Kathleen Vinehout - the next Governor of Wisconsin!

[Lefta Dissenter]

I've admired her SO much as I've watched her over the past year. She fights for ALL of Wisconsin. Please learn more about her, and encourage her to throw her hat into the ring.


Her biography from her 2010 State Senate campaign website:
http://kathleenvinehout.org/about/

A GREAT video that lets you see that she's an actual human being:

&feature=youtu.be

and a brief article, stating that she's considering a run for Governor (which I didn't know when I started posting on Facebook about her today):
http://www.wqow.com/story/16549487/vinehout-says-shes-seriously-considering-a-run-for-governor

Please encourage her to run. I have been in SO many Senate hearings and floor sessions this past year, and Kathleen Vinehout's compassion, intelligence, experience, passion, education and humility have been a gift to our State.

[undeterred]

1. Thanks for posting.

I don't know much about her. After my great disappointment at seeing Barbara Lawton pushed aside in 2009, I still feel that Democratic women really deserve a chance at the Governor's seat.

Glad to see Kathleen Falk throw her hat in the ring, and I will be open to voting for Vinehout as well.

[ewagner]

2. I don't mean to start a brawl...

but I almost got physically sick watching Falk on Rachael's show last night...Falk is the LAST one we need to run against Walker.

[undeterred]

3. Well, I don't like her enough to brawl about her

but I have a lot more respect for her than folks outside Dane County seem to. She's a really terrific person, and she was an excellent Dane County executive.

I think she would be a very good governor, but I am afraid she could not beat Walker.

[Borchkins]

4. Not Kathleen

I'm in Dane County and I don't like her. She has proven she can't win statewide.
B

[AllyCat]

10. While I respect her as a person, I also do not think she would beat Walker

We need someone not from Dane Co. Falk has already lost a Dem primary for Governor. Lets not take that chance again. And not Barrett either.

[sybylla]

11. She also lost statewide to Van Hollen, an imminently beatable stooge.

The base outside of Dane Co. doesn't like Falk for various reasons and the independent voters rarely go for those Madison Libruls.

I just don't see her winning either - even with Walker on the other side of the ticket.

We saw in the recalls last summer that it's hard to get people to vote on a non-standard election day - especially if it's a nice summer day and all people are thinking about is taking a vacation.

We need a motivating candidate who will drive turnout.

[Jackpine Radical]

19. You know my opinion of KF already, Sibyl.

Pretty much the same as yours, with maybe a little more vitriol.

I'd love to see Vinehout run.

And for my money, Falk had no business primarying Peg Lautenschlager, who I think would have easily beaten Van Hollowman. I think she's long been a tool of Doyle, who has a very nasty, vindictive streak, and who hated Peg.

That DUI of Peg's was politically survivable with a come-clean-on-everything approach, and would have just humanized her a bit more for most voters. But I digress.

Vinehout for Governor.

Works fine for me.

[sybylla]

20. Yep, our thinking on KF isn't too much different

I just didn't think I was Jackpiney enough to get away with going that Radical on a post. You said it well.

[Lefta Dissenter]

5. I hope a NON-"Dane County Librul" jumps in soon

(this, coming from a Dane County Librul)

someone who inspires, thinks, speaks out, fights,

My list right now (subject to change at a moment's notice):

Kathleen Vinehout,
Jon Erpenbach,
David Obey,
Peter Barca,

I put Vinehout at the top because of her broad background in farming, education, health care, faith and military; her NON-connection to Madison or Milwaukee; her education; compassion and empathy; and the absolute bull-dog fight that she has in her.

[undeterred]

6. Jon Erpenbach is a Dane County Liberal

I'm just sayin'



I hope he jumps in too.

[Lefta Dissenter]

7. I know,

that's one of the reasons I have Vinehout above Jon on my list.

On the other hand, Jon is in a much safer seat than Kathleen, so perhaps it's better that we have to fill the vacancy here than up in Kathleen's district.

I'd be happy to have to choose between Vinehout and Erp. Each of them would be really, really great. There's just something about Vinehout that really clicks with me.

