Walker hosts ‘brat summit’

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Republicans and Democrats in Wisconsin got together Tuesday for a “brat summit” at the governor’s executive residence in Madison. The event was billed as a way for both parties to talk things out.

People who talked to press outside the cookout gave differing takes on whether the event was significant, mundane or hollow. Assembly Republican Majority Leader Scott Suder said it was a good step by the governor: “I think he’s doing the right thing in terms of bringing us together so that we can have the opportunity to interact on a one-on-one basis and see where we can find common ground.”

Poplar Democratic Sen. Bob Jauch said it was a social event, plain and simple: “It was an opportunity to informally talk about serious matters, but most people were simply having a conversation with friends.”

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Richland Center Republican Sen. Dale Schultz said he knew there were legitimate and hurt feelings after the recall but said people wanted lawmakers to work together, “We have to demonstrate to people we’re serious about governing the state as two political parties and do it in a mature fashion.”

State employee union director Marty Biel was not invited but was there to talk to reporters. He called it a PR stunt, “You know, to maybe hope that some Democrat will get bought off by a Johnsonville brat. Give me a break.”

Madison Democrat Terese Berceau said the real proof would be in Walker’s actions, not gestures like these: “It’s going to take more than a brat. This man changed the way we do business in the capitol. He changed relationships, he changed the Democratic process for the worst. It’s going to take more than a brat.”

The event was not your typical backyard cookout. Dozens of protesters flanked the gates to the executive residence, TV trucks lined the street outside and a news helicopter flew overhead.