Koch-backed group, Tea Party mobilize in Wisconsin

John Henneman, left, and Dan Kuhl, right, teachers from Wisconsin Rapids, protest Monday night, Feb. 21, 2011 outside the King Street entrance to the Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin.

/ AP Photo/Wisconsin State Journal, Steve Apps

Wisconsin public sector workers and their supporters show no signs of slowing down their protests against Republican Gov. Scott Walker's anti-union legislation -- but conservative organizations are mobilizing their own robust efforts to back the governor.

More than 50 Tea Party leaders have signed a letter addressed to Walker encouraging him to press ahead with his plan. The letter comes from American Solutions, the conservative advocacy group formed by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

"We believe the results of the 2010 elections provided you with a mandate to implement change, so that Wisconsinites can have more jobs, more freedom, and more opportunity to pursue happiness now and for generations to come," the letter says. It criticized the "unsustainable benefits and pension plans" government employees receive, accusing unions of receiving those benefits in exchange for using their financial power to re-elect politicians.

The signatories include representatives from the Tea Party Express, the Wisconsin Tea Party Patriots, the Iowa Tea Party, the St. Louis Tea Party, Contract from America and several other groups from across the country.

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Meanwhile, the conservative advocacy group Americans for Prosperity is launching an ad across Wisconsin today as part of its "Stand with Walker" campaign.

"Who decides Wisconsin's future, voters or government unions?" the ad asks. "Wisconsin voted for fiscal sanity & balanced budgets, but public employees walked off their jobs, abandoning our children. Democratic legislators don't even have the guts to show up for their jobs, hiding out in other states."

Along with praising Walker, the ad also takes a shot at President Obama, who last week called Walker's bill part of an "assault" on public employees.

Americans for Prosperity is largely backed by the Koch brothers, a pair of politically active conservative billionaires. Critics of Walker's anti-union plan are pointing to a provision in the legislation that would allow for the no-bid sale of state energy assets, alleging that Koch Industries would be the beneficiaries of such a policy. A spokesperson for Koch Industries told Politico it has no financial interest in Wisconsin's current political battle.

And as the battle over public worker benefits and rights spreads to other states, the Republican Governors Association is showing its support for Walker. The RGA last night launched the site StandWithScott.com that it says will serve as a "one-stop portal" for Winsconsinites and other Americans who back the governor.

"Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker is in the middle of what will be a defining moment for our country and the conservative movement," Texas Governor and RGA Chairman Rick Perry said in a statement. "It is essential that we stand with Governor Walker and show political leaders throughout the country that America is ready to take on its toughest political challenges."

Not all Republican governors have been as enthused about Walker's moves. Yesterday, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels reiterated his call for Republican lawmakers in his state to drop their similar anti-union legislation in favor of working on higher-priority legislation.

The Wisconsin legislation, which Walker has deemed his "budget repair bill," would among other things require state workers to pay more for their pension costs and health care. It would strip public worker unions of their ability to negotiate pensions, working conditions or benefits. Any wage increases would be tied to the Consumer Price Index, and unions would lose their ability to have dues deducted from state paychecks. The changes would apply to all state workers except police, firefighters and state troopers.

Public sector unions have accepted Walker's proposal to roll back their benefits in order to help balance the state budget, but they say rolling back collective bargaining rights goes too far - and has nothing to do with balancing the current budget.

In a televised address he deemed a "fireside chat" last night, Walker said he's not backing down. (Watch part of the address at left.)

Walker said eliminating most collective bargaining rights is necessary because "the system is broken," the Center for Media and Democracy reports. He repeated his threat that thousands of workers could face layoffs if the state legislature doesn't pass his bill.

While Walker has said his plan is about fixing the budget, National Journal reports that Wisconsin's budget shortfall could be fixed relatively simply with non-controversial measures. Moreover, Walker's plan could actually risk losing the state tens of millions in federal transportation funding because the new union laws would not meet federal standards, the Huffington Post reports.

While Walker is standing his ground, Wisconsin Senate Democrats are as well - more or less. Last week they fled Wisconsin to deprive the state Senate of enough votes to pass the measure, and they've given no indication of when they're coming back.

Speaking from Illinois, Wisconsin Senate Democratic Leader Mark Miller offered a response to Walker's address, urging the governor to accept the unions' offer to drop the collective bargaining provision, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

"This is a compromise that any good politician, any good leader, should be able to recognize and seize," he said.

With state senators still MIA, the Wisconsin Assembly has taken up the bill. It spent all of Tuesday night slogging through hundreds of amendments put forward by Democrats, and will continue to do so today.

Meanwhile, the fervent protests against Walker's bill continue across the state. The AFL-CIO promises that this Thursday will be largest demonstrations outside of Madison in Wisconsin's history.

