Governor Doyle in Oshkosh

Mr. Doyle came to town today. The parking lot of the Oshkosh Public Library was jammed when I arrived a bit past noon. He was scheduled at noon, arrived at 12:30, did not apologize, and was met by an attentive crowd of 125. He gave a short list of accomplishments and then began taking questions. He was engaging, friendly, and relaxed. Folks wrote their questions on a form, an aide would call them by name, and they stood up and got to ask the question in person. He took the time to fully answer each question and reminded the crowd that he answers questions by mail too. He certainly is a political pro.

Doug Boone asked him about campaign finance reform. He gave a decent answer but not the answer you'd expect from someone who was adamant about it. Perfunctory...maybe lukewarm. I have been hearing about this subject for 30yrs, just hearing about it.

The P.A. system gave out at 12:55pm but most could still hear everything.

Things I learned...

Mr. Doyle's father grew up in a house about three blocks from the Oshkosh Public Library. That I never knew.

The Doyle administration has sold seven state airplanes. If I recall correctly the Wisconsin State Air Force had 29 planes. That would bring the number down to 22.

"SHAMEFUL BEHAVIOR"

I quote Mr. Doyle. He used those words to describe the record profits of the five major oil companies in the quarter following Katrina. He reminded us there was never an oil shortage, no lines at the pumps. He compared the oil companies price gouging to a 'tax' none of us could afford.