The Americans for Prosperity organization went after Wisconsin Senators and Assembly members with the question: "Will you agree to sign a 'No Tax Increase' Pledge?
Those Senators who signed that pledge are: Alberta Darling, Glenn Grothman, Ted Kanavas, Alan Lasee, Mary Lazich and Joe Liebham.
Those Senators earning Kudos for sticking to their word are: Alberta Darling, Glenn Grothman, Ted Kanavas, Alan Lasee, Mary Lazich and Joe Liebham.
Those Senators earning a Shame on You for voting against their pledge are: No one.
Those members of the Assembly who signed the pledge are: Garey Bies, Donald Friske, Scott Gunderson, Mark Gundrum, Eugene Hahn, J.A. Hines, Mark Honadel, Joel Kleefisch, Bill Kramer, Frank G. Lasee, Thomas A. Lothian, Terry Musser, Scott Newcomer, Jim Ott, Don Pridemore, Roger J. Roth, Jr., Scott Suder, Robin J. Vos, Leah Vukmir, Sheldon Wasserman, Steve Wieckert, Jeff Wood, Robert Zielgelbauer and Rich Zipperer.
Those members of the Assembly earning Kudos for sticking to their word are: Garey Bies, Scott Gunderson, Mark Gundrum, Mark Honadel, Joel Kleefisch, Bill Kramer, Frank G. Lasee, Thomas A. Lothian, Scott Newcomer, Jim Ott, Don Pridemore, Roger J. Roth, Jr., Robin J. Vos, Leah Vukmir, Sheldon Wasserman, Steve Wieckert, Robert Ziegelbauer and Rich Zipperer.
Those members of the Assembly earning a Shame on You for voting against their pledge are: Donald Friske, Eugene Hahn, J.A. Hines, Terry Musser, Scott Suder, and Jeff Wood.
It is all too rare for politicians to keep their word especially in such a highly-charged atmosphere as was the budget debate and vote. The governor certainly would've earned a shame on you since he promised no tax increases when he ran for office. There would have been significant pressures brought to bear on these upstanding individuals during their respective caucus meetings leading up to the vote. Politics is not for the namby-pamby.
Whether you think the pledge was good or bad, the people who kept their word are to be honored. Let them know that you respect them for their integrity, and give very serious thought to keeping them in office. They're rare.
On the other hand, those who broke their promises need to be reminded that you don't respect their integrity.
