On the Issues at the Marquette Law School

Just got this via e-mail:

February 2 — On the Issues with Mike Gousha: Republican U.S. Senate candidate Tommy Thompson. He was elected Governor of Wisconsin an unprecedented four times. He was Health and Human Services Secretary in the administration of President George W. Bush. Now, after a stint in the private sector, Tommy Thompson is running for public office again. What’s driving his decision, and what does he think about the current political climate in Washington and Wisconsin? Find out when the former Governor and current candidate joins us at the Law School. Marquette Law School, Eckstein Hall, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Reserve your spot.

February 16— On the Issues with Mike Gousha: Mark Block, Chief of Staff for former Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain—Running for president is a long, tough, even strange journey. Nobody knows that better than Mark Block, Herman Cain’s top advisor. A longtime Wisconsin political operative, Block will share his stories from the campaign trail; the rise and fall of the Cain candidacy; and Block’s starring role in a low-budget campaign ad that went viral (remember the cigarette?). Block will also discuss the state of the GOP nomination battle and his role in Cain’s latest political project. Marquette Law School, Eckstein Hall, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Reserve your spot.

April 5— On the Issues with Mike Gousha: Vice Admiral James W. Houck, Judge Advocate General of the United States Navy—Vice Admiral Houck is the principal military legal counsel to the secretary of the Navy and Chief of Naval Operations. He leads the attorneys, enlisted legalmen, and civilian employees of the worldwide Navy JAG Corps community. Houck will discuss what he calls the Navy’s “global law firm” and the issues it faces today, including the handling of detainees, piracy on the high seas, and meeting the legal needs of sailors stationed around the world. Houck is a graduate of the Naval Academy and the University of Michigan Law School. He later earned a Masters of Laws from the Georgetown University Law Center. Marquette Law School, Eckstein Hall, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Reserve your spot.

April 9— On the Issues with Mike Gousha: Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Tammy Baldwin—Congresswoman Baldwin has represented Wisconsin’s Second Congressional District since 1999. Now, she’s trying to make history. Running as the lone Democrat in the race to replace retiring U.S. Senator Herb Kohl, Baldwin is seeking to become the first woman elected to the Senate in Wisconsin. Baldwin is a University of Wisconsin Law School graduate. She’ll address the major issues in this year’s campaign during her visit to Eckstein Hall. Marquette Law School, Eckstein Hall, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Reserve your spot.

May 9— On the Issues with Mike Gousha: Yale University Professor John Lewis Gaddis, author of George F. Kennan: An American Life—Born and raised in Milwaukee, George Kennan went on to become one of the preeminent diplomats of the Cold War era. He is credited with being the architect of the American policy of containment toward the Soviet Union. Now the story of his profound influence and his complicated life has been told in a book written by John Lewis Gaddis, the noted historian of the Cold War who is the Robert A. Lovett Professor of History and Political Science and Distinguished Fellow in Grand Strategy at Yale. Professor Gaddis knew Kennan for decades, and was granted full access to his personal papers. He has produced a remarkable biography praised by critics and diplomats alike. Henry Kissinger has called it “magisterial” and “seminal.” Professor Gaddis will reveal the Kennan he came to know during this appearance in his subject’s hometown. Cosponsored by the Marquette University Department of History. Marquette Law School, Eckstein Hall, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Reserve your spot.

Speakers at the Law School

On the Issues with Mike Gousha

Tuesday, September 6—Gordon Haberman, father of 9-11 victim Andrea Haberman—On September 11, 2001, Gordon Haberman’s 25-year-old daughter was on a business trip to New York. Andrea Haberman was on the 92nd floor of the north tower of the World Trade Center when terrorists slammed a hijacked plane into the building. She and 3,000 others died in the series of attacks on America on 9-11. Just days before the 10th anniversary of the attacks, Gordon Haberman will share the story of his daughter and his family’s search for answers and justice. It’s a journey that has taken him from Washington County to Washington, D.C, and all the way to Guantánamo. What have we learned 10 years after 9-11? Marquette Law School, Eckstein Hall, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Registration link.

