Ed Thompson for Wisconsin Governor | News

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Events

11/4/2002	First Debate Protest
Capturing the spirit of Ed's campaign at the debate protest.
9/10/2002	Ed Thompson Voting In Primary
Ed and a few friends gathered at his Mr. Ed's Tee Pee Supper Club, took the walk across the street to vote at the Tomah Fire Station around 9:00 primary election morning. Ed found friends working at the voter check-in tables and had the opportunity to vote side by side with his son Chip. Turnout was high at the Tomah Fire Station. One election worker joked that Ed Thompson shouldn't run for any more offices because, whenever he does, there is way too much work at the polls.
9/10/2002	Primary Night Party
Ed Thompson joined with local supporters, and a few people who traveled across the state, to celebrate the primary election at his Mr. Ed's Tee Pee Supper Club in Tomah the night of Tuesday, September 10th. Ed had a great time talking with old and new friends and discussing the primary results with the media. Highlights of the night included hearing the vote totals of Tomah where Ed has owned the Tee Pee for 12 years and served as Mayor and of Elroy where Ed lived most of his life. Ed won, in Tomah, 58% of the votes cast for all governor candidates of all parties and 57% of the votes in Elroy.
9/3/2002	Ladysmith Tornado
Ed drove up to Ladysmith before daylight on Tuesday, September 3rd, the day after the tornado hit Ladysmith. Ed talked with his running-mate Marty Reynolds, Mayor of Ladysmith, about the city's recovery effort and toured the city. Both Marty and Ed commented on the blessing that nobody was killed. Marty, who had been working non-stop to help organize the recovery in his city, said, "It is going to be a long process. Our entire downtown is destroyed. We lost most of our commercial district. We are far from out, and we are coming on strong." Over 500 volunteers were ready to help early that morning. The pictures from Marty's home/bed and breakfast here illustrate the extent of damage done by the tornado. The Libertarian Party of Wisconsin is collecting tax-deductable contributions to help the people of Ladysmith. To contribute, please mail a check or money order made out to the "Ladysmith Tornado Relief Fund" and mail it to the following address: Libertarian Party of Wisconsin, P.O.Box 20815, Greenfield, WI 53220-0815. Marty and other members of the community created the Ladysmith Tornado Relief Fund to help rebuild Ladysmith and aid tornado victims under the guidance of a committee made up of people from the area.
8/27/2002	Tax Reduction Pledge Signing
Ed Thompson signed his Tax Reduction Pledge at his Mr. Ed's Tee Pee Supper Club in Tomah on August 27, 2002. Regarding signing the pledge at the supper club Ed has built into a profitable business and a Monroe County destination over the last 12 years, Ed said, "There is no better place I could imagine signing the pledge. As a small business owner for the past 34 years, I know first-hand the hardships of high taxes and the importance of dramatically reducing taxes in Wisconsin." The Tax Reduction Pledge states: "I, Ed Thompson, pledge that as Governor I will: (1) Fight against and veto any and all state tax or fee increases. This includes so-called automatic tax increases such as the recent gas tax increase. (2) fight against and veto any expansion of what the state taxes or what the state subjects to fees. (3) Fight to, and propose state budgets that will, dramatically lower taxes and take Wisconsin off the list of the top ten taxed states in the nation. (4) Fight to dramatically reduce state spending and refuse to sign any budget that fails to cut spending. (5) Fight against and veto any and all decreases in shared revenue that would result in local governments having to raise taxes or fees."
8/6/2002	Beaver Dam Campaign
On August 6th, Ed Thompson campaigned in Beaver Dam with Dodge County supporter, John Kirchburg. Ed visited with several small business owners and voters about their concerns for the upcoming election. After stopping in Beaver Dam, Ed traveled to Waupun where he met with local community leaders for a luncheon.
