Wisconsin Election Archive

Wisconsin Attorney General - Seniorcare Rx, Badgercare And Medicaid Programs: AARP wants a $1 increase in the cigarette tax as a means of continued and increased funding for Wisconsin’s SeniorCare Rx, Badgercare and Medicaid programs. Falk supports, JB Van Hollen gave no position. Van Hollen received a contribution of $500 from from Phil Prange, husband of Alison Prange of the American Cancer Society, in 2005. (Wisconsin Cooperative Campaign Finance Database. A project of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign funded by the Joyce Foundation. Accessed 09/03/07.)

Candidate Response: Kathleen Falk, Democrat: "For years I have urged an increase in the cigarette tax for several good reasons, including to pay for the costs resulting from smoking and for other important health services." (AARP) In 2002, Falk proposed to raise cigarette taxes by 85 cents a pack, which she said would generate $250 million a year. "Falk said she would use the money to cover health initiatives and, over time, to restore the $1.3 billion from the settlement of a lawsuit against tobacco companies that state lawmakers used to balance the budget." (Health care treated as an indispensable election issue. By Joe Manning. Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Sept. 9, 2002.) Falk received contributions totaling $150 from Rebecca Derenne of the American Cancer Society in 2002. (Wisconsin Cooperative Campaign Finance Database. A project of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign funded by the Joyce Foundation. Accessed 09/03/07.)

Candidate Response: J.B. Van Hollen, Republican: Candidate chose not to make additional comments. He got $10,000 from Pfizer in 2005-2006.

The Governor Race, Doyle versus Eisman versus Green: Doyle won

Wisconsin Governor - Seniorcare Rx, Badgercare And Medicaid Programs: AARP wants a $1 increase in the cigarette tax as a means of continued and increased funding for Wisconsin’s SeniorCare Rx, Badgercare and Medicaid programs, which would cost smokers $300 million, and from which we would be disproportionately excluded from benefiting. Doyle and Eisman support, Green opposes. (AARP.) In an interview on WIBA radio (Madison), Doyle said he would consider a $1 per pack increase if it were "locked away" and used for anti-smoking and health care programs. (Gov. Doyle Opens Door to Cigarette Tax Hike. Wisconsin Hospital Association, Apr. 8, 2005.) Doyle received contributions of $500, $500, $2000 and $1000 from Altria/Philip Morris in 2006 - the $2k came from Altria CEO Michael Szymanczyk! He also received $100, $500, and $150 from Altria in 2004. (Wisconsin Cooperative Campaign Finance Database, Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, accessed 9/03/07.)

Candidate Response: Jim Doyle, Democrat: "If the Legislature were to increase the cigarette tax, they would need to ensure that the money was directed to expanding smoking cessation efforts and treating smoking-related illnesses, not simply to replace existing state support for those programs or to fund general government operations."

Candidate Response: Nelson Eisman, Independent Green, supports: "Cigarettes kill more Americans than alcohol, car accidents, suicide, AIDS, homicide, and illegal drugs combined. About half of all Americans who continue to smoke will die because of the habit. Each year, about 438,000 people die in the US from tobacco use. Nearly 1 of every 5 deaths is related to smoking. By placing a tax on cigarettes, we will not only discourage the practice of smoking but also fund vital healthcare services in Wisconsin."

Candidate Response: Mark Green, Republican: "While I agree we must find ways to make sure important health care programs are properly funded, tax increases are not the answer.... I think we can adequately fund health care programs without tax increases." (AARP) As a member of Congress, Green introduced H.R. 1839, to give states authority to bring civil action against Jenkins Act violators to "enhance States' effort to collect excise taxes" from internet sales of cigarettes. (2003 Youth Smoking Prevention and State Revenue Enforcement Act, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property of the Committee of the Judiciary, May 1, 2003.) US Tobacco gave $150 to Green in 2006. (Wisconsin Campaign Finance Database, Wisconsin Democracy Campaign.) He got $21,000 from Pfizer in 2005-2006.

Candidates for Lieutenant Governor: No response from Jean Hundertmark, Republican. Barbara Lawton, Democrat: "I am not entirely comfortable with an increase in the cigarette tax unless it is earmarked for cessation programs and medical care to treat smoking-related illnesses. Adequate funding of Wisconsin's health care programs must come from a joint commitment of support from the federal and state governments, acknowledging its top priority status in the budget at both levels."

"Healthy Wisconsin," Gov. Doyle's scheme to loot smokers. The Wisconsin Alliance of Retired Americans, Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups, AARP, and the AFL-CIO are sponsors. It was not included in the budget compromise.

Wisconsin Legislature

Lobbying on General Fund Taxes: Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce 483 hours; American Cancer Society 334 hours; Wisconsin Hospital Association Inc (WHA) 265 hours; Reynolds American Inc. 80 hours; Philip Morris Incorporated by its service company Altria Corporate Services Inc 79 hours; American Heart Association 63 hours; Swisher International, Inc. 63 hours; Dean Health Systems Inc 28 hours; SSM Health Care of Wisconsin Inc (St. Mary's Hosp, Madison) 14 hours. (Lobbying Effort by Budget Bill Subject. General Fund Taxes. Wisconsin Ethics Board, as of Monday, September 03, 2007.)

The 2007-8 Budget Bill

We were sold out by a filthy anti-smoker, Mike Huebsch, the same scumbag who tried to foist the statewide smoking ban on us! That whore of the American Cancer Society and its pal, Philip Morris/Altria!

"The compromise budget the Legislature passed raises taxes and fees by $763.2 million through mid-2009, according to new summary. The Legislative Fiscal Bureau said the biggest increase - $410.9 million - would come from raising the 77-cent tax on a pack of cigarettes by $1 and also raising taxes on other tobacco items." It passed the Republican-controlled Assembly 60-39, with 23 Republicans and 37 Democrats in favor. The Senate passed it 18-15, with all Democrats in favor and all Republicans opposed. (Wisconsin has a budget. By Stacy Forster, Patrick Marley, and Steven Walters. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Oct. 23, 2007.) The UW-Milwaukee was awarded $200,000 to draw up plans for a school of public health. (Funds to plan UWM health school survive. By John Schmid. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Oct. 23, 2007.) So, not only do we get looted again, but those corrupt, lying scumbags of the public health establishment (and also their propaganda machine at Wisconsin Public Radio) are the smug beneificiaries of it. That does it! We should smoke smuggled cigarettes - particularly, those which support terrorism, so we can get a return on our investment - in contrast to the endless screwing we get from the vile Wisconsin legislature!

AARP Cigarette Tax Questionnaire

"Question: Will you support or oppose an increase in the cigarette tax as a means of continued and increased funding for Wisconsin's SeniorCare Rx, Badgercare and Medicaid programs?" AARP wants a $1 increase in the cigarette tax to fund these programs, which would cost smokers $300 million, and from which we would be disproportionately excluded from benefiting.

The Wisconsin State Senate

Senate Resolution 3

2007 SR-3, adopted March 13, 2003: "Whereas, unwise lifestyle choices are a significant cause of cancer, diabetes, chronic lung disease, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and accidental death and injury and contribute to the morbidity and disability resulting from numerous other chronic diseases..." It is a pile of lies founded on scientific fraud, concocted in order to loot and plunder the innocent and force scientific fraud down the peoples' throats. AARP, the Marshfield Clinic, Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, and the Wisconsin Medical Society supported SR-3. Only the Marshfield Clinic spent any time, 6 hours. (Lobbying effort on Legislative Bills and Resolutions. Senate Resolution 3. Wisconsin Ethics Board, as of Monday, September 03, 2007.)

SB-150, the Statewide Smoking Ban

2007 SB-150, "Smoking prohibitions: designated smoking area prohibited in public places and place of employment, exceptions specified; other prohibited places listed; exceptions for bowling centers, taverns, restaurants, private halls, and certain facilities eliminated; enforcement by person in charge of place required." AKA "The Statewide Smoking Ban," to expand smoking bans to every "workplace," under the pretext of corrupt and fraudulent pseudo-science. Referred to Committee on Public Health, Senior Issues, Long Term Care and Privacy; public hearing held May 31, 2007.

Out of 2,471 hours dedicated to lobbying on SB 150, in support, the American Cancer Society spent 513 ( (28% of
lobbying out of $255,453); Smoke Free Wisconsin 263 (41% of $107,381); American Lung Association of Wisconsin Inc 239 (55% of $46,113); Wisconsin Restaurant Association [traitors] 217 (15% of $230,753); American Heart Association 171 (44% of $76,450); Wisconsin Medical Society 169 (7% of $231,705); Marshfield Clinic 56 (12% of $103,551); Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids 52 (54% of $6,289); Ministry Health Care 48 (7% of $53,534); Wisconsin Association of Local Health Departments and Boards 39 (13% of $12,051); Wisconsin Public Health Association 29 (13% of $12,051); Wisconsin Public Health Association 29 (13% of $12,051); Wisconsin Innkeepers Association 23 (7% of $64,612); Wisconsin Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus 23 (7% of $29,511); Wisconsin Primary Health Care Association 4 (1% of $22,624). In opposition: Tavern League of Wisconsin 504 (62% of $82,700); Bowling Centers Association of Wisconsin 47 (64% of $21,425); Wisconsin Amusement and Music Operators 33 (35% of $31,795); Cigar Association of America Inc 11 (10% of $44,800). Undecided: The Villa Tap 11 (100% of $5,000; "Villa Tap and other Madison Taverns support uniform statewide treatment of smoking in taverns.") (Lobbying effort on Legislative Bills and Resolutions. Senate Bill 150. Wisconsin Ethics Board, as of Monday, Apr. 14, 2008.) Altria/Philip Morris, Reynolds American, UST and other tobacco companies do not appear on the Ethics Board's list.

Senate District 1 - Jill Bussiere, Independent Green, supports: "I support. Taxing cigarettes to support health care is logical and reasonable. I would support using such a tax for all state supported health care programs." No response from Alan Lasee, Republican, or Charlie Most, Democrat. Lasee won. He voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack. He got $500 from Pfizer in 2005-2006.

Senate District 2 - Robert Cowles (R). Cowles co-sponsored 2007 AB-258, "Financial incentives to encourage or discourage use of a lawful product by an employee is not considered employment discrimination." Cowles voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Senate District 3 - No response from Tim Carpenter, Democrat. Carpenter voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Senate District 4 - Lena Taylor (D) Taylor introduced 2007 SR-3, "Healthy lifestyles: employers and employees encouraged to develop programs; health care providers encouraged to endorse and adopt certain initiatives; schools encouraged to examine curricula and programming; economic incentives encouraged." Taylor voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Senate District 5 - No response from Tom Reynolds, Republican. He got $500 from Pfizer in 2005-2006. Jim Sullivan, Democrat, supports: "Yes, revenues from an increase in the per-pack tobacco tax should be used to defray Medicaid-related or other health care costs and not be used to bail the legislature out of balancing the budget. I would support increasing Wisconsin’s per-pack tobacco tax. I would have to do further study to determine the most appropriate level or increase to achieve the desired effects. Studies show increasing the cost of smoking along with limiting acceptability of smoking in public has a marked effect on smoking levels, especially among children." Sullivan won, 50.6% v 49.4%. Sullivan voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Senate District 6 - Spencer Coggs (D). He introduced 2007 SR-3, "Healthy lifestyles: employers and employees encouraged to develop programs; health care providers encouraged to endorse and adopt certain initiatives; schools encouraged to examine curricula and programming; economic incentives encouraged," and 2007 SB-150, "Smoking prohibitions: designated smoking area prohibited in public places and place of employment, exceptions specified; other prohibited places listed; exceptions for bowling centers, taverns, restaurants, private halls, and certain facilities eliminated; enforcement by person in charge of place required," aka "The Statewide Smoking Ban." Coggs voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack, and co-sponsored AB-834, statewide smoking ban.

