Banquet speakers call for return to conservatism

The Republican Party doesn't need a new message, but instead more messengers committed to the old one of conservatism.

That theme came through loud and clear Saturday night from the speakers at Saturday night's banquet at the state Republican convention.

Milwaukee County Exec Scott Walker, one of the party's announced candidates for governor, said, "I fundamentally disagree," with those who say the party needs to broaden its base by expanding beyond traditional conservatism.

"There's nothing wrong with the message, but we didn't have the messengers at the top of our party in the last election," Walker said after leading the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Walker's statement was echoed by former U.S. Rep. Mark Neumann, who is expected to announce a bid for governor this fall, U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Janesville, and Twin Cities-based talk show host Jason Lewis.

John McCain did not effectively convey the message of conservatism in the 2008 presidential race, Walker maintained. He called for a new generation of leaders who were committed to conservative values.

Neumann, now a businessman who specializes in energy-efficient home building, said the times are similar to the early 1990s, when he ran for Congress. He said innovative thinking and conservative values turned the economy around then and are necessary for the Republicans to regain power in the state and country this time around.

"We need to reduce taxes dramatically in Wisconsin," Neumann said, adding that conservative approaches to improving education and the environment also are needed.

Ryan said the Obama Administration is dismantling much of the "American idea," which included many themes championed by Ronald Reagan.

Calling many of the Democrats' ideas "socialism," Ryan said a battle was developing between the American idea and "European ideas" that have been tried and failed, leading to "stagnancy and signs of decay."

"When in your lifetime has it (the American idea) been more threatened than it is right now?" Ryan asked the crowd. He said it is time to return to "the core of what we believe" and stand up to the Democrats.

Ryan said that people "all over tell me, 'I voted for change, but not this'." He said the recent GOP tea parties showed the depth of support for conservatives.

Lewis set the tone for his speech by saying, "I have the heart of a liberal. I keep it in a jar in my office."

George Bush's concept of "compassionate conservatism" led to too much growth of government and "blurred the distinction" between the parties, Lewis said.

"Some of our party's leaders made the wrong choices," Lewis said. "We now find ourselves at a crossroads."

Government is growing out of control under Obama and the Democrats, Lewis contended, and a new generation of Republican leaders has to rise who have an "ideological commitment" to conservatism.

It is better to be "a temporary minority that stands for something than a majority that stands for nothing," Lewis said.

The crowd responded loudly to many of the calls for returning to a commitment to conservatism. The loudest cheer came when the crowd was asked, "How many of you think it was about time that Arlen Specter returned to his real party?"

The convention will wrap up Sunday with several sessions

-- By Gregg Hoffmann

We're outta here

The three of us are heading back to Madison. But we'll have someone covering tonight's banquet, including Jason Lewis' speech. Come back later for more.

-- By WisPolitics Staff

WisPolitics.com: Walker, Ross GOP activists' picks for Gov., Lt. Gov. in 2010

Contact: JR Ross
(608) 669-8418

LA CROSSE -- Scott Walker is the heavy favorite for the 2010 GOP gubernatorial nomination while Dave Ross has the early edge to be his running mate, according to the annual straw poll of activists conducted by WisPolitics.com at the state GOP convention.

Walker, the former legislator from Wauwatosa and current Milwaukee County executive, received 395 of the 423 votes cast by GOP activists asked to indicate their favorite 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 well ahead of expected candidate Mark Neumann, the homebuilder and former congressman who received 25 votes.

In last year's WisPolitics.com straw poll, state GOP activists also favored Walker for governor.

Ross, the mayor of Superior, received 147 votes from activists asked to indicate their preference for lieutenant governor in next year's primary. Ross, who's exploring a bid, edged state Sen. Glenn Grothman of West Bend, who received 109 votes. Grothman's name has been floated as a possible candidate for the office, but he hasn't said for sure if he'll consider a bid.

In this year's WisPolitics straw poll at the Wisconsin Republican Party convention in La Crosse, 423 valid ballots were cast by convention delegates, alternates and official guests. There were more than 700 official attendees at the convention, according to state GOP officials.

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.

2009 GOP CONVENTION STRAW POLL QUESTIONS, RESULTS
423 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, 395
--Mark Neumann, 25
--Mark Todd, 0

Write-ins, 3
--Dave Ross, John Schiess and J.B. Van Hollen each received one vote.

