Wisconsin Capitol Damage $7.5 Mil. Plus, 22 caliber shells found on grounds

Have no fear my little mobsters, you look better everyday, thanks to the public unions in Wisconsin. For your viewing pleasure a little video from Madison. Those champions of the “middle class” and keepers of the “American Dream” left a few calling cards behind, before disbanding. Consider it a little memento of their principled stance against the man, and yes, it comes with a price tag.

First up … as workers cleaned up the grounds and surveyed the damage, they found some interesting items … live ammo.

Authorities found dozens of rounds of live ammunition outside the state Capitol building in Madison, Wis., where protesters have gathered to rally against the governor’s budget repair bill.

Dane County Sheriff’s deputies discovered 11 rounds near the State Street entrance to the building early Thursday, the Wisconsin State Journal reported.

Officials also found 29 rounds near the King Street entrance and one round near the North Hamilton Street entrance.

University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Chief Susan Riseling said the bullets were 22-caliber long rifle hollow points.

Officers conducted a sweep the grassy areas and bushes outside the Capitol, and Department of Administration lawyer Steven Means asked that the Capitol be cleared for a security check, the Wisconsin State Journal reported.

As Chris Matthews asks nearly every night on “Hardball”, what is it with the right and their guns? Oh wait, it wasn’t the right. Hey maybe this is some kinda of plot by the left to call for further gun control? Maybe this is how they will say how dangerous it is for people to own guns? Maybe it was as I stated, a calling card. I shudder to think these rounds were intended for Republicans. But then … after listening to the rhetoric (You’re F***ing dead), who knows.

Then there’s this my little mobsters.

It could cost as much as $7.5 million to repair damage protesters have done to the Capitol Building marble say officials in Madison. Fixing posters to the marble with tape and glue appears to have done the bulk of the damage.

During testimony Thursday, a representative from the Attorney General’s office said a contractor estimated it would cost $500,000 to remove all of the posters and garbage. He says it would cost $6 million to restore the marble inside of the Capitol building and another $1 million to touch up the marble outside of the building.

There’s so much more impact when you watch the video, from Channel 6 in Madison.Enjoy.

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Jim Vicevich

Jim is a veteran broadcaster and conservative/libertarian blogger with more than 25 years experience in TV and radio. Jim's was the long-term host of The Jim Vicevich Show on WTIC 1080 in Hartford from 2004 through 2019. Prior to radio, Jim worked as a business and financial reporter for NBC30 - the NBC owned TV station in Hartford - and as business editor at WFSB-TV in Hartford for 14 years while earning six Emmy nominations and three Telly Awards.

26 Comments

  1. winnie888 on March 4, 2011 at 3:00 am

    Seriously? Those "peaceful" protesters were THAT lazy that they couldn't hold up their own signs, they had to tape them to the marble (which is prohibited)?  And really, what is there to say about the live ammo?  Personally, I believe that the capitol hours should have been adhered to and all of them kicked out every afternoon/evening.  What are they?  Homeless?

    It's always disappointing when historical buildings are damaged.  The "largely peaceful protesters" along with their public sector union should be sent the bill for repairs.



  2. Plainvillian on March 4, 2011 at 3:10 am

    In Wisconsin, .22 caliber shells are probably as ubiquitous as latte stirrers in metrosexual east coast newsrooms.  Had there been no rent-a-protester mobs there, they could be ignored, but considering the threats and assaults of the benevolent socialists, they are an issue.

     

    The damages should be paid by the union members who defaced and scarred the capitol, just as the Tea Party participants had to pay for the cleanup and damages in Hartford and Washington, DC.  Oh wait, there were no cleanup or damage expenses after the Tea Party events.  Never mind.



  3. Don Lombardo on March 4, 2011 at 4:32 am

    "There ain't no rules," for Liberals. They're  trying to save us idiots and racists from ourselves. They are the second coming – and we're just to dumb to realize it.



  4. RIAP27 on March 4, 2011 at 4:37 am

    These Union protesters showed their true colors with the condition they left the capitol building in. Its shameful and disgusting. Ammmo?? Really? From liberals?? Confusion here –but I digress. The Union slopasses should be made to pay for the clean up. Period!

    The Tea Party folks always cleaned up after themselves, but the Union  protesters always leave ridiculous messes behind.

    If that is Union worker mentality towards their employer, no wonder they need Unions to protect their jobs.



  5. crystal4 on March 4, 2011 at 4:57 am

    Hysterical! Thanks!

    $7.5 million-lol-that's a lotta rubbing alcohol! (removes adhesive from marble).

