Dear Republican Senator:

Since I wrote to you on Monday, the impasse in Madison has only grown.

The world is finally beginning to understand what we here in Milwaukee have known for years: the new governor is not the prudent, fiscally responsible, conscientious leader our state deserves.  The people of Milwaukee Country have suffered enough under his mismanagement, and if someone doesn’t put a stop to his ill-conceived power grab, our entire state will suffer.  He has clearly demonstrated that his allegiance to out of state special interests exceeds his concern for the best interest of Wisconsin’s middle class citizens.  I’m sure you agree that our governor should not use our state and its people as a steppingstone to his own national political ambitions.

The Chamber of Commerce and several municipal governments have opposed the governor’s extremist tactics.  The archdiocese has opposed the governor’s extremist tactics.   The governors of other states have agreed he has gone to far.  Respected conservative thinkers have criticized his refusal to compromise.  Public opinion is against him.   He is a disgrace to both Wisconsin and the Republican party, and if you allow him to pursue his war against teachers, librarians, sanitation workers, and other public employees, you will only betray the trust of Wisconsin families dishonor your office. 

Please remember that the legislature is an independent branch of government elected by the people.  The governor doesn’t make laws; you do.  You don’t need to let one man dictate to you how you should vote on any piece of legislation.  You have the right, even the duty, to check the power of an executive who becomes unreasonable. 

This governor is not the first power-hungry Republican politician to bring shame to our state.  Joe McCarthy was also an extremist who bullied and intimidated good American people and ruined many lives before anyone finally had the courage to challenge him. 

We need only three Republican senators of conscience and courage to take up the collective bargaining question.  Once you demonstrate a willingness to discuss that with an open mind, then you will be able to reconvene as a full house and make progress on repairing the budget.  I pray that you will be one such senator.