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

--Dave Ross, 147
--Glenn Grothman, 109
--Jack Voight, 76
--Kitty Rhoades, 65
--Nick Voegeli, 3

Write-ins: 23 total
--Jean Hundertmark led with 4.

Walker announces more endosements

Scott Walker's gubernatorial campaign issued a new round of endorsements Saturday, touting more than 150 state GOP officials.

The Walker Campaign says the list includes a solid majority of county chairpersons, district chairs and vice-chairs, and the state's executive committee.

See the press release here.

-- By Andy Szal

Prosser says he's likely running again

Supreme Court Justice David Prosser said there are a few scenarios in which he won't run for re-election next year.

Dem President Obama calling him for a spot on the U.S. Supreme Court is one of them, the former GOP lawmaker joked.

"I think there's a great probability that I would be a candidate," Prosser said.

Prosser is up for re-election in 2011 after being unopposed in his last campaign eight years ago. Liberals have already started to contemplate ways to go after Prosser, who was the GOP speaker of the Assembly and a county district attorney before he was appointed to the Supreme Court.

Prosser sounded like a candidate, stressing that he again making it to various functions; judicial rules only allow him to attend political events like this weekend's GOP convention if he's a candidate. He also said he'd consider going to the Dem convention next month in Green Bay.

He also said he's prepared for any attacks that come his way and would vigorously defend himself. He also pointed out the warm reception he received today from Republicans and the extensive contacts he's made during his years in public service.

"I'm not an unknown, and I think that's beneficial," Prosser said.

He said while some have tried to peg him as a conservative member of the court, he said he's more in the middle of the court's make up and expects to have supporters from all political stripes.

"You have liberals, you have conservatives," Prosser said. "Both sides could do a lot worse than having Dave Prosser on the Supreme Court."

-- By JR Ross

Neumann reintroduces himself to GOP

Mark Neumann acknowledges he has a lot in common with Scott Walker.

That includes the choice voters will have in next year's gubernatorial campaign with Dem Gov. Jim Doyle and one side and -- likely -- Walker and Neumann in the GOP primary.

"You're going to find us agreeing on a lot of things," Neumann said. "I do agree with Scott that the choice is between two people who have a lot of government experience and one person with a reasonable amount of experience, successful experience, who comes from the private sector and has created jobs."

Walker has been a heavy presence at this weekend's convention between the signs, stickers, T-shirts and featured speaking slot during this morning's lineup.

Neumann, on the other hand, came in Saturday morning to talk with delegates and will give a short address at this evening's reception.

The former U.S. Rep and homebuilder said the convention was a chance to reintroduce himself to people after more than a decade in the private sector. He left the House after losing his 1998 bid against Dem Sen. Russ Feingold.

Neumann said some of the delegates he spoke with today asked him to take on Feingold again, preferring to avoid a GOP primary for governor. Still, he said none of them told him not to run, especially after he explained that he was doing what he believed was right in his heart.

Neumann, who said he is now in the planning stages to lay a foundation for a campaign, acknowledged there aren't many policy differences between himself and Walker. Still, he promised a campaign against Walker would not devolve into a personality clash as the two try to differentiate themselves for primary voters.

"In all fairness, it shouldn't be about Scott Walker or Mark Neumann or Jim Doyle," he said. "It should be about who they believe can do the best job putting our people back to work, creating a bright future for our state."

Listen to the interview.

-- By JR Ross

Kapanke mulls House run

Sen. Dan Kapanke says he is considering running against U.S. Rep. Ron Kind, D-La Crosse, in 2010.

Kapanke said he has been approached about the possibility. Kapanke's state Senate seat is not up for re-election until 2012, which means he would not need to give up his statehouse seat to run.

Kapanke says he'd like to make a final decision in the next couple of months.

"I just want to make sure it's the right thing to do for the 3rd (Congressional) District, the state, and my family," said Kapanke.

Juneau County DA Scott Southworth told WisPolitics last month that he is also considering a run at the 3rd Congressional seat.

-- By Greg Bump

Walker gets crowd going with stemwinder

Milwaukee County Exec Scott Walker told Republican delegates this morning that Wisconsin has a governor who does not share their values and promised to rein in state spending, protect the sanctity of life, back the right to bear arms and put the needs of people in front of special interest.

Walker charged Dem Gov. Jim Doyle is trying to turn the clock back on Wisconsin's progress on tort reform, education and numerous other issues to the detriment of the state and laid the blame for the state's deteriorating job climate at his feet.

