Compassionate conservatism at work

Did he really say that? Quotes that will come back to haunt the GOP:

"Trick or treat's in October. You just can't give away candy to every special-interest group out there." -- State Rep. Dean Kaufert, co-chair of the Joint Finance Committee, which is considering the state budget.

And this: "The Democrats aren't the only ones who care about poor people and those who are less fortunate. We do, too."

The "special-interest" comment came in response to Gov. Jim Doyle outlining budget priorities: 2/3 state funding of schools, expanded 4-year-old kindergarten and smaller class sizes through the SAGE program, protecting health care programs like Medicaid, BadgerCare and SeniorCare, and maintaining shared revenue payments to support vital local services.

So who are the special interests? Parents? Kids? Local property taxpayers? The poor, elderly, and disabled? Police officers and firefighters?

Can't wait to hear more from Kaufert and his colleagues on the subject. Story.