Senate District 7 - No response from Dimity Grabowski, Republican. Jeff Plale, Democrat, opposes: "I wholly support the increased funding of the 3 programs mentioned! I don't believe that increase should be tied to the cigarette tax." Claude VanderVeen, Independent Green: "I oppose using a $1.00 tax on tobacco products to fund any part of Wisconsin SeniorCare, BadgerCare, or Medicaid programs. I do not support a tax on someone's addiction to pay for anyone else's needs, but only to cover the expenses the smokers themselves are likely to experience, based on actuarial data." [Note: Actuarial data are crap because they ignore the role of infection and blame the victims - who continue to suffer because of corrupt pseudo-science.] Plale introduced 2007 SB-227, "Nicotine replacement therapies to help people stop smoking: sales and use tax exemption created;" and co-sponsored AB-235, "Workplace wellness programs offered by employers: income and franchise tax credits created," to give a tax incentive to employers to meddle in workers' lives, while raising their taxes. Plale voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Senate District 8 - Alberta Darling (R). Darling voted against Gov. Doyle's budget. (Darling Opposes Tax Hikes, Supports Tax Cuts. News Column, Sen. Alberta Darling, June 15, 2007.) Darling introduced 2007 SB-227, "Nicotine replacement therapies to help people stop smoking: sales and use tax exemption created;" 2007 SR-3, "Healthy lifestyles: employers and employees encouraged to develop programs; health care providers encouraged to endorse and adopt certain initiatives; schools encouraged to examine curricula and programming; economic incentives encouraged;" and 2007 SB-150, "Smoking prohibitions: designated smoking area prohibited in public places and place of employment, exceptions specified; other prohibited places listed; exceptions for bowling centers, taverns, restaurants, private halls, and certain facilities eliminated; enforcement by person in charge of place required," aka "The Statewide Smoking Ban." She co-sponsored AB-235, "Workplace wellness programs offered by employers: income and franchise tax credits created," to give a tax incentive to employers to meddle in workers' lives, while raising their taxes. Darling received a contribution of $100 from Alison Prange of the American Cancer Society in 2004. (Wisconsin Cooperative Campaign Finance Database. A project of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign funded by the Joyce Foundation. Accessed 09/03/07.) She got $1000 from Pfizer in 2005-2006. Darling voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack, and co-sponsored AB-834, statewide smoking ban.

Senate District 9 - Jamie John Aulik, Democrat, opposes: "While I do support funding Medicaid, and SeniorCare, I think there is a better way than a regressive tax like a cigarette tax. Each time the cigarette taxes are raised, taxed cigarette sales drop, leading to the conclusion that it is not a stable funding source. Crucial programs like these deserve a more stable funding source." Joe Leibham, Republican, opposes: "The answer to solving the state’s fiscal problems is not to increase taxes. I feel strongly that we as a state already collect too much in taxes. We must work to better prioritize our spending and eliminate wasteful spending to ensure that we have the necessary funds available to continue our support for important programs like BadgerCare, SeniorCare and Medicaid." Leibham won. He co-sponsored AB-235, "Workplace wellness programs offered by employers: income and franchise tax credits created," to give a tax incentive to employers to meddle in workers' lives, while raising their taxes. Leibham voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Senate District 10 - Sheila Harsdorf (R). Harsdorf voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Senate District 11 - No responses from Neal Kedzie, Republican, or L.D. Rockwell, Democrat. Kedzie won. He voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Senate District 12 - Roger Breske (D). Breske operated a tavern in Eland for 25 years, and is former President of the Wisconsin Tavern League. (Legis. bio.) He introduced 2007 SB-227, "Nicotine replacement therapies to help people stop smoking: sales and use tax exemption created," along with the usual crowd of anti-smoking nazis. He promotes the charlatan program "Healthy Wisconsin." (Breske Announces Town Hall Meetings on Healthy Wisconsin: Your Choice, Your Plan. News Release, July 17, 2007.) Breske voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Senate District 13 - No response from Scott Fitzgerald, Republican. Fitzgerald is the state minority leader. In 2006 he proposed a statewide smoking ban which applied to restaurants, but exempted taverns. "Fitzgerald spokesman Mike Prentiss called Doyle's proposal [for a total smoking ban!!!] a good starting point, but 'we would very much like to see efforts at compromise and a full debate on the issue.'" [In the tone of a sniveling coward who has no intention of pressing the point because, for years, he has been perfectly content to let the anti-smoking filth get away with systematic lies, fraud and deceit, while suppressing dissent.] ('Broad attack' on smoking a tough sell? By David Callender and Bill Novak. The Capital Times, Jan. 24, 2007.) US Tobacco gave $200 to Fitzgerald in 2004. (Wisconsin Campaign Finance Database, Wisconsin Democracy Campaign.) Fitzgerald voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Senate District 14 - Luther Olsen (R). Olsen voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Senate District 15 - No responses from Gregory Addie, Republican, or Judy Robson, Democrat. [Note that Robson has a history of strident anti-smoking.] Robson voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack, and co-sponsored AB-834, statewide smoking ban.

Senate District 16 - Mark Miller (D). An unquestioning true-believer in health fascism and charlatanism from Monona. "I applaud Governor Doyle for his anti-smoking initiatives announced this morning. Research shows that raising the cigarette tax will encourage smokers to quit and keep young people from starting. Having served 10 years on the Dane County Board of Health, I know how important it is to reduce smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke. Tobacco addiction and tobacco-related illnesses have a huge negative impact on families and create a burden on our medical system. I support these proposals, which will save lives. These initiatives are the right thing to do to keep Wisconsin residents healthy." (Miller Statement on Governor Doyle’s Proposed Cigarette Tax Increase and Smoking Ban. Press Release, Jan. 24, 2007.) Miller shills for the American Heart Association's charlatan agenda: "Also, it is always beneficial to quit smoking," he prattles. He believes in a so-called "heart-healthy diet" and anti-fat, anti-cholesterol, and anti-salt hysteria, too. (Preventing Heart Disease. Press Release, Feb. 22, 2007.) Miller believes that "Healthy Wisconsin is Answer to the Health Care Crisis." (Press Release, July 17, 2007.) He introduced 2007 SR-3, "Healthy lifestyles: employers and employees encouraged to develop programs; health care providers encouraged to endorse and adopt certain initiatives; schools encouraged to examine curricula and programming; economic incentives encouraged," and 2007 SB-150, "Smoking prohibitions: designated smoking area prohibited in public places and place of employment, exceptions specified; other prohibited places listed; exceptions for bowling centers, taverns, restaurants, private halls, and certain facilities eliminated; enforcement by person in charge of place required," aka "The Statewide Smoking Ban." Miller voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Senate District 17 - Dale Schultz , Republican, supports: "Before the last budget cycle began, I was one of few legislators on record proposing a $1 cigarette tax increase to help pay for state funded SeniorCare, BadgerCare, and other Medicaid programs. When we were able prioritize and appropriate funds necessary to maintain all current medical assistance programs, it will become increasingly difficult in the future without additional revenues. I still welcome discussion and consideration of an additional $1 cigarette tax." John Simonson, Democrat, supports. Schultz won. Schultz introduced 2007 SB-227, "Nicotine replacement therapies to help people stop smoking: sales and use tax exemption created." He introduced 2007 SR-3, "Healthy lifestyles: employers and employees encouraged to develop programs; health care providers encouraged to endorse and adopt certain initiatives; schools encouraged to examine curricula and programming; economic incentives encouraged." Schultz co-sponsored 2007 AB-258, "Financial incentives to encourage or discourage use of a lawful product by an employee is not considered employment discrimination." He co-sponsored AB-235, "Workplace wellness programs offered by employers: income and franchise tax credits created," to give a tax incentive to employers to meddle in workers' lives, while raising their taxes. He voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Senate District 18 - State Sen. Carol Roessler (R-Oshkosh) "favors tougher anti- smoking laws and sees it as a public health issue. She says people can make a choice to smoke, but if they choose to smoke in a public place, they impose their choice on others." (Statewide smoking ban killed. By Shawn Johnson. Pierce County Herald, May 04, 2006.) Roessler introduced 2007 SB-227, "Nicotine replacement therapies to help people stop smoking: sales and use tax exemption created." She introduced 2007 SR-3, "Healthy lifestyles: employers and employees encouraged to develop programs; health care providers encouraged to endorse and adopt certain initiatives; schools encouraged to examine curricula and programming; economic incentives encouraged." Roessler co-sponsored 2007 AB-258, "Financial incentives to encourage or discourage use of a lawful product by an employee is not considered employment discrimination," and AB-235, "Workplace wellness programs offered by employers: income and franchise tax credits created," to give a tax incentive to employers to meddle in workers' lives, while raising their taxes; and introduced 2007 SB-150, "Smoking prohibitions: designated smoking area prohibited in public places and place of employment, exceptions specified; other prohibited places listed; exceptions for bowling centers, taverns, restaurants, private halls, and certain facilities eliminated; enforcement by person in charge of place required." She voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack, and co-sponsored AB-834, statewide smoking ban.

Senate District 19 - No response from Michael Ellis, Republican. Ellis voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack. He co-sponsored AB-834, statewide smoking ban.

