Gov. Scott Walker Vows Veto of Same-Day Registration Ban
Even though Republican governor raised the idea last month, he said the cost of eliminating same-day voter registration makes it a non-starter.
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Gov. Scott Walker on Wednesday apparently drove the final nail into the coffin of calls to end same-day voter registration in Wisconsin, vowing to veto any such bill that imposed additional costs.
“If it has a price tag, absolutely,” Walker told the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism in an interview at the Executive Residence, when asked if he would use his veto pen. “There’s no way we’re spending money on something like that."
The idea of ending same-day voter registration gained currency after Walker made a speech in California last month in which he suggested ending the state’s practice of letting voters register on Election Day, citing the burden it placed on poll workers. Two Republican lawmakers began seeking sponsors on a bill to accomplish this in the GOP-controlled state Legislature.
But the idea drew heavy opposition from critics, including some local election officials, and the state Government Accountability Board estimated it would cost the state $5.2 million to develop alternative registration systems required by federal law. The idea also suffered a setback when it emerged that Walker’s son, accompanied by his father, registered at the polls last August.
Walker, a Republican, has previously said he would not sign a bill that included this price tag, but did not promise to veto it. In Wisconsin, bills neither signed nor vetoed become law.
Rep. Joel Kleefisch (R-Oconomowoc) has said he remains interested in exploring the idea.
But on Wednesday, as part of a series of year-end interviews with the news media, Walker said he would veto any bill that imposed any additional cost. Asked how much was too much to stave off his veto pen, Walker said, “To me, cost, period, I’m not interested.”
Right-to-work legislation not a priority
Walker also further distanced himself from talk that Wisconsin might pursue so-called right-to-work legislation, preventing unions from requiring employees to join or pay dues.
“Someday there may be a debate about that,” Walker said. “But in the next two years, I don’t think there will be.”
Walker said the conditions that led to Michigan’s new right-to-work law are not present in Wisconsin, adding that he is eager to get past the protests, recall elections and uncertainty that have marked his first two years in office.
“All those things have been huge distractions towards employers, particularly small businesses, growing more jobs in the state of Wisconsin,” he said.
Walker vows to 'double down' on job creation
These protests and recalls, Walker said, greatly complicated his goal of adding 250,000 new private sector jobs by the end of his term, two years from now. He said these events, spurred by his curbs on collective bargaining and union rights for public employees, created a climate of uncertainty for state businesses, even though most of them “liked what we did.”
Walker took issue with a recent published report that the state has seen a net gain of just 25,000 jobs, saying “the raw data shows” that 86,000 jobs were created through June. (PolitiFact Wisconsin examined Walker’s job-numbers claim and rated it “Pants on Fire.”) But while Walker remains committed to his goal of adding 250,000 jobs overall, he acknowledged he may not make it.
“I concede it’s hard,” Walker said. “I have to hunker down. I have to double down. We talk about our budget, it’s going to be about creating jobs, developing the workforce, investing in education. Those are the things that will help us get to that goal.”
Bill Lueders is a reporter and columnist for the nonprofit Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism (www.WisconsinWatch.org), which collaborates with Wisconsin Public Radio, Wisconsin Public Television, other news media and the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
All works created, published, posted or disseminated by the center do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of UW-Madison or any of its affiliates.
Bucky
10:04 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Rep. Joel Kleefisch (R-Oconomowoc) has said he remains interested in exploring the idea if he ever sobers up.
Steve ®
11:30 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
The cost is a BS number put together by the bias liberal GAB. It includes The cost of checking the validity of an ID which has to be done regardless, and is much more involved any other day but Election Day.
Low informed Obama voters have 364 other days to get their lazy entitled ass to a registration location. Or register by mail. When we continue to dumb ourselves down to the lowest denominator, progress comes to a halt.
Matthew Drollinger
12:48 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
@Steve ®,
The Government Accountability Board is made up of 6 members: Judge David G. Deininger (Republican), Judge Gerald C. Nichol (Republican), Judge Thomas Barland (Republican), Judge Timothy Vocke (non-partisan), Judge Michael Brennan (non-partisan), and Judge Thomas Cane (non-partisan). That's your "bias liberal GAB." Care to correct your statement? There's a heck of a lot more to do with the price tag than checking the validity of an ID. Obama voters are "low informed"? Now who's low-informed?
Sources:
Deininger - http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/David_Deininger
Nichol - http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/Gerald_Nichol
Barland - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_H._Barland
Vocke - http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/Timothy_Vocke
Brennan - http://host.madison.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/capitol-report/professional-backgrounds-of-gab-judges-show-half-with-previous-gop/article_a5de4f8e-43da-11e2-ba42-0019bb2963f4.html
Cane - http://gab.wi.gov/about/members/cane
livingintheOC
8:53 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
You sir have been powned.
FreeThought Troy
9:31 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
... because when the argument doesn't go your way or it's confirmed you are out of touch, it isn't your policies - it's a liberal bias.