He also said Doyle was more concerned with creating a domestic partner registry for same-sex couples than updating the state's sex offender registry, giving tuition breaks to people whose families "aren't even in the country legally" and expanding maternity leave for welfare recipients to six months while Wisconsin families struggle to afford six weeks off without pay.

Walker said a top Doyle adviser voted to allow late-term abortions at a state facility and that the Dem had taken $30,000 from a Madison abortionist and his wife. All the while, he has stood in the way of common sense voter reforms and allowing citizens to legally carry concealed weapons in public.

"We have a governor who does not share our values," Walker declared.

Walker has focused much of his early campaign on Doyle's fiscal policies and again took him to task before GOP delegates over the governor's proposed budget and policies that he says are driving jobs out of the state.

He promised a more fiscal approach to government spending and bringing back a Wisconsin that he says Doyle has harmed.

"I believe in Wisconsin," Walker declared to the crowd often as he wound them into a frenzy.

Listen to Walker's speech.

Listen to Walker's media availability after his speech.

-- By JR Ross

Others blogging

We're not the only ones blogging this weekend's convention.

Boots and Sabers, Real Debate and No Runny Eggs are here as well.

UPDATE: Add Randy Melchert to the list.

-- By WisPolitics Staff

Sensenbrenner gives crowd boo material

U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Menomonee Falls, got the crowd in a
negative mood to begin his speech.

After practicing a round of boos from the delegates, Sensenbrenner
began listing "what they're bragging about" from the first 100 days of
the Obama administration.

Sensenbrenner rattled off a laundry list of domestic and foreign
initiatives. The loudest boos were reserved for meeting with
Venezuelen President Hugo Chavez, holding a town hall meeting in
France, and bowing to the king of Saudi Arabia.

The longtime 5th CD rep said 549 days remain until the 2008 elections
from Republicans to "dig in our heels and return to the conservative
values that we cherish."

Sensenbrenner also criticized a proposed carbon cap-and-trade plan,
and promised to lead the fight against it in the House.

"We're going to win that fight," Sensenbrenner said.

Listen to the speech.

-- By Andy Szal

Petri: GOP must limit damage

U.S. Rep. Tom Petri, R-Fond du Lac, said Republicans need to make a
better case to voters in order to "limit the damage" from the Obama
administration.

"Last November, people voted for change," Petri said. "And now they're
going to get it."

Petri asked delegates to continue their hard work, saying that voters
in the 6th CD are uneasy about new Democratic policies. And, if
nothing else, Petri stressed the importance of 2010 to maintain a GOP
voice in redistricting.

Listen to the speech.

-- By Andy Szal

Make that three confirmed candidates for governor

John Schiess of Rice Lake also wants people to know he is a Republican candidate for governor.

Schiess, a retired junior high science teacher and truck driver, says he filed papers to run for guv last week.

He joins Milwaukee County Exec. Scott Walker and Appleton businessman Mark Todd as confirmed candidates. Former U.S. Rep. Mark Neumann of Nashotah is also expected to announce his candidacy later this year, and former Gov. Tommy Thompson has been flirting with the idea of running again.

Schiess, who lost in a primary for the 93rd state Assembly seat last year, says his main issues are illegal immigration and protecting the consitutional rights.

"Needs are not rights," he said. "The Soviet Union had a constitution based on needs. We have one based on rights."

Schiess, who was a one-time U.S. Senate and House candidate in Oregon, also said he will run on a pro-death penalty platform.

-- By Greg Bump

Fitzgerald brothers blast Doyle, Dems on jobs

The GOP legislative caucus leaders, Rep. Jeff Fitzgerald of Horicon
and Sen. Scott Fitzgerald of Juneau, took turns ripping on Democrats
for an anti-business agenda through the first four months of the
2009-2010 session.

Rep. Fitzgerald said the agenda hasn't suprised him, but that "the
shocking part is their disregard for struggling families."

He said the GOP is out talking to business leaders through their
Wisconsin Jobs NOW task force, while blasting Gov. Jim Doyle for allowing
companies such as Thomas Products to leave Sheboygan after GOP Gov.
Bobby Jindal recruited the company to Louisiana.

"Losing jobs to another state because our governor has different
priorities shows just how out of touch he really is," Rep. Fitzgerald
said.

Sen. Fitzgerald said Doyle and legislative Democrats are undoing years
of GOP work to reform welfare and education and are cutting too much
from corrections in the budget.

