Local lawmaker gives review of brat summit - WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and Sports

Madison (WQOW) - You had brats, beer and a side of civility.

Tuesday afternoon, about 100 lawmakers went to a cookout at the governor's mansion.  After the event, a local lawmaker described what was discussed.  "A lot of conversation was about summer plans.  It was about family.  It was about politics.  It's hard to not bring a group like that together and not talk about politics, but it was more about what was happening in the campaigns and who was running and not necessarily about the division among us," said Sen. Kathleen Vinehout (D - 31st District).

Governor Walker scheduled the cookout after winning the recall.  He wanted to help heal some of the wounds between Democrats and Republicans.  Senator Vinehout lost a primary to run against the governor in a recall.  She was asked if she spoke with him on Tuesday.  "I was standing in line to shake his hand and got side-tracked and by the time I went back, it was a long line.  He is a popular guy today.  He was standing under a tent shaking people's hands, getting his picture taken with them," said Vinehout.

She described the mood of the cookout as cordial and festive.  She also said she hopes this will become a regular event.  Vinehout said you could sense there was a genuine spirit of cooperation.  For example, she said she spoke with a number of Republicans who agreed to follow up on issues they have in common.