New group will encourage state legislators to be polite
10:14 PM 11/13/02
Scott Milfred State government reporter

First there was the Council for Civility in Government.

Next came the Statesmanship Coalition.

Now a group of Wisconsin lawmakers has formed the New Patriotism Caucus, a third attempt in as many years to clean up personal conduct at the state Capitol.

"This is building on the efforts" of the past, said Rep. Dan Schooff, D-Beloit, one of about a dozen lawmakers Wednesday who launched the latest effort to encourage civility and cooperation among state legislators.

This time around, the bipartisan group can point to the Capitol corruption scandal as evidence that a more positive and respectful atmosphere is needed. The group also is getting help from the Harwood Institute for Public Innovation in Bethesda, Md.

"Social change comes about by trial and error, and it's very seldom that the first time out something succeeds," said Richard Harwood, head of the nonprofit institute. "And you know the old saying: The third time's the charm. And this is the third time."

The New Patriotism Caucus plans to meet in January to consider new rules for legislative conduct. They hope their numbers will grow considerably. They also expect support from a new crop of legislative leaders, some of whom were elected by peers this week.

"How those leaders conduct themselves still has to emerge," said former Democratic Gov. Tony Earl.

Earl and former Republican Gov. Lee Dreyfus lent their support to the New Patriotism Caucus on Wednesday. They agreed that the tone of debate at the Capitol has been especially nasty and divisive in recent years.

"The first tangible sign (that things are changing) will be if the whole issue of rules and conduct become a key issue and not let (the state) budget and deficit drown it out," Dreyfus said. "That's the first thing I'm looking for. Then the second thing I'm looking for is the first time the Legislature as a body blows the whistle on a member."

Earl suggested that the New Patriotism Caucus press for legislation banning fund raising during the state budget process. That might eliminate the appearance of special interest groups and wealthy individuals buying favors.

But Sen. Ted Kanavas, R-Brookfield, said the group will focus on personal conduct, not legislation.

"We want to have fights over principle," Kanavas said. "There's nothing wrong with that. That is healthy. What is unhealthy is the personal (animosity). That has to go away."

Rep. Mark Miller, D-Monona, said the group will try to restore public trust in state lawmakers.

But Rep. Al Ott, R-Forest Junction, said he's worried the latest effort may fail like the previous two.