In the stampede to crush unions in Wisconsin, one Republican stood up to the bosses. Here's his statement (quoted in its entirety in the theory that a government publication is in the public domain):

Senator Schultz Statement on Budget Repair Bill Vote March 9, 2011

As someone who as spent the better part of the last four weeks working toward and hoping for a compromise, this is a difficult night.

I’ve had the honor and privilege of representing folks in Southwest and South Central Wisconsin for 28 years, and where I come from ‘compromise’ isn’t a dirty word.

I’ve received tens of thousands of emails, thousands of phone calls and letters, and spent hours meeting with thousands of citizens in my district. I’ve heard personal and heartfelt stories of friends and neighbors, and they ask for just two things.

First, be inclusive by listening and working with your colleagues on both sides of the aisle to reach a compromise which addresses our fiscal crisis. Second, public employees are willing to make sacrifices on things like wages and benefits, but we need to preserve collective bargaining as a tool which has helped keep labor peace in this state for decades.

Ultimately, I voted my conscience which I feel reflects the core beliefs of the majority of voters who sent me here to represent them.

I look forward to working with my colleagues in the days ahead as we now need to join together to work through what promises to be a difficult budget.

If you want to thank him, here's his Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/senatordaleschultz?sk=wall And his e-mail address: Sen.Schultz@legis.wi.gov;