Please
Lex Parsimoniae
9:35 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Even though some of these judges have (in the past) held political seats as "Republicans" in center-right districts, that neither makes them Republicans, nor conservative. RHINO's at best - Take Sheriff David Clarke (D), as an example of using a particular moniker to get elected to a position in a particular district.
The more telling sign is that they (except for Vocke - you somehow conveniently forgot to mention that he held a DA seat in Villas Cty as a Democrat) were appointed to the GAB by Gov. Doyle...and you know darn well that Diamond Jim would not appoint anyone to any position that had even a modicum of conservative leaning.
Matthew Drollinger
12:15 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012
@Lex, I didn't "conveniently forget to mention" that fact about Vocke... I very intentionally left it out because Vocke clearly stresses himself that he's a non-partisan independent. That's straight from the horse's mouth, and to me it has a lot more weight than holding a seat as a Democrat, which it appears you would agree with. Vocke may or may not be liberal-leaning or conservative-leaning, however given the data I found on all 6 members, the sum seems to lean conservative. Could my assessment be incorrect? Yes, there is that possibility, and I'm open to the idea; but the only argument I have seen against it up to this point is, 'Doyle appointed them, so they must be entirely liberal.' Show me that at least four of the members lean liberal, and then we can start talking about a liberal bias. After all, who should label a group as biased without being able to tell us how that conclusion was formed?
Bucky
6:08 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Low informed Obama voters AND SCOOTER WANKERS SON.
sande2613
12:05 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
My hope is that Governor Walker will spend the rest of his term working for all Wisconsinites, not just those of us who voted for him. He has two years left to create those 250,000 private sector jobs he promised and so far he's only at 10% (25,411 according to Politifact).
Steve ®
12:13 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Goal, not a promise. Democrats in the state have said no to thousands created by a mine. Obama continues crutch a crippled recovery. And Walker knows government does not create jobs, it can only aid with good leadership.
Press next for the next talking point.
Bren
8:28 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Campaign promise.
livingintheOC
9:19 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
http://www.jsonline.com/news/128099318.html
It's being tracked.
livingintheOC
9:23 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/112505189.html
Here you go Steve. It's even from Fox.
"I want my cabinet secretaries to have branded across their heads, `250,000 jobs,"' Walker said at a recent meeting of the Dairy Business Association. "I want them to know their job is on the line because my job is on the line to create 250,000 jobs in the private sector."
Greg
11:01 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
It is really sad when the opposition has only one campaign promise to hang their hats on. Especially when they just reelected a President that missed so many of his. Governor Walker should use the Obama/GM/Solyndra model to achieve his quota, after all it's just taxpayer money.
Bren
12:01 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Greg, Greg, Greg. Do you really want the Scott Walker campaign promise laundry list dragged out again, this close to the holidays? ; )
Greg
12:15 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Yes, and provide Obama's too. Remember that Wisconsin would have to lose some 300,000 jobs to equate to Obama's "cut the deficit in half promise".
Greg
12:16 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Oh I forgot, Bren, Bren, Bren.....
Bucky
6:15 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Greg ... cant you ever stay on topic ? We are talking about the Weaseal here not the O Bomber. Is that a Repug thing or are you just stupid ?
Ima Hippee
6:46 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Bucky - is it a "lib" thing to provide ad hominem attacks? That is all you do. Um, I thought liberals were caring, understanding and tolerant?
jbw
12:44 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
If I already have a current state ID, and I am voting at the polling place for the address printed on my ID, why do I need to register to vote at all? The state has all of my information already confirmed. Is it because they don't trust their own records, they don't know how to communicate, or just general government incompetence?
DOT never seemed to have trouble putting me at the top of the list for jury duty immediately following every ID renewal, despite that resulting in calling me up twice while I was ineligible from having served recently.
If checking someone's ID such an expensive and arduous process, just think of the millions in savings and the job creation that would result from no longer carding people buying alcohol or tobacco.
Bren
8:34 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
I doubt that what we are seeing here is emotional and political maturation, merely a response to a directive to "lay low" for a while. RadicalScott is unlikely to be re-elected, despite the "redistricting."
Gov. Walker, please concentrate on not doing any more damage to our state and hire competent people to create the next budget. And if you want to spend money traveling and preaching ALEC that's fine too. Chillax, take a nice long vacation or four. That's the best service you can do for our state after all that's happened. Please.
CowDung
9:05 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
'RadicalScott is unlikely to be re-elected, despite the "redistricting."'
Bren:
Please explain how redistricting would have any effect on the governor's race...
the 'sha guy
9:27 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Bren,
I hope you realize that Walker just won the recall in June. Furthermore, in the Presidential election which Obama won, Walker had support of over 55% of voters in exit polls, which correlated to the Obama/Romney results. That was also in a higher democratic turnout election than was in June. Therefore to say Walker is "unlikely to be re-elected" really shows your ignorance.
