New Poll Results: Presidential Race Tightens, Thompson Leads Baldwin

Marquette Law School Poll results released Wednesday show a two-point shift toward Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, compared to results from two weeks earlier.

President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden lead among likely voters 49% to 46% over Romney and his recently named running mate, Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan, in polling conducted Aug. 16 to 19. In early August polling, Obama led Romney, 50% to 45%.

Charles Franklin, visiting professor of law and public policy and director of the poll, said, ‘The two-point shift in Romney’s favor is within the margin of error of the poll but suggests Ryan’s addition to the ticket may have slightly increased Romney’s chances in Wisconsin.”

The new Law School Poll results for the US Senate race in Wisconsin put former Gov. Tommy Thompson, who won the Republican primary on Aug. 14, ahead of Rep. Tammy Baldwin, the Democratic candidate, by 50% to 41%. In the early August polling, Thompson led Baldwin 48% to 43%.

Full results of the poll may be found by clicking here.

Continue ReadingNew Poll Results: Presidential Race Tightens, Thompson Leads Baldwin

Of Paul Ryan and Buggy Whips

First of all, I have to admit that my prediction was wrong. I predicted that Paul Ryan would not be the Republican nominee for Vice President in 2012. My reasoning was simple: I didn’t believe that Mitt Romney would risk being overshadowed by his running mate on questions of economic policy. However, Mitt Romney did indeed choose Paul Ryan as his running mate late last Friday, thus demonstrating that he is comfortable running for President on a fiscal blueprint that is known as “The Ryan Plan” rather than “The Romney Plan.”

The selection of Paul Ryan immediately transforms the presidential race, turning it from an up or down referendum on President Obama’s performance into a choice between two starkly different views of economic policy. The Republican Party, which proudly labels itself a “brand,” will now embark on an effort to sell a plan that includes tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans, reductions in monies spent on programs that benefit low income Americans, and the acceptance of unrestrained budget deficits because defense spending is left untouched.  The sales pitch is that this combination will lead to a faster economic recovery. The question is whether anyone will buy what they are selling.

Continue ReadingOf Paul Ryan and Buggy Whips

From Council to Counsel: Reflections of a Lawmaker Turned Law Student

At the time I applied for admission to law school, I had been serving on Racine, Wisconsin’s City Council for six years. Attorneys I knew told me that my experience as a legislator would help me with my legal studies. They were right, but I don’t think any of us considered that it would be a two-way street.

Before I go further, I should note that being an Alderman in Racine is a vastly different experience from serving on a council in a city like Chicago or Milwaukee. My job is most decidedly part time, as is the pay. The relative size of the jobs, however, isn’t the only thing that makes them different.

Chicago Alderman Proco Moreno recently illustrated this. Chick-fil-A’s CEO made public statements opposing gay marriage, which upset, among many others, Alderman Moreno. “Because of this man’s ignorance,” said Alderman Moreno, “I will now be denying Chick-fil-A’s permit to open a restaurant in the First Ward.” In Mr. Moreno’s world, this likely unconstitutional action will probably go unchallenged in any real way. In my world, I would get a rebuke from the City Attorney, a hammering in the local press, and probably a lawsuit.

Continue ReadingFrom Council to Counsel: Reflections of a Lawmaker Turned Law Student