Friday, September 16—State Senators Dale Schultz and Tim Cullen—Senator Schultz is a Republican from Richland Center. Senator Cullen is a Democrat from Janesville. Together, they’ve launched what they’re calling their “Common Ground” tour. After a summer of bitter recall elections, Schultz and Cullen are pushing for a new era of bipartisan cooperation in Madison. They’re also introducing a constitutional amendment that would end Supreme Court elections in Wisconsin, and replace them with a merit-based selection program. Should justices be appointed rather than elected? Can Republicans and Democrats work together? Senators Schultz and Cullen will address those questions and more when they visit Eckstein Hall. Marquette Law School, Eckstein Hall, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Registration link.

Thursday, October 20—Wisconsin U.S. Representative Gwen Moore— After serving 16 years as a state lawmaker, Congresswoman Moore was elected to the House of Representatives in 2004. The Milwaukee Democrat represents Wisconsin’s 4th District, which includes Milwaukee and her alma mater, Marquette University. Moore is a member of the House Committee on Financial Services and the House Budget Committee. In addition to her committee work, Congresswoman Moore was elected Democratic co-chair of the Congressional Women’s Caucus by her female colleagues. She’ll discuss the critical issues facing this nation, and today’s political climate, during her appearance at the Law School. Marquette Law School, Eckstein Hall, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Registration link.

Tuesday, October 11—Abby Ramirez, Executive Director of Schools That Can Milwaukee—A former business executive, Abby Ramirez has quickly become a leading voice for education reform in Milwaukee. The goal of the organization she co-founded, Schools That Can Milwaukee, is to have 20,000 children in high-performing urban schools—public, charter, and choice—by 2020. To do that, Ramirez and her organization work to identify schools where children are succeeding, and then attempt to replicate those models across the city. In addition to her business background, Ramirez worked on public policy issues for a California-based foundation. A passionate believer in the power of education to transform, Ramirez received her B.S. in Commerce from the University of Virginia. She has an M.B.A. and M.A. in Education from Stanford University. Marquette Law School, Eckstein Hall, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Registration link.

We have long been a fan of Mike Gousha’s speakers series at the Law School. This is partly because it’s ideologically balanced, but also because Gousha has an excellent record of lining up the movers and shakers who matter in Wisconsin politics (and occasionally, in national politics). These aren’t the most profound intellectuals around, but you can’t really understand Wisconsin politics without hearing them and knowing how they think and what they say.

FBI Special Agent in Charge to Speak at Law School

From an e-mail:

Thursday, February 10—FBI Special Agent in Charge Nancy McNamara—McNamara is the first woman to head the Milwaukee Division of the FBI. Before her appointment last fall, she served as section chief in the Criminal Investigative Division at FBI headquarters. From national security to public corruption, we’ll learn more about the FBI’s mission today, and about the professional journey that resulted in McNamara’s historic appointment to her post in Milwaukee. 12:15 p.m., Eckstein Hall, Reserve Your Spot

In public esteem, the FBI has been up and it has been down. Under legendary director J. Edgar Hoover the prowess and professionalism of the “G-men” were almost mythical in the perceptions of the public.

But Hoover was the perfect exemplification of Acton’s dictim that “power corrupts,” and when his abuses of power were publicized in the late 60s and 1970s, the reputation of the Bureau took a hit.

But bureaucracies tend to maintain themselves, and in spite of Hoover’s excesses, the FBI continued to be an organization with a high degree of professionalism.

Today, the Bureau doesn’t tower over local law enforcement agencies in terms of professionalism the way it once did, because those local agencies are now much better trained and expert.

But the Bureau is still a rather elite agency, a prestigous place to be if you are in law enforcement, and “front and center” in the war against terror.

On the Issues with Mike Gousha: More Speakers

Tuesday, October 12, 12:15 p.m., Marquette Law School, Eckstein Hall

Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Gregory Thornton—The future of the state’s largest school district will be the topic when the city’s new superintendent visits the Law School. Dr. Thornton will offer his thoughts on improving academic performance in MPS and on stabilizing the district’s fiscal situation.

Reserve your spot now.

Tuesday, November 16, 12:15 p.m., Marquette Law School, Eckstein Hall

Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle

Reserve your spot now.

Questions? Please email or call (414.288.3167).

On The Issues for Fall, 2010

We have regularly blogged on the Marquette Law School “On the Issues” series.

We are a great fan of it. It is (first) ideologically balanced, giving equal time to Democrats and Republicans, liberals and conservatives. And (second) Mike Gousha, who puts the series together, has the ability to get imporant “movers and shakers” to come and speak.