On Tuesday night, protesters packed the capitol building during Walker's "fireside chat," the Center for Media and Democracy reports -- creating a deafening roar with chants, drums and vuvuzelas.

Watch Wisconsin Democrats talk to CBS News' Cynthia Bowers about the legislative dispute:

21 Photos

Wisconsin protests

[polittessential]

This is insanity. People need to share their voice in one location and I mean a lot of people so that the politicians actually hear what is being said. There are a lot of different views and ideas for solutions. Let them all be heard and then the most favorable will emerge with the most support! Tell your politicians directly and share it with others who feel the way you do. Share it with those who feel passionate about a solution and those who have realistic ideas that could be accomplished. All our elected officials are on this one page for Wisconsin politics. If who you want to write happens to not be there, add them, and share with those of us who care your ideas please! http://www.fastnote.com/wipolitics

[JTuffit]

It is not surprising that the Communist Broadcasting Service didn't mention in this article that the moveon.org crowd that came out in support of unions is sponsored by george soros a wealthy socialist with a vendetta against america.

The unions are using dues which come from taxpayer money to elect the people who will be sitting across the bargaining table from them. Imagine if a person commits a crime and then is able to pick his prosecutor. Seems crazy right?

Unions are not necessary in the public sector. The wage of a teacher in wisconsin, including benefits is $100,000 a year. This in a state that closed schools so students could greet the packers after the superbowl, a state that boasts 2/3 of 8th grade students CAN'T read proficiently despite highest per pupil spending in the midwest. Google it.

The reason there is a furor in wisconsin is because the socialists and the communists see this as a threat to their power structure. This isn't about the students or how the people of wisconsin could be better served. This is about 70,000 people who want to be sure they "get theirs." These 70,000 don't care about the good of the state or the country.

If these were private sector unions, it might be a different story. Then they are bargaining with and against people with a vested interest in insuring the good of the company and taxpayer dollars are not at stake. If something is not done, the country will go the way of most every major union business (think auto manufacturing, airline industry, post office, etc.)

[nellpost]

The kochboys said to tell your check is in the mail

[fourpatts]

I hope the next time a Democratic politician gets burned by a phony call it will be given the same serious coverage CBS is giving the Republican governor of Wisconsin. And it would be nice if billionaire Democrat George Soros is identified as a liberal supporting left wing causes when he makes news. It's funny how there are always "right wing" and "conservatives" labeled in these stories but very few times is the "liberal" label applied. That's probably because most of the reporters, editors etc at CBS etc. agree with the left on most public policy issues but don't see themselves as liberals.

[AstroPinion]

Hello,

I read that workers agreed to pay more for their pension costs and health care. Is that not what matters most, balancing the budget? I also read that the Governor talks about "shared sacrifice", did the 'fat cats' of the State sacrifice anything? Maybe I missed something.

[brian_norwood]

Koch based group mobilizes in Wisconsin.


Amazing how much democracy money can buy!

[JTuffit]

Why can't you seem to understand that these are not actions against private sector unions? These are PUBLIC sector unions that are draining away money from the taxPAYERS. They are manipulating elections and putting in office people who will not oppose them when it is time to bargain pay and benefits.

Teachers in wis earn $100,000 a year with benefits and pensions added in and 2/3 of 8th grade students can't read proficiently.

Public sector unions are pushing the socialist agenda and saps like you are their pawns.

And by the way, who do you think pays the taxes that employ public sector employees? Those "hard working" people you like to talk about? It is the top 5%. 50% of the people in this country don't pay taxes and still get a refund check in the mail. Wake up.

[WorkingForaLiving]

Unions PROTECT ALL Americans. It is the unions who prevent companies from forcing you to work six days a week. It is the unions who prevent greedy companies from forcing you to work 60 hours a week without pay. It is unions who protect workers from greedy companies from dropping health insurance. It is unions who force companies to make sure the workplace is safe for you and your coworkers. It is unions who make sure that no matter your race or sex that you are paid the same amount as white males. It is unions who protect people from being fired because they stand up for themselves against abusive bosses. Unions protect all Americans, NOT just members. Unions set the bar that other companies must achieve.

Just because you are union does NOT mean you are lazy. It means that a greedy company cannot and will not be able to abuse its employees. As a union member, YOU write your contract and what the employees are and are not allowed to do.

Do unions usually cost more for companies? YES!!! Because YOU the employee deserve a living a wage. A wage where you can keep a roof over your head, food on your table and protection from health care emergencies. If it was up to greedy companies they would have you living in homeless shelters and surviving on food banks. Just look at employees at Walmart...they are paid so little..they have to apply for the federally funded state health insurance for their families!! If the money does not go to union workers...it would just go to the rich and make them richer. (The top 1% of Americans control 24% of all money in the USA...twice what it was in 1980...the rich are filthy rich and the middle class is screwed because there is no one protecting them. And the rich are using their money in 503 groups with fancy names, like Education Reform Now etc) to make public employees and unions look like evil greedy people. Who is greedy a billionaire who won't give his employees health insurance or a public employee making 45K and demanding health insurance for their family?

