A Possible Answer to Slim Pickin's? Vote Kohl-Riggs for Governor
Fake candidates are filling up the ballots. Perhaps one of them can unseat Walker before the June recall election even arrives.
Arthur Kohl-Riggs is running as a Republican in the gubernatorial recall election primary against Gov. Scott Walker. Heather Geyer says voting for him is one way to unseat Walker before the June 5 general election.
Arthur Kohl-Riggs
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UPDATE: It has been brought to my attention that I have made an error in my original commentary. It seems that one can indeed vote for a Democratic Senator candidate while voting for a Republican Governor candidate. Please see below:
"The primary ballot and voting equipment will need to be prepared to treat each of the recall offices separately. This election will not be set-up like a normal partisan primary. Only candidates within a party that faces opposition will show up on the primary ballot. Candidates within a party that does not have opposition will not appear on the primary ballot. Additionally, Independent candidates will not appear on the primary ballot. Ballots and voting equipment will not have a party preference, as this primary will allow a voter to vote for only one candidate for each office, regardless of partisan affiliation. For example, a voter can vote for a Republican Governor candidate, and a Democratic Lt. Governor candidate. Although all offices will appear on one ballot, each office is separate and there are no partisan restrictions."
Original: Late night talk show hosts and the like sure had a lot of fun with the recent collection of who-ha’s during this Republican primary race. I mean, really, it was like choosing between Muppet characters. But liberals, progressives, democrats – however described – have little room to laugh.
Right now, in Wisconsin, the chief goal is to unseat Walker. And I am not convinced that the final list of opponents will be able to accomplish this crucial task.
Many people stood outside in the blistering cold, in soaking downpours and opened themselves up to much aggression in order to gather signatures to force this gubernatorial recall. To think that all of that effort will be in vain – it’s like a kick in the neck.
But wait. In the spirit of all the ridicudonk game play which has taken over Wisconsin politics, an interesting situation has arisen. A 23-year-old man named Arthur Kohl-Riggs has thrown his cowbell into the ring and is running as a Republican on the primary ballot against Walker. While many may question or criticize his motivations, it is a clever way to oust the Governor before the recall election even begins.
While it may not be popular to admit, there are many of us who are less than electrified about any particular Democratic/Independent candidate. I, for one, want to be sure that I am voting for the candidate who will beat Walker in that June recall election. Voting for Kohl-Riggs may just be the solution to our political pickle.
Problem is: voters who have senate recalls would be giving up that vote. I couldn't vote for Kohl-Riggs AND Lehman, for example. BUT there are many disctricts in Wisconsin which are not having senate recalls. How many of those voters will vote for fake Repubilcans?
I would like to say how disappointed I am in Russ Feingold. Two years. He couldn’t give us TWO YEARS?? With him on the ticket, I have no doubt that he would have knocked Walker on his fanny. Wisconsin needed him for this race. But I suppose we turned our backs on him not long ago and he has wiped his hands clean of our ungrateful apathy. Oh well, so much for high hopes.
I don’t have strong opinions about any of the candidates, really. And that is exactly the problem. None of these people have the excitability we need to get people to the polls and vote out this devastating Governor.
There are a couple people in the running whom I honestly think would make decent candidates. But that is not the issue. Sadly, right now, it isn’t about who is the best person for the job, it is about who can get elected. Shocking? Sad? Pathetic? Perhaps. But true. In a couple of years we can put more energy into getting the very best person in; but right now, we need to focus on getting the very worst out.
There are many things about Vinehout that I think make her appealing. The independent Trivedi also has a few intriguing qualities. And I did vote for Barrett in the last gubernatorial election. But I do not have a comfortable confidence that any of these candidates will win against Walker – and the stakes are simply too high.
We live in an environment of misinformation, hostility and polarization. I am sorry to say that I just do not know what the majority of the public will do. I never expected the results we had when Walker was elected. Will individuals be choosing our next Governor or will corporations and unions have complete control?
