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Post-presidential debate poll shows a shift in WI; Teamsters won't endorse in presidential race after releasing internal polling showing most members support Trump; IL energy jobs growth is strong but lacks female workers; Pregnant, Black Coloradans twice as likely to die than the overall population.

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The Teamsters choose not to endorse a presidential candidate, county officials in Texas fight back against state moves to limit voter registration efforts, and the FBI investigate suspicious packages sent to elections offices in at least 17 states.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Big Money Behind the Mining Bill

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Monday, March 4, 2013   

MADISON, Wis. - This week, the Wisconsin State Assembly is likely to take up the controversial mining bill, SB 1, which passed in the state senate late last week on a 17-16 vote. Mike McCabe, executive director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, said "lopsided" political donations are helping move the bill through the legislature.

"The interests that were lobbying for the mining bill gave the governor and state legislators almost $16 million," he said, "and the interests that were lobbying against the mining legislation gave a little bit over $25,000."

Supporters of the bill, which would allow a huge open-pit iron mine in northern Wisconsin, have said it is all about creating much-needed jobs. McCabe countered that the will of the people is essentially being ignored.

"We've seen polls - one from a conservative think tank, one that was commissioned by an environmental group - and both of them showed that most people don't support this legislation," he said. "They've got major concerns about relaxing environmental protections."

Environmentalists are concerned about the 29 million tons of waste the open-pit mine would generate every year, and what it might do to the pristine waters of northern Wisconsin.

During the heated debate in the state senate, Republican Assistant Leader Glenn Grothman urged his fellow senators to "ignore the goofy protester types" who brought up the amount of money donated to campaigns to move the bill forward. He also called the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign a "shady organization." McCabe disagreed.

"Following that money and making the public aware of the campaign contributions are coming from powerful interests and going to people who are supposed to be representing the people of Wisconsin, is not a 'shady operation' - in fact, it's quite the opposite," McCabe said.

If the legislature passes the mining bill, Gov. Walker - who received about $11 million from the mining interests - has said he will sign it.




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