Senate District 20 - Glenn Grothman (R). Grothman voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Senate District 21 - John Lehman, Democrat: "Anyone looking at my record knows that during 10 years in the legislature I have strongly supported Medicaid, BadgerCare and SeniorCare. I do, however, have a concern that the continued use of the regressive cigarette tax does not provide us with a reliable, stable source of funding for our health care initiatives." William McReynolds, Republican: "I believe the state can adequately fund its Medicaid-supported programs without a tax increase. While the idea of a cigarette tax to fund Medicaid programs might be well-intentioned, the state has often siphoned tax dollars meant for one program and spent them on other things before. Wisconsin’s high tax burden is one of the main reasons seniors move out of our state and I want to reverse that trend." McReynolds received a contribution of $500 from from Phil Prange, husband of Alison Prange of the American Cancer Society, in 2006. (Wisconsin Cooperative Campaign Finance Database. A project of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign funded by the Joyce Foundation. Accessed 09/03/07.), and $1000 from Pfizer in 2005-2006. Lehman won, 53.1% v 46.9%. Lehman voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Senate District 22 - Bob Wirch (D), Kenosha. Wirch was added a co-author of 2007 SR-3, "Healthy lifestyles: employers and employees encouraged to develop programs; health care providers encouraged to endorse and adopt certain initiatives; schools encouraged to examine curricula and programming; economic incentives encouraged." Wirch voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Senate District 23 - Pat Kreitlow, Democrat: "I do strongly support funding Medicaid, SeniorCare and Medicaid, however, I believe more secure sources of funding should be found to ensure their continued funding. Each time the cigarette tax has been raised, cigarette sales have dropped. Therefore this would not be a stable funding source and I believe that these programs deserve a secure funding source." David Zien, Republican: "I support increases to worthwhile programs such as SeniorCare Rx, Badgercare, and Medicaid, depending upon Wisconsin’s budget situation. During tight fiscal times, the state needs to live within its means, not increase taxes to pay for programs." Kreitlow won, 50.9% v 49.1%. Kreitlow introduced 2007 SR-3, "Healthy lifestyles: employers and employees encouraged to develop programs; health care providers encouraged to endorse and adopt certain initiatives; schools encouraged to examine curricula and programming; economic incentives encouraged." Kreitlow voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Senate District 24 - Julie Lassa (D). Lassa introduced 2007 SB-227, "Nicotine replacement therapies to help people stop smoking: sales and use tax exemption created." She introduced 2007 SR-3, "Healthy lifestyles: employers and employees encouraged to develop programs; health care providers encouraged to endorse and adopt certain initiatives; schools encouraged to examine curricula and programming; economic incentives encouraged;" and co-sponsored AB-235, "Workplace wellness programs offered by employers: income and franchise tax credits created," to give a tax incentive to employers to meddle in workers' lives, while raising their taxes. Lassa voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Senate District 25 - No response from Bob Jauch, Democrat-Poplar. Shirley Riedmann, Republican, supports. She got $500 from Pfizer in 2005-2006. Jauch won. Jauch lied that "“The economic, social and health effects of smoking on our citizens are costly and horrifying,” and “Every year 7,300 Wisconsin citizens die from tobacco related illnesses, half of them in the prime of their lives. That loss of life is compounded by the $1.5 billion in smoking related health care costs annually. Quite literally, smoking--and the costs associated with it-- are killing people and businesses.” He is a former member of the a former member of the State Tobacco Control Board. (Jauch: Tobacco Tax Increase and Anti-Smoking Effort Will Reduce Costs and Save Lives. Press Release, Jan. 24, 2007.) He praised Doyle's budget. (Statement on Healthy Wisconsin: Your Choice, Your Plan. Press Release, June 25, 2007.) Jauch lied that "An increase in the cigarette tax can actually result in $60 to $175 million in savings to our state." (Guest Column: Senate Democrats Work to Lower Costs, Increase Access to Health Care. By Sen. Bob Jauch. Valued Voice, Wisconsin Hospital Association, Aug. 3, 2007.) Jauch voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Senate District 26 - Fred Risser (D). Risser is the arch-enemy of all truth, freedom, and justice. He represents the west side of Madison, e.g., the University and its camp followers. He introduced and was the lead author of 2007 SB-150, "Smoking prohibitions: designated smoking area prohibited in public places and place of employment, exceptions specified; other prohibited places listed; exceptions for bowling centers, taverns, restaurants, private halls, and certain facilities eliminated; enforcement by person in charge of place required." Risser voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack. He co-sponsored AB-834, statewide smoking ban.

Senate District 27 - No response from Jon Erpenbach, Democrat. Erpenbach is described as a "key architect" of the charlatan "Healthy Wisconsin" program, and actively promoted it. (Breske Announces Town Hall Meetings on Healthy Wisconsin: Your Choice, Your Plan. News Release, July 17, 2007.) Erpenbach voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Senate District 28 - Mary Lazich (R-Waukesha). She is on the Senate Health Committee. "Lazich: Wisconsin Can't Afford Governor's $1.75 Billion Tax Increase." Press Release, Feb. 13, 2007.) She voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Senate District 29 - No responses from Russ Decker, Democrat-Weston, or Jimmy Boy Edming, Republican. Decker won. In 2007, Decker promoted the Tavern League's proposal for a statewide smoking ban, which is designed to protect the cowards and traitors who refuse to question the anti-smokers' health lies from the financial consequences they deserve. Decker prattled that "There's not a single person in the state who doesn't know that smoking is bad for you," demonstrating that he is a stupid retardate who's incapable of detecting flagrant lies, who complacently presumes that everybody else in the entire universe is just as dumb as he is, because the lying propaganda organs of the mass media censor dissent. (Smoke-Free Wisconsin Movement Gains Momentum: Shorewood, restaurants, the public support a complete ban. By Lisa Kaiser. The Shepherd-Express, Mar. 1, 2007.) Decker is co-chairman of the budget-writing Joint Finance Committee. He voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Senate District 30 - Dave Hansen (D-Marinette). Hansen received contributions totaling $115 from Rebecca Derenne of the American Cancer Society in 2004. (Wisconsin Cooperative Campaign Finance Database, A project of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign funded by the Joyce Foundation. Accessed 09/03/07.) "Monday, June 4th, volunteers Joyce McCollum and Mary Ann Berger, joined Rebecca Derenne and Lisa Valenta along with local Wisconsin Restaurant Association members for a meeting with Senator Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay) to discuss Senate Bill 150. Thank you for taking the time to meet with Senator Hansen and speak to him on this important issue.... Your Wisconsin Advocacy and Government Relations Team,
Alison Prange, Rebecca Derenne, Sara Sahli, Lisa Davidson and Martha Baxter." (State Advocacy News & Activity. Cancer Action Network, American Cancer Society, accessed 09/03/07.) Hansen voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Senate District 31 - Ron Brown, Republican, opposes: "I ran for office promising that I would not increase taxes, and that stance has not changed. Further, I question the long-term feasibility of supporting these critical health programs on a revenue source that will actually shrink over time, as rising costs cause more smokers to quit. Raising the cigarette tax is not a viable solution for funding these important programs long term." Kathleen Vinehout, Democrat, opposes: "In response to the specific question I am undecided on the tax increase. That needs to be decided in the context of a particular budget. I do agree that Wisconsin’s Medicaid, Badger Care and Senior Care programs provide essential health services to Wisconsin citizens and must be maintained." Vinehout won, 51.7% v 48.3%. She was added as co-author of 2007 SR-3, "Healthy lifestyles: employers and employees encouraged to develop programs; health care providers encouraged to endorse and adopt certain initiatives; schools encouraged to examine curricula and programming; economic incentives encouraged." Vinehout voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Senate District 32 - Dan Kapanke (R). Kapanke voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack. He got $500 from Pfizer in 2005-2006.

Senate District 33 - No responses from Theodore Kanavas, Republican, or Andrew Stiffler, Democrat. Kanavas won. He voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

The Wisconsin Assembly

2007 AR-7, "Start! Walking at Work Day" declared April 25, 2007, a kowtow to the American Heart Association's quackery, rationalized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's bogus claims of financial savings.

AB-235, Workplace Wellness Programs

AB-235, "Workplace wellness programs offered by employers: income and franchise tax credits created," to give a tax incentive to employers to meddle in workers' personal lives. It would give each employer up to $2,500,000 in tax credits. Partners, members of limited liability companies, and shareholders of tax-option corporations could claim the credit in proportion to their ownership interests. It was projected to increase costs and would not be possible to absorb in the agency's budget. Republicans were its big supporters. 3-21-08, failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1.

Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce is pushing this bill. Look at WMC's despicable pretense that manipulating the government to subsidize the health fascists' social engineering agenda is an example of the free market! "In general, WMC supports market-driven reforms aimed at increasing consumerism and competition to help keep healthcare costs under control. Consumers, given appropriate financial incentives to spur them to act and access to quality and outcome data on which to base their actions, are the surest way to stemming rising healthcare costs. As such, WMC supports a multi-faceted approach to healthcare reform. A key component of our healthcare reform agenda is encouraging Wisconsin businesses to promote living healthier lifestyles by their employees." This is a Big Lie, because if there were real cost savings, a special handout at the taxpayers' expense would be unnecessary! And look at the stinking quack beliefs they use to rationalize it: "Heart disease, cancer and stroke are often cited as the leading "causes" of death in the United States. But why do people suffer these conditions? Tobacco use, poor diet and a lack of regular exercise, and, a distant third, excess alcohol consumption are primary reasons why people suffer these conditions." They pretend that lifestyle is to blame for 90 percent of Type II diabetes, 80 percent of coronary artery disease, 70 percent of strokes, and 70 percent of colon cancers. All lies, founded on the charlatanism of lifestyle questionnaires that ignore the role of infection, as well as the historical record - that lifestyle changes do not prevent type 2 diabetes, merely delay it; declines in coronary artery disease began in the 1960s and were as great among smokers as among nonsmokers, and strokes began to decline around 1950; and that the JC polyoma virus is implicated as the cause of most colon cancer. (Support AB 235 - creating an income and franchise tax credit for workplace wellness programs. To: Chairperson Terry Moulton, Members of the Assembly Committee on Small Business. From: R.J. Pirlot, Director of Legislative Relations. Date: May 22, 2007.)

The Wisconsin Athletic Trainers Trainers' Association, whose members financially benefit from phony health claims and taxpayer-subsidized so-called wellness programs, is pushing it also. As they say, "This bill would be a tremendous asset to athletic trainers employed in the industrial and corporate setting. This bill may provide a strong incentive to hire, increase and retain LAT staff as well as provide new or expanded avenues of employment." (AB 235 Update: Employee Workplace Wellness Tax Credit. Wisconsin Athletic Trainers' Association.) The Wisconsin Athletic Trainers Association Inc has expended 39 hours (35% out of $9,000 total) on behalf of AB-235. [Note: Their lobbyist is also the lobbyist for Philip Morris!]

The Wisconsin Physical Therapy Association 11 hours (5%, out of ) $28,621; Wisconsin Dietetic Association Inc, 4 hours; Kimberly-Clark Corporation, 4 hours; Marshfield Clinic, 2 hours. Other supporters (AARP; Columbia-St. Marys Inc; Dean Health Systems Inc; Froedtert and Community Health; Milwaukee Public Schools; SSM Health Care of Wisconsin Inc (St. Mary's Hosp, Madison); Stora Enso North American Region; Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians; Wisconsin Association of Health Plans; Wisconsin Independent Businesses Inc; Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce; Wisconsin Medical Society) report no lobbying activity. The Wisconsin Automatic Merchandising Council has devoted 1 hour to an unknown position. No opponents have appeared. (Legislative bills and resolutions. Assembly Bill 235. Wisconsin Ethics Board, as of Monday, September 03, 2007.)