[sybylla]

12. I think Jon is one of the few Madison Libruls who could win it statewide.

I've heard him speak several times and he's really good at sounding like an average Joe. He's really good at translating issues into a frame that out-staters get. He just doesn't come across elitist.

Heck, I think I've even seen him wear a flannel shirt.

[ewagner]

8. I know I'm dreaming...

but I think Russ Feingold would wipe the floor with Walker...sigh...

[Lefta Dissenter]

9. He would

But I believe him when he says he won't run.

[undeterred]

13. I would love to see him shock everyone and change his mind.

Just this once.

[Kashkakat v.2.0]

14. She's very likeable - and so "Wisconsin" - there were a couple of times in the video I

smiled because her voice/ body language/straightforward manner of speaking just seemed so familiar (I grew up in central Wis - farmers are my peeps)

[Scuba]

15. +1

[dragonlady]

16. A few bits of gossip

This was posted on dailyKos today:

State Sen. Jon Erpenbach is frequently mentioned as a potential challenger, but he reportedly told AFSCME that he won't run. Former Rep. David Obey also turned down an endorsement interview with the powerful union, making a bid seem unlikely.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/01/20/1056525/-Daily-Kos-Elections-Morning-Digest:-Kansas-legislature-introduces-congressional-redistricting-plan?showAll=yes&via=blog_1


Meanwhile, the Journal-Sentinel gave Kathleen Falk the highest mark of True on a quote from her in Politifact. Given that they pick and choose the quotes they write about, does this suggest that they hope she will be the nominee?

[Lefta Dissenter]

17. the attendees at the"I SUPPORT WALKER" rally

Overwhelmingly went for Falk. They've got the attack ads already written (Dane County, 911, etc.)

[undeterred]

18. Well, tonight Erpenbach is denying that he ruled out the possibility of running this time.

He says he is still not definitely in or out of the race, and that he did not make any definite statements to AFSCME. So that's good, I think.

[Lefta Dissenter]

21. Undeterred,

Is that being reported anywhere? That would be great to know.

Thanks!

[undeterred]

22. Here it is:

Posted: Jan 23, 2012 5:45 PM CST

MADISON (WKOW) - His name has been mentioned along with a number of other Wisconsin Democrats as a possible challenger to Gov. Scott Walker in a recall election. So far, Sen. Jon Erpenbach (D-Middleton) hasn't done anything to quiet that chatter publicly.

But in a conversation with the head of Milwaukee's largest public sector union two weeks ago, Erpenbach allegedly ruled it out privately.

Richard Abelson, Executive Director of AFSCME (American Federation of State, City and Municipal Employees) Council 48 told 27 News the following on Monday: "I thought that he (Erpenbach) had indicated quite clearly that he wasn't interested in running for Governor in this go around of the recall, but that he would be very interested in running, perhaps two years from now."

Erpenbach told 27 News on Monday morning that was not accurate. Despite the denial, Abelson says the Senator went on to explain why he wouldn't run. "I think he eluded to more personal issues, than anything else," said Abelson. "I don't know, I've never come out and said I'm not running," said Sen. Erpenbach. "I never came out and said that I am running."


http://www.wkow.com/story/16582979/sen-erpenbach-denies-claim-that-hes-decided-not-to-run-for-governor


There is a video at the link.

[tanglefoot]

23. Just so everyone here knows - Kathleen Vinehout is not Pro-choice.

When she first ran in 2006, she ran as a pro-choice candidate. But in her first term, she backed out on several pledges to her constituents - starting with this one:

http://www.prochoicewisconsin.org/news/press/200803122.shtml

Sen. Vinehout Breaks Campaign Promise to Women: Vinehout Leads Effort to Allow Pharmacists to Deny Women Birth Control

Posted: 03/12/2008

Madison, WI - In a shocking move yesterday afternoon, State Senator Kathleen Vinehout broke her campaign pledge to Wisconsin women, gutting the Birth Control Protection Act with "poison pill" amendments that would actually make it easier for pharmacists to withhold birth control than under existing law.

