Kleefisch suggests...nothing new

Rebecca Kleefisch, the former TV newswoman-turned-political candidate, says Wisconsin should follow the lead of other states by creating a hotline so public employees and concerned citizens can report abuse and fraud in state government.

The lieutenant governor wannabe is suggesting the phone number be called a state "waste line."

"Government is too porky and needs to watch its waste line," Kleefisch says in a YouTube.com announcement of the proposal, which she also discussed on her Facebook page. "Just like we had those crime tip lines (on TV news), we can easily implement a budget waste line here in the state of Wisconsin."

There's just one problem with the idea.

In 2008, Wisconsin lawmakers set up just such a hotline so anybody could call with tips regarding fraud, abuse or mismanagement in state government.

Among those voting for the proposal both in committee and on the legislative floor:

Rep. Joel Kleefisch, the Oconomowoc Republican and Rebecca's husband.

She clearly didn't do her research, or doesn't have the right explanation to differentiate her proposal from what's already being done.

Here's the thing: I don't think Lt. Gov. IS marketing like she's raving about. It's cutting spending, yes. It's weeding out waste, sure. But it's by slashing the budget, not a "tip line."

If you can't do something with that position, it shouldn't exist. Kudos, Rep. Brett Davis, for stating the obvious.

In the meantime, voters are looking for substantive, NEW, fresh ideas from the candidates from the Lt. Gov. GOP Primary.

"Pretty conservative" Kleefisch is already behind.

Kleefisch's pre-announcement uninspiring

I just read this (yes, I'm a little behind and lacking blog inspiration) on Steppin' Right Up. And I gotta say, the letter from Rebecca Kleefisch announcing her candidacy for Lieutenant Governor isn't floatin' my boat.

Now I've never met Rebecca, and I am sure she is a lovely lady. However, a few beefs:

When I first introduced myself to you via e-mail, I sent you a link to my video blog, my Youtube Channel called "RebeccaForReal". That's how I'm known on Twitter and Flickr, too. It's because in the world of politics, I think there are too few willing to be just that--real. With me, what you see is what you get: a dose of kitchen table common sense from a marketing contractor/TEA party speaker/political watchdog/mom!

Here's where it starts. What are ya, honey? The slashes are NOT professional, and they seem extremely casual like you just filled out a chain-email survey about how best to describe yourself in one word. And couldn't limit it to one word, because ya gotta be real!

Let's think commas and literary style.

That's probably why I was approached last May to run for Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin. Combine my private sector marketing expertise with our future Republican Governor's public sector success and you have a ticket with broad life experience, and the best CEO and VP of Marketing Wisconsin could get! That's how I see these jobs: while the Governor fixes the business climate of our state as our CEO, we need our Lt. Governor, our Marketing VP, working on the marketing efforts to let job creators know, "Wisconsin is open for business again!"

This is just a mess.

I'm glad you have a vision for each position, but this is starting to feel like an essay from a kid who didn't study for the latest 12th grade government exam.

And, we all know it's Walker you're talking about, without having to ask. Why not just come out and endorse him?

I'm writing you now to let you know that I have filed my papers to become a Lieutenant Governor candidate. I would love to meet you personally and, if you allow it, speak at your Lincoln/Reagan Day functions or others where you allow candidates to talk. Would you please e-mail me the dates of events like these on your county's calendar?

Again with the slashes!

This is extremely idealistic, that county parties and GOP vols actually care or take initiative. On the contrary. You're going to have to do the legwork yourself. With this many candidates (what is it, 6 now?), you will fall into the cracks if you expect them to give a rat's patoot about squeezing you onto any speaking agenda. Get in there, and ROAR woman!

In the meantime, please continue to look for my new video blogs, released every Thursday on Youtube. When I officially launch my candidacy, the videos will also be available through my website. When that happens, I'll be sure you send you a headshot and a link in case you like to post those on your website or Facebook page.

So this isn't an official announcement? It's a pre-announcement announcement to GOP insiders. A mere preview of what's to come - the headshot, of course.

Why send this out before the big bang?

And lastly, YouTube is a great modern tool for reaching voters hidden behind screens, Blackberries, iPhones and Tweetdeck all day. It's great to see local candidates using it, but careful of the talking heads and taupe background walls!

While this may seem a harsh review, it's not about the lady, it's about the email sent from a candidate or her campaign for Lieutenant Governor. This is a critical year for the GOP in Wisconsin. I am looking seriously at these candidates, and expect their campaigns to be innovative and fresh, yet with professional, well-written materials and attitudes behind the work they present to the voters.

So far, I haven't felt the need to hit Fandango.com for the opening night of Kleefisch for Lt. Gov.

Spencer "I rule" Coggs

Spencer Coggs is thinking about Lt. Gov.

Why? Because, apparently, he thinks he's awesome.

Upon hearing current Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton had plans to run for governor, Coggs discussed the possibility of running for lieutenant governor with several friends.

“I began to think about it, and again, it makes sense to me. I’ve been in office for 26 years,” he said.

“My advantage would be the fact that I have an excellent record with the progressive community ... and no one has a better labor record than I,” he said. “I just have a wealth of relationships across the state.”

And why not, Rep. Coggs? Why not. Everyone else and their mother is running for that seat.