2007 AB-258, expanding employers' privilege of financial manipulation

2007 AB-258, "Financial incentives to encourage or discourage use of a lawful product by an employee is not considered employment discrimination." Current law allows different pricing of life, health, or disability insurance for lawful substance users; this bill would expand these to include financial incentives. It is largely supported by Republicans, presumably at the behest of health fascist employers. It was referred to the Committee on Rules, 5/14/07. Zero lobbying hours have been reported. Supporters: Dean Health Systems Inc; SSM Health Care of Wisconsin Inc (St. Mary's Hosp, Madison); State Bar of Wisconsin; Wisconsin Association of Health Plans; Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce; Wisconsin Medical Society. Only the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO is opposed. (Legislative bills and resolutions. Assembly Bill 258. Wisconsin Ethics Board, as of Monday, September 03, 2007.)

Assembly Bill 834 - Statewide Smoking Ban

Feb. 21, 2008, read first time and referred to Committee on Public Health. Hearing scheduled for Feb. 27, 2008. However, it's not expected to go anywhere.

Assembly Bill 834, Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau: "Prohibition against smoking. Current law prohibits smoking in most indoor areas that are accessible to the public unless there has been a specific area that has been designated a smoking area. Under this bill, designated smoking areas may no longer be permitted in any public place or place of employment with exceptions for private residences, designated rooms in lodging establishments, certain retail establishments selling tobacco, and certain retirement homes. The bill defines 'a place of employment' to be any indoor area that employees normally frequent during the course of employment such as an office, a work area, an employee lounge, a restroom, a conference room, a meeting room, a classroom, or a hallway. Other locations where smoking areas may no longer be permitted under the bill, regardless of whether they meet the definition of 'place of employment,' include the following:

Current law also provides exceptions from the prohibition against smoking for bowling centers, halls used for private functions, for rooms in which the main occupants are smokers, and for areas of facilities that are used to manufacture or assemble goods, products, or merchandise. This bill eliminates these exceptions. Current law allows smoking in any restaurant that has a seating capacity of 50 individuals or less, or that holds a liquor license, if the sale of alcohol beverages accounts for more than 50 percent of the restaurant’s receipts. This bill prohibits smoking in any restaurant regardless of seating capacity or the number of liquor sale receipts. Current law allows smoking in any tavern holding a “Class B” intoxicating liquor license or Class “B” fermented malt beverages license, issued by a municipality (liquor license). This bill prohibits smoking in any tavern."

Assembly District 1 - No responses from Garey Bies, Republican, or Ame Grail, Democrat. Bies was one of a bipartisan group of state legislators who announced plans to introduce a bill to increase the tax to $1 per pack. (Gov. Doyle Opens Door to Cigarette Tax Hike. Wisconsin Hospital Association, April 8, 2005.) Bies did not vote on 2005 AB-414, expanding smoking ban in restaurants and bowling alleys. Bies won. He voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 2 - No response from Frank Lasee, Republican. Lasee won. He believes in the Big Lie that smoking is an economic burden to society: "The Governor and the Democrats want to increase the tax on cigarettes from $.77 to $2.02 per pack…it is a way to get more money for the government to spend. The reason I say this is that if they were serious about making smokers pay the medical costs of the habit, they would also be increasing BadgerCare premiums for smokers and charging smokers on Medicaid additional copayments for visits to the doctor." (Cigarette Tax. Aug. 13, 2007. http://www.franklasee.blogspot.com/) F. Lasee introduced 2007 AB-258, "Financial incentives to encourage or discourage use of a lawful product by an employee is not considered employment discrimination." He voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 3 - Ron Gruett, Democrat, supports. No response from Al Ott, Republican. Ott replaced anti-smoker Curt Gielow of Mequon, a mealy-mouthed liar who pretended that the cigarette tax is "a copay on those who smoke cigarettes, because they have increased risk, and we therefore have increased cost." (The Big Lie) (GOP support builds for cig tax hike. By Bob Hague. Wisconsin Radio Network, Apr. 6, 2005.) He got $500 from Pfizer in 2005-2006. A. Ott introduced 2007 AB-258, "Financial incentives to encourage or discourage use of a lawful product by an employee is not considered employment discrimination," and AB-235, "Workplace wellness programs offered by employers: income and franchise tax credits created," to give a tax incentive to employers to meddle in workers' lives, while raising their taxes; and co-sponsored 2007 SB-150, "Smoking prohibitions: designated smoking area prohibited in public places and place of employment, exceptions specified; other prohibited places listed; exceptions for bowling centers, taverns, restaurants, private halls, and certain facilities eliminated; enforcement by person in charge of place required," aka "The Statewide Smoking Ban." Ott voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack, and introduced AB-834, statewide smoking ban.

Assembly District 4 - No responses from Rich Langan, Democrat, or Phil Montgomery, Republican. Montgomery won; he introduced 2007 AB-258, "Financial incentives to encourage or discourage use of a lawful product by an employee is not considered employment discrimination," and AB-235, "Workplace wellness programs offered by employers: income and franchise tax credits created," to give a tax incentive to employers to meddle in workers' lives, while raising their taxes. He voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack. He got $500 from Pfizer in 2005-2006.

Assembly District 5 - No responses from Tom Nelson, Democrat, or Jim Reigel, Republican. Reigel received a contribution of $250 from from Phil Prange, husband of Alison Prange of the American Cancer Society, in 2006. (Wisconsin Cooperative Campaign Finance Database. A project of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign funded by the Joyce Foundation. Accessed 09/03/07.) Nelson won. He voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 6 - Richard Lieffring, Democrat, supports. No response from Gary Tauchen, Republican. Tauchen won; he introduced 2007 AB-258, "Financial incentives to encourage or discourage use of a lawful product by an employee is not considered employment discrimination." He voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 7 - No response from Peggy Krusick, Democrat. [Note: Krusick has a history of strident anti-smoking.] She voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 8 - No response from Pedro Colón, Democrat. He voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 9 - No response from Josh Zepnick, Democrat. He introduced 2007 AR-7, "Start! Walking at Work Day" declared April 25, 2007, a kowtow to the American Heart Association's quackery, rationalized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's bogus claims of financial savings. He voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 10 - Annette Polly Williams, Democrat, opposes. She voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 11 - No response from Jason Fields, Democrat. He introduced 2007 AR-7, "Start! Walking at Work Day" declared April 25, 2007, a kowtow to the American Heart Association's quackery, rationalized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's bogus claims of financial savings. He voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 12 - No response from Colin Hudson, Constitution Party. Fred Kessler, Democrat, supports. Kessler won. He voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 13 - No response from Rick Bass, Republican, or David Cullen, Democrat. Cullen won. He introduced 2007 AR-7, "Start! Walking at Work Day" declared April 25, 2007, a kowtow to the American Heart Association's quackery, rationalized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's bogus claims of financial savings. Cullen voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 14 - Dave Hucke, Democrat, supports: "I would support a tax of $1.00 on cigarettes to help fund Wisconsin's healthcare programs." No response from Leah Vukmir, Republican. Vukmir won. She has an MS in nursing from UW-Madison. She introduced AB-235, "Workplace wellness programs offered by employers: income and franchise tax credits created," to give a tax incentive to employers to meddle in workers' lives, while raising their taxes. She voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 15 - No response from Anthony J. Staskunas, Democrat. He voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 16 - No response from Leon Young, Democrat. Young withdrew as a co-sponsor of 2007 SB-150, "Smoking prohibitions: designated smoking area prohibited in public places and place of employment, exceptions specified; other prohibited places listed; exceptions for bowling centers, taverns, restaurants, private halls, and certain facilities eliminated; enforcement by person in charge of place required," aka "The Statewide Smoking Ban." He voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 17 - No responses from Christopher Brown, Independent, or Barbara L. Toles, Democrat. Toles won. She introduced 2007 AR-7, "Start! Walking at Work Day" declared April 25, 2007, a kowtow to the American Heart Association's quackery, rationalized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's bogus claims of financial savings; and co-sponsored 2007 SB-150, "Smoking prohibitions: designated smoking area prohibited in public places and place of employment, exceptions specified; other prohibited places listed; exceptions for bowling centers, taverns, restaurants, private halls, and certain facilities eliminated; enforcement by person in charge of place required," aka "The Statewide Smoking Ban." She voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 18 - Tamara Grigsby, Democrat, supports: "I firmly believe in the critical value of these programs and would support use of a cigarette tax to continue to fund them." She voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 19 - No response from Jon Richards, Democrat. Richards co-sponsored 2007 SB-150, "Smoking prohibitions: designated smoking area prohibited in public places and place of employment, exceptions specified; other prohibited places listed; exceptions for bowling centers, taverns, restaurants, private halls, and certain facilities eliminated; enforcement by person in charge of place required," aka "The Statewide Smoking Ban." He voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack, and introduced AB-834, statewide smoking ban.

Assembly District 20 - No response from Christine Sinicki, Democrat. She voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 21 - No response from Mark Honadel, Republican. He voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack. He got $500 from Pfizer in 2005-2006.

Assembly District 22 - No response from Sheldon A. Wasserman, Democrat- Milwaukee. M.D. Medical College of Wisconsin 1987, OB/GYN; Wisconsin Medical Society's Health Leadership Award 2005; Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce Working for Wisconsin Award 2002, 2000; American Heart Assn., Wis. Affiliate Heartsaver Award 1999 (Wasserman. Legis. bio.) Wasserman was one of a bipartisan group of state legislators who announced plans to introduce a bill to increase the tax to $1 per pack. (Gov. Doyle Opens Door to Cigarette Tax Hike. Wisconsin Hospital Association, April 8, 2005.) He co-sponsored 2007 SB-150, "Smoking prohibitions: designated smoking area prohibited in public places and place of employment, exceptions specified; other prohibited places listed; exceptions for bowling centers, taverns, restaurants, private halls, and certain facilities eliminated; enforcement by person in charge of place required," aka "The Statewide Smoking Ban." He voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack, but introduced AB-834, statewide smoking ban.

Assembly District 23 - No response from Jim Ott, Republican. Stan Teplin, Democrat, supports. Ott won. He voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack. He got $500 from Pfizer in 2005-2006.

Assembly District 24 - No response from Suzanne Jeskewitz, Republican. She voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 25 - No responses from Paul Tittle, Republican, or Bob Ziegelbauer, Democrat. Ziegelbauer won. Ziegelbauer has an M.B.A. from U. of Pennsylvania, Wharton School. (Legis. bio.) He voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 26 - Job Hou-Seye, Republican, supports: "I think cigarettes are a major cause of rising healthcare costs, and it would be entirely appropriate to tax their sale for the purpose of funding healthcare." No response from Terry Van Akkeren, Democrat. Van Akkeren won. Van Akkeren voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 27 - No response from Steve Kestell, Republican. He introduced AB-235, "Workplace wellness programs offered by employers: income and franchise tax credits created," to give a tax incentive to employers to meddle in workers' lives, while raising their taxes. Kestell voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 28 - Ann Hraychuck, Democrat, supports: "While I do not generally support raising taxes, we must look for creative solutions to continue funding these programs, and consider every alternative." No response from Mark L. Pettis, Republican. Pettis received contributions of $250 in 2002 and 2006 from from Phil Prange, husband of Alison Prange of the American Cancer Society, in 2006. (Wisconsin Cooperative Campaign Finance Database. A project of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign funded by the Joyce Foundation. Accessed 09/03/07), and got $500 from Pfizer in 2005-2006. Hraychuck won, 50.7% v 49.3%. She voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 29 - Kerry Kittel, Democrat, supports. No response from John Murtha, Republican. Murtha won, 54.5% v 45.5% (with 83.33% reporting). Murtha voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack. He got $500 from Pfizer in 2005-2006.

