When it comes to the many stories one can hear concerning the recall elections none can seem to compare with the antics of the Republicans in the 30th Senate District.
The first big story was the would-be challenger, State Representative John Nygren. For some unexplained reason the Marinette Republican failed to gather more than enough signatures to insure bumped names from that list would not disallow him from being on the ballot. I have never known any campaign operation that did not comfortably pad more than enough signatures for a worst case scenario.
That was what many thought would be the most unusual story coming from this part of the state relating to the recall attempt on State Senator Dave Hansen.
But with Rep. John Nygren unable to be placed on the ballot the unlikely scenario of David VanderLeest being the GOP challenger has made all that preceded seem like a walk in the park.
David VanderLeest has a checkered past that is littered with all sorts of topics and actions that make him more suitable for a bad TV reality show than the responsibility-laden halls of the State Legislature.
It’s already been reported that David VanderLeest of Green Bay has two
misdemeanor disorderly conduct convictions from 2007, plus other arrests – all
connected with alleged domestic violence. This morning on Wisconsin Public Radio the troubled Republican was denying a charge he used crack.
David VanderLeest held a position within the Brown County Republican Party which makes ones wonder what type of leadership do conservatives think proper and moral. Clearly this is just more ‘family values’ from the GOP.
The Republican candidate running against Sen. Dave Hansen in Tuesday’s recall race vowed not to raise taxes and said he no longer would answer questions about his troubled past, including revelations he owes $25,000 in unpaid property taxes.
VanderLeest said his tax situation is a personal issue, but I strongly suspect for the rather conservative voters in the 30th Senate District it is more of a public one at this point. And correctly so.
Too often it seems that there are some in politics who feel the laws are supposed to be followed by others, and not always applicable to themselves. It seems that David VanderLeest is one of them. His shameful lifestyle is not one that he should be trying to shove down the voter’s throats.
Voters need to stop this nonsense come Tuesday when they can vote against David VanderLeest, and send a message loud and clear about ethical candidates and our expectations regarding the caliber of those we wish to represent us in Madison.
CAFFEINATED POLITICS 
What a pathetic candidate. The Republican party should avoid this loser.
More holier than thou nonsense from Dems, Libs who forget the plethora of folks — like Tim the Tax Cheat Geitner — who runs our finances and was of course appointed to the post by the head Dem. By no means am I condoning Mr. Vanderleest record. However, when the writer here says lets stop this GOP nonsense, how ’bout we stop this nonsense across the board — that means Libs too! When someone is unfit for the position, political party should have no bearing. It is what is best for the people, at least it should be….