Tim Cullen leaving Democratic caucus

Senator Tim Cullen (D, Janesville) announced today in an email to his colleagues that he is leaving the Democratic Caucus to become an Independent. Apparently Cullen was offended by not being named to chair a committee now that the Democrats have become the majority party in the state Senate.   The long-term ramifications of this move are not clear, but it is certainly a blow to the Democratic Party in view of their hard-won majority in the Senate. It's hard to keep track this week of the Senate majority now that Cullen is leaving the caucus and Sen. Zipperer is leaving the Senate.

Senator Cullen was the only Democratic senator to not be named as a chair. From his letter (full link below).

Sen. Miller’s decisions are an insult to me and the people of the 15th Senate District. I came back to Madison to do what I could to help the Rock County area recover and make a difference on issues where I have some knowledge based on my background, which includes 20 years in the private health care industry, experience on the Janesville School Board, and service as the Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Health and Social Services.