Assembly District 30 - No responses from Dan Gorman, Democrat, or Kitty Rhoades, Republican. Rhoades won. She voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 31 - Ben Bourdo, Independent, supports: "I think my response to #1 would fund all Healthcare." No responses from Steve Nass, Republican, or Scott Woods, Democrat. Nass won. Concerning Gov. Doyle's proposed $1.25 per pack tax increase, Nass merely sniveled that Doyle broke his campaign promise not to raise taxes. ('Broad attack' on smoking a tough sell? By David Callender and Bill Novak. The Capital Times, Jan. 24, 2007.) Nass voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 32 - No responses from Thomas A. Lothian, Republican, or Ryan J. Schroeder, Democrat. Lothian won. He voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 33 - No responses from Scott Newcomer, Republican. Newcomer introduced 2007 AR-7, "Start! Walking at Work Day" declared April 25, 2007, a kowtow to the American Heart Association's quackery, rationalized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's bogus claims of financial savings. He voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 34 - No responses from Dan Meyer, Republican, or Paul Tubbs, Democrat. Meyer won. Meyer received a contribution of $250 from from Phil Prange, husband of Alison Prange of the American Cancer Society, in 2002. (Wisconsin Cooperative Campaign Finance Database. A project of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign funded by the Joyce Foundation. Accessed 09/03/07.) Meyer voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack. Meyer got $500 from Pfizer in 2005-2006.

Assembly District 35 - No response from Don Friske, Republican. "Good Samaritan Health Center in Merrill hosted Rep. Don Friske (R-Merrill) this week as CEO Mike Hammer and representatives from the American Cancer Society (ACS) sat down with Friske to discuss Medicaid issues in the budget bill and support for a $1 cigarette tax increase." (Grassroots Spotlight: Merrill Hospital Hosts Rep. Don Friske. Wisconsin Hospital Association, 2005 Apr 22;49(16).) Friske voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack. He got $500 from Pfizer in 2005-2006.

Assembly District 36 - No responses from Jeffrey L. Mursau, Republican, or Kelly S. Parrson, Democrat. Mursau won. Mursau co-sponsored 2007 SB-227, "Nicotine replacement therapies to help people stop smoking: sales and use tax exemption created." Mursau voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack. He got $500 from Pfizer in 2005-2006.

Assembly District 37 - No responses from Ivan J. Davis, Independent, or Greg Gasper, Republican. Gasper got $250 from Pfizer in 2005-2006. Andy Jorgensen, Democrat, supports: "These programs are too important to the State of Wisconsin. We sometimes will have to search for new ways to fund them. I support an increase in the cigarette tax to keep these vital programs healthy and strong." Jorgensen won. He voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 38 - Dwayne Block, Democrat, supports: "I have some concerns about continually going to a cigarette tax for funding everything. We need to look deeply and seriously at the whole tax situation, the whole economic situation as it relates to the middle class and the wealthy. We need to very carefully protect the middle class while we look at a vast number of factors that have been put in place over the last 35 years - mostly by republican administrations - that are heavily prejudiced against the middle class and at risk parts of our society." [sic - then don't support exploitive taxation.] No response from Joel Kleefisch, Republican. Kleefisch won. He introduced AB-235, "Workplace wellness programs offered by employers: income and franchise tax credits created," to give a tax incentive to employers to meddle in workers' lives, while raising their taxes. He voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 39 - No response from Jeff Fitzgerald, Republican. Fitzgerald voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 40 - No responses from Dan Naylor, Democrat, or Kevin David Petersen, Republican. Petersen won; he introduced 2007 AB-258, "Financial incentives to encourage or discourage use of a lawful product by an employee is not considered employment discrimination;" and AB-235, "Workplace wellness programs offered by employers: income and franchise tax credits created," to give a tax incentive to employers to meddle in workers' lives, while raising their taxes. He voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 41 - No responses from Joan A. Ballweg, Republican; Maura Robinson, Democrat; or James E. Tostenson, Constitution Party. Ballweg won. She voted against 2005 AB-414, expanding smoking ban in restaurants and bowling alleys. She co-sponsored 2007 SB-227, "Nicotine replacement therapies to help people stop smoking: sales and use tax exemption created," and introduced 2007 AB-258, "Financial incentives to encourage or discourage use of a lawful product by an employee is not considered employment discrimination." She voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 42 - No responses from Tim Henney, Democrat, or J.A. Hines, Republican. Hines won. He is a veterinarian. J.A. "Doc" Hines (R-Oxford) announced that he would introduce legislation to increase the tobacco tax by $1. (WHA Participates in SmokeFree Wisconsin Lobby Day to Increase the Tobacco Tax. Wisconsin Hospital Association, Jan. 28, 2005; Health groups reignite push for $1 increase in state cigarette tax. By Stacy Forster. Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Dec.16, 2006.) Hines received a contribution of $250 from from Phil Prange, husband of Alison Prange of the American Cancer Society, in 2002. (Wisconsin Cooperative Campaign Finance Database. A project of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign funded by the Joyce Foundation. Accessed 09/03/07.) Hines wants to lavish $30-40 million on an anti-smoker cash cow, the Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line, instead of the $10 million it now receives. It served (?) a mere 12,000 smokers [out of approximately a million in the state - scarcely 1%]. Hines pretends that this low rate is because of lack of money, rather than lack of interest on the part of the supposed beneficiaries. He lies that "the state spends nearly $500 million on costs directly related to smoking." It's based on a fraudulent formula that falsely blames smoking for diseases caused by infection, and pretends that nonsmokers' costs don't exist. “The fewer number of smokers, the less money the state will spend on treating smoking related illnesses,” he proclaimed. Wrong - the anti-smokers' specious formula would pretend that less money is being spent on so-called smoking-related diseases - but there would be no savings in total costs at all. (Hines Supports Proposal to Reduce Youth Smoking Rates. Press Release, Jan. 24, 2007.) Hines co-sponsored 2007 SB-227, "Nicotine replacement therapies to help people stop smoking: sales and use tax exemption created," and introduced 2007 AB-258, "Financial incentives to encourage or discourage use of a lawful product by an employee is not considered employment discrimination," and AB-235, "Workplace wellness programs offered by employers: income and franchise tax credits created," to give a tax incentive to employers to meddle in workers' lives, while raising their taxes. Hines voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack. He got $500 from Pfizer in 2005-2006.

Assembly District 43 - No responses from Kim Hixson, Democrat, or Debi Towns, Republican. Both 50.0%. Towns received a contribution of $500 from from Phil Prange, husband of Alison Prange of the American Cancer Society, in 2003 (Wisconsin Cooperative Campaign Finance Database. A project of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign funded by the Joyce Foundation. Accessed 09/03/07), and got $500 from Pfizer in 2005-2006. Hixson won. Hixson voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 44 - Mike Sheridan, Democrat - Janesville, opposes: "I don't like the idea of becoming dependent on tobacco taxes. Unless tobacco taxes are used to help smokers quit, the state is saying that they want people to quit while relying on their addictions." No response from Fred Yoss, Republican. Sheridan won. He introduced 2007 AR-7, "Start! Walking at Work Day" declared April 25, 2007, a kowtow to the American Heart Association's quackery, rationalized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's bogus claims of financial savings; and AB-235, "Workplace wellness programs offered by employers: income and franchise tax credits created," to give a tax incentive to employers to meddle in workers' lives, while raising their taxes. He voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 45 - Chuck Benedict, Democrat, supports: "I fully support this tax, or 'user fee,' and feel it would have the added benefit of discouraging teenagers from taking up this terrible habit, and risking their good health when they become members of AARP." [The filthy liar! It's those AARP anti-smokers who are parasites feeding on society for their old-age costs!] Benedict is originally from Connecticut, and has an MD from the U. of C. Medical School. He formerly practiced neurology. He is the ranking Democrat on the Public Health Committee, and a member of the Health & Health Care Reform Committee. (Benedict bio, Wis. Legis.) Benedict was one of a bipartisan group of state legislators who announced plans to introduce a bill to increase the tax to $1 per pack. (Gov. Doyle Opens Door to Cigarette Tax Hike. Wisconsin Hospital Association, April 8, 2005.) Benedict co-sponsored 2007 SB-150, "Smoking prohibitions: designated smoking area prohibited in public places and place of employment, exceptions specified; other prohibited places listed; exceptions for bowling centers, taverns, restaurants, private halls, and certain facilities eliminated; enforcement by person in charge of place required," aka "The Statewide Smoking Ban." He voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack, but introduced AB-834, statewide smoking ban.

Assembly District 46 - Gary Hebl, Democrat, supports: "with reservation, I prefer no new taxes." He voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 47 - Gene Hahn, Republican, opposes: "The tax has been increased 3 times since I was sworn in! Why not outlaw tobacco, rather than increase the tax periodically for the revenue. Taxing a minority is what this really is. Heath care should be funded by G.P.R." No response from Meagan Yost, Democrat. Hahn won, 50.3% v 49.7%. He introduced 2007 AR-7, "Start! Walking at Work Day" declared April 25, 2007, a kowtow to the American Heart Association's quackery, rationalized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's bogus claims of financial savings. Hahn voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack. He got $500 from Pfizer in 2005-2006.

Assembly District 48 - No response from Dan Long, Republican. Joe Parisi, Democrat, supports. Parisi won. He co-sponsored 2007 SB-150, "Smoking prohibitions: designated smoking area prohibited in public places and place of employment, exceptions specified; other prohibited places listed; exceptions for bowling centers, taverns, restaurants, private halls, and certain facilities eliminated; enforcement by person in charge of place required," aka "The Statewide Smoking Ban." He voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack, and introduced AB-834, statewide smoking ban.

Assembly District 49 - No responses from Phil Garthwaite, Democrat; Gabe Loeffelholz, Republican; or John Murphy, Independent. Loeffelholz got $500 from Pfizer in 2005-2006. Garthwaite won, 51.2% v 45.8%. He voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 50 - Sheryl Albers, Republican, opposes: "Relying only on the cigarette tax is an unstable means of funding + is sure to result in less funding in the future, which may not allow for increased funding of these important, vital programs." Will Buros, Democrat: "I am not a fan of sin taxes such as the cigarette tax. Ultimately when we pave our roads, fund our schools or fund SeniorCare with tobacco money, we become addicted to tobacco money. Then what incentive is there to reduce tobacco use? We must fund SeniorCare, but let's use sin taxes to pay for the expenses caused by tobacco or alcohol misuse." She co-sponsored 2007 SB-227, "Nicotine replacement therapies to help people stop smoking: sales and use tax exemption created." Albers introduced 2007 AB-258, "Financial incentives to encourage or discourage use of a lawful product by an employee is not considered employment discrimination;" and AB-235, "Workplace wellness programs offered by employers: income and franchise tax credits created," to give a tax incentive to employers to meddle in workers' lives, while raising their taxes. Albers voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 51 - No responses from Stephen J. Freese, Republican, or Steve Hilgenberg, Democrat. Freese received a contribution of $250 from from Phil Prange, husband of Alison Prange of the American Cancer Society, in 2006. (Wisconsin Cooperative Campaign Finance Database. A project of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign funded by the Joyce Foundation. Accessed 09/03/07.) Hilgenberg won, 53.5% v 46.5%. He voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack, and introduced AB-834, statewide smoking ban.

