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The private sector to the public sector workers in wisconsin make 4.8% less in total compensation. and benefits? public employees devote almost 27% of employee compensation to nonwage benefits. private employees devote only about 20%. so they have given up through negotiation numerous times and if mr. grothman the senator we just had on thinks this is going to grow the economy by taking money away from people, i mean, i think he needs to go back to elementary school and learn how to do two plus two. it isn't going to happen. >> ed? >> this is so wrong headed and unamerican it is unbelievable. ...

Recently won election to destroy unions and make it really work on the backs of the middle class in this country. if they back up their threats with legislation, middle class workers will flood the streets all over america. you wait and see. joining us now from madison, wisconsin, is john nichols, political reporter for "the nation" magazine. good evening. good to have you with us tonight. before we talk about other states, your take on what unfolded today and what the most recent comments were in that last interview by that state senator. >> well, it's been a remarkable day, ed. i wish you co...

That's exactly what i said. increase their obligation to pay more in. >> right. right. >> so there is no mis -- >> you used the figure 20%, ed. and that is misleading. >> that is not misleading because that is the figures that we got. okay. you know, i'm trying to get along with you here. why doesn't this go far enough? why pick on fixed income workers in america? why do that in your state? >> well, because so many people have lost their jobs or taken cuts in pay the state of wisconsin faces a $3 billion deficit. governor walker is stuck with one of two options. he can either layoff a lot of s...

I want janice's response. janice, what about raising the tax on the top 2%? do you think that would be fair? >> well, i understand raising the taxes and the fight of the wealthy should pay more and the rich get richer and the poor get poorer but again it all comes back to the governor is not willing to talk anymore. and he isn't just not talking to state workers. he's going to slam it all the way down to every local municipality. everybody you see in our county, there is a good share of government workers that aren't even state workers. >> janice, what are your political leanings here? >> what...

Negotiation numerous times and if mr. grothman the senator we just had on thinks this is going to grow the economy by taking money away from people, i mean, i think he needs to go back to elementary school and learn how to do two plus two. it isn't going to happen. >> ed? >> this is so wrong headed and unamerican it is unbelievable. john, you have the floor. >> well, let me just tell you this. there was a store udy out today where they analyzed what the economic impact to wisconsin businesses would be if the walker cuts in benefits and pay are implemented. the impact is a $1.2 billion loss to ...