Christmas Tree Resolution (Assembly Joint Resolution 5)
Update: May 15, 2008
Representative Marlin Schneider's (D-Wisconsin Rapids) resolution to rename the Holiday Tree in the Capitol rotunda as "The State of Wisconsin Christmas Tree" passed the Assembly by an 84-12 vote on December 11, 2007. However, the resolution died in the Senate, where it did not receive a committee hearing. The 12 voting against the measure in the Assembly were all Democrats. They were Chuck Benedict (Beloit), Terese Berceau (Madison), Spencer Black (Madison), Frank Boyle (Superior), Steve Hilgenberg (Dodgeville), Fred Kessler (Milwaukee), Mark Pocan (Madison), Sondy Pope-Roberts (Middleton), Jon Richards (Milwaukee), Christine Sinicki (Milwaukee), Annette Williams (Milwaukee), and Josh Zepnick (Milwaukee).
The only person speaking on the resolution was Representative Gary Sherman (D-Port Wing), who is Jewish. Prior to asking to be excused from voting because of conflict with his own "personal interests," he read a classic August 1790 letter from George Washington to the Hebrew Congregation at Newport in which he expresses strong sentiments for religious tolerance.
For the complete history and a link to the resolution draft, please click on the link below.