits preview GOP convo

See what pundits John Nichols and John Murray have to say about the GOP convo and the state budget deal in this week's "WisOpinion.com: The Show."

And state GOP Exec Director Mark Jefferson and state Dem Party Chair Joe Wineke each took stock of their parties' in this fall's elections at a recent WisPolitics.com luncheon.

Meet the new McCain campaign regional director

While working for Rudy Giuliani's campaign in New Hampshire, Jennifer Hallowell had a view of John McCain's comeback from the outside.

"I had a front row seat to history in a lot of ways," Hallowell said of her days in New Hampshire during a new interview with WisPolitics.

Now, she's hoping to catch a McCain win from the inside.

Hallowell, who has spent much of the past 13 years working in Republican politics in Indiana, was recently picked to be McCain's regional campaign director for Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana, overseeing the efforts in those states.

A Dem hasn't won Indiana in the presidential race since 1964, so the majority of Hallowell's attention for the next six months will be focused on Wisconsin and Michigan -- places where McCain can appeal to independents and the old Reagan Democrats.

Read more from the WisPolitics interview with Hallowell

-- By JR Ross