Here is the schedule for this fall:

• On the Issues: Bradley Center Board Chairman Marc Marotta – September 30
• On the Issues: Jay Heck, Executive Director of Common Cause Wisconsin and Rick Esenberg, Marquette Law School Professor – October 5
• On the Issues: Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Gregory Thornton – October 12
• On the Issues: Wisconsin Republican Party Chairman Reince Priebus and Wisconsin Democratic Party Chairman Mike Tate - October 26
• On the Issues: Ray Suarez, Senior Correspondent, PBS NewsHour – November 6

If the past is any guide, other programs will be added, so regularly checking the series website regularly would be a good idea.

“On the Issues” at the Law School: Fall Schedule

Via e-mail:

Wednesday, September 2—U.S. Senator Herb Kohl—Wisconsin’s senior Senator visits the Law School to discuss health care reform and other important issues facing the nation. Kohl, a Democrat, was first elected to the Senate in 1988. Before entering the world of politics, he helped build his family-owned business, Kohl’s grocery and department stores. Senator Kohl is also the owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, the city’s professional basketball team. Noon to 1 p.m., Eisenberg Memorial Hall

Tuesday, September 8—Wisconsin’s Drunken Driving Laws—They are among the most lenient in the country, but is that about to change? As the state legislature prepares to go back to work, we’ll talk with two lawmakers pushing to toughen drunken driving laws in the state, Representatives Mark Gundrum (R-New Berlin) and Tony Staskunas (D-West Allis). 12:15 to 1:15, Room 325

Wednesday, September 16—Former U.S. Attorneys Steven Biskupic and Erik Peterson—These two former federal prosecutors will share their unique perspectives on a job that can be simultaneously rewarding, challenging, and politically charged. Biskupic served as U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District from 2002 to 2008. He is now a private litigator. Peterson was U.S. Attorney from 2006 to 2009 and now works for the Wisconsin Department of Justice. Both are Marquette Law School graduates. Noon to 1 p.m., Eisenberg Memorial Hall

Tuesday, October 13—Bradley Foundation President and CEO Michael Grebe—Join us for a wide-ranging discussion when this well-known attorney and civic leader visits the Law School. Grebe ran one of the nation’s largest law firms, Foley and Lardner, before joining the influential Bradley Foundation as its CEO. He has also long been active politically, overseeing national conventions for the Republican Party. In addition, Grebe is Chairman of the Greater Milwaukee Committee. 12:15 to 1:15, Room 325

Saturday, November 7—PBS NewsHour Senior Correspondent Judy Woodruff—Woodruff one of the nation’s most respected journalists, has covered politics and other news for more than three decades. Woodruff worked as a White House correspondent for NBC News and as an anchor and senior correspondent for CNN. Since joining PBS in 2007, Woodruff has played a key role in delivering the day’s news to millions of NewsHour viewers. 3 to 4 p.m., Room 325

Monday, November 23—USA Today Legal Affairs Correspondent Joan Biskupic—Biskupic is the author of the new book, American Original: The Life and Constitution of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. The author of an earlier biography about retired Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, Biskupic was given unprecedented access to Justice Scalia. She’ll discuss her new book and her perspective on the nation’s highest court, which she has covered since 1989. Biskupic received a law degree from Georgetown University. She received her undergraduate degree at Marquette. Noon to 1 p.m., Eisenberg Memorial Hall

We have consistently lauded this speakers series at the Law School. Mike Gousha has a history of getting speakers who are important people, “movers and shakers,” people with something interesting to say, and people representing liberal and conservative (as well as ideosyncratic) points of view.

He continues in that tradition.

You can go to the registration page and reserve a place. You’ll be asked whether you are Marquette faculty, a Marquette lawyer, a Marquette student, or “other.” “Other” -- meaning members of the Milwaukee community, are quite welcome.

Forthcoming at the Law School

From On the Issues with Mike Gousha, two programs that promise to be stimulating and informative:

Thursday, March 26 — Superintendent of Public Instruction Candidates Tony Evers and Rose Fernandez—Join us for what is sure to be a spirited and informative discussion as the candidates for superintendent address the challenges facing the Milwaukee Public Schools and districts across the state of Wisconsin. Tony Evers is currently Deputy State Superintendent. He has been a teacher, principal, and superintendent of the Verona and Oakfield school districts. Rose Fernandez has been a nurse, hospital administrator, businesswoman, and advocate for virtual schools. Learn more about their positions on key issues when the candidates visit the Law School just 10 days before the election. 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Marquette Law School, Room 325

NEW Wednesday, April 8 — Educational reform advocate Dr. Howard Fuller—The former Superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools, Dr. Fuller will visit the Law School to discuss what works in urban education, the future of the school voucher program, and his “no excuses” approach to educating our children. Dr. Fuller is an outspoken advocate for educational options for low-income families. Passionate and sometimes controversial, he is a Distinguished Professor of Education at Marquette University and Founder/Director of the Institute for the Transformation of Learning. Noon to 1 p.m., Marquette Law School, Eisenberg Memorial Hall, 3rd floor.