"We are extremely disappointed that Sen. Vinehout has turned her back on the women of this state, aligning herself instead with extremist special interest groups that oppose all birth control," said Kelda Helen Roys, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin. "Voters should be able to trust the promises our political leaders make - unfortunately, those who voted for Sen. Vinehout based on her stated platform as a pro-choice, pro-birth control, women's health advocate no longer can."

As a candidate, Vinehout painted herself as a health care reformer who would fight to increase access to health care for all, including reproductive health care for women. Her reversal on the issue of whether pharmacists can withhold birth control from women on personal ideological grounds, then, is stunning - particularly because of overwhelming public support for legislation to stop this practice. Not only would her proposal weaken patient protections in existing law, it is worse than many of the so-call "conscience clauses" that NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin helped to defeat in recent legislative sessions.

In seeking an endorsement, Vinehout answered NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin PAC's questionnaire, specifically addressing the growing problem of pharmacy refusals:
Question: "Will you support legislation requiring pharmacists to fill all valid prescriptions regardless of pharmacist's personal ideology?"
Answer: "Yes."

<snip>

I haven't posted at DU for awhile. But as her constituent, I felt I needed to stop lurking and make a statement

[undeterred]

24. Neither is Dave Obey.

[sybylla]

26. But Dave Obey never lied about his position

And I'm not sure you could call Dave Obey anti-choice either. His position has been fairly clear that what he believes and what he does as a congressman are two different things.

Not so sure you can say that about Vinehout.

[undeterred]

28. I never even knew that about Obey until recently

I happened to be sitting next to a former director of Planned Parenthood at a circulator training and he gave a talk at the beginning. She told me she had read his book and had great respect for him but had only that disagreement with him.

I think in a statewide election it would actually be a help.

[tanglefoot]

30. I think it would be a mistake in a state with a strong line-item veto like we have

it means all women's health issues would come to a stand still in Wisconsin as long as she's governor. What Dem legie (all of which know Kathleen can't put her religion aside and do the people's work when it comes to reproductive health) will risk putting such legislation in front of her and give her the opportunity to turn back the clock with the stroke of a pen?

We need a progressive now more than ever to right the tidal wave of wrongs this administration has rushed through.

Having sat in a room with her constituents and heard Kathleen try to "justify" her vote on the conscience bill, I can say that there are far more progressive legislators out there than her.

[Kashkakat v.2.0]

31. You kinda left out part of the story -why? You know the part about how the pharmacy business must

still provide the service even if it allows individual employees to chose not to, and how Planned Parenthood changed its position to be in support of this legislation.

If anything, this makes me think KV mahy be the one for the gov's job. In recent days, Ive begun to think that the gov candidate's #1 priority will have to be just holding together this amazingly diverse coalition thats has come together. Weve set aside our differences to focus on what we have in common -can't lose sight of that just yet!

It will be a challenge. Even amongst progressives - not everyone thinks the same way. And then in addition - there is some percentage of buyers remorse independents/repubs.

If someone does not appear to be "pro-choice" as you define it.... does that make them anti-choice?

http://kathleenvinehout.org/wp-content/uploads/Contraception-Press-Release-020212.pdf


P.S. that said, I think a fair question for KV is how she would work with and represent a much more diverse constituency than the rural socially conservative one she represents now. And,. I would ask the same question of KF, who also comes from a very homogenous area - only hers is Dane Co.

[Wisco Woman]

32. But Vinehout also kinda left out part of the story

Check out NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin's press release:
http://www.prochoicewisconsin.org/news/press/201202031.shtml

In case you want to see for yourself, here is the text of her amendments - Note that it clearly states a woman can be denied her prescription because either the pharmacist or the pharmacy's management objects to filling it:
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2007/related/amendments/sb232/sa2_sb232

And it's not just about the Birth Control Protection Act. Some other anti-choice votes from Vinehout include:
1. Voted against repealing Wisconsin's criminal abortion ban. This is a law still on the books from the 1800s that declares abortion a criminal offense - and attaches criminal penalties for both doctors and women who seek abortions - and would go into effect immediately should Roe v. Wade be overturned. Anyone who claims to be pro-choice should be in favor of repeal, but Vinehout voted with anti-choice legislators on it. She was the ONLY DEMOCRAT on the committee to vote against this.