Assembly District 52 - No response from John Townsend, Republican. He introduced AB-235, "Workplace wellness programs offered by employers: income and franchise tax credits created," to give a tax incentive to employers to meddle in workers' lives, while raising their taxes. He voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 53 - No response from Carol Owens, Republican. Owens was one of a bipartisan group of state legislators who announced plans to introduce a bill to increase the tax to $1 per pack. (Gov. Doyle Opens Door to Cigarette Tax Hike. Wisconsin Hospital Association, April 8, 2005.) She voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack. She got $250 from Pfizer in 2005-2006.

Assembly District 54 - Gordon Hintz, Democrat: "I support the continued funding for SeniorCare Rx, BadgerCare, and Medicaid programs. However, I am cautious about dedicating a specific revenue source to a specific spending program. It is the legislature’s job to prioritize and fund specific programs." No response from Julie Pung Leschke, Republican. She got $500 from Pfizer in 2005-2006. Hintz won, 62.2% v 37.8% In response to a question in which the interviewer spouted the Hitler Big Lie that "Caring for smoking-related illness adds hundreds of millions to the cost of health care for Wisconsin employees and employers," Hintz answered, "I certainly support the efforts to reduce smoking and smoking related illnesses and understand the argument of capturing the costs to Medicaid from smoking." His only reservation concerned "committing a declining revenue source to fund government programs that are likely to increase." (Know Your Legislators...Rep. Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh). Interviewed by Mary Kay Grasmick of Wisconsin Hospital Association. Valued Voice, Aug. 17, 2007.) He voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 55 - No responses from Dean R. Kaufert, Republican, or Mark Westphal, Democrat. Kaufert was castigated by Milwaukee talk radio personality Charlie Sykes for saying he had thought about raising cigarette taxes. (It's All My Fault. By Charlie Sykes. Newsradio 620 WTMJ, May 27, 2003.) Kaufert won. He voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 56 - Susan Garcia Franz , Democrat, supports: "I support an increase in the cigarette tax to pay for the continuation of SeniorCare and other Medicaid services. If there are ways to fund health care and deter more people from smoking, this would be ideal. There are direct effects to health as a result of smoking that cost the state and federal government millions of dollars annually. Offering health care with the tax revenue is only reasonable." No response from Roger J. Roth, Jr. , Republican. Roth won. He voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 57 - Penny Bernard Schaber, Democrat, supports: "I support an increase in the cigarette tax, used solely for health care expenses but I am not sure that a full $1.00 per pack is needed." Steve Wieckert, Republican: "Programs need more funding but hard to raise taxes in general." Wieckert won. Wieckert attended Philips Exeter Academy; B.A. political science, M.A. public administration American University, Washington, D.C.; Congressional Research Service Graduate Institute. (Wieckert Legis. bio.) He co-sponsored 2007 SB-150, "Smoking prohibitions: designated smoking area prohibited in public places and place of employment, exceptions specified; other prohibited places listed; exceptions for bowling centers, taverns, restaurants, private halls, and certain facilities eliminated; enforcement by person in charge of place required," aka "The Statewide Smoking Ban." He voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack, but introduced AB-834, statewide smoking ban.

Assembly District 58 - No response from Pat Strachota, Republican. Strachota introduced 2007 AB-258, "Financial incentives to encourage or discourage use of a lawful product by an employee is not considered employment discrimination," and introduced 2007 AR-7, "Start! Walking at Work Day" declared April 25, 2007, a kowtow to the American Heart Association's quackery, rationalized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's bogus claims of financial savings. Strachota voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 59 - No response from Daniel LeMahieu, Republican. Le Mahieu introduced 2007 AB-258, "Financial incentives to encourage or discourage use of a lawful product by an employee is not considered employment discrimination," and AB-235, "Workplace wellness programs offered by employers: income and franchise tax credits created," to give a tax incentive to employers to meddle in workers' lives, while raising their taxes. He voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 60 - No response from Mark Gottlieb, Republican. Gottlieb was one of a bipartisan group of state legislators who announced plans to introduce a bill to increase the tax to $1 per pack. (Gov. Doyle Opens Door to Cigarette Tax Hike. Wisconsin Hospital Association, April 8, 2005.) He co-sponsored 2007 SB-150, "Smoking prohibitions: designated smoking area prohibited in public places and place of employment, exceptions specified; other prohibited places listed; exceptions for bowling centers, taverns, restaurants, private halls, and certain facilities eliminated; enforcement by person in charge of place required," aka "The Statewide Smoking Ban." He voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack, but introduced AB-834, statewide smoking ban.

Assembly District 61 - Robert Turner, Democrat, supported raising the cigarette tax in 2006, and again in 2007. He wanted an exemption from the smoking ban for taverns. (Doyle, Jim anti-smoking letter. Press Release, Jan. 25, 2007.) He voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 62 - Cory Mason, Democrat, supports. No response from Van H. Wanggaard, Republican. Wanggaard received contributions of $250 and $150 from from Phil Prange, husband of Alison Prange of the American Cancer Society, in 2006. (Wisconsin Cooperative Campaign Finance Database. A project of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign funded by the Joyce Foundation. Accessed 09/03/07.) Mason won, 52.4% v 47.6%. He voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack. Before the 2006 election, Mason was on the advisory board for Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention.

Assembly District 63 - Tim Daley, Democrat, supports: "This question was posed to my district's voters and they responded: 59%, 802 - Yes and 41%, 547 - No." [After a systematic campaign of brainwashing with lies by the mass media!] No response from Robin J. Vos, Republican. Vos won; he introduced 2007 AB-258, "Financial incentives to encourage or discourage use of a lawful product by an employee is not considered employment discrimination." Vos voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 64 - No response from Jim Kreuser, Democrat. He voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 65 - No response from John P. Steinbrink, Democrat. He voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack, and introduced AB-834, statewide smoking ban.

Assembly District 66 - Larry Harding, Independent Green, supports: "A $1 tax on ciggarettes to fund vital health programs is reasonable." No response from Samantha Kerkman, Republican, or JoEllyn M. Storz, Democrat. Kerkman won. She voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 67 - Roberta Rasmus, Democrat, supports. No response from Jeff Wood, Republican. Wood won. He introduced AB-235, "Workplace wellness programs offered by employers: income and franchise tax credits created," to give a tax incentive to employers to meddle in workers' lives, while raising their taxes. He voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack. He got $500 from Pfizer in 2005-2006.

Assembly District 68 - No response from Terry Moulton, Republican. Michael A. Turner, Democrat, supports: "We must secure proper funding for BadgerCare and SeniorCare and help the most vulnerable of our society." [sic - it is really persecuting politically powerless smokers on behalf of the politically invulnerable, corrupt anti-smokers.] Moulton won. Moulton introduced 2007 AB-258, "Financial incentives to encourage or discourage use of a lawful product by an employee is not considered employment discrimination," and introduced 2007 AR-7, "Start! Walking at Work Day" declared April 25, 2007, a kowtow to the American Heart Association's quackery, rationalized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's bogus claims of financial savings; and AB-235, "Workplace wellness programs offered by employers: income and franchise tax credits created," to give a tax incentive to employers to meddle in workers' lives, while raising their taxes. Moulton received a contribution of $100 from from Phil Prange, husband of Alison Prange of the American Cancer Society, in 2002. (Wisconsin Cooperative Campaign Finance Database. A project of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign funded by the Joyce Foundation. Accessed 09/03/07), and $500 from Pfizer in 2005-2006. Moulton voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack, and introduced AB-834, statewide smoking ban.

Assembly District 69 - No response from Scott Suder, Republican. Timothy Swiggum, Democrat, supports: "I support an increase in the cigarette tax to increase funding for healthcare programs. I would support an increase in the cigarette tax on those conditions only. The extra income could also be used to help fund wellness programs which would include helping people quit smoking and learn to eat and live healthy. By supporting wellness programs, we will reduce the costs related to treating diseases caused by lifestyle choices. If the money were not to be used for health care cost reduction then I would be less inclined to vote for an increase. It is reasonable to use it to fund a better healthcare system." [This is all health fascist bullsh*t based on bogus lifestyle questionnaire studies, and pretending that the old-age costs of their favored pets don't exist.] Suder won. He voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 70 - Dennis Juncer, Republican, opposes: "Cigarette smoking is under constant attack, and $1/pack additional tax will contribute to decreased smoking. Medicaid needs a more reliable funding method than cigarette taxes." No response from Amy Sue Vruwink, Democrat. Vruwink won. She introduced AB-235, "Workplace wellness programs offered by employers: income and franchise tax credits created," to give a tax incentive to employers to meddle in workers' lives, while raising their taxes. She voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 71 - No responses from Daron L. Jensen, Republican, or Louis John Molepske, Jr. , Democrat. Molepske won. He introduced AB-235, "Workplace wellness programs offered by employers: income and franchise tax credits created," to give a tax incentive to employers to meddle in workers' lives, while raising their taxes. He voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 72 - No responses from Marlin D. Schneider, Democrat, or Les Stewart, Republican. Schneider introduced AB 779, a bill to increase the cigarette tax by 20 cents, with the loot going to increase reimbursement to Medicaid providers, including hospitals and nursing homes. (Bill to Increase the Cigarette Tax Proposed. News release, Wisconsin Hospital Association, Oct. 21, 2005.) Schneider won. He voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 73 - No response from Frank Boyle, Democrat. He introduced 2007 AR-7, "Start! Walking at Work Day" declared April 25, 2007, a kowtow to the American Heart Association's quackery, rationalized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's bogus claims of financial savings; and co-sponsored 2007 SB-150, "Smoking prohibitions: designated smoking area prohibited in public places and place of employment, exceptions specified; other prohibited places listed; exceptions for bowling centers, taverns, restaurants, private halls, and certain facilities eliminated; enforcement by person in charge of place required," aka "The Statewide Smoking Ban." Boyle voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack, and introduced AB-834, statewide smoking ban.

Assembly District 74 - No responses from Gary E. Sherman, Democrat, or Dave Suminski, Republican. Sherman won. He voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 75 - No responses from Mary Hubler, Democrat, or Dari McDonald, Republican. Hubler won. She voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 76 - No response from Terese Berceau, Democrat. She introduced 2007 AR-7, "Start! Walking at Work Day" declared April 25, 2007, a kowtow to the American Heart Association's quackery, rationalized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's bogus claims of financial savings; and co-sponsored 2007 SB-150, "Smoking prohibitions: designated smoking area prohibited in public places and place of employment, exceptions specified; other prohibited places listed; exceptions for bowling centers, taverns, restaurants, private halls, and certain facilities eliminated; enforcement by person in charge of place required," aka "The Statewide Smoking Ban." She voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack, and introduced AB-834, statewide smoking ban.

