Wisconsin GOP lawmakers mull Labor Day participation

Associated Press

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Labor rights are still a prickly subject in Wisconsin. That presents a challenge for Republican lawmakers ahead of upcoming Labor Day events.

This is the first Labor Day since Republican Gov. Scott Walker launched what Democrats called an assault on labor. GOP lawmakers who supported his efforts to curb certain collective-bargaining rights are treading carefully.

State Sen. Pam Galloway says she’s attending a Wausau parade even though she knows some people won’t be happy to see her. And Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald will participate in the same parade in Randolph they attended last year.

But other Republicans are staying away. Walker’s spokesman says the governor will spend Monday with his family, and state Rep. Robin Vos of Burlington says Racine’s labor festival attracts hardcore Democratic activists.