However, you really show your lack of intelligence on political issues when referring to Walker losing in 2014 despite "redistricting." Just an FYI, for your small knowledge bank, but redistricting has no effect on statewide political races such as governor, AG, Senators etc... Redistricting only matters for the State Assembly & Senate, US Congressional and various local races to an extent.
Governorships, US Senators and other statewide races are unaffected by redistricting because Wisconsin IS the district and everyone in the state can vote for the office.
livingintheOC
9:33 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Seriously you people need to post links to your points. I get most articles are biased in some way but the data is usually correct. I would also caution people posting op-ed's as they are just some writers ramblings and usually don't even site sources themselves.
http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/gop-redistricting-plan-created-paradox-of-wisconsin-politics-h67v4et-182899091.html
the 'sha guy
11:58 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
@living...
Who is your comment directed at? If it was towards me, I'd be happy to point you to the source for my post.
the 'sha guy
12:00 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012
The point still remains that redistricting has nothing to do with the gubernatorial election and Bren's post shows that she really doesn't understand these things.
Bren
12:12 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012
I know quite a few people who didn't vote in the recall election because they 1) thought it was illegal or 2) didn't understand why there was a recall. For these folks, no amount of explanation would have gotten through. They will vote in the next election. The fact that Walker is laying low means the focus groups indicates the radical approach is losing traction. (The mood setters and the mood trackers.) The redistricting issue is not going to go away for a long time, certainly not while the GOP is in control.
the 'sha guy, it's difficult to "converse" with someone who contradicts themselves within two sentences. Do I lack intelligence or do I have a small knowledge bank, or is it a combo package? If I'm unintelligent, should you use big scary words like "various" and confusing acronyms like "FYI" and "AG?" If my knowledge bank is small, these terms might also be confusing. And especially if its option #3 unintelligent and uninformed, well I'm a just a hopeless case, aren't I?
Thank you for the chuckle though. ; )
Ben Hogan
12:21 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Bren wrote "I know quite a few people who didn't vote in the recall election because they 1) thought it was illegal or 2) didn't understand why there was a recall." What kind of people do you hang out with?
the 'sha guy
1:03 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012
@Ben
Other uninformed liberals is the answer.
the 'sha guy
1:15 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Bren,
I like how you completely ignored your own ignored your own foolish statements about redistricting. Any thoughts on that?
Just so you are aware, lacking intelligence and a having a small knowledge bank is in fact the same trait. I know like the redistricting plan, it may be hard for you to comprehend.
Did you really believe that redistricting would help Walker win re-election? Plus, the fact you have friends, who either didn't understand why there was a recall or thought it was illegal to vote in one, is really a pretty sad statement about society and a reflection on you.
Not really surprising though. I find most liberals vote on emotion, are easily persuaded, and are pretty uninformed on the issues.
c
2:04 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012
More lies from idiots like Bren and Jason.
So bren, people thought it was illegal to vote in a recall? Give me a fcking break. If they are honestly that dumb to begin with, they shouldn't be voting anyway.
Odds are you are lying to try to make a point, like most liberals do. Sickening.
c
2:06 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Bren once again shows its ignorant and complete stupidity by thinking that redistricting will affect a governor's race.
I love watching these idiots say the most ignorant things, yet keep on chugging away with their ignorant comments even after being proved WRONG!!
Ignorant, and loud-mouthed. Just great.
Bucky
6:17 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012
With any luck maybe he will take a very long trip and never come back.
sparky
12:17 am on Friday, December 21, 2012
I for one did not participate in the recall election. I disagree with what the Governor did but disagreeing with policy is not enough to be recalled in my opinion. Come the next election like all others I will be at the polls. If Governor Walker meets his campaign promise for 250,000 jobs created and my taxes go down he could change my mind.
Joan
9:39 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Walker is lucky he has remained in office after John Doe. He clearly knew what was going on, encouraged it, and lied about it. He also engages in blatant quid pro quo or pay to play...which is neither ethical nor honorable. It is a disgrace that such a man could deceive so many naiive Wisconsinites into the Governorship. It is even more disgraceful that so many Wisconsinites still stand with Walker. I don't understand why they complain about Jim Doyle when Walker is far more corrupt than Jim Doyle ever was. I pray for justice every day - that John Doe will make Walker accountable for the unethical, criminal acts he has encouraged and committed. Walker is a narcisstic sociopath.
Greg
10:51 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Joan, Do you have any proof of your accusations or is this post just more liberal, union, drum banging?
If you feel so strongly about the things you think Governor Walker has done, you must be livid about Obama's actions. He actually has blood on his hands.
It it sad that lefties can not even discuss the actual issues described in the blog. It would diminish the hate, if they agree with the Governor's actions. And we know that there is nothing the left likes more than hate and conflict.
Bucky
6:22 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Joan ... John Doe is not over just starting and Scooter Wanker knows it . Da man is in deep chit. Hope he goes to prison.
Ima Hippee
6:49 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Bucky = Keith Schmitz. Irrelevant.
Blair Nielsen
10:51 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Joan@9:39am.
I think you mean Obama, don't you?