For those nay-sayers out there who say that politics is never fun, I would direct you to the press release issued today by Representative Kagen's campaign. Even though "tensions are high," politics can be lighthearted and enjoyable!

Tensions are high on Capitol Hill - and it has nothing to do with politics.

Monday’s Packers game against the Broncos is pitting roommate against roommate,
imperiling domestic tranquility for Green Bay’s Congressional representative.

Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D. shares his Washington rental with Congressman Ed Perlmutter – the representative from suburban Denver, and a devoted Broncos fan.

The two have a gentleman’s wager riding on the outcome of Sunday’s game. “When
the Packers win, my esteemed colleague from Colorado, the Honorable Ed
Perlmutter, will deliver a case of Coors beer. In the unlikely event the Broncos
prevail, he will receive a case of Miller. My staff is looking forward to
enjoying the Coors,” Congressman Kagen said.

I just wanted to post a quick one today to congratulate the winners of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin's Eleanor Roosevelt Awards. These women are all so truly deserving. They have given their time, their talents, and their energies to making sure that Democrats are elected up and down the ballot.

So congratulations go out to:
- Marlys Matuszak, Lifetime Achievement Award
- Kira Brenner, Rising Star Award (side note: Kira is also the College Democrats of Wisconsin Chair!)
- Representative Tamara Grigsby, Elected Leader
- Janice Tobak, Grassroots Activisit
- Dian Palmer, Statewide Impact

We are so proud of all you do! Congratulations!

At the end of every day I take a look at The Wheeler Report online to see what people said in Wisconsin politics for the day. I love being able to look directly at the press releases from various officials and organizations. Today, I found one that I wanted to share with all of you from State Representative Tamara Grigsby which can be found here.

The press release certainly had some good news, but it also had some bad news. First the good stuff! Wisconsin students in grades 4 through 8 ranked above the national average according to the 2007 National Reading Report Card. This is great to see that the next generation of voters is ahead of the national curve.

Unfortunately, it isn't all sunshine and happy days. Wisconsin, according to the press release and the report, ranked highest in the achievement gap between black and white students. This is an alarming fact! Here in Wisconsin we had the highest.... I will repeat HIGHEST..... achievement gap between white and black students.

I'm not really sure how to respond to this. I know that it means we need to invest more money into the public school system to help get students to the next level. I think that we also need to pay attention to legislation before both the State Legislature and Congress. With items such as No Child Left Behind up for reauthorization, it is vital that we include provisions that will close that gap.

I know this is a short post, but I just wanted to share that little fact with you. So thank you Representative Grigsby for bringing it to our attention. Hopefully in the 2008 report card Wisconsin will have no achievement gap.