8/6/2002	Charlie Sykes Interview
Tuesday, August 6th, Ed Thompson visited with Charlie Sykes while campaigning at the Wisconsin State Fair in Milwaukee. WTMJ is the highest rated AM talk show in Milwaukee. Sykes said he plans to have all gubernatorial candidates on his talk show before the election, but decided to have Ed on first because he is the most interesting candidate. Ed did the interview live at the fairgrounds. Ed Thompson was on the show for one hour and answered several questions from callers.
8/3/2002	Fund Raising Picnic
Ed Thompson managed a little time on his way back from the Wisconsin State Fair to attend Tim Peterson's Fund Raising picnic in Waukesha County on August 3rd.
8/1/2002	Ed, Sly, and State Fair
The hardest working candidate for Governor started the month of August at 4:00am., when he left Tomah for a long day of campaigning. The first stop was in Madison where he visited with Sly, the highest rated talk radio show during the morning drive time. Several callers voiced approval and support of Ed's efforts to reform Wisconsin politics. From there, Ed stopped at the Middleton Chamber of Commerce's breakfast meeting where he visited with Middleton Newspaper reporter, George Zens. Following the interview and meeting, Ed traveled to Milwaukee where he welcomed fair goers at the annual Wisconsin State Fair.
7/26/2002	July 26 - 28 Northwoods Trip
From July 26th to the 28th, the Ed Thompson campaign made another trip to Wisconsin's Northwoods, visiting fairs and festivals in Douglas, Polk, Burnett, Eau Claire, Iron, and Dunn Counties over the weekend. The response from voters was wonderful. At every stop, people came up to Ed and wanted to meet him and tell him how much they supported his bid for Governor. Ed's son, Joshua, and fellow volunteers Paul Weir and Tim Wesley rode along with Ed in the "War Wagon," until it died just south of Superior. Long time supporter, Neil Caflish drove Ed the rest of the weekend. Ed's next trip to Superior will be in August. Until then, the majority of his campaign effort will be concentrated on the Fox Valley and Milwaukee areas.
7/24/2002	Washington County Fair
After spending most of the day at the EAA Air Show in Oshkosh, Ed made a stop at the Washington County Fair. Ed had the opportunity to walk through the livestock buildings, visit with vendors and answer questions from voters walking around the fair. Ed also had a radio interview with a local county station.
7/22/2002	Mercer Fund Raiser
On Monday, July 22nd, Ed Thompson traveled to Wisconsin's Northwoods to talk to reporters and visit with voters at a fund raiser in Mercer, WI. Throughout his campaign, Ed has worked harder and smarter than any other candidate. Ed realizes the importance of getting votes in the Milwaukee area, but has not forgotten that life exists in Wisconsin above Hwy 8. Guy and Betsy Ulman helped sponsor a wonderful fund raiser at their supper club in Mercer. Ed met with several supporters before making the five-hour trip back home.
6/20/2002	Marty Reynolds for Lt. Governor Announcement Tour
Ed and his choice for lieutenant governor, State Assemblyman and Ladysmith Mayor Marty Reynolds, announced Reynolds joining the ticket in stops in Madison,Milwaukee, and Green Bay on Thursday, June 20th, and Mosinee, Eau Claire, and Tomah on Friday, June 21st. The stops gave the media a chance to discuss the campaign with Ed and his new running mate. Local supporters also dropped in at the events to see history in the making. Marty, just a couple of weeks earlier, had announced he would not seek reelection to the state assembly due to his disgust with the corruption in state government. A six term Democrat legislator, Marty has a history of independence, breaking with party leadership on issues of personal freedom to take strong stands including in support of gun rights and private property rights and in opposition to the growing corruption in state government.
5/27/2002	Monona Memorial Day Parade
Ed walked the Monona Memorial Day Parade route Monday, May 27th. At the parade, Ed had a great time meeting with parade participants and the people who lined the street for the show.
5/19/2002	Lake Delton Fundraiser
Ed enjoyed an afternoon pig roast with friends and campaign supporters at the Port Vista Bar at Lake Delton on Sunday, May 19th. From great live music performed by John Conners to delicious pork sandwiches to the beautiful view off the deck, the afternoon was all about having a good time while helping to bring real change to Wisconsin.