2. Voted with anti-choice Republicans (again, the ONLY DEMOCRAT in the State Senate) against re-appointing 2 members to the UW Hospital Board of Authority because they supported providing abortion services at the Madison Surgery Center.

3. Voted for a resolution to honor so-called Crisis Pregnancy Centers, which serve as the provider arm of the pro-life movement and use deception and scare tactics to prevent women from making informed decisions about all of their choices when facing an unintended pregnancy.

4. Voted against the Birth Control Protection Act after her amendments failed. Again, she was the ONLY DEMOCRAT in the State Senate to vote against this bill.

Women's rights are under attack in Wisconsin - especially our reproductive rights. Can you count on Vinehout to stand up to these attacks? Will she be the leader we need on women's health? Can we trust her to do the right thing on the multitude of proposed laws attacking our reproductive rights? Or will she sign into law dangerous bills like Rep. Craig's ban on certain abortion procedures even when necessary to safe the life of the woman, Grothmann and Jacque's Choose Life license plates to funnel money to the so-called CPCs that Vinehout was so willing to honor, Lazich and Litjen's crazy bill further restricting access to abortion, and more?

Anyone taking on Walker is going to be pro-labor. For the sake of Wisconsin women, whoever challenges Walker in this recall election needs to be firmly pro-choice.

[Lefta Dissenter]

25. Like Clinton,

She would like abortion to be "safe, legal and rare."

http://slysoffice.blogspot.com/2012/01/kathleen-vinehout-prospecting-recall.html

[tanglefoot]

27. Damn few people want it any other way.

Unfortunately, "safe, legal and rare" is wide open for interpretation when it comes to how you get there.

The difference between me and Kathleen Vinehout is how we want to arrive at that goal.

Bill Clinton believed that if you provide people with enough support, enough opportunity to stand on their own, they won't choose abortion.

Kathleen Vinehout believes that it's okay for someone who is granted a license from the government to provide a service to its citizens (and with that a share of the prescription market) to refuse to give me medications my doctor prescribed. On whatever grounds they choose.

And she did this after lying to the voters about where she stood on this specific issue.

Don't remember Bill Clinton lying to me about where he stood on reproductive choice.

You're welcome to see this differently, but I have to wonder what else Kathleen Vinehout has lied about to voters. Yeah, I want to get rid of Wanker just as bad as anyone else. But I'm not about to put and anti-choice Dem in his place if I can help it.

[Wisco Woman]

33. So she says, but her record says otherwise...

Vinehout says she would like abortion to be "safe, legal and rare," but she was the deciding vote on the Senate Committee on Health (and only Democrat voting against the bill) against repealing Wisconsin's criminal abortion ban which would go into effect immediately should Roe be overturned. How can one claim to want to keep abortion legal but then vote against ensuring it stays legal in our state? Her record on choice just isn't meshing with what she claims are her positions on the issue.

[thoughtcrime1984]

29. Vinehout is my choice, and I believe she will run.

I have found her to be very knowledgeable, caring, and able and willing to convey her thoughts in an easily understandable fashion to her constituents.

[wispat1]

34. Vinehout would be an incredible governor

I am disappointed that NARAL seems to be attacking Vinehout so ferverently at every opportunity.
If NARAL is involved in keeping Walker in office - I wouldn't call it a "win".
We need someone who can inspire people and appeal to a broad base. We need a grassroots person
who is intelligent but down to earth - not politics as usual. I really think that Vinehout is the woman for the job.

[Poiuyt]

35. Vinehout enters governor's race

Democratic state Sen. Kathleen Vinehout of Alma says she is running for governor if a recall election is ordered against Republican Gov. Scott Walker.

Vinehout today joined former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk as the only announced Democrats. Several others are considering getting in, but even if no one does a primary would be necessary.


Read more: http://lacrossetribune.com/news/local/vinehout-enters-governor-s-race/article_dded9770-5274-11e1-a15c-001871e3ce6c.html#ixzz1loeuGush

[dembotoz]

36. talked to her this week, she is impressive, i really want to like and support her

but the not so pro choice thing sticks in my craw

will have to find out more.....

as a side note-met her at the washington county dems meeting this last week.

new storefront office filled standing room only
looks like washington county dems have thier game on....

