In what was likely the final debate between State Senator Tom Reynolds (R-West Allis) and Wauwatosa Alderman Jim Sullivan, Reynolds showed his utter lack of qualifications for the state Senate — so much so that we're left wondering what he thinks he's been doing for four years?

His bizarre understanding of things has got to confuse even his most strident supporters.

Amnesty for Out of Wedlock Mothers 

When asked what he would do to improve safety in public schools and guard our children against violence, Reynolds said "society produces dysfunctional kids" and his "staff is drafting a bill to provide an amnesty program for women who have children out of wedlock".

Those were his words.  "Amnesty."

We're not quite sure what he meant but we do know that if women got married under the Reynolds plan, they would get a bonus or some sort of benefit from the marriage.  If you don't get married, there would be a penalty.  Who are the people Reynolds believes need this amnesty?  "Those women … who live on the north side of Milwaukee."  (which is primarily African-American)

No Child Left Behind

As Reynolds understands the law, "school districts can opt out of no child left behind requirements".

Not only is Senator Reynolds completely mistaken in this assertion, but the question has to be asked, does Reynolds think that schools actually have the option to opt out of requirements?  The plan is called "no child left behind," not "some children left behind if the school district doesn't want to follow the law."

School Choice and Education

Everyone knows that when a child goes into the school choice program, funding that would have otherwise been spent toward the education of that child were he or she in public school are directed to the choice school.

Responding to a Legislative Audit Bureau report, Reynolds actually said "the school choice programs free up more dollars for public schools."

Unfortunately for Senator Reynolds and for public schools, quite the opposite is true.  But why would a senator not understand the basics of school choice?  He said, "this issue is a little blurry for people."  Clearly it as only blurry for Reynolds tonight.

Reynolds said he supports 2/3rds funding for public schools.  Yet, in the 2003 budget he voted against 2/3rds funding.

Now he is "open" to repealing the QEO and revenues caps.  Reynolds then referred to the QEO as part of a funding mechanism.  (Does he even understand what the QEO is?)  In case he doesn't understand it, and since we know his main strategist reads Watchdog Milwaukee, we'll educate him.  A QEO is an acronym for Qualified Economic Offer.  Teachers may work without a contract but cannot strike in Wisconsin.  Districts which claim they've tried to reach an agreeable contract with the teachers may force teachers into a QEO which means the teachers do what the district says they're going to do or they can quit.  In other words, teachers must take it or leave it.

Tom Reynolds: Works and plays well with others?

During the debate, Reynolds claimed that he has the "most bipartisan voting record in the senate."

Facts don't bear out his claim.  Reynolds voted with Republican leadership 90% of the time.

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The debate was taped for West Allis Public Access on Time Warner Cable.