    And yeah, teachers, teaching assistants and students would run around leaving live ammo there to be found!

    Was a matter of time Walker would have his people plant something-guess no one read, listened to his phone call saying that he was thinking of "plants"? No. probably not.
    http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-p
     



  6. RJ on March 4, 2011 at 7:11 am

    Walker is desperate so he will do anything to take some heat off himself. He knows he is losing and he is in trouble with his partners in crime the Koch bros. owners of georgia pacific. Walker talks alot and nothing is changed why doesn't he layoff  workers like he says? He knows this will sink him further down in the polls. The next election should be great in Wis. the unions are ready for action.



  7. Dimsdale on March 4, 2011 at 8:34 am

    Maybe the protesters should just have cleaned up after themselves to show that they are responsible citizens airing a disagreement.  Plant troublemakers in the crowd?  I doubt Walker would ever adopt actions from the Democrat playbook.  Clearly, he did not this time.  Rent a mobs are a technique used by the left.

     

    Desperation?  The state of Wisconsin is desperate, not Walker.  If the voters thought otherwise, they would have voted for a Democrat.  If there are layoffs, it will be the fault of the fleebaggers, not Walker.  What is the unemployment rate for state workers in Wisconsin right now anyway?  Is it the state average of 7.5%?

     

    Reality is catching up with the union thugs, now and in the next election.



  8. RIAP27 on March 4, 2011 at 9:37 am

    Plants? Oh please-I wouldn't be shocked if some of those protesters left the ammo there on purpose, and would later blame it on Walker, republicans, tea party people, or heck, even George Bush. That is all you liberal thugs can do, is blame everyone else but yourselves for your predicaments.

    Sorry but stains in marble are NOT that easy to clean. Rubbing alcohol can do damage on its own depending on the type and surface of the marble. I'd NEVER use that on my marble bathroom flooring to clean a stain.

    And  different tapes use different adhesives so are different chemically. Its not as easy as washing it with rubbing alcohol.

    When I hear the term "collective bargaining"-all I can think of is -Sheesh Union mentality-the  mentality of a giant hive–mind numbed fools who follow along thinking its the right thing to do even when it is hurting the country. All they get is the same as everyone else in the same wage grade-whether you are a good worker or bad and in fact the bad worker tends to benefit more from this since its HARDER to fire incompetent employees. Good workers are hurt in that they will never ever get merit pay. Been in a I Union and have seen all this hive mentality for myself. Its really sad. There is a big problem when seniority means more than how skilled or hard a worker you are. Whatever happened to individual responsibility? Unions should NOT be immune to the economic pressures that cause layoffs, salary and benefit cuts, and job loss in the private sector!! Until the private sector grows more prosperous and can afford to pay, ye who live off the taxes paid by the private sector must deal with that reality.

    The truth–Those who cannot, will not, or refuse to learn from the past–are condemned to repeat it, and in a truly free society, individuals succeed or fail by the consequences of their own conduct-good or bad.



  9. crystal4 on March 4, 2011 at 10:35 am

    "you liberal thugs"

    Name calling, attacks, nice-guess that's why I don't fit into the conservative mold as you do so well.

    Just watch Fox tonight-they'll have the scoop on that ammo-just like they had the video on the fighting at the rally!

    Oh, wait, that video had palm trees in the background-ok, never mind.

    Lessee-

    "llft the ammo there on purpose"-ya think? It was found in 3 diff corners of the building!

    I think that clean-up should go out to bid by Walker if someone gave him a $7.5 million figure, don't you think so-I mean wouldn't THAT be "Taking individual responsibility", RIAP?

    Oh, wait, Walker likes "no bid" contracts! Like selling the WI power plants to the KOCH bros for pennies on the dollar. (Senate Bill 11 is more than stopping the collective bargaining rights-the sell off is also in this bill.)

    Oh, and that "Unions should NOT be immune to the economic pressures" FYI, Walker refused to discuss the concessions that the union was willing to make-it is not about money…..

    Well guess I am out of ideas, then, RIAP..stay as sweet as you are!



  10. RIAP27 on March 4, 2011 at 11:43 am

    Hahaha most people think I am, except when I get angry and I am angry at the people that left such a mess and are of the mind they are immune to layoffs, pay cuts, benefit CUTS, and all that.  I know its not about money but pensions and oh my "collective bargaining" There is the hive mentality again.