He said Doyle's signature of the state stimulus bill on Business Day
in Madison was taunting the business community, and that the best way
to stop further tax increases is to take back the Senate next year.

Dem Sens. Krietlow, Vinehout, Lehman and Sullivan are on the top of
Fitzgerald's target list for 2010, and said he had a message for
Majority Leader Russ Decker, D-Weston.

"Senator, we're coming after you too," Sen. Fitzgerald said. "We are
ready for the campaign ahead."

Listen to Jeff Fitzgerald's speech.

Listen to Scott Fitzgerald's speech.

-- By Andy Szal

Van Hollen touts use of GOP 'core priorities' at DOJ

Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen opened his address to the convention by recalling his trip to the 1980 Republican Nation Convention, where, as a 14-year old, he watched the party nominate Ronald Reagan.

"We didn't talk about getting back to our priorities then," Van Hollen. "We governed with our core priorities."

Van Hollen said the state Department of Justice is now committed to those priorities, including enhancing public safety, taking pedophiles off the streets, and removing criminals residing illegally in the state.

In addition, Van Hollen said his department has pursued no frivolous lawsuits, reduced the crime lab backlog, and returned $1.2 million to state coffers.

"We are being fiscally responsible," Van Hollen said. "That is our core principle."


Listen to Van Hollen's speech.

-- By Andy Szal

National Committee members thank, encourage delegates

Republican National Committeewoman Mary Buestrin thanked convention-goers this morning following the platform meeting, saying she was inspired by their work in the 2008 campaign.

Buestrin said the party set records for voter outreach despite "a candidate that was hard to put our arms around," an opponent like an "unstoppable freight train," and the "liberal media."

She asked activists to retain that fervor for 2010, saying the next election is "crucial for our party and our nation."

Fellow committee member Steve King offered delegates a suggestion for their struggles in state and national races: "Look in the mirror."

King, holding a small mirror up to the audience, read from the 2008 GOP party platform that "I see a Republican." He urged the delegation not to see moderates, conservaties or RINOs amongst their ranks.

Listen to Buestrin's speech.

Listen to King's speech.

-- By Andy Szal

GOP guv candidate Todd says he's got a plan for Wisconsin

Underdog Republican gubernatorial candidate Mark Todd says he can bring companies and jobs into the state.

Todd says his "sliding incentive" business plan could convince corporations to bring tens of thousands of jobs even before the election in November 2010.

"They'll say I'll come to the state if Mark Todd becomes governor," Todd said in an interview with WisPolitics this morning at the state GOP convention.

Todd said he hasn't had any formal contacts with companies -- "It's still 18 months until the election," he said -- but he has a list he plans to target "that are the kind of companies I want in the state."

Todd, a businessman from Appleton who announced his intention to run a year ago, said his campaign has focused on the Fox Cities area, but he is doing outreach in southeastern Wisconsin.

Todd says in is business he helps people maximize "passive residual income" and he has a plan to do the same for the state of Wisconsin.

Listen to the interview here.

-- By Greg Bump

Media round up

Here's some other coverage of the convention.

The Associated Press.

The Journal Sentinel.

The La Crosse Tribune.

The State Journal.

WIBA.

Wisconsin Radio Network.

-- By WisPolitics Staff

We're here

We're back.

The polls are open, and the speakers are expected to begin soon.

-- By WisPolitics Staff

Walker camp burns the post-midnight oil

Milwaukee County Exec Scott Walker's campaign has been out in force at the convention.

And it isn't taking much of a rest in the after hours.

This flyer just showed up under our hotel room door.






-- By WisPolitics Staff

Priebus: Steele willing to work on RNC differences, but won't be 'handcuffed'

RNC Chair Michael Steele has reached an agreement with dissident party members to work through their differences over proposed rules that would rein in his power to spend GOP money, Republican Party of Wisconsin Chair Reince Priebus told WisPolitics.

Several RNC members introduced the resolutions in the name of good governance, but Steele backers have bristled as the proposals, dismissing them as an attempt to undercut the chair's authority.

Priebus ripped the proposals in an e-mail to RNC members, writing they were an attempt to embarrass and neuter Steele, who won election to the top GOP post earlier this year.

Asked about the dispute Friday evening before his speech to Wisconsin delegates, Steele deferred to Priebus, who led his campaign for RNC chair and oversaw his transition.

Steele would only say it was time to move past the rancor.