[Kashkakat v.2.0]

37. The question for Vinehout is the same one we should be asking Falk - HOW will you work with people

who are DIFFERENT FROM YOU. Both come from fairly homogenous places - KF from culturally progressive Dane Co & KV a more socially conservative area. Believe it or not a lot of people in Wis who consider themselves Dem can actually be - gasp - Catholic and/or have a somewhat nuanced view of abortion/birth control (eg Catholics who use birth control but support limitations on abortion. I myself am an agnostic-leaning semi-Pagan, but my views on abortion dont neatly pigeonhole into any one box.)

So fair question for KF & her Emilys List supporters - AND fpr Vinehout - how do you propose to work with people who are different from your usual constuencies - how will you represent a much more diverse constituency as governor?

And, WHAT WILL YOU DO - starting now - to keep this coalition strong and cohesive. Sadly I dont see this being asked by anyone.... Certainly wasnt on the list of questions the unions were asking of the candidates.

[Big Tent]

38. The Democratic Coalition

The candidate the democrats nominate needs to be able to fire up the core constituencies and be able to articulate a message to the non ideological independent voters, and be able to motivate the passive democratic leaning constituencies who do not always vote. Will the students and the constituencies effected by the new voter id law show up to vote? In last summers round of recalls these constituencies did not show up at all in some of the Senate Districts, let alone have marginal turnout. The constituencies not showing up were the Obama voter from 2008, and the demographic of the student protesters who were all over the state last February and March in unprecedented numbers.

Last year around this time when we occupied the capitol, there was a very diverse/dynamic coalition. Rev. Jesse Jackson was the best speaker I saw come to the capitol. He was calming force, the Republicans did not go negative on him, and Jesse really delivered on giving a great speech with an articulate message. The message I liked was "Rich Americans get a Tax Cut, Working Americans get a Job Cut". Having working people, low income voters are going to be key to if the Democrats can win an election against Governor Walker.

The stump is going to be important for this campaign, we are not going to win or get our message out with the 30 second television ads. For Democrats to win this governors election we need to have presidential turnout, and it would be good for Democrats in Wisconsin to look at how the Presidential Campaigns go after these voters who have no traditional constituency groups.

[wispat1]

39. Watch Both Kathleen's and you will have an answer

Last edited Sun Mar 18, 2012, 07:17 PM - Edit history (1)

First off, I am a Vinehout supporter. I like a lot about our entire 'crop' of candidates. Vinehout, however is the only one with a broad base of appeal. Falk has a union and grassroots problems. She was not on the frontlines of the collective bargaining battle, Vinehout was. It is important to have a candidate borne of the movement for democracy in our state. When our state was in the midst of the first round of recalls it was Vinehout who went to the other districts and rallied the "troops". At the time the Walker recall was only a distant hope. Yes Vinehout is a lot more middle of the road than Falk, but if you think that a "Madison Liberal" will get votes from disatisfied Republicans and independents...someone hasn't been paying attention.

NARAL and Falk are currently so entertwined against Vinehout that many see Falk as synonymous with single issue voting and a very divisive approach. This is not a positive. As a woman I am absolutely disgusted by the nationwide assault on women's rights in the work place and the ability to make decisions about my own body. I have, however, followed Vinehout's career. She is more conservative than I on some issues, but she also has refused to allow social justice issues to be eclipsed by the GOP obsession with women's health. Neither NARAL, Emily's List or the Right to Life Groups support her. Neither side owns her or her decision. I do have confidence in Vinehout's promise of "safe, legal and accessible" when it comes to abortion and birth control.

I know the oft repeated phrase used by some is that no one knows Vinehout. Go to an event where both women speak. The difference is obvious. These are unique times. Anyone who has been interested in the recall wants a good look at both candidates. Time and again, Vinehout stands out for her commitment and passion. Wisconsin needs someone who can not only win, but continue to light the flame of democracy. The nation watches. We need more than an easy win. Wisconsin must risk a candidate who inspires if our effort is to be more than a flash in the pan. It takes courage to make history.