    Do you think a person whose private sector employer goes out of business, and said person loses their job, has any recourse with any collective bargaining? Even if they have a Union, they cannot stop a company from closing if the business fails-ie RUNS OUT OF MONEY!!  Do you think that going on strike is going to bring their jobs back? Or give them pensions?

    I do not know the particulars of these KOCH bros, but did that move save the State money? Was it because it was cheaper? I'd bet on that but correct me please if I am wrong.

    Since I did not see Fox News-have no idea what you're talking about with fighting and palm trees.

    Personally I think those people who made the mess should clean it up! Or pay for it. Its THEIR mess and their responsibility.

    As far as name calling-so the other side cannot take it? Insulted by that little tag?  I've seen enough people on the liberal side take to all kinds of nasty name calling so my little comment was pretty tame and to say that your side does not is just plain wrong. I've seen your side blast tea party people and republicans in far more shameful ways than  what I said.

    I am seeing all this from long distance and also in other parts of the country from public unions and I find it disgraceful in such times of sky high unemployment to even utter a protest. SOOO many private sector people  had to take huge hits, pay cuts, and benefit cuts,  just to keep their jobs, if they were lucky not to get laid off. The money is not there. That is the reality everywhere. You should be happy you have a job!!!



  11. Dimsdale on March 4, 2011 at 2:21 pm

    I said "union thugs" not "liberal thugs", but it is the same thing.  Anytime there is violence in demonstrations, it is demonstrably ascribed to liberal/progressive/socialist/anarchists.  Palm trees or snow drifts, the story is the same.   Heck, when conservative groups have demonstrations, they police the area afterwards to make sure there.  That doesn't seem to be a feature of lefty demonstrations.

     

    Judging by the signage at the Wisconsin protests, the unions are masters of the art of ad hominem attacks.  Can you disagree?

     

    Give me more specifics on the alleged "sale of WI power plants to the KOCH bros for pennies on the dollar."  The legislation does not specify that.



  12. crystal4 on March 4, 2011 at 2:44 pm

    responding to that Riap guy re: "thugs"

    OK to say libtards, zombies, dumbocrats on a daily basis, but hey-the dems cannot utter a word-(oh, btw-the term tea baggers was first coined by the original tea party protesters , lol).

    I have not seen any signs that can compare with the horrible Hitler, the President portrayed with a bone in his nose etc-

    Here ya go-from Forbes:
    http://blogs.forbes.com/rickungar/2011/02/22/a-se
     



  13. PatRiot on March 4, 2011 at 6:42 pm

    Ya think that the protesters left the mess for their union brothers to clean up? A shovel ready job no doubt.

    More likely it is the fact that some people just expect to do as they please and leave the responsibility to someone else.  Whether there is "someone else" or not.



  14. crystal4 on March 5, 2011 at 2:41 am

    Knew this would happen-the officials say the ummm "overestimated" a bit…by $7 million +!
    http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-p
     



  15. Dimsdale on March 5, 2011 at 7:14 am

    Regardless of the amount, is it right to trash the capitol to make a point?  Also from that article:

    Department of Administration Secretary Mike Huebsch admitted Friday the $7.5 million quoted by DOA lawyer Cari Ann Renlund was "at the high end of the range" and that actual cleanup costs could be as low as $347,500.

     

    I wonder if the Wisc. voters feel relieved that the cleanup is only (low end estimate with no specialists) $347,500?

     

    Thank you for the article referencing the sale of Wisconsin properties to Koch Bros.  Here are the key paragraphs from YOUR reference:

    Note that there is absolutely no proof whatsoever that such a conspiracy in under way. This is just a theory being circulated – and, at this point, nothing more.   But it is, at the least, a theory that we will eventually be able to substantiate or finally dismiss depending on what happens to the state’s public utilities.

    Let’s all hope that the conspiracy theorists are just having some fun. Because if governors begin giving away public utilities in exchange for campaign support, we are all in very big trouble.

    UPDATE: In response to suggestions that there is a plan afoot for Koch Industries to acquire the Wisconsin public utilities assets, the company, through its spokesman Phillip Ellender,  has issued the following statement:

    We have no interest in purchasing any of the state-owned power plants in Wisconsin and any allegations to the contrary are completely false. This is a dispute between public-sector unions and democratically elected officials over how best to serve the public interest. Unfortunately, there are those who would prefer to portray it as something else entirely.

    Via Milwaukee Wisconsin Journal Sentinel

     

    Even the title of the article has a question mark!



  16. crystal4 on March 5, 2011 at 2:41 pm

    ". Because if governors begin giving away public utilities in exchange for campaign support, we are all in very big trouble."