Many people are questioning the legality or even the morality of “fake” Democrats running in the recall races. I had little doubt that Mielke, who was running as a democrat against Wanggaard, was indeed a fake and that now has pretty much been made clear. In the past year, there has been so much…how to put this nicely…tomfoolery in our state politics that it all seems like some reality show game of strategy. I am no longer surprised by anything.
I have often complained about our rules for primary elections. I feel that we should be able to vote for both Democrat and Republican candidates (eventually, I would love to be rid of the whole two party system all together). And in the past, there were times I felt my vote would be better used voting for a candidate I didn’t necessarily want to see in office.
At first it felt wrong voting that way, but then I realized our rules force us to choose and half the time we are voting for the least of the worst anyway. So, because of that, I have a feeling there will be a lot of liberal “Republicans” voting on May 8.
Chris Wright
10:13 am on Friday, April 13, 2012
The whole fake/protest candidate is something that I have a real ethical problem with. Both sides complain that the other does it and then do it themselves. I will support both Gov. Walker and Sen. Wanggaard, but want nothing to do with the protest candidates and will do nothing to help them. However, I lay at least partial blame on the GAB for this mess. If they had a semblance of common sense they would have said June 5th is the general. If there is a need for a primary it will be May. Not, We will have a general election in May if no primary. If they had just done that simple thing we would not be discussing the ethics of fake/protest candidates.
Eric S.
10:53 pm on Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Kohl-Riggs isn't really fake. He actually looks like a good candidate if you agree with the original republican party as it was founded in Wisconsin. Today many Independents and Democrats follow the original ideals of the Republican Party since the Republican Party has changed over the last decades. I think that he is not only a good candidate, but he is also a low risk candidate because all of the real democratic candidates are also decent so it is okay to give up influence over the democratic primary. Kohl-Riggs is also a big supporter of Peter Barca which helps with the appeal. In addition, if you are independent or a moderate republican, there is no reason not to vote for Kohl-Riggs. I understand he even has a sizable number of tea party supporters for him. He is really a candidate for everyone.
upset father
10:13 am on Friday, April 13, 2012
Walker will prevail and you still will keep crying ! How come you can't do a story on the mentally disabled man in phoenix az ? Was if because he was white and the shooter was black ? Or was it that he was mentally disabled ? Or was it because he wasn't armed no you did that one . I know its because it wasn't sensationalized already in the media and the race whores didn't jump on it !
GearHead
10:14 am on Friday, April 13, 2012
Wow, Heather. If you keep drinking the Kool-aid, you are destined to suffer a belly-ache. Didn't your mom tell you that?
The wheels are falling off your recall effort. Pity you stood out in the rain in its support as you were being lied to. Your own fearless Democrat party leader has admitted the whole bargaining rights kerfluffle hasn't gotten any traction. So now you are stuck with a recall looking for legitimacy. So in the best tradition of the Democrat party, it is changing the subject. Now the siren song is the so-called "war on women" and a John Doe investigation that hasn't gone anywhere for two years. None of which had anything to do with the recall effort in the first place. Good luck with that, but stop pretending to be so outraged. It's unbecoming.
http://motherjones.com/politics/2012/04/scott-walker-recall-wisconsin-democrat-union
upset father
10:21 am on Friday, April 13, 2012
She don't mind the war on women that obama is doing . 18% less pay for the women who work in the white house unlike their mail coworkers . Or that they yell profanitys at a stay at home mom like herself . It's the hypocritical thing to do !
Tim
12:12 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012
Oh Heather ... You know what's so great about all of this? The Repubs are finally waking up and using the Dems own tactics and "tomfoolery". And you guys have no idea how to respond except with intolerance, ignorance and hate.