5/19/2002	440th Airlift Wing Show in Milwaukee
Ed attended an air show and parachute jump of the 440th Airlift Wing at General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee the morning of Sunday, May 19. Ed enjoyed seeing the military epuipment displayed and watching the parachute jump. Most of all, Ed, who served in the Navy during the Vietnam War, enjoyed talking with the soldiers at the show, several of whom had spent time at Camp Williams near Tomah.
5/19/2002	Car Show in Waukesha
Ed stopped at a huge car show at the Waukesha County Expo on the way to a fundraiser at Lake Delton. Ed enjoyed the beautiful afternoon, meeting people and checking out the cars. Ed particularly enjoyed looking at the Corvettes, having owned a few over the years. Ed also found a truck that he likely helped build when he worked on the Janesville auto plant assembly line.
5/18/2002	24th Annual Wisconsin Polkafest in Concord
Ed Thompson had a great time stopping in at the 24th Annual Wisconsin Polkafest on Friday, May 19th at the Concord House in Concord. The fest, sponsored by The Wisconsin Polka Boosters, Inc., featured nine bands and hundreds upon hundreds of fantastic polka dancers from Wisconsin and around the country. Ed met many Wisconsinites out for a good time and particularly enjoyed a long discussion about polka in Wisconsin with Jerry Carey of Wisconsin Polka Boosters Inc. While enjoying the festivities, Ed signed a petition asking the next governor (that's Ed!) to attend the annual Polka awards event. Ed also updated Janny Lee, who was covering the fest, and the viewers of her PAX television show on recent deleopements in Ed's governor campaign.
5/18/2002	UNITE! Forum
Ed participated in a forum sponsored by the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees (UNITE!) at the Ramada Inn in Janesville the morning of Saturday, May 18th. During the forum, Ed answered questions from union members on topics ranging from improving Wisconsin's economy to health care to union organizing. After the forum, Ed took the UNITE! members up on the invitation to stay for lunch. This allowed Ed to talk more informally with UNITE! members about their concerns.
5/18/2002	Concord Inn of Concord
Ed dropped in at the Concord Inn in Concord on Saturday, May 18th after visiting with participates in the 24th Annual Wisconsin Polkafest at Concord House down the road. In the brief campaign stop, Ed met, and shared some laughs with everyone at the tavern. Ed also had a chance to meet with the tavern owners--and big campaign supporters--Eric and Lori Fromgren, as well as Jefferson County Campaign Chair, Steve Hepp, and Concord House owner, Jack Bender.
5/18/2002	Elk Lodge of Watertown
Ed enjoyed visiting the Watertown Elk Lodge the evening of Saturday, May 18th. There, Ed talked with people enjoying a fabulous salmon dinner downstairs, the men who were cooking up the salmon out back, and the people enjoying the evening at the bar upstairs. Ed even got a chance to talk with members of the local band that played great songs all evening upstairs.
5/14/2002	Wilton Habitat for Humanity
On Tuesday, May 14th, Ed traveled to Wilton, a small village near Tomah, to visit a Habitat for Humanity site. Ed had helped raise money for the project. A former employee of Ed's at the Tee Pee Supper Club will be moving into the house. Ed helped some construction workers while he was on the site. Ed was invited to the site by the foreman, Doug Moore, a friend of Ed's. About halfway through Ed's visit, Senator Rod Moen (D-Whitehall) showed up to congratulate the workers on their hard work.
5/13/2002	State Employees Political Action Committee Forum
Ed participated in the State Employees Political Action Committee (SEPAC) forum at the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) union offices in Madison on Monday, May 13th. In the forum, Ed talked about his experience as a union worker while working at the Oxford federal prison, the Janesville UAW plant, on the railroad, and elsewhere. Ed also discussed the important role unions play in Wisconsin and how Ed, as mayor of Tomah, negotiated contracts with city workers. Before and after the forum, Ed enjoyed meeting with union members from around Wisconsin.
