Joan Esposito is joined by Carolyn Fiddler, state politics expert and author of the newsletter “This Week in Statehouse Action.

The discussion assessed state and federal election dynamics, with emphasis on potential Democratic gains. Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Fiddler said Democrats could gain trifectas in Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Arizona, though outcomes remain uncertain, especially in Arizona.
- In Minnesota, affordability and the state’s response to fraud allegations are prominent issues; a Democratic trifecta is possible if Democrats win the legislature and retain the governorship.
- State legislatures can enact policy quickly and shape national agendas; Fiddler also highlighted Kansas’s attorney general and Senate races, U.S. Senate races in Michigan and Minnesota, and Pennsylvania’s state Senate.
- She characterized Republican candidate efforts to oppose President Trump late in the campaign as driven by fear of losing office and future opportunities, after years of reluctance to challenge him.

Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive).

 

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Joan Esposito is joined by Carolyn Fiddler, state politics expert and author of the newsletter &ldquo;<a href="https://statehouseaction.substack.com/">This Week in Statehouse Action</a>.
The discussion assessed state and federal election dynamics, with emphasis on potential Democratic gains. Here are a few key points from the conversation: - Fiddler said Democrats could gain trifectas in Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Arizona, though outcomes remain uncertain, especially in Arizona. - In Minnesota, affordability and the state&rsquo;s response to fraud allegations are prominent issues; a Democratic trifecta is possible if Democrats win the legislature and retain the governorship. - State legislatures can enact policy quickly and shape national agendas; Fiddler also highlighted Kansas&rsquo;s attorney general and Senate races, U.S. Senate races in Michigan and Minnesota, and Pennsylvania&rsquo;s state Senate. - She characterized Republican candidate efforts to oppose President Trump late in the campaign as driven by fear of losing office and future opportunities, after years of reluctance to challenge him.
Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (<a href="http://heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive">heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive</a>).
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From Heartland Signal and WCPT AM 820 in Chicago, here are featured interviews from "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" (weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central, a topical and interactive talk show that focuses on national, state and city politics.

A veteran Chicago broadcaster, Joan talks to politicians and professors, activists and authors, candidates and correspondents, as well as listeners who call in to share their views on the news of the day. Her goal is to Edify, Entertain and Elect — Democrats, of course.    

Joan Esposito has hosted WCPT's afternoon show since 2019. Prior to that she spent 20 years as a Chicago television anchor and reporter for WGN Channel 9, ABC7 and NBC5, and had a stint as managing partner at media trainer J2SC.  Joan is a long-time member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). 

From Heartland Signal and <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/wcpt820/">WCPT AM 820</a> in Chicago, here are featured interviews from "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" (weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central, a topical and interactive talk show that focuses on national, state and city politics.
A veteran Chicago broadcaster, Joan talks to politicians and professors, activists and authors, candidates and correspondents, as well as listeners who call in to share their views on the news of the day. Her goal is to Edify, Entertain and Elect &mdash; Democrats, of course. &nbsp; &nbsp;
Joan Esposito has hosted WCPT's afternoon show since 2019. Prior to that she spent 20 years as a Chicago television anchor and reporter for WGN Channel 9, ABC7 and NBC5, and had a stint as managing partner at media trainer J2SC. &nbsp;Joan is a long-time member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).&nbsp;

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

From Heartland Signal and WCPT AM 820 in Chicago, here are full episodes of "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" (weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central), a topical and interactive talk show that focuses on national, state and city politics.  

A veteran Chicago broadcaster, Joan talks to politicians and professors, activists and authors, candidates and correspondents, as well as listeners who call in to share their views on the news of the day. Her goal is to Edify, Entertain and Elect — Democrats, of course.    

Joan Esposito has hosted WCPT's afternoon show since 2019. Prior to that she spent 20 years as a Chicago television anchor and reporter for WGN Channel 9, ABC7 and NBC5, and had a stint as managing partner at media trainer J2SC.  Joan is a long-time member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). 

From Heartland Signal and <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/wcpt820/">WCPT AM 820</a> in Chicago, here are full episodes of "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" (weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central), a topical and interactive talk show that focuses on national, state and city politics. &nbsp;
A veteran Chicago broadcaster, Joan talks to politicians and professors, activists and authors, candidates and correspondents, as well as listeners who call in to share their views on the news of the day. Her goal is to Edify, Entertain and Elect &mdash; Democrats, of course. &nbsp; &nbsp;
Joan Esposito has hosted WCPT's afternoon show since 2019. Prior to that she spent 20 years as a Chicago television anchor and reporter for WGN Channel 9, ABC7 and NBC5, and had a stint as managing partner at media trainer J2SC. &nbsp;Joan is a long-time member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).&nbsp;

Joan Esposito (Full Episodes)

From Heartland Signal and WCPT AM 820 in Chicago, "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" (weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central) is a topical and interactive talk show that focuses on national, state and city politics. A veteran Chicago broadcaster, Joan talks to politicians and professors, activists and authors, candidates and correspondents, as well as listeners who call in to share their views on the news of the day. Her goal is to Edify, Entertain and Elect — Democrats, of course.    

Joan Esposito has hosted WCPT's afternoon show since 2019. Prior to that she spent 20 years as a Chicago television anchor and reporter for WGN Channel 9, ABC7 and NBC5, and had a stint as managing partner at media trainer J2SC.  Joan is a long-time member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). 

From Heartland Signal and <