Kevin Presser
12:20 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012
Heather, after reading your piece, and carefully considering your opinion, I think I finally understand your desire to get rid of Gov Walker. I just remembered how I feel about Pres Obama and his divisive policies, and how much I would like him voted out of office. Thanks
Tim
12:37 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012
Heather ... after reading your article again I have a question. You said, "In this environment of misinformation, hostility and polarization". Now I'm asking you who, provides us with the information you speak of? I'll answer my own question. It's people such as yourself, channel's 4, 6, 12 and 58, the Racine Journal Times and the Milwaukee papers, all are a part of the "misinformation" you speak of. All of the above "chooses", yes chooses, to tell only part of the story and they do it "all of the time". And if there isn't a negative story all of you can tell half truths about, one is made up. And while all of you are spewing half truths or out right lies, you try telling us that "talk radio" is the cause for misinformation and hate in our state and country. What a hilarious big joke all of you in the media and the Democractic party has become. For me Heather, if you want to know who's to blame for this hostility and polarization and hate in our state and country ... look in the mirror.
GearHead
1:04 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012
Are you seriously suggesting supporting a 23 year old professsional Madison protestor who is probably still taking classes and living in his parents basement as governor? Wow! Is that all your vote means to you? Your endorsement rings hollow.
morninmist
9:05 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012
If Kohl-Riggs wins the primary then Walker will be off the ballot and packing his bags as K-R will be the official TeaRepublican candidate.
Isn't life sweet in that dream.
GearHead
5:38 pm on Saturday, April 14, 2012
Sweet dream? Ahhhhh, no.
Kinda sticky... and wet.
Steve ®
9:05 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012
Russ Feingold was crushed by a nobody business owner.
morninmist
6:48 pm on Saturday, April 14, 2012
yeah, you got that right. Ron Johnson is a nobody!--good for nothing.
upset father
6:45 am on Saturday, April 14, 2012
Because fiengold is a idiot . And Johnson can at least run a successful business
morninmist
6:53 pm on Saturday, April 14, 2012
Johnson has no problem letting taxpayers support his employees!
http://www.uppitywis.org/blogarticle/ron-johnson-relies-badgercare-his-employees
Ron Johnson Relies On BadgerCare For His Employees
Submitted by NoRoJo on Wed, 10/20/2010 - 9:36am
Ron Johnson apparently "earned" his millions thanks to his in-laws giving him a make-work job in the plastics industry. He is now spending those millions on a plastic campaign -- admitting to deceiving voters and the media until after the election, avoiding reporters (even from his own hometown!) and the public, and stating outright that he has no plan to create jobs and no intention or desire to actually legislate if he were to be elected.
The latest revelation? Ron Johnson, that supposed hard-working, right wing free-marketer, relies on BadgerCare for his employees:
At a candidate forum in Madison in July, Ron Johnson said that as company president of PACUR LLC, he has the same health insurance plan as other employees.
Yesterday it was revealed five adult employees of PACUR – along with their ten children – receive BadgerCare, the state-subsidized health insurance plan for low-income workers. Obviously Ron Johnson’s too rich to receive BadgerCare, so I can’t help but wonder what Ron Johnson meant when he said he has the same health insurance plan as his employees.
What’s more, it’s also been discovered several PACUR employees have had their wages garnished to pay medical bills....
YouAreSheep
7:46 am on Monday, April 16, 2012
I'm curious, "Upset Father", what job do you hold? What taxes do you pay? A far as I can tell, you troll, all day, every day. Your arguments are carbon copy regurgitations of what all the other conservative Patch commenters say, only less thought out and grammatically atrocious. If you're going to call someone an idiot, at least spell their name (or anything, for that matter) correctly. If you are indeed a "father", which I doubt to be true, I fear for the half-wit nonsense you would be filling their heads with.
And the Honorary Patch Troll Award goes to "upset father". Congratulations.
upset father
6:46 am on Saturday, April 14, 2012
Kohl- riggs the douch ticket .
YouAreSheep
7:47 am on Monday, April 16, 2012
Again, DOUCHE. Come on guy.
mau
7:33 am on Saturday, April 14, 2012
I hope you don't consider yourself a credible writer.