The programs are open to all, but you must register to attend here.

On the Issues at the Law School: Update

The updated schedule of the Marquette Law School series “On the Issues with Mike Gousha.”

• Thursday, January 29—Attorneys and former judges Michael Brennan and John Franke—How do judges view trial lawyers? We’ll hear the unique perspective of former Milwaukee County Judges Brennan and Franke, who are returning to careers as trial lawyers with the Milwaukeean firm of Gass, Weber and Mullins. We’ll also learn more about their decision to leave the bench to take on new challenges. 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Room 325, Law School, Sensenbrenner Hall
  
  
• Tuesday, February 10—Milwaukee’s Sick Leave Ordinance—Supporters say it will improve the lives of families and workers. Critics say it will seriously damage Milwaukee’s ability to attract and retain businesses. On the day the city’s new sick leave ordinance is scheduled to take effect, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of the new law. Our guests will be Amy Stear, the Wisconsin Director of 9to5 National Association of Working Women, and Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce President Tim Sheehy. The MMAC is challenging the ordinance, which requires employers in Milwaukee to provide their employees with up to nine paid sick days each calendar year. Join us at the Law School for this timely debate. 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Room 325, Marquette Law School.
  
  
• Tuesday, February 17—U.S. Congressman Paul Ryan—With the nation facing its most serious economic downturn since the Great Depression, we’ll talk with Congressman Ryan about the road to recovery and the nation’s exploding debt. A Republican from Janesville, Wisconsin, Ryan has been called one of the “rising stars” in Washington. His recent “Roadmap to the Future” proposal to reform federal entitlement programs won him praise from both Republicans and Democrats alike. Congressman Ryan, currently serving his fifth term as a member of Congress, is the ranking member of the House Budget Committee. He also serves on the House Ways and Means Committee. Ryan was first elected to Congress at the age of 28. He was re-elected to a fifth term in November. 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Room 325, Marquette Law School.
  
  
• Tuesday, March 17—Former Detroit Mayor and Former American Bar Association President Dennis Archer—A highly respected attorney and public policy leader, Mr. Archer will discuss his legal career and the challenges facing American cities during his Law School visit. Archer was Mayor of Detroit from 1993 to 2001, winning high marks for the city’s economic development efforts during that period. Chairman of Detroit’s Dickinson Wright law firm, Archer also made history in 2003, when he became the first African-American president of the American Bar Association. He is a former Michigan Supreme Court Justice and has the distinction of having been appointed legal guardian for civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks and helped settle her estate. 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Marquette Law School, Room 325

The schedule has changed a bit from the one we previously published. Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig has been dropped from the web page of forthcoming events, since his talk has attracted about 150 registrants, and there is simply no more space. Selig will indeed be speaking on February 3. An extremely interesting forum on the Sick Leave Ordinance has been added.

Spring Semester Speakers At Law School

From the continuing Law School series “On the Issues with Mike Gousha.”

Wednesday, January 21 — Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn—When he arrived in Milwaukee last January, one of Chief Flynn’s first public appearances was at Marquette Law School, where he laid out his strategy for reducing crime. Today, violent crime is down dramatically in the city. What worked and why? And do residents feel their community is safer? Find out when the Chief returns to the Law School for a candid assessment of his first year on the job. Noon to 1 p.m., Eisenberg Memorial Hall, Law School, Sensenbrenner Hall

Thursday, January 29 — Attorneys and former judges Michael Brennan and John Franke—How do judges view trial lawyers? We’ll hear the unique perspective of former Milwaukee County Judges Brennan and Franke, who are returning to careers as trial lawyers with the Milwaukeean firm of Gass, Weber and Mullins. We’ll also learn more about their decision to leave the bench to take on new challenges. 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Room 325, Law School, Sensenbrenner Hall

Tuesday, February 3 — Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig—He is one of the most powerful men in the world of sports. Since becoming Commissioner, Selig has been a catalyst for change in the nation’s pastime. Join us when this Milwaukee native visits the Law School to discuss the challenges facing baseball, the relationship between players and owners, and the value of professional sports franchises to cities. 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Room 325, Law School, Sensenbrenner Hall

People who want to come need to sign up at this web page. Usually, there are ample seats, but particularly popular events can sometimes fill up.