    We are! With the abolition of slavery, you cannot own a human being…but you can still BUY a politician! 🙁

     



  17. Dimsdale on March 5, 2011 at 3:22 pm

    If governors give away public utilities to corrupt unions in exchange for campaign support, is it any different?

     

    It seems that the union's problem is that they can't buy Walker.



  18. TomL on March 6, 2011 at 3:40 am

    I've seen that there are various quotes on the clean up ranging from $316,000 to $7.5 million. I'm sure the lesser amount came from a non union open shop and the higher amount is what it will cost using the public sector union employees.



  19. Dimsdale on March 6, 2011 at 5:25 am

    LOL!



  20. crystal4 on March 6, 2011 at 12:13 pm

    LOL!!!!

    You guys don't know that the $7 mill+++ estimate was from a Walker Administrator who is a puppet of his!

    News today:

    "Touring the Capitol Friday morning with state architect Dan Stephans, Plale said he had not immediately observed any damage from demonstrations over Gov. Scott Walker's budget-repair bill, though the pair was just starting their tour. Plale said that he didn't believe the state had had any experienced contractor provide the quote on the damages.

    Amazing. In just one day, the estimate went from $7.5 million to $0. Now that's a budget repair bill."



  21. RIAP27 on March 7, 2011 at 6:05 am

    Tea baggers is not something the Tea Party ever called itself so you're wrong. Its something some one ELSE called them early on.

    Oh and all the stuff about Bush being Hitler, an imbecile, and on and on-doesn't count? The books written on how to kill Bush? Micheal Moore's rdidiculous "documentaries"?  Calling conservatives dimwitted gun toting morons, uh lets see or uneducated religious zealots, and on and on.(yet he was smart enough to coordinate 9/11" conspiracy?" Make up your minds-can't have it both ways)There are so many of those type things its ridiculous anyone on the other side could even dare complain that their opposition may do likewise with Obama and their precious party icons. You guys have been doing that for decades-so deal with it.

    Payback is a Biatch is it not????



  22. RIAP27 on March 7, 2011 at 6:15 am

    LOL riap guy?? Wow I had a sex change operation and didn't know it! ROFLMAO!

    I have work to do, and its been fun playing here but I still believe the protesters that left that heinous mess in the WI state capitol should either clean it up themselves or have to PAY for it! Going on strike, protesting, and having doctors make faux medical excuses so they get PAID while doing so with taxpayer Money in this time of economic  downturn, is despicable behavior-case closed!!!!

    The rest of this doesn't really matter at this point.

    Be thankful you HAVE A JOB!!!!

    Hahahah the Zombie Democrat thing just played- gotta say I love it!!!!



  23. crystal4 on March 7, 2011 at 10:11 am

    I think a zombie is a person that continues to post stories that were shown to be untrue, not caring, not knowing….hahaha love it!



  24. NH-Jim on March 7, 2011 at 11:52 am

    {Let's stick to the subject folks}

    No matter what the actual clean up cost are from this occupation of the state capital, there are costs incurred by this demonstration:

    <a title="Capital Chaos Cost State" href="http://www.620wtmj.com/news/local/117270338.html&quot; rel="nofollow">Police and security personnel had to remain in force 24/7 costing at least $2.1 million;

    The cost to the state from teachers using "sick-out" excuse to attend rallies and forcing school districts to close could cost <a title="Protesting Teachers Could Cost $9M" href="http://maciverinstitute.com/2011/02/teacher-sick-outs-to-cost-taxpayers-more-than-6-million/&quot; rel="nofollow">$9 million;

    The dysfunctional substitute teacher system wastes $4M per year, what would be the estimate of cost for substitutes during these rallies?

    The cost of wages and lack of personnel from municipal employees (e.g. sanitation, DPW, public safety) attending the rallies.

    Increased traffic congestion hampered commuters from reaching their work place on time.

     

    The list of costs goes on and what for?

    Require state employees to contribute 5% to their pension (they contribute 0% presently)

    Contribute 12% to their health insurance (up from 6% presently)

    Limit bargaining privileges for public employee unions to wages, not benefits and work rules.

    Not a hard pill to swallow considering what the private sector has endured.



  25. Dimsdale on March 8, 2011 at 5:12 am

    Okay, let's split the difference and say the cleanup will cost about $3 million.  Now, that set aside, whatever the cost, the bill should be sent to the teacher's union.  Or they do the cleanup themselves.

     

    Bottom line: the state of Wisconsin should NOT be picking up the bill for picking up after the union.



square-Wisconsin signs

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