Wisconsin Right Now

The final snapshot of Wisconsin’s races for governor and U.S. Senate reveals the Republicans have momentum heading into next month’s election. The latest Marquette Law School Poll gives Republican Senator Ron Johnson a six-point lead over Democrat Mandela Barnes, 52-46, among likely voters. The poll gives Gov. Tony Evers a one-point lead over Republican Tim Michels, 47-46, among the same likely voters. “The gap has narrowed,” MU lead pollster Charles Franklin said Wednesday. “In August Evers was up by four points, then in September by three, and now by one point.” Franklin said there’s a similar trend in the race for U.S. Senate. “We had Barnes by seven the week after the [August] Primary,” Franklin explained. “Then it tightened to a one-point Johnson advantage in September, And now it’s a six point Johnson advantage in October.” Franklin said the tightening in both races is not because more Republicans or Democrats are making up their minds. It’s because of independent vot

It’s the latest snapshot of just how many parents in Wisconsin want to explore educational options for their kids. Tuesday was the first day for parents to enroll in the state’s Private School Choice Program. By midday, the state’s website crashed because of a flood of applications. “Due to high volume, the system is temporarily unavailable,” read a note at the Department of Public Instruction’s website. Jim Bender with School Choice Wisconsin is not surprised. “We know from talking to schools that interest in the program is very high. Many new parents are seeking options,” Bender said. Bender said it won't be known just how many more parents will opt their kids out of traditional public schools until the fall. But the trend is that more parents will make a choice. Enrollment figures from last year showed more students enrolled in Wisconsin’s four school choice programs. Wisconsin Private School Choice Enrollment While Tuesday brought a flood of parents to Wi