MADISON, Wis. -- Believing they are shut out of the state's political process, hundreds of Wisconsinites have started their own legislature.

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The 'People's Legislature' Meets In Madison

Called "The People's Legislature," its members met Tuesday at the Alliant Energy Center, and say they want to find new candidates to break what they call the current corrupt political system.

Ed Garvey, a former Democratic candidate for governor, helped organize the meeting. He said the state's real lawmakers only respond to constituents with money, rather than to all citizens.

"Welcome to all of you who happen to fit the title 'politically homeless.' Welcome to the first legislature," he told the gathering.

Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians and Greens were all represented in the crowd.

"I'm skeptical -- very skeptical -- but I'm hopeful that it can draw some attention to the incredible corruption that is going on in Madison," said Libertarian Ed Thompson, who also ran for governor. His brother is former Gov. Tommy Thompson.

He said the gathering represented a group of "misfits."

"Thank God we're misfits. Thank God we're not fitting in with this group of 'Republicrats' that are all the same," said Thompson, who favors scrapping the full-time legislature.

"When we watch this legislature, it's as if they don't need constituents," Garvey said. "They're having so much fun up there themselves. They're not paying any attention to what we're doing."

Assembly Majority Leader Mike Huebsch said took issue with the group's characterization of state lawmakers.

"We just disagree with them on some issues," he said. "Their issue is not going to be solved in a way they'd like it to happen -- that's democracy. That's they way it works. And as they are able to get more support for their issues, they'll have a stronger voice."

But Garvey said it's democracy without a level playing field, in which only wealthy political donors have a voice.

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