5/10/2002	Wisconsin Conservation Congress Forum
Ed participated in the Wisconsin Conservation Congress forum on Friday, May 10th, in Wisconsin Dells. Speaking to the over 300 people assembled, Ed expressed his strong support for the right to bear arms and said that, unlike the current governor, Ed will fight for concealed carry as governor. Democrat candidates James Doyle and Kathleen Falk both said they oppose concealed carry. Ed spoke about his support of finding alternative sources of funding fish and game programs to reduce license fees, except that raising any taxes or adding any new taxes to do so would not be an option. Ed said he would restore the public intervener office and support having the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) head appointed by the DNR board. Ed also said he supports the proposed state constitutional amendment to protect the right to hunt, fish, and trap. Ed noted that the right to hunt, fish, and trap is a basic human right that Ed would fight for as governor whether or not there is a constitutional amendment specifically protecting it.
5/9/2002	Milwaukee Campaign Stop
On Thursday, May 9th, Ed Thompson left Tomah at 5:30a.m. The day included newspaper and radio interviews in Ripon. Ed also stopped in Fond du Lac to shake hands of restaurant goers. He also was interviewed with CBS 58 from Milwaukee. Ed ended up in Milwaukee where he met with supporters and volunteers to try to get things going in the south eastern part of the state.
5/7/2002	Columbus Dairy Farm
Ed stopped near Columbus to visit with Adrian "J.R." Powers, Ed's friend from Ed's days at UW-Madison, at J.R.'s dairy farm near Columbus. Along with Ed, for the visit, was Jim Meckstroth, a retired cattle buyer who also was Ed's Toughman boxing trainer. Ed and J.R. had a great time talking about their college days in Madison. They also discussed issues related to dairy farming in Wisconsin. Ed enjoyed a short break in campaigning the visit with J.R. and J.R.'s family provided.
5/7/2002	Ackerville Bridge Project Public Information Meeting
Ed attended the state Department of Transportation's Ackerville Bridge Project public information meeting at Slinger Middle School in Slinger on Tuesday, May 7th. At the meeting, Ed criticized the proposed multi-million dollar bridge over a couple railroad tracks and a rural intersection as an example of big money pushing unneeded and unwanted highway expansion. Ed also criticized the artificial separation of the Ackerville Bridge Project from the rest of the 22 mile Highway 164 expansion as a political trick by the state to avoid otherwise required environmental studies and respect for Native American burial grounds. Ed expressed particular concern about a study indicating the presence of contaminants and the discovery of Native American burial grounds in the path of the proposed construction project.
5/4/2002	AFSCME Councils Forum
Ed participated in American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Councils 40 and 48 forum in AFSCME's Madison offices on the afternoon of Saturday May 4. Ed spoke about what he seeks to accomplish as governor as well as about his history as a union worker in the Janesville auto plant, at the Oxford federal prison, on the railroad, and elsewhere. Ed also discussed how, as Tomah mayor, he handled a negotiation with city workers over pay and benefits that resulted in the city saving money while the city workers walked away with pay increases five times the expected amount over the next three years. Following his comments, Ed responded to 13 questions from AFSCME largely focused on how Ed planned to deal with the state budget deficit.
4/30/2002	Washington D.C. Trip
Ed visited Washinton, D.C. for the first time Tuesday, April 30th through Thursday, May 2nd. It was an eventful trip, with Ed meeting with his brother, Health and Human Services Secretary, Tommy Thompson at the National Press Club and at Tommy's office, being briefed on policy issues by Cato Institute scholars, discussing the need for dramatic tax reduction at a gathering of tax fighting activists at a National Taxpayers Union, and being honored at a National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws reception. Ed also took some time to visit with the staff of the Libertarian Party's national headquarters and to see some of Washington, D.C.'s sites.
