Snarlin' Marlin Schneider has one more chance to immortalize himself in Wisconsin state policy. Before the longest-serving Assembly member in history rides off into the sunset, he might want to try once again to make sure Wisconsin children touring the Capitol are informed that the giant evergreen in the rotunda is a "Christmas Tree," not a "Holiday Tree."
I passed through the Capitol this morning on my way to Merigold Kitchen, where I ate yet another delicious brunch. Workers were decorating the tree, which, according to the Department of Tourism, is still referred to as the "Holiday Tree."
That's because although Schneider's bill to change the name passed the GOP-controlled Assembly overwhelmingly in 2007, the Democrats who controlled the Senate at the time never brought it up for consideration.
The Badger Herald debate on the issue was quite entertaining at the time. Here was a pro, a con and a neither.
It's just too bad for the Republicans that they won't assume the majority until after the holiday season. Otherwise they could have brought Bill O'Reilly's annual campaign for Christmas to Wisconsin. Perhaps the resulting battle would so please social conservatives that they would let the GOP off the hook on other issues that threaten to destroy the party's future, including stem cell research and contraception.
On the bright side, those issues will make next session that much more fun.
Follow The Sconz on Twitter or Facebook to get regular updates on city and state politics. Please send anonymous tips, interview requests or any other comments to jcraver@isthmus.com.
