Doyle Distracted

As I wrote earlier in the week, it appeared to me that Governor Doyle was in a hurry to get his State of the State Address over with. His speech was written well, by that office’s standards (Jim Doyle is not a Where Eagles Soar, Harley’s Roar and Packers’ Score kind of guy). But the address seemed disjointed, rushed and unfocused.

Well, although I haven’t seen this reported anywhere, I may have stumbled across one of the reasons for Doyle’s flat performance. ***

The advocates for Milwaukee’s poor children who attend choice schools have been orchestrating a series of brilliant moves. We know about the radio and newspaper ads. (an excellent job by MMAC by the way), and ACE has been running TV spots as well. But there’s been a lot more to their advocacy.

On the night of the State of the State Address, approximately 80 choice students, most of whom are black, were within the walls of the Capitol building. In fact, many of them were in the State Assembly Chambers’ gallery. So Doyle had to face these kids throughout his hour at the podium.

The kids were dressed in bright green T-shirts. Maybe they know green gets Doyle’s attention? Anyway, green has become the symbol of those who want to end the cap. The school choice advocates have distributed thousands of green rubber bracelets and lapel pins, many of which were worn by lawmakers and staff the night of the speech.

Now, the Journal Sentinel reports Doyle “appeared to send stronger signals that he is willing to negotiate,” as in reasonably negotiate.

I still predict Doyle will only acquiesce to a short-term reprieve to get past the November election, but clearly the advocacy of the past few weeks has been well done, and apparently is having an impact.


*** I should note that some staffers (both GOP and Dem) and journalists suggested Doyle was distracted by the growing fundraising/contract investigation. But that is for a later post.