4/25/2002	Southwestern Wisconsin Campaign Trip
Keeping his commitment to travel to all corners of the state, on April 25th, Ed Thompson made several campaign stops in Southwestern Wisconsin. The stops included both radio and newspaper interviews with local media outlets including the UW-Platteville school paper. Ed also walked the streets of Schullsburg with LaFayette County Coordinator Vern Jackson. After meeting many of the residents, Ed had a small fund raiser where he gained several supporters. Ed realizes that all parts of Wisconsin need good jobs and he plans to do what it takes to bring those jobs to the people that need them.
4/17/2002	UW-Oshkosh Speech
Ed spoke to two UW-Oshkosh American Government classes the morning of Wednesday, April 17th. After talking to the students in each class about his accomplishments as Tomah mayor, including dramatically reducing the city debt, establishing a Senior and Disabled Center at no taxpayer cost, and opening up city government to public scrutiny, Ed addressed how he would solve significant state problems including the state budget deficit and high taxes. After each speech, Ed answered student's questions regerding his proposals, including his proposals to decriminalize marijuana and to cut the fat in the UW system to prevent tuition hikes.
4/16/2002	Wausau Education Forum
Ed participated in a Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC) forum in Wausau on Tuesday evening April 16th before hundreds of WEAC members. Ed emphasized, as at other education forums, his commitment to establishing local control of schools and to moving money away from runaway bureaucracy and into the classroom. Distinguishing himself from all four Democrat candidates, who were also present at the forum, Ed also reiterated his support for expanding school choice statewaide.
4/16/2002	Ho-Chunk Nation Forum
Ed participated in a Ho-Chunk Nation Forum the afternoon of Tuesday, April 16th at the Ho-Chunk Convention and Visitors Center. Ed and others in attendance heard a moving drum circle preceeding the forum. In the forum, Ed answered questions concerning issues including relations between the state of Wisconsin and the Ho-Chunk Nation and other Native American Nations and the importance of respecting sacred sites. Ed also discussed, in the forum, the valuable contributions Ho-Chunk people have made in his City of Tomah and Ed's desire to appoint a Native American to his cabinet as governor. After the forum, Ed had the opportunity to speak briefly with several Ho-Chunk Nations leaders.
4/16/2002	Racine Kiwanas Club
Ed met with and spoke to members of the Racine Kiwanas Club at the beautiful Plymouth Congregational Church the morning of Tuesday, April 16th. In a short speech, Ed highlighted his accomplishments as mayor of Tomah. In particular, Ed discussed how he helped create a Senior and Disabled Committee that had never before existed in Tomah and how he delivered on a campaign promise to create a Senior and Disabled Center at no cost to taxpayers. Ed also discussed a no tax cost program he helped develope in Tomah to provide wheelchairs and other needed supplies to the elderly and his successful effort to reduce Tomah's $31 million debt by $5 million.
4/15/2002	Elkhorn Fundraiser
Ed met supporters and delivered a speech at a fundraiser at "Delisle" in Elkhorn on April 15th. Being Tax Day, Ed addressed a timely issue--the overspending and overtaxing in Madison--and Ed's plan for dramatic spending cuts to deal with the problem. Ed referred to Madison's addiction to taxing and spending without constraint as Career Politician Syndrome and said the only cure was to elect a common man with common sense governor. Ed also addressed the corruption in Madison evidenced by the caucus scandal, stating that his commitment to not take Political Action Committee (PAC) money, to enact term limits, and to demand accountability is what is needed to clean up the mess.
4/15/2002	Jefferson County Cattle Show
Ed attended a Jefferson County cattle show on Monday, April 15th, walking through the barns and talking with the cattle owners who were preparing their cattle for the show. Among the people Ed met were a number of strong supporters and old friends. Like with many people on April 15th, Tax Day, Wisconsin's high taxes were on the minds of many people with whom Ed talked. The corruption in Madison was also a big comcern.
4/15/2002	Shooting Pool In Elkhorn
Ed, on the way to an evening at the Elkhorn reception/fundraiser, stopped in Walworth County Ed Thompson Campaign Co-Chair Dan Ward's tavern, the Sports Page in downtown Elkhorn to talk with Dan and customers. While there, Ed and Matt Bia (a Washington DC reporter who traveled with Ed for a few days to research a story for the New York Times Magazine) shot pool in games against Ed's campaign crew and Sports Page customers.
