Over the last five years, Wisconsinites have lost nearly 80,000 manufacturing jobs, largely because of unfair trade agreements and questionable administration policies.

Gains were widespread in the private sector, with especially large increases occurring in services, retail trade and manufacturing.

Currently we have construction job levels reaching toward the ceiling but manufacturing jobs are virtually at the floor. With hardly any room to fall further, it doesn't seem likely that problems in housing and in construction will spread to manufacturing this time.

There are a lot of different companies driving the market. It's not just manufacturing but also distribution and trade, and I think that portends very well for the local economy.

The refusal gives rise to a reasonable inference that the administration has something to hide here. The administration has done this nominee no service by maintaining its intransigent position.

Tea Party people know that I stood against the Wall Street scam from Day One, that I voted against TARP, that I voted against repealing Glass-Steagall Act that kept these guys under some control.