If your company made a profit (70% of S&P 500 companies beat expectations and companies are hoarding billions in cash. Health insurance companies made RECORD profits last year and that was in the middle of a recession!!) If your company made a profit and they did NOT give you a raise (above inflation) or told you that you were "lucky" to have a job....then that company is ABUSING YOU! Stop letting greedy billionaires abuse you...stand up for yourself. You have a voice. You have a right. You have a right to feed your family. You have a right to protect your children's health. You must learn to fight for yourself against the greed of corporations.

You must stand up for yourself...support unions and become part of the only organization that can protect you and your family from greedy and abusive billionaires. It is time to act...ANYONE can join and form their own union (http://www.aflcio.org) It is time to protect yourself and your family. Unionize!!!

[JTuffit]

Why can't you seem to understand that these are not actions against private sector unions? These are PUBLIC sector unions that are draining away money from the taxPAYERS. They are manipulating elections and putting in office people who will not oppose them when it is time to bargain pay and benefits.

Teachers in wis earn $100,000 a year with benefits and pensions added in and 2/3 of 8th grade students can't read proficiently.

Public sector unions are pushing the socialist agenda and saps like you are their pawns.

And by the way, who do you think pays the taxes that employ public sector employees? Those "hard working" people you like to talk about? It is the top 5%. 50% of the people in this country don't pay taxes and still get a refund check in the mail. Wake up.

[noloyalisti]

Please post on here what happens in YOUR state capitol on Sat if you go. It's all for one and one for all.

[Rodeo_Joe]

Armed state troopers sent to the homes of opposition Democrats.

Indiana Deputy Attorney Gen. advocates use of Live Ammo on peaceful protesters.

Isn't America Beautiful?

[JTuffit]

This comment shows just how ignorant people are about this. The unions are using dues which come from taxpayer money to elect the people who will be sitting across the bargaining table from them. Imagine if a person commits a crime and then is able to pick his prosecutor. Seems crazy right?

Unions are not necessary in the public sector. The wage of a teacher in wisconsin, including benefits is $100,000 a year. This in a state that closed schools so students could greet the packers after the superbowl, a state that boasts 2/3 of 8th grade students CAN'T read proficiently despite highest per pupil spending in the midwest. Google it.

The reason there is a furor in wisconsin is because the socialists and the communists see this as a threat to their power structure. This isn't about the students or how the people of wisconsin could be better served. This is about 70,000 people who want to be sure they "get theirs." These 70,000 don't care about the good of the state or the country.

If these were private sector unions, it might be a different story. Then they are bargaining with and against people with a vested interest in insuring the good of the company and taxpayer dollars are not at stake. If something is not done, the country will go the way of most every major union business (think auto manufacturing, airline industry, post office, etc.)

[JTuffit]

Imagine if reps and senators had stayed home during the 0bamacare battle...the story would have been much different. That bill was forced down the throats of the american people and has been deemed unconstitutional by a federal judge. States are opposing it. 222 unions and major corporations have received passes not to implement it because it would be too expensive. Yet small businesses are forced to implement it. Who's busting whose back? The public employees get their pay from taxpayers. These taxpayers are small business owners and the upper 5%. The bottom feeders known as the lower 50% don't pay anything. These are known as democrats.

[noloyalisti]

The right wing evil rich like the Koch Brothers (and most other giant corporations) have been getting literally away with raping and pillaging the country for so long (starting with the disaster of Reagan) that they think they own the place.

This Saturday at 12 noon in all 50 state capitols and at many other locations, there will be Save the American Dream rallies in support of Wisconsin workers. All Americans should be joining these rallies to save their own jobs which are next on the giant corporations chopping block. If you think it can't happen to you, just look at what the Koch Brothers want: a nation of subservient and poor serfs for their profits.

It's time to make these people who have benefited from the recession pay their dues back to society.

[JTuffit]

Imagine if reps and senators had stayed home during the 0bamacare battle...the story would have been much different. That bill was forced down the throats of the american people and has been deemed unconstitutional by a federal judge. States are opposing it. 222 unions and major corporations have received passes not to implement it because it would be too expensive. Yet small businesses are forced to implement it. Who's busting whose back? The public employees get their pay from taxpayers. These taxpayers are small business owners and the upper 5%. The bottom feeders known as the lower 50% don't pay anything. These are known as democrats.

[Rodeo_Joe]

If sending dudes with guns to the homes of the opposition is what the conservative moment has become, and evidently it has, it is bankrupt and has severed ANY ties it had with the core principles of the Founding Fathers.

Tri-cornered hats just make you look like cheap movie extras.