4/13/2002	The Libertarian Convention
The Wisconsin State Libertarian Convention was held Saturday April 13 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison. A distinguished panel of speakers included New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson, Madison Radio Host John "Sly" Sylvester, Wisconsin's next governor Ed Thompson, and author Vin Suprenowicz.
4/11/2002	Harambee School Speech
On April 11th, Ed Thompson made a stop at the Harambee Voucher School in downtown Milwaukee. Ed gave a speech to the 8th grade class, talking about his life and expanding the voucher system thoughout Wisconsin.
4/11/2002	Supporters At Rest Stop
Ed Thompson gains supporters at a rest stop between Madison and Tomah, After a long day on the campaign trail, Ed still talks with Wisconsin voters well after midnite.
4/10/2002	Construction Site In Marquette
After an interview with Marquette's student newspaper, Ed stopped by a construction site to talk to some hard-working construction workers. They are building student housing for the new Marquette Dental School.
4/9/2002	The Today Show With Ed Thompson
NBC's the "Today Show" followed around the Ed Thompson campaign from Tuesday, April 9th, through Thursday, April 11th. The "Today Show" film crew took footage as they traveled to Baraboo, Merrimac, Whitwater, and Milwaukee.
4/2/2002	Mayorial Election in Tomah
Ed Thompson and his son Chip voted in Tomah's mayorial election Tuesday, April 2. Although Ed enjoyed his term as mayor, he said he looked forward to becoming Wisconsin's next governor.
4/1/2002	Oshkosh Crossroads TV Show
Ed was interviewed for the full hour on the show "Crossroads" on Channel 2 in Oshkosh on Monday, April 1st. The interview, with hosts Jim Mather and Tony Palermi, then aired for several evenings. Ed discussed many issues during the show, which focused largely on solving the state budget deficit. The show is part of a series of interviews with governor candidates.
3/30/2002	Elroy Easter Parade
On March 30th, Ed was invited to ride in a convertible for the Elroy Easter Parade. As you can see, Ed did not last long in the car, as everyone lining the streets wanted to talk to their old friend. After beginning the parade as one of the first attractions, Ed was the last person to finish.
3/28/2002	Ed Working with Tomahs Garbage Crew
As mayor, Ed wanted to see first hand the concerns of both Tomah's residents and Tomah's city workers. On March 28th, Ed rode along with the city's garbage collectors on a cold, snowy, rainy morning. Ed said that he can relate well with the workers. "I'm just a common man," Ed said. "Can you picture any of the other candidates out here on a rainy morning picking up garbage?"
3/27/2002	Fort Atkinson Fund Raiser
Ed had a great time meeting with many local aupporters at a campaign fund raiser held at the Belmont Casino in Fort Atkinson. Richard Halverson, owner of the Belmont Casino, hosted the event. There were so many Ed Thompson signs around that the Belmont Casino looked as much like a campaign headquarters as a tavern.
3/23/2002	Newville 27th Annual Break-in-the-Weather Party
Ed Thompson was a guest of honor at Newville's 27th Annual Break-in-the-Weather Party at the Anchor Inn Sports Bar and Grill. About 10,000 people attend the party each year. At the event, Ed was a judge in the belly flop contest. Ed was one of four judges ranking the brave divers' jumps into the cold river water. After two jump-offs, Dan Johnson and Shelley Mules remained tied and were declared co-champions. Thirteen jumpers, including one who dedicated her jump to Ed, took the dive. Ed said he would jump in the river next year if he is elected governor.
3/23/2002	Portage Gun Show
Ed Thompson was an honored guest at the Portage Gun Show sponsored by the Portage Rod and Gun Club. Speaking with vendors and attendees at the show individually and over the PA system, Ed stressed his support for the right to bear arms and his commitment to clean up a state government recently caught up in scandals and corruption. Ed has attended numerous gun shows during his campaign for governor.
