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Marquette University Law School poll puts Walker ahead of Burke By Jane Roberts THE DAILY CARDINAL
Gov. Scott Walker maintains a 7 percent lead over Democratic candidate Mary Burke in the run up to November’s gubernatorial election, according to a poll released Wednesday. The latest Marquette University Law School poll shows Walker leading Burke 48 to 41 percent, reflecting little change from the previous poll taken in January. This is the first Marquette poll released since 27,000 pages of emails were made public by the Wisconsin Court of Appeals relating to a criminal
investigation of Walker’s former top aide when he served as Milwaukee’s county executive. Among the voters who have read or heard about the emails, 43 percent say they have a less favorable view of Walker, while 53 percent say the emails have made no difference. Based on responses from all 801 voters polled, Walker’s approval rating has dropped slightly since January, from 51 to 47 percent. Poll results show Burke is viewed favorably by 19 percent of respondents, with 59 percent saying they do not know enough about her to form an opinion. Voters expressed mixed
views on the direction the state is moving. The poll revealed 54 percent of Wisconsinites say they think it is headed in the right direction, while 42 percent say it is on the wrong track. When asked how Wisconsin compares to other states in job creation, 45 percent say Wisconsin is lagging behind and 80 percent believe the state will fall short of the 250,000 jobs Walker pledged in his 2010 campaign. On Tuesday, Burke unveiled her five-point “Invest for Success” jobs plan, which
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PHOTO COURTESY OF UW-MADISON
UW-Madison announced Wednesday former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman will deliver the 2014 spring commencement address.
Jon Huntsman to speak at commencement By Adelina Yankova THE DAILY CARDINAL
Former Utah governor and U.S. ambassador to China and Singapore Jon Huntsman Jr. will deliver the University of Wisconsin-Madison 2014 spring commencement address, according to a statement Wednesday. Huntsman was a staff assistant for President Ronald Reagan and has since worked under four U.S. presidents. He is also regarded as a business leader and serves on boards for Ford Motor Company, Caterpillar corporation, the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation, the University of Pennsylvania and Huntsman Corporation, a multibillion dollar chemical company founded by his father and for-
merly led by Huntsman himself. Chancellor Rebecca Blank said in the release she is excited about the selection of Huntsman and is eager to hear the advice he has to offer the graduating class. Similarly, senior class Vice President Andrew Bulovsky, who helped select and recommend the speaker as part of the senior class officer team, said in the statement he hopes Huntsman will be able to speak on issues of “finding common ground with others.” “When selecting a commencement speaker, we looked for a respected leader with a positive track record of public service, someone who has shown
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ON CAMPUS
The Running Dead
Madison locals scamper through Library Mall Wednesday afternoon playing Humans vs. Zombies. + Photo by Emily Buck
Vel Phillips keynotes civil rights seminar
Gov. Walker appoints student regent
By McKayla Stitz
Gov. Scott Walker announced the appointment of Nicolas Harsy as a non-traditional student representative on the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents in a March 26 release. Harsy, a UW-Madison junior studying mechanical engineering, enrolled in the United States Marine Corps for the duration of 2008-’13. He toured Afghanistan twice and served in leadership positions such as HQ Platoon Sergeant, Infantry Squad Leader and Squad Pointman during his
The University of WisconsinMadison hosted a seminar Wednesday in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, featuring UW-Madison Law School alumna Velvelea “Vel” Phillips as the keynote speaker. Chancellor Rebecca Blank opened “A Nation Still Under Construction,” an event that was held in Union South’s Varsity Hall, by discussing the importance of diversity on UW-Madison’s campus and praising Phillips’ accomplishments.
tour of duty. During his time in the Marines, Harsy achieved the Good Conduct Medal, Combat Action Ribbon and the National Defense Medal award. Upon his honorable discharge, Harsy earned the rank of sergeant. “Nicolas has proven dedication to service and his natural leadership skills will make him a valuable asset to the Board,” Walker said in the release. Harsy’s appointment will become effective May 1, pending approval from the state Senate.
The unexpected benefits of learning a new language +OPINION, page 6
THE DAILY CARDINAL
“Every success that we celebrate depends on tireless, passionate and courageous work amongst those that came before us,” Blank said. “We honor Phillips’ commitment and the changes that she brought about.” During her presentation, Phillips discussed events that took place during her terms at the Milwaukee Common Council and throughout her work with civil rights. Additionally, Phillips talked about the tribulations she faced as the first African-American elected to the Milwaukee Common Council, emphasiz-
Badgers’ Super Sweet 16 Preview +SPORTS, page 8
ing that all of her decisions were highly publicized. “Anything that I did was in the paper,” she said. Throughout her career, Phillips said she also faced adversity from colleagues. “[The] first four years were hard,” she said. “I would say good morning and they would not say it back to me.” Ahmed Mohammed, a UW-Madison senior majoring in neurobiology, math and history, voiced praise for Phillips’ talk. “Phillips is a great story-
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“…the great state University of Wisconsin should ever encourage that continual and fearless sifting and winnowing by which alone the truth can be found.”