Assembly District 77 - No response from Spencer Black, Democrat. Black has a long history of strident anti-smoking. He co-sponsored 2007 SB-150, "Smoking prohibitions: designated smoking area prohibited in public places and place of employment, exceptions specified; other prohibited places listed; exceptions for bowling centers, taverns, restaurants, private halls, and certain facilities eliminated; enforcement by person in charge of place required," aka "The Statewide Smoking Ban." He voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack, and introduced AB-834, statewide smoking ban.

Assembly District 78 - Mark Pocan, Democrat, supports: "An increase in the cigarette tax is long overdue, especially if we can target the funds for health-related costs." He voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 79 - No response from Sondy Pope-Roberts, Democrat. She co-sponsored 2007 SB-150, "Smoking prohibitions: designated smoking area prohibited in public places and place of employment, exceptions specified; other prohibited places listed; exceptions for bowling centers, taverns, restaurants, private halls, and certain facilities eliminated; enforcement by person in charge of place required," aka "The Statewide Smoking Ban." She voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack, and introduced AB-834, statewide smoking ban.

Assembly District 80 - No response from Brett Davis, Republican. Janis Ringhand, Democrat, supports: "I am not sure this is the best approach to funding health care, but would support. I am aware that increasing the cost will encourage people to quit smoking, creating healthier residents. Quitting for some people is a real challenge and we would have to offer some sort of assistance for them to get them through the process." Davis won, 50.5% v 49.5%. In 2000, Davis was an assistant to Gov. Tommy Thompson., and a special assistant to Thompson as US DHHS Secretary. Davis introduced 2007 AB-258, "Financial incentives to encourage or discourage use of a lawful product by an employee is not considered employment discrimination;" and introduced AB-235, "Workplace wellness programs offered by employers: income and franchise tax credits created," to give a tax incentive to employers to meddle in workers' lives, while raising their taxes. Davis received contributions of $500 in 2004, $250 in 2005, and $250 in 2006 from from Phil Prange, husband of Alison Prange of the American Cancer Society. (Wisconsin Cooperative Campaign Finance Database. A project of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign funded by the Joyce Foundation. Accessed 09/03/07.) Davis voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 81 - No response from Dave Travis, Democrat. He voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 82 - No response from Jeff Stone, Republican. He voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 83 - No responses from Scott L. Gunderson, Republican, or Donald G. Herron, Democrat. Gunderson won. He introduced AB-235, "Workplace wellness programs offered by employers: income and franchise tax credits created," to give a tax incentive to employers to meddle in workers' lives, while raising their taxes. He voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 84 - No response from Mark Gundrum, Republican. He voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 85 - No response from Bryan Rasmussen, Republican. Donna Seidel, Democrat, supports: "Generally, I do not support raising taxes, but using this increase to create revenue for the specific purpose of funding these programs is a tax increase I would consider. There are many people in Wisconsin who depend on these successful programs to help them access the health care services they need. We must look for creative solutions to continue funding these programs." Seidel won. She co-sponsored 2007 SB-227, "Nicotine replacement therapies to help people stop smoking: sales and use tax exemption created," and introduced 2007 AR-7, "Start! Walking at Work Day" declared April 25, 2007, a kowtow to the American Heart Association's quackery, rationalized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's bogus claims of financial savings. She voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack, and introduced AB-834, statewide smoking ban.

Assembly District 86 - No responses from Gary Adams, Democrat, or Jerry J. Petrowski, Republican. Petrowski won. He introduced AB-235, "Workplace wellness programs offered by employers: income and franchise tax credits created," to give a tax incentive to employers to meddle in workers' lives, while raising their taxes. He voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 87 - Dewey Floberg, Democrat, opposes: "I favor user taxes over other forms of taxation, but without an impact study a $1.00 increase seems high. I am not a smoker. The goal is good, but the amount needs more study." No response from Mary Williams, Republican. Williams won. M. Williams introduced AB-235, "Workplace wellness programs offered by employers: income and franchise tax credits created," to give a tax incentive to employers to meddle in workers' lives, while raising their taxes. Williams received a contribution of $250 from from Phil Prange, husband of Alison Prange of the American Cancer Society, in 2002; and $160 and $100 from Altria/Philip Morris in 2004. (Wisconsin Cooperative Campaign Finance Database. A project of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign funded by the Joyce Foundation. Accessed 09/03/07.) Williams voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack. She got $500 from Pfizer in 2005-2006.

Assembly District 88 - No response from Judy Krawczyk, Republican. She got $500 from Pfizer in 2005-2006. Jim Soletski, Democrat, supports: "I would support this method of paying for this much needed group of programs and would encourage our state in a complete overhaul of our delivery of these services. An organized health care program could reach many more of our citizens at a reasonable cost. The needs are growing and we have to provide leadership." Soletski won, 50.2% v 49.8%. In response to a question in which the interviewer spouted the Hitler Big Lie that "Caring for smoking-related illness adds hundreds of millions to the cost of health care for Wisconsin employees and employers," Soletski answered, "I support an increase in the cigarette tax. I am in favor of doing whatever we can to discourage people from smoking who are now addicted and to discourage people from ever starting. I used to smoke—I know how hard it is to break that addiction. But it goes back to the issue of segregating funds." (Know Your Legislators...Rep. Jim Soletski (D-Green Bay). Interviewed by Mary Kay Grasmick of Wisconsin Hospital Association. Valued Voice, Sep. 7, 2007.) He voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack, and introduced AB-834, statewide smoking ban.

Assembly District 89 - John Nygren, Republican; Randy Koehni, Democrat. Nygren won, 54.2% v 45.8%. Nygren introduced 2007 AB-258, "Financial incentives to encourage or discourage use of a lawful product by an employee is not considered employment discrimination;" and AB-235, "Workplace wellness programs offered by employers: income and franchise tax credits created," to give a tax incentive to employers to meddle in workers' lives, while raising their taxes. Nygren voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack. He got $500 from Pfizer in 2005-2006.

Assembly District 90 - No responses from Gary Froseth, Democrat, or Karl Van Roy, Republican. Van Roy won, 55.5% v 44.5%. He introduced AB-235, "Workplace wellness programs offered by employers: income and franchise tax credits created," to give a tax incentive to employers to meddle in workers' lives, while raising their taxes. He voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack. He got $500 from Pfizer in 2005-2006.

Assembly District 91 - No responses from David Anderson, Republican, or Barbara Gronemus, Democrat. Gronemus won. She voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 92 - No response from Curtis Miller, Democrat. Terry Musser, Republican, opposes. Musser won. He co-sponsored 2007 SB-227, "Nicotine replacement therapies to help people stop smoking: sales and use tax exemption created," and introduced 2007 AB-258, "Financial incentives to encourage or discourage use of a lawful product by an employee is not considered employment discrimination;" and AB-235, "Workplace wellness programs offered by employers: income and franchise tax credits created," to give a tax incentive to employers to meddle in workers' lives, while raising their taxes. Musser voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 93 - Rob Kreibich, Republican, supports: "Cig tax revenues should only be used for health care costs, including the 2 you mentioned." No response from Jeff Smith, Democrat. Smith won, 50.7% v 49.3%. He voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 94 - No responses from Mike Huebsch, Republican-West Salem; James Kinsman, Democrat; or John Sarnowski, Independent. Huebsch won. Huebsch supported raising the cigarette tax in 1994 from 38 cents to 78 cents, and in 2004 said he's open to raising it again. (Cigarette tax increase debated. By Reid Magney. LaCrosse Tribune, Sep. 21, 2004.) Huebsch supported the Smoke Free Dining Act in the last session. He said, "Wisconsin has a patchwork of smoking bans that puts some small businesses at a disadvantage. In order to create a level playing field, the State Legislature needs to set a statewide policy." (Speaker Huebsch Statement on Statewide Smoking Ban. Press Release, Apr. 20, 2007.) In fact, those businesses let it happen because they refused to denounce anti-smoker scientific fraud and corruption. And then they think their self-induced misfortune entitles them to drag everyone else down with them! They and their businesses can go to hell. Huebsch has received numerous campaign donations since 1997 from Phil Prange, husband of Alison Prange of the American Cancer Society, including $250 in 2004 and $500 in 2006, and $200 from Altria, for whom Phil Prange lobbies for FDA Regulation, in 2006. (Wisconsin Cooperative Campaign Finance Database. A project of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign funded by the Joyce Foundation. Accessed 09/03/07.) Huebsch voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 95 - No response from Jennifer Shilling, Democrat. She voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 96 - Gail Frie, Democrat, supports. No response from Lee Nerison, Republican. In 2004, Frie said he didn't think cigarette taxes are a stable revenue source, and favored funding the Medicaid budget from other sources. Nerison said that he favors an increase in cigarette taxes. (Cigarette tax increase debated. By Reid Magney. LaCrosse Tribune, Sep. 21, 2004.) Nerison won, 51.1% v 48.9%. Nerison voted for the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack. He got $500 from Pfizer in 2005-2006.

Assembly District 97 - No response from Bill Kramer, Republican. Steven D. Schmuki, Democrat, supports. Kramer won. He introduced AB-235, "Workplace wellness programs offered by employers: income and franchise tax credits created," to give a tax incentive to employers to meddle in workers' lives, while raising their taxes. Kramer voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

Assembly District 98 - No response from Sterling Lynk, Democrat. Rich Zipperer, Republican: "Given the tax burdens already placed on our residents, I strongly oppose any tax increases. Cigarette taxes are a form of regressive tax that hit the poor and middle class the hardest. We need to make health care a priority in our budget, but we do not need to raise taxes to pay for it." He voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack. He got $250 from Pfizer in 2005-2006.

Assembly District 99 - No response from Don Pridemore, Republican. Pridemore co-sponsored 2007 SB-227, "Nicotine replacement therapies to help people stop smoking: sales and use tax exemption created." He voted against the 2007 budget bill that raised cigarette taxes $1 per pack.

William D. Novelli: "Bill Novelli is CEO of AARP, a membership organization of over 35 million people age 50 and older, half of whom remain actively employed. He joined AARP in January 2000 as Associate Executive Director, Public Affairs. Prior to joining AARP, Mr. Novelli was President of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, whose mandate is to change public policies and the social environment, limit tobacco companies' marketing and sales practices to children and serve as a counterforce to the tobacco industry and its special interests. He now serves as chairman of the board."

