UP: Dave Cieslewicz. The mayor's $209.5 million operating budget draws kudos from both sides of the political aisle. Progressive Dane lauds him for hiking spending for Madison Metro and child care, while the conservative-leaning Common Sense Coalition praises his plan to add 10 new police officers, four squad cars and seven detectives. The mayor's budget raises property taxes by 3.6% ' less than the average 4.8% increase over the last 15 years.
DOWN: Gay rights. A Wispolitics.com poll finds that 53% of Wisconsin voters back a proposed constitutional amendment to prohibit same-sex marriage and civil unions. Only 39% are opposed, while 8% don't know. The ban is on the Nov. 7 ballot. Nineteen other states have passed similar amendments.