This speakers series has been a particularly successful one, largely for three reasons: (1.) it has been ideologically balanced, with about an equal number of liberal and conservative speakers, (2.) Gousha has the local visibility and stature to recruit Wisconsin’s “movers and shakers” -- people worth seeing close up, and (3.) the typical format involves Gousha interviewing the speaker, and Gousha is a good interviewer.

More speakers will doubtless be scheduled for spring semester.

“On the Issues” At the Law School: Another Season of Top Notch Speakers

This was via e-mail from the Law School, but the same information can be found here.

Tuesday, September 9—Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker debate the future of transportation in Milwaukee. The two leaders disagree on how $91 million in federal money should be spent to meet our transportation needs. Is there room for compromise? What transportation options should be available and how do we pay for them? Join us for what is sure to be a lively discussion. 12:15 p.m., Sensenbrenner Hall, Law School, Room 325

Wednesday, September 10—The future of the region’s most precious resource, the Great Lakes, will be the topic when President and CEO of the Alliance for the Great Lakes, Cameron Davis, visits the Law School. Davis, a lawyer, will discuss the Great Lakes Compact and efforts to address the serious problems posed by invasive species, pollution, and falling lake levels. Davis has an extensive background in environmental law and has worked for both the United Nations and the Environmental Protection Agency. The Alliance for the Great Lakes has received the American Bar Association’s Distinguished Award for Environmental Law and Policy. Noon, Sensenbrenner Hall, Law School, Room 325

Thursday, September 18—Wisconsin Republican Party Chairman Reince Priebus and Wisconsin Democratic Party Chairman Joe Wineke preview the November elections. What role will Wisconsin play in the outcome of this year’s presidential race? Which party will win control of the state legislature? We’ll go inside the fall campaign with the leaders of the state’s two major political parties. 12:15 p.m., Sensenbrenner Hall, Law School, Room 325

Thursday, September 25—Milwaukee County Judge Maxine Aldridge White visits the Law School to discuss her career, the community, and the pursuit of justice. Judge White grew up in the Mississippi Delta, the daughter of sharecroppers, and went on to become a Marquette lawyer. She is a Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge and the new president of the Wisconsin Association of African American Lawyers. Judge White is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including Marquette University’s 2007 Service to the Community Award. 12:15 p.m., Sensenbrenner Hall, Law School, Room 325

Tuesday, October 7—How do we improve relations between law enforcement and residents in high crime neighborhoods? Yale Law School Professor Dan M. Kahan and Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm offer their perspectives on policing and prosecution at this noontime event. Professor Kahan, who will deliver this year’s Boden Lecture, has written extensively about efforts in Chicago to reduce crime and respond to concerns of residents. District Attorney Chisholm has received recognition for his department’s attempts to engage the community. We’ll look at what works and why in this hour-long discussion. 12:15 p.m., Sensenbrenner Hall, Law School, Room 325

Wednesday, October 15—Manpower Inc. Chairman and CEO Jeff Joerres offers his unique perspective on the dynamic global economy and our region’s evolving local economy. Manpower is a world leader in the employment services industry, with corporate headquarters in downtown Milwaukee. It ranks 120th on the Fortune 500 list and does business in more than 80 countries and territories. It has been recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of the “Best Managed Companies in America” and has also been named one of the world’s most ethical companies. In addition to running a $21 billion company, Joerres, a Marquette University graduate, is actively involved in efforts to improve the local economy. Noon, Sensenbrenner Hall, Law School, Room 325

Reserve your spot now!

Questions?
Contact Christine Wilczynski-Vogel
Assistant Dean for External Relations
(414) 288-3167

We have been quite impressed with this speakers series at the Law School. In the first place, it has included the “movers and shakers” in Milwaukee and Wisconsin politics -- people worth seeing because of the political role they play.

In the second place, the series has been ideologically balanced, with close to equal numbers of liberals and conservatives. This has been a series for people who don’t mind looking at both sides of issues.