3/23/2002	Green Bay Meet and Greet
Ed Thompson dropped in at the "Green Bay Meet and Greet" for local candidates in the spring election. Ed had a great time talking with the local candidates and Green Bay residents.
3/14/2002	Ed's Travels in Superior, WI
Thursday, March 14th, Ed Thompson traveled to Superior, WI for a fund raiser and a stop at Jerry Boland's gun shop. Ed even took out a little time to spend time with a few of Superior's other businessmen. The event took place on what Ed called the worst snow storm he had ever been in. Thanks to the hard work of several volunteers and committed supporters, the fund raiser was a success and raised more than $3,000 for the campaign.
3/13/2002	Ed Speaking to Students at UW-Whitewater
Ed was invited to speak to the UW-Whitewater campus for the second time. Prior to speaking to two political science classes, students had the opportunity to meet Ed in the school cafeteria. Paul Weir, a student at UW-Whitewater and Co-Chairman of the Ed Thompson campaign in Walworth County, helped organize the event.
3/4/2002	Ed Thompson on Northwoods Visit
Ed Thompson visited the Northwoods again this week to talk to tavern owners in Villas and Langeglad Counties. Ed stopped at "Tommy's Bar" in Eagle River Monday morning before trekking south to Antigo where he also talked to a local radio station and the Antigo Daily Journal. From there Ed traveled to Portage County where he met with several more tavern owners to discuss the upcoming race. The day ended in Green Bay where he prepared for his address to students at UW-Green Bay on Tuesday morning. Tuesday morning Ed spoke to two government classes and the school's newspaper.
3/1/2002	UW-Madison Speech
Ed Thompson spoke to American Government students at UW-Madison on March 1, 2002. Ed discussed how he became active in politics, the unbearable rise in tuition costs, the failure of the drug war, and the need for students to join his historic campaign. After speaking for 30 minutes, Ed opened it up to tough questions from the interested students.
2/25/2002	North Central Wisconsin Campaign Trip
After a wonderful fund raiser Sunday night in Rhinelander, Ed Thompson and his staff campaigned hard in North Central Wisconsin. The day started with a series of call-in radio and newspaper interviews in Rhinelander and Eagle River. Ed then stopped in to see Ken crawl at the public radio station in Rhinelander. From there, Ed and staff made their way south, stopping in Tomahawk to talk to the local paper and radio station. After shaking a few hands in Tomahawk, they drove to Wausau where Ed talked to both the daily newspaper and television station. After shaking more hands around town, Ed zipped over to Owen where the trip concluded with a fund raiser at the Black Hawk Inn.
2/20/2002	Campaign Volunteers Delivering Signs
A few of Ed's campaign volunteers left on Wednesday, February 20th for a two day trip. Loaded up with several 4x8 foot signs, these men traveled across northern Wisconsin going thru several counties including Superior, Vilas, and Oneida. Ed Thompson and his staff realize the importance of all Wisconsin residents including those in the north country.
2/19/2002	Green Bay Chamber of Commerce Business Expo
GreenBayNet, the host for the Ed Thompson for Governor website and an Ed Thompson supporter, hosted a booth at the Green Bay Chamber of Commerce Business Expo. As part of that booth, they included an Ed Thompson for Governor outreach. The show was Tuesday, February 19th and Wednesday, 20th from 11:00am to 6:00pm and was very well attended.
2/18/2002	United Lakewood Educators Gubernatorial Forum
Ed Thompson participated in a gubernatorial forum concerning education issues at Panos Steakhouse in Brookfield on February 18th. Well over 200 people attended the forum and the preceding dinner banquet, sponsored by Lakewood United Educators, a division of Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC). At the forum, Ed spoke out in favor of expanding school vouchers statewide. The four Democrat candidates all said that school vouchers should not be expanded beyond the Milwaukee pilot program. Governor McCallum, as with previous candidate forums, did not accept the invitation to participate.
