Wisconsin and Vermont seem to be tangled in an odd embrace of political opposites and similarities. Wednesday night RNC chairman and former head of the Wisconsin Republican Party Reince Preibus addressed 200 members of the Vermont Republican Party in Burlington. Between one hundred and one hundred twenty five union members, Democrats and others demonstrated against his perceived anti-union stance nearby while he spoke.
Today Governor Shumlin testified and took questions before a congressional committee along with Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker (protégé of RNC head Preibus). Rep.Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) the committee’s ranking member said Shumlin would
“… bring a perspective that is markedly different than that of the majority’s witness, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker…”
Both governors addressed their work reducing state budget deficits. Shumlin providing a distinct counter point to Walker/Preibus’ scorched earth budget slashing tactics.
Shumlin opened his testimony saying in part “Governor Walker, it’s good to see you again” noting they each had just finished their first 100 days in office he added “I wish you the best as you continue your term” How far from Walker’s mind could a possible recall vote be as he listened to Shumlin’s greeting?
Gov. Shumlin continued bluntly:
What is puzzling to me about the current debate about state budgets is that the focus has been not on bringing people together to solve common problems, like we have done in Vermont, but on division and blame.
Whatever legitimate gripes we may have with Shumlin here in Vermont it’s easy to be thankful he’s no Scott Walker. Vermont is closer to the right track than it has been in eight years. But Wisconsin was once a Blue state and the Preibus told the Vermont Republican party his vision last night in Burlington.
Vermont could replicate the recent political history of Wisconsin. The state was perceived as a Democratic stronghold, but in large part through the efforts of the Wisconsin GOP, Republican Ron Johnson defeated Democratic U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold, and Republican Scott Walker became governor in the 2010 campaign.
Pretty fair warning, however if that’s the goal got to wonder if someone with a little more campaign finesse than Tom Salmon might wind up running against Senator Sanders.
And now they’re adding the elimination of Medicare to sweeten the deal? They’ve alienated the hispanic population with the “Arizona stategy.”
Clearly the Republicans have completely abandoned the center and are counting on the richest 1% to somehow bankroll a massive snow-job of the electorate. They did a pretty good job of burying meaningful healthcare reform despite its obvious benefit to just about everyone.
Or is there some more sinister strategy beneath all of this wild abandon? There are all those Diebold voting machines to program…
WI still is a blue state except for who showed up to vote in Nov 2010. Dem’s will recapture some back in 2012, but damn that Senate seat smarts– Johnson’s there til 2016, and Walker’s got a 4 year gig.
Another great argument for keeping the 2 yr gov term here. Remember Shummy did not win in a landslide (though I bet he’ll increase his margin considerably next go-round)
Still where the rubber meets the road Gov. Shumlin is prioritizing no taxes on the rich over hurtful cuts to the poor and people with disabilities. Same sacred cows here.
to be sure but here is a video of Reince P. speaking to the VT GOP.
One observation just from the short video is what appears to be a total lack of Jim Douglasness.
Where’s Jim?