Understanding the Shepherd’s Jerk of the Week
The Shepherd-Express has given Milwaukee County Supervisor Lynne DeBruin the title “Jerk of the Week” for her votes siding with County Executive Scott Walker on the recently passed budget. I can understand why they did it and DeBruin has certainly been a disappointment on many issues but while I don’t agree with what she has done and would never do what she has done, I can at least understand it. If DeBruin had taken a stand, the pro-recall group, Citizens for Responsible Government, promised to recall her from office. Just their threat appears to have had their desired impact in this cas

Preditor Fish, Zebra Mussels & Baitfish Explosion to Blame for Poor Fishing
Fortunately, at least part of the problem of poor fishing on Wisconsin lakes this past year is cyclical. Fishing was just lousy this year. Areas that had previously been near-guarantees for at least a few panfish were bust. Historically reliable fish runs were non-existent. Catches of perch and panfish, previously considered one of the few reliable catches in Wisconsin lakes, appears to have been down as the DNR has sought to protect larger predator fish at the expense of smaller fish which fish like musky prey upon. Even the walleye, long known to be one of the prize fish, didn’t even have a run this fall at Wisconsin’s premier walleye lake — Lake P

Citizen Group to Craven Lust for Power: CRG’s Downfall
They’re at it again and now they expect elected officials to actually take orders from them. Despite their dwindling numbers, despite the fact that many in the public know them to be a group of pro-recall nuts, despite the fact that they’re essentially an organization run by two members, the inappropriately named Citizens for Responsible Government is at it again. The groups leader, Chris Kliesmet, went on record with the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel saying “at the end of the day, they have to do what they are told, not what they feel like doing”. He was referring to Milwaukee County Supervisors — the same Supervisors who were elected by 50,000

Wisconsin needs Tom Barrett
What will Barrett do? That’s the phrase on the lips of many today as Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett is expected to make an announcement as to whether or not he will run for Governor. He should. It’s not because democrats simply need a candidate in the race. Others could fill those shoes. It’s because Wisconsinites need someone they can rally behind. Simply put, Barrett reflects Wisconsin values. He’s heroic. How often can you say that of a politician? There’s no question about it with Barrett. When a woman was being attacked, Barrett stepped in to stop the attack. Instead of the woman taking the brunt of the attack, Barrett fe

Barrett for Governor: Strategy or Indecision?
Speculation surrounds whether or not Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett will jump into the Governors race. Respected by both Democrats and Republicans, Barrett would likely garner more votes than any of the Republican candidates if he were to take the plunge. But with the withdrawal of Lt. Governor Barb Lawton from the race, state democrats are worried — worried that they won’t have a candidate to take on whoever wins the Republican primary. As Republicans Mark Neumann and Scott Walker battle it out in their polite little GOP primary, they don’t have something they are really good at — a target for mudslinging. Republicans are masters of negative campaigning.