CTFK is funded with looted tobacco settlement money, which they got by using deliberate, systematic use of scientific fraud to falsely blame smoking and lifestyle for diseases that are actually caused by infection, and fraudulent smoking cost claims which pretended that non-smokers' costs don't exist - because the anti-smoker-controlled cigarette companies settled without a fight! (And, don't forget how the bloodsuckers James Doyle, Democrap, now the candidate for governor, and his ally, Gov. Tommy Thompson, Repuglican, brought that state lawsuit against the tobacco industry.) And then, the bloodsucking anti-smoker vermin took over AARP to use it as yet another tool for persecution. Just think of how the filthy, corrupt leeches are gloating about how they use our own money to oppress us, and get us coming and going! This anti-smoker system is so totally corrupt and unjust that we should be supporting al-Qaida, not these filthy vermin politicians!

U.S. Senate: Kohl won, 67.4% v 29.5%

Sen. Herb Kohl, Democrat, supports DOJ looting of smokers: Kohl was one of fifty members of Congress who signed a June 15, 2005 letter to U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, demanding that the U.S. Department of Justice restore its demand for $130 billion from the tobacco industry to finance anti-smoker persecution. In 2003, Kohl co-sponsored the "Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking" (PACT) Act to expand reporting requirements of the 1949 Jenkins Act to include internet sales. Hohl is also a co-sponsor of S-625, the Kennedy-Cornyn/Waxman bill for FDA regulation of tobacco.

Opponents: Robert Gerald Lorge, Republican; Rae Vogeler, Wisconsin Green; and Ben J. Glatzel, Independent.

Sen. Russ Feingold, Democrat, is a co-sponsor of S-625, the Kennedy-Cornyn/Waxman bill for FDA regulation of tobacco.

U.S. House of Representatives

District 1 - Paul Ryan, Republican: Ryan donated $27,500 in campaign contributions that he received from the political action committee of former Rep. Tom DeLay to the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. (The Capital Times, Apr. 5, 2006.) Ryan received $3,000 from Eli Lilly & Co., $3,000 from Johnson & Johnson, and $5000 from Pfizer in 2005-2006.

District 2 - Tammy Baldwin, Democrat; Dave Magnum, Republican. Baldwin won. Baldwin is a co-sponsor of HR-1108, the Kennedy-Cornyn/Waxman bill for FDA regulation of tobacco.

District 3 - Ron Kind, Democrat; vs. Paul R. Nelson, Republican. In 1997, Kind voted for HR 2015, increasing the excise tax on all tobacco products, and raising the cigarette tax from 24 cents to 34 cents in 2000 and 39 cents in 2002, to benefit various Medicare programs. (Project Vote Smart.) Kind won. Kind is a co-sponsor of HR-1108, the Kennedy-Cornyn/Waxman bill for FDA regulation of tobacco.

District 5 - F. James Sensenbrenner Jr., Republican. vs. Bryan Kennedy, Democrat; Bob Levis, Independent Green. Sensenbrenner won. In 1997, Sensenbrenner voted for HR 2015, increasing the excise tax on all tobacco products, and raising the cigarette tax from 24 cents to 34 cents in 2000 and 39 cents in 2002, to benefit various Medicare programs. (Project Vote Smart.) He was chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, which held hearings on the 2003 Youth Smoking Prevention and State Revenue Enforcement Act, May 1, 2003. In 2006, Sensenbrenner received $4,000 from Eli Lilly & Co., $1,000 from Johnson & Johnson, and $1000 from Pfizer in 2005-2006..

District 6 - Tom Petri, Republican. In 1997, Petri voted for HR 2015, increasing the excise tax on all tobacco products, and raising the cigarette tax from 24 cents to 34 cents in 2000 and 39 cents in 2002, to benefit various Medicare programs. (Project Vote Smart.)

District 7 - David R. Obey, Democrat; vs. Mike Miles, Independent Green; Nick Reid, Republican. In 1997, Obey voted against HR 2015, a bill which increased the excise tax on all tobacco products, and raised the cigarette tax from 24 cents to 34 cents in 2000 and 39 cents in 2002, to benefit various Medicare programs. (Project Vote Smart.) Obey won.

District 8 - Steven L. Kagen, Democrat: vs. John Gard, Republican. Kagan won, 51.2% v 48.8%. Gard received $5,250 from Eli Lilly & Co. and $10,000 from Pfizer in 2005-2006. Kagan is a co-sponsor of HR-1108, the Kennedy-Cornyn/Waxman bill for FDA regulation of tobacco.

Politicans toe the fraudulent anti-smoker line of "freedom versus public health"

Although all three candidates for the 25th District state Assembly seat - Democrats Bob Ziegelbauer and Anne-Marie Woznicki, and Republican Paul Tittl - claim to be against a statewide smoking ban in all restaurants and places of employment, none of the candidates emits so much as a wisp of doubt about ANTI-SMOKER SCIENTIFIC FRAUD. Tittl is a quitter who shills for a local quit-smoking organization. He thinks tobacco is excessively taxed. Ziegelbauer doesn't know junk science when it's shoved down our throats: "On one hand, there is a great deal of evidence indicating the dangers of smoking and secondhand smoke. On the other hand are the principles of individual freedom that suggest that private business owners ought to be able to best decide for themselves when, and whether or not, to allow their customers to smoke on their premises." He swallows the fraudulent framing hook, line and sinker. Woznicki swallows the entire pile of lies hook, line and sinker and regurgitates the whole putrid spiel like a brainwashed robot: "Earlier this year, the U.S. surgeon general reported that secondhand smoke exposure causes disease and premature death in children and adults who do not smoke, that there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke, and that separating smokers from nonsmokers, cleaning the air, and ventilating buildings cannot eliminate exposures of nonsmokers to secondhand smoke. To protect employees and customers from secondhand smoke, more than 25 communities in Wisconsin have enacted some type of smoke-free ordinance." This kind of gullible, simpleminded, and compromised approach to smokers' issues is typical of what the Democrat and Republican parties have peddled to us for decades - while they sell us down the river, piece by piece! And then they wonder why people don't care. We need candidates with the brains to reject those flagrant anti-smoker frauds, and the guts to call those corrupt scumbags what they are! (Candidates talk about smoking ban. Herald Times Reporter, Manitowoc, Aug. 21, 2006.)

Rep. Tammy Baldwin's BS

Baldwin is a co-sponsor of HR-1108, the Kennedy-Cornyn/Waxman bill for FDA regulation of tobacco.

"Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin, a member of the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee in the 110th Congress, has been named to three subcommittees: Health; Energy and Air Quality; and the Environment and Hazardous Materials." (Baldwin Gains Influence on Health, Energy, Environmental Policies. Tammy Baldwin Press Release, January 11, 2007.) Just what we need - a mindless, lie-believing piece of scum who dismisses complaints about EPA corruption and anti-smoker scientific fraud!

I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and beliefs on this issue. However, I believe that this is an issue that we will have to agree to disagree. Numerous studies have shown the detrimental effects that secondhand smoking can have on an individual's health. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified secondhand smoke as a known cause of cancer in humans. Secondhand smoke, which contains hundreds of chemicals known to be toxic or carcinogenic, is known to cause disease and premature death in children and adults who do not smoke. Approximately 3,400 lung cancer deaths and 22,700-69,600 heart disease deaths among adult nonsmokers in the United States each year are contributed to secondhand smoke. To this end, I believe that it is important that we work to curb individual exposure to secondhand smoke.

Smoking bans and other legislation that seek to curb exposure to secondhand smoke are currently addressed at the state level. For this reason, I urge you to share your concerns with your state legislatures. Please know that I will keep your thoughts in mind should the 110th Congress address measures pertaining to secondhand smoking.

See how this devious piece of scum tries to blow me off by misdirecting me to the state level, when it's the US Congress that has systematically funded scientific fraud and indulged corruption for more than six decades!

Again, thank you for sharing your views. Your opinion matters to me. If I can be of service to you in any other way, please do not hesitate to let me know. As a result of the anthrax incidents, all mail sent to Congress is first irradiated. This process causes significant delays. To ensure the fastest response, I encourage all constituents who have access to the internet to contact me through my website at http://tammybaldwin.house.gov.

Of course, the translation of this is, "F*** off, and don't bother sending an anthrax letter."

What does Tammy Baldwin care about? "Covering the Uninsured No issue is of greater concern to working families in Wisconsin than health care. Currently, there are 45 million people without health care insurance in America. Millions more encounter a health care system that is unresponsive or inadequate in meeting their basic medical needs because they are underinsured. This is simply unacceptable. With insurance premiums increasing, employer benefits being cut, and prescription drug costs soaring, it is time to address this problem with significant reforms." She lies that "Among the uninsured are 55,000 Wisconsin children," falsely pretending that children are deprived of access to health care merely because they are uninsured, when low-income children are already covered by state and federal programs; while on behalf of the rest, she crassly denies parents' right to choose not to be insured. (Health Care and Medicare Topics. http://tammybaldwin.house.gov/issues_Healthcare.html. Accessed March 21, 2007.)

Tammy simpers that "I believe that honesty and integrity are essential leadership qualities and are central in a true democracy. As a member of the House of Representatives, I know that it is my duty to represent constituents with these qualities in mind. Recent scandals have revealed that cronyism and corruption has vastly eroded the public’s faith in our democratic system. Approval rates for Congress are at the lowest they have been in a decade. I am disappointed that so few Americans are confident in their elected officials, yet I understand why. We must take action to rebuild the public’s trust and support." (Other issues. http://tammybaldwin.house.gov/issues_Other.html. Accessed March 21, 2007.)

Obviously she doesn't understand why we hate Congress, and it's probably because she doesn't want to. As a lesbian, she wouldn't know firsthand what it's like to be aggressively persecuted for her lifestyle as smokers are. Wealthy, powerful organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation supplement their own millions of dollars with hundreds of millions from our own tax dollars, and spread lies and commit scientific fraud with impunity. What we care about is this health fascist BS that's being shoved down our throats - but we are not allowed to raise this issue in public in the mass media because they control the federal health establishment, the media, and whore politicians like Tammy Baldwin herself - including the decades-long dictatorship by the rotten little cabal who are behind both former Gov. Tommy Thompson and current Gov. James Doyle, and who occupy the positions of power on both sides of the smoking issue, just like in the Protocols of the Elders of Zion!

Rep. Steve Kagan, Democrat

Kagan is a co-sponsor of HR-1108, the Kennedy-Cornyn/Waxman bill for FDA regulation of tobacco.

Rep. Ron Kind

Kind is a co-sponsor of HR-1108, the Kennedy-Cornyn/Waxman bill for FDA regulation of tobacco.

Rep. David Obey

David Obey is Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, and of the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, where on Feb 15, 2007, James S. Marks, vice president and a director of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, spewed forth his health fascist BS regarding the FY 2008 budget. (Testimony of James S. Marks, M.D., M.P.H., Senior Vice President and Director, Health Group, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, HHS, Education and Related Agencies.) But there is nothing about this on the Subcommittee website, and the House's so-called search engine is complely disfunctional and returns the same 279,922 results no matter what search terms are put in. The public heard virtually nothing of these hearings in the mass media, and it's safe to presume that only lying health fascist scum were invited to testify, not to mention that they probably dictated the legislation in the first place.

Wisconsin Smokers' Rights Election Archive

Wisconsin Candidates 2006

The Attorney General Race, Falk versus Van Hollen: Van Hollen won