"Those who still want to wallow in name-calling and blaming and finger-pointing are welcome to do that. But they can do that without me," Steele said.

Priebus told WisPolitics later Friday night that Steele was willing to live with rules that help reinforce the transparency that Steele has been trying to instill in the party since taking over.

"But Michael is not going to be handcuffed," Priebus said.

Priebus declined to add details to any parameters Steele has discussed with those seeking the new rules.

-- By JR Ross

Theron to challenge Baldwin again

Peter Theron, a Madison Republican defeated by U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin for her 2nd CD seat last year, told WisPolitics he will challenge the Madison Democrat again in 2010.

Theron, who gained just 31 percent of the vote in November, could face a GOP primary in the Dem-leaning district against small businessman Chad Lee, who announced a run on his Facebook page.

-- By Andy Szal

Delegates lukewarm on Thompson candidacy

Another prospective gubernatorial run for Tommy Thompson isn't generating a lot of buzz amongst convention delegates.

Thompson's comments this week to WISN-TV in Milwaukee have made the rounds through the convention hall, but convention-goers think the state, and perhaps finally the party, has moved on. WisPolitics discussed the possibility of a Thompson candidacy with a random collection of delegates, none of whom were particularly enthused about his prospects.

"I wish he would do something else," said one delegate who heard of Thompson's comments. She said the former four-term guv did not handle the spotlight of a presidential primary well in 2007, and that his brief run for the White House did not inspire confidence for another statewide run.

"I think it has been too long" for Thompson, said another delegate. Thompson last served in the state in 2001, when he left the East Wing to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Thompson's prospects among party insiders may also be hurt by the number of delegates who are already backing a campaign, particularly that of Milwaukee Co. Exec. Scott Walker.

"I think there's a lot of support for Scott Walker here," said one delegate.

"We've got good men coming up," said another delegate, suggesting that Thompson move aside to support the next generation of GOP candidates.

One delegate said he was surprised that Thompson's comments weren't generating more noise at the convention. But a pair of Milwaukee delegates said they hadn't heard of Thompson's remarks until this evening.

Both said that Thompson would always be popular in GOP circles, but that "the party has moved on."

Conservative blogger and Walker supporter James T. Harris, set to address the convention tomorrow, was more blunt.

"He's pulling a Brett Favre," Harris said. "We love you Brett, but you're tripping."

-- By Andy Szal

Walker says focus on Doyle

Milwaukee County Exec Scott Walker isn't worried about Mark Neumann or Tommy Thompson.

The only person on his mind is Jim Doyle.

Walker, who formally announced his campaign last week, said he plans to use the state convention as a launching pad for his bid, pointing out the 2010 election is now just 18 months away.

"Our message is 100 percent focused on Jim Doyle," Walker said.

Walker said he held a rally with campaign workers this afternoon in a packed ballroom to rally the troops as they head toward the campaign. His popularity with delegates was evident in the plethora of Walker stickers delegates sported, and he got a warm reception when RNC Chair Michael Steele introduced him to the crowd during his speech Friday night.

Walker said the campaign has locked down the overwhelming majority of the grassroots through his various visits around the state. He also said Thompson's recent flirtation with another gubernatorial bid would have no impact on his campaign.

Thompson told a Milwaukee TV station this week that he was waiting to see what Republicans got into the race before deciding if he wanted to make a run. He also considered a bid in 2006, but ultimately decided against running for the office he held from 1987 until his resignation in 2001 to join President Bush's cabinet.

Walker said many of Thompson's old backers are already in his camp and said he doesn't take the former governor's comments seriously.

"I think it's as simple as some reporter asking that question," Walker said.

Listen to the interview.

-- By JR Ross

RPW convo hits Milwaukee next year

While state GOP faithful are enjoying their annual convention in La Crosse this weekend, plans are already being laid for next year's get-together in Milwaukee.

Doug Haag, 4th Congressional District vice chairman for the RPW, said next year's event will be held at the Hyatt Regency hotel in downtown Milwaukee. Haag said there will also be tours of the nearby Harley-Davidson Museum for conventioneers.

-- By Greg Bump

Sensenbrenner predicts fight over Obama Supreme Court nomination

Republicans should keep every option on the table as they weigh President Obama's nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner said Friday.

Sensenbrenner, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, said he expects anyone Obama nominates to replace Justice David Souter to face a tough fight with Senate Republicans.