2/9/2002	Farmers Union Gubernatorial Forum
Ed Thompson participated in a gubernatorial forum focusing on farming issues on February 9th in Wisconsin Dells. The forum was sponsored by the Farmers Union and was part of the organization's annual convention. Ed told the convention audience about his youth in the small town of Elroy where he worked in the family store and, over summers, on a nearby farm. Ed also discussed how as governor he will work to reduce taxes and protect private property rights. The Democratic governor candidates also attended the forum.
2/7/2002	Fond Du Lac Farm Show
Ed attended the Fond Du Lac Farm Show on February 7 to discuss issues of concern to Wisconsin's farmers.
2/2/2002	Phi Beta Kappa Gubernatorial Forum
Ed Thompson participated in a gubernatorial forum concerning education issues on the beautiful Edgewood College Campus in Madison on February 2nd. At the forum, sponsored by the education organization Phi Beta Kappa, Ed emphasized his commitment to improving educational opportunities. Ed also discussed how expanding school choice in Wisconsin would help students, particularly students from less wealthy families, attend the schools that best meet their needs.
2/2/2002	Speech to Business People in Wonnewoc
Ed Thompson spoke to a full house of business people in Wonnewoc at the Summit House before a dinner on February 2nd. Ed discussed the growing momentum behind his campaign, the ongoing corruption in Madison, and how the common sense of a small business owner is needed in the governorship.
1/24/2002	New Lisbon Fundraiser
Ed spoke to a full house of supporters at a fundraiser dinner at the American Legion Hall in New Lisbon on January 24th. Two months into his campaign to be elected governor, Ed had much to report about building momentum behind his run. "Now is the time!" Ed declared to the Juneau County audience.
1/19/2002	Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Gubernatorial Forum
Ed participated in the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin's governor candidate forum on Saturday, January 19th in downtown Milwaukee at the Midwest Express Center. At the forum, Ed advocated common sense solutions to problems faced by Hispanic business people in areas including education and government procurement. At the forum, Ed answered questions from reporters from four television networks. Ed also attended the Chamber's banquet later in the evening. The Chamber's forum was the first of many governor candidate forums at which Ed has spoken around the state. The Democrat governor candidates also participated in the forum. Governor McCallum declined the forum invitation--as he has repeatedly declined to participate in other forums since.
1/17/2002	Ed Visits Family In Kentucky
Ed took a couple of days off from his rigorous campaign for governor to spend some quality time with his family.
1/6/2002	Monona Grove High School
Ed talking to a group of high school students at Monona Grove High School during a recent campaign stop on Jan. 6.
11/15/2001	Ed Announcing His Run For Governor
Ed Thompson spoke to around 200 supporters at a fundraiser dinner at the Oasis Supper Club between Sparta and Tomah on November 15th to conclude his announcement tour of Wisconsin. Before a crowd of many friends and neighbors--including a number of people who urged Ed early on to challenge the Madison political elite, Ed gave his final and most rousing speech of the day.
11/15/2001	The Whirlwind Tour
Ed Thompson's official bid for governor started on November 15th. After spending several months traveling around the state on a listening tour, Ed and six of his campaign staff charted a plane and made the announcement. The day began on the steps of the capitol in Madison at 8:00am. From there, Ed and his staff flew to Milwaukee, Green Bay, Wausau, Superior, then Eau Claire. Ed was well received by both the media and supporters at each stop. After leaving Eau Claire, the entourage flew back to Tomah, then drove to a rally held at The Oasis Supper Club in Sparta. That night and the next few weeks, Ed Thompson's announcement was the lead story in several newspapers and television programs around the state.
9/24/2001	Ed Working in the Tomah Mayors Office
Ed has accomplished much as Tomah's mayor. Ed has helped reduce the city's debt by over $4 million dollars without resorting to an expected property tax increase and has engineered a settlement of a several years running lawsuit with the Environmental Protection Agency, saving the city millions more. Ed also opened up city government to the people by answering tough questions on a weekly television program and eliminating a number of unnecessary committees so that council members may be held directly accountable to Tomah's residents. Ed enjoys doing the hard work necessary to serve his friends and neighbors in Tomah.