Republicans: "I mean, really, it was like choosing between Muppet characters."
aka Democrat: "it is a clever way to oust the Governor before the recall election even begins."
Fake democrat candidate = bad
Fake republican candidate = good
Real and fake democrats don't have morals.
"Many people are questioning the legality or even the morality of “fake” Democrats running in the recall races."
upset father
11:02 am on Saturday, April 14, 2012
After walker wins make checks payable to Wisconsin recall reimbursement fund
morninmist
6:58 pm on Saturday, April 14, 2012
You TeaGOP folks can make your checks payable to Walker's criminal defense fund.
Photo: Who's John Doe? http://dlvr.it/1RQbnJ #MadisonGuy #WIunion #p2
http://www.flickr.com/photos/madison_guy/6931691940/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
photo
Who's John Doe?
While speakers at today's Tea Party Rally were rallying behind Gov. Walker, the demonstrators at the outskirts seemed more concerned with the Milwaukee County DA's John Doe investigation of Scott Walker's associates, several of whom have already been charged. "Who's John Doe?" was a popular chant. Signs ranged from one saying "I Am Not a Crook" and showing Scott Walker shaking hands with the long dead Richard Nixon and the always popular "Scott, your money is on the dresser." The visuals made it pretty clear who people thought was the real target of the John Doe probe and would end up behind bars. Exciting times in Wisconsin.
Dennis
1:02 pm on Saturday, April 14, 2012
The GAB (democrat) thought it would be good to have 2 primary elections, one in May and one in June. The faster they could try to upset a republican the sooner they would get control. If the GAB was a non-partisan group they would have scheduled 1 main election in June, but they wanted to help the democrats ram the election through and confuse the general public.
Dennis
1:03 pm on Saturday, April 14, 2012
Sorry, but should have said 2 GENERAL election, not primary.
Jonathan Dedering
2:13 pm on Sunday, April 15, 2012
There is an error in this story. You can in fact vote for Kohl-Riggs and and a Democrat for senate. In a recall primary each race is considered a separate election and you must choose a candidate in each race. There is no straight party voting. Mark Maley of the Caledonia Patch verified this with Reid Magney of the GAB.
morninmist
6:00 pm on Sunday, April 15, 2012
And here is a reminder to all of how Untrustworthy the TeaGOP actually IS!
Chris Liebenthal @Cog_Dis
A year ago, Scott Walker testified, under oath, that he did not campaign on union busting and that Act 10 saved the state no money.#wiunion
morninmist
6:06 pm on Sunday, April 15, 2012
Kathleen Falk, Chris Sinicki, & Chris Taylor to hold online discussion on Walker’s #WarOnWomen tonight 5:30pm http://bit.ly/HWvAGh #wiunion
Friend -
We must end Gov. Walker’s ‘War on Women’ and win this recall election. Please do your part and join the discussion.
There are more than 2.8 million women in Wisconsin and Gov. Scott Walker declared war on each and every one of us.
Gov. Walker repealed Wisconsin’s equal pay law for women just last week, even though we make only 78 cents for every dollar a man makes. One of Gov. Walker’s top soldiers said that’s OK, because “money is more important for men.”
He defunded Planned Parenthood, cutting their funds for things like breast and cervical cancer screenings.
And Gov. Walker is on record saying he will “protect pharmacists who refuse to dispense birth control.”
http://bloggingblue.com/2012/04/15/kathleen-falk-chris-sinicki-and-chris-taylor-to-hold-online-discussion-on-gov-walkers-war-on-women-tonight/
.................
http://www.facebook.com/events/293895430685588/
Fred Dooley
3:50 pm on Monday, April 23, 2012
"Right now, in Wisconsin, the chief goal is to unseat Walker." That may be the chief goal in your house, but not in mine. And the election will determine the will of Wisconsin, not you.