Many in the GOP complained when Dems threatened to filibuster various judicial nominations forwarded to the Senate by President Bush. Still, Sensenbrenner said the GOP should not spurn that option.

"The shoe is on the other foot now," Sensenbrenner said.

Sensenbrenner, R-Menomonee Falls, also said Dems will now learn what Republicans have known for years -- Sen. Arlen Specter is not a reliable vote.

He also said the GOP remained a big tent party and said there was plenty of room for moderates like U.S. Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins of Maine who were willing to do the necessary work to succeed in a Republican primary as well as a general election.

"Sen. Specter chose not to do that and ended up paying the price," Sensenbrenner said.

Listen to the interview.


-- By JR Ross

Steele issues challenge to Republicans

RNC Chair Michael Steele challenged Wisconsin Republicans to stand up against the wave of Dem proposals flowing out of Washington, D.C., charging the other side is consolidating power over health care, the economy and business in the hands of the government.

Steele said "Uncle Obama, Nanny Pelosi and Grinch Reid" are planning an America that is less industrious and less ambitious.

"This is not the kind of America that Republicans want," Steele said. "This is not the kind of America that Republicans envision and this is not the kind of America that Republicans will allow to happen."

Steele, who has been under fire from some in Republican circles over his public comments and leadership of the party since taking over earlier this year, made light of his troubles.

He told the crowd he has learned in his three months on the job that you cannot please everyone.

"But you can certainly tick them all off at the same time," he said. "I have managed to tick off just about everybody I've encountered in the past three months, and that just reminds me that I'm doing my job because the party needs to change."

In addition to criticizing Dems, Steele took some shots at member of his own party who "drank the Potomac water" and got high on power, leading to reckless spending that ruined the GOP's brand with voters.

He said Republicans are now watching those in charge lead the state on a "reckless" course of spending, borrowing and taxing.

"What are you going to do about it?" he asked the crowd.

Listen to the speech here.

-- By JR Ross

Steele: This is not your father's GOP

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele said the GOP is redefining itself by moving back to its core values of fiscal conservatism after the excesses of the George W. Bush years.

"This is no longer your momma or your daddy's Republican Party," Steele said.

The former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland engaged in a spirited discussion with members of the press tonight prior to his keynote speech to the Republican Party of Wisconsin annual convention.

Seated beside RPW chairman Reince Priebus, whom he called his "consigliere," Steele said in recent years the party "stopped talking to people" and delivering the message about its core values to average Americans.

"When you stop doing that, you stop losing elections," he said.

Steele said the party is welcoming to moderates despite the way that the defection of U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania has played out.

Steele had some strong words for Specter, who announced last week he was leaving the Republican Party to join the Democrats. He said that Republicans in Pennsylvania helped prop up Specter in 2004, and suggested the former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum's support of his colleague cost Santorum his job in 2006.

Steele called Specter's move "pure political gamesmanship" and said Specter made the move because "he couldn't win a primary." He added that Specter's difficulties arose from his vote not to block the federal stimulus package, and that Specter "voted (himself) out of the party."

"It was a calculated decision to leave," Steele said. "I'm not going to begrudge him that -- but don't push back on my party."

At the same time, Steele acknowledged that Republicans share blame for rising spending and debt because the bank bailout happened under former President Bush's regime. He said the GOP needs to offer a "mea culpa" to the American people.

"That was our mistake in leadership," he said. "I can't look the voters in the eye and talk about what the Democrats are doing without acknowledging we opened the door."

"We are the culprits that actually started this ball rolling," Steele said.

Steele said he thinks in 2010 the GOP can stage a comeback nationally in Wisconsin, a state in which Democrats now control the Legislature and governor's office. No Republican has carried the state in a presidential election since Ronald Reagan in 1984.

But Steele said he sees vulnerability in Dem Gov. Jim Doyle's as he adopts "a national agenda of spending and borrowing and taxing."

"That gives the potential gubernatorial candidate an opportunity to compare and contrast," he said.

"We come to play here, and we come to play hard," Steele said.

Priebus played a major role in Steele's campaign for party chair. It took Steele six ballots to win election, and there has been some discord among party veterans since his election, most recently a recommendation that the chair have restrictions on spending.

It's time to move past the rancor, Steele said.

"Those who still want to wallow in name-calling and blaming and finger-pointing are welcome to do that. But they can do that without me," he said.

Listen to the press availability here.

-- By Greg Bump

Vos feels the excitement

Rep. Robin Vos, R-Racine, is keeping his Twitter followers up to date on the happenings at the convention.

"Just got to the GOP convention and can already feel the excitement of 1000 hardcore activists around me," said Vos' most recent tweet. "2010 is definitely our year!"

-- By Greg Bump

New lt. gov. candidate emerges

Add Walter Nocito to the field of lieutenant governor candidates.

Nocito, a financial services adviser from Appleton, told WisPolitics today that he plans to run for the office next year. His only past foray into politics was a run for the secretary of state's office in 2002. His private sector experience includes owning a foundry and other private businesses in addition to his work in the financial services field.

Nocito said he'd like to reinvigorate the office, saying it's been a "waste of human resources and humans" in Wisconsin and other states.

"We've had people in the office and collect a check. But we haven't had a lieutenant governor," Nocito said.

Nocito, the brother-in-law to former state Treasurer Jack Voight, said he'd like to take up two causes if elected. One, he'd like high school students to get a better education on economics. Two, he'd like to work with business and labor unions to make Wisconsin a more inviting place to locate by improving productivity and lowering costs.

-- By JR Ross

Agenda updates

A couple of tweaks to this weekend's schedule.

One, former U.S. Rep. Mark Neumann (and expected 2010 guv candidate) is officially on to speak at tomorrow night's banquet, according to the party.

Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Janesville, has been scratched from tomorrow morning's speaking line up. But he is expected to speak at tomorrow's dinner as well.

-- By JR Ross

Heavy Walker presence to start

Milwaukee County Exec Scott Walker's campaign is out in force at the convention.

His placards are posted everywhere in the La Crosse Convention Center, and a good chunk of the people milling around are either sporting Walker T-shirts or stickers.

Walker also announced this afternoon that he's been endorsed by 37 out of 46 Assembly Republicans and nine of the 15 GOP state senators.

See the release.

-- By JR Ross

DPW chair gets shot in on Steele

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Joe Wineke bashed Steele ahead the the embattled RNC chair's speech tonight.

"Since Michael Steele became chair of the RNC, he has lost two Senate seats and one House seat -- and it's not even an election year. From shunning moderates to hemorrhaging members from its ever-shrinking tent, it is clear that the Republican Party is in a state of chaos," Wineke wrote in a statement.

"As state Republicans brace for their gubernatorial primary, it is fitting that they will hear from Michael Steele, the leader of the 'party of no,'" Wineke continued. "It appears that their candidates offer no new ideas for Wisconsin either."

See the statement.

-- By WisPolitics Staff

Let the blogging begin

We're here, and we're blogging.

The WisPolitics staff has arrived safely in La Crosse, and the straw poll is open.

Today's first big event is RNC Chair Michael Steele's media availability at 6:30 p.m. and his speech during the welcome reception at 7 p.m. WisPolitics will have coverage of both.

-- By WisPolitics Staff

The road to La Crosse

We're on our way to the convention so there won't be any new posts for a while. We'll have an update as soon as we arrive.

-- By Greg Bump

Priebus fires back at attempt to rein in Steele

RNC Chair Michael Steele is in the middle of a power play with some party members over the party's finances.

And state GOP Chair Reince Priebus is right in the middle of it.

RNC Treasurer Randy Pullen, backed by other party members, has proposed a resolution that would place new limits on Steele's ability to spend party money. They include requiring Steele to submit expenses of more than $100,000 to the executive committee and requiring the hire of a chief financial officer who reports to the executive committee.

Priebus, who led Steele's campaign for RNC chair and oversaw his transition, ripped the proposal in an e-mail to RNC members.

He writes that a quick scan of the proposal and its calls for "good governance" and "transparency" seem innocent enough. But a closer look tells a different story.

"This resolution is an attempt to usurp the Chairman's authority in a completely unprecedented and historic manner," Priebus writes, bolding the line in the e-mail.

Steele won a spirited campaign for RNC chair and has had some rough spots in the early going of his tenure.

Priebus dismissed the proposal as a continuation of "RNC election antics that really have to stop." He wrote after a "sometimes difficult" start, the RNC is beginning to "function quite well." But this "kind of divisiveness and diversion is the lat thing our party needs."

"I urge you to reject this hostile attempt to embarrass and neuter the Chairman of the RNC, and I urge these gentlemen to stop playing political games and begin thinking about what they can do to help our party move forward as we face the elections of 2009 and 2010," Priebus writes.

-- By JR Ross

Priebus tells Republicans he has committe's support to remain chair

State GOP Chair Reince Priebus is circulating a letter to his fellow Republicans thanking the party's executive committee for its unanimous support to keep him on as head of the party.

The committee is scheduled to take a formal vote Sunday to retain his as party chair. No one else is running for the post.

"We need your help to elect fiscally responsible men and women to office. We need you to work harder than ever before, because this isn't politics -- this is for the future of our state and country," Priebus writes in the letter.

See the letter.

-- By JR Ross

Report: Thompson considering another guv run

Former Gov. Tommy Thompson told WISN-TV that he's considering another run for governor and is looking for other candidates to jump in before making a decision.

Thompson flirted with the idea of making a run for his old office in 2006, but ultimately decided against a run in late spring because his family was adamantly opposed to another gubernatorial campaign.

Milwaukee County Exec Scott Walker and Appleton businessman Mark Todd are the only announced candidates in the GOP field so far, though former U.S. Rep. Mark Neumann is expected to jump in this fall.

Thompson told WISN that he wished Walker well but did not endorse him.

"I wish him well, I hope he does well -- I really sincerely believe the state needs new leadership and I think a primary is good for the Republicans," Thompson told the Milwaukee TV station.

See the report.

-- By WisPolitics Staff

Walker gets featured speaker's spot, Neumann to address Saturday dinner

Milwaukee Co. Exec Scott Walker will be one of the featured speakers who address delegates Saturday morning at this weekend's state GOP convention, while former U.S. Rep. Mark Neumann says he'll get a chance to talk to them during Saturday night's dinner.

A party spokeswoman said Walker was given the opportunity to address the delegates alongside GOP officials like AG J.B. Van Hollen and U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan because he's an official gubernatorial candidate. In addition to making a statewide announcement this week, Walker has filed papers with the state for his campaign.

Neumann has said he expects to formally announce his bid this fall.

GOP spokeswoman Kirsten Kukowski said Neumann's role at the convention was undefined as of Thursday afternoon.

Neumann told WisPolitics in an e-mail that he'll speak at Saturday evening's dinner and lead the dinner prayer.

Appleton businessman Mark Todd has registered with the Government Accountability Board as a Republican candidate for governor next year. But Kukowski said the party hasn't heard from him.

See a media advisory listing speakers for the convention.

-- By JR Ross

Straw poll rules, questions

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.

-- Delegates, alternates and registered guests are allowed to vote only once.

-- Only ballots with one candidate clearly marked for each question will 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.

WisPolitics did not include the 2010 Senate race against Dem Russ Feingold in this year's straw poll, but plans to ask a question about the potential GOP field at next years' convention.

Here are this year's questions for Republicans:

If a 2010 primary for governor were being held today, which Republican would you choose to be the party's nominee?
-Mark Neumann
-Mark Todd
-Scott Walker
- ____________________
Write In

If a 2010 primary for lieutenant governor were being held today, which
Republican would you choose to be the party's nominee?
-Glenn Grothman
-Kitty Rhoades
-Dave Ross
-Jack Voight
-Nick Voegeli
-____________________
Write In

-- By WisPolitics Staff

State GOP chair predicts good 2010 for Republicans

Save Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen, Republicans are shut out of power in Wisconsin. But state GOP Chair Reince Priebus says the party has the perfect weapon to aid their comeback.

The Democrats.

Heading into this weekend's state convention, Priebus and the Republican Party of Wisconsin are looking for a path back from the political wilderness after suffering back-to-back cycle losses that left the GOP with just one statewide office (Van Hollen), three members of the House delegation (Jim Sensenbrenner, Tom Petri and Paul Ryan) and minorities in both houses of the state Legislature. Their prospects for toppling U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold appear dim, and they may struggle to oust targeted 8th CD Congressman Steve Kagen, minus a Kagen slip-up, insiders say.

But Priebus tells WisPolitics he believes the tax-and-spend policies Dems have laid out at the state and national level have provided a path back to power, energizing the GOP base like it hasn't been in some time and outraging moderates unhappy at the prospect of their tax bills rising and their tax dollars going to bailouts.

He predicted the GOP would help re-elect Van Hollen, take back the guv's office and win majorities in both houses of the Legislature next year.

"I do believe this is going to be a fantastic year for the Republican Party, and I expect us to be able to celebrate in 2010," Priebus said.

See more.

-- By WisPolitics Staff