WI Governor Vetoes Memorial to Honor Reagan

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

Doyle vetoes bill to name highway after Reagan

Madison - Gov. Jim Doyle on Wednesday vetoed a bill to rename Highway 14 between Madison and the Illinois border the Ronald Reagan Highway.

Killing the Republican-backed measure a second time, Doyle said memorial highways in the state have always been named after people with direct connections to Wisconsin.

Do you believe that the Governor has made Wisconsin a "Reagan-free Zone"?

I do. Doyle vetoes measures to help rid the state of voter fraud. How could I be surprised he would veto a bill to create a memorial to Ronald Reagan?

On Sykes Writes, Charlie has posted reaction to Doyle's veto:

CONGRESSMAN MARK GREEN

“In just a few days we will mark one year since President Ronald Reagan was called home. Representative Lothian and Senator Harsdorf deserve credit for trying to recognize President Reagan – few people have had a more profound effect on today’s world than he.

“Ronald Reagan showed vision and was fearless in the pursuit of excellence. He cared not about polls and politics, but about making America great again after many felt our best days had passed.

“It’s little wonder Governor Doyle vetoed legislation that would remind all who drove on that stretch of Highway 14 what real leadership is all about. His bureaucratic approach to government is the exact opposite of the example set by President Reagan.

MILWAUKEE COUNTY EXECUTIVE SCOTT WALKER

Ronald Reagan believed in uniting people and worked tirelessly to unite nations across the world. His great works abroad and at home will be remembered for generations to come. Unfortunately, due to the partisanship of Jim Doyle, President Reagan will not be remembered and honored in Wisconsin with the dedication of a portion of Highway 14 in his name.

"Wisconsin deserves a leader that will put partisanship aside and work with leaders on both sides of the aisle, as well as across the state to make Wisconsin even better. Help is on the way.


PRESS RELEASE FROM REP. TOM LOTHIAN

(Madison) – Today, Democrat Governor Jim Doyle vetoed Assembly Bill 209, authored by State Representative Tom Lothian (R-Williams Bay). The bill would have designated a portion of US Highway 14 in Wisconsin as the Ronald Reagan Highway, continuing the highway’s name from Illinois. “The Governor’s action is very disappointing,” remarked Lothian. “This was a good bill with bipartisan support in the Assembly and Senate.”

Before the bill was sent to Governor Doyle, Representative Lothian and Senator Sheila Harsdorf, the bills co-author, sent the Governor a private letter making the case for signing the bill. “Senator Harsdorf and I didn’t turn our letter into a press release because this legislation wasn’t about calling out the Governor. It was about Democrats and Republicans voting to create a small but lasting tribute to President Reagan,” said Lothian. “It’s unfortunate and somewhat embarrassing that among the eight Great Lakes states, there are 20 dedications to Ronald Reagan and not one of them is in Wisconsin.”

NONE of the reaction to Doyle's veto was reported in the state's largest newspaper, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The veto itself barely received any coverage.

The RONALD REAGAN LEGACY PROJECT issued this statement:

For Immediate Release: 2 June 2005
Contact: Christopher Butler/ Adam Radman 202-785-0266
Gov. Doyle to Ronald Reagan: You’re Just Not Worth It
Governor vetoes legislation dedicating U.S.H 14 after Ronald Reagan

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Close to the 1st anniversary of our 40th President’s death, Governor Doyle, vetoed legislation designating a portion of U.S.H 14 to Ronald Reagan’s legacy. The bill was proposed by State Rep. Lothian on March 14, 2005 and supported by 69 of 98 house members and 21 of 33 state senators. The Ronald Reagan Legacy Project (RRLP), a leading force in preserving the ideas of America’s 40th President, is appalled by the decision of Governor Doyle, and views it as a slap in the face to the hundreds of millions liberated by Reagan’s cold war policies.

“Governor Doyle claimed his reason for vetoing this bill was that memorials have always had a direct connection to the state. That’s funny considering he issued his veto while standing in the city of Madison, Wisconsin- named for a Virginian,” said Grover Norquist, chairman of the RRLP. “Reagan led our nation and the world through some of the most dangerous times in history, that’s more than I can say for Governor Doyle.”

Ironically, Governor Doyle has enjoyed less support among Wisconsinites than President Reagan. In the 2002 Wisconsin gubernatorial race, Gov. Doyle won only 45% of the popular vote while Ronald Reagan won the state by 50% in 1980 and 54% in 1984 during his two Presidential victories. Continuing on with interesting stats, President Reagan won the nation with over 90% of the electoral votes in both elections.

“This setback should not stop the citizens of Wisconsin from encouraging representatives to reintroduce Assembly Bill 209,” continued Norquist. “This memorial would have played an important role in creating a dedication spanning the United States, but Governor Doyle let naked partisanship cloud his judgment.”

A poll released by Gallup on February 18, 2005 shows that Ronald Reagan is the most popular president in history.

The RRLP seeks to name at least one monument to President Reagan in each of America’s counties, and in nations that were once Communist. RRLP Chairman Grover Norquist, a long time Washington insider, is available for interviews. Please contact Chris Butler at 202-785-0266 or cbutler@atr.org

I encourage everyone to contact Gov. Doyle to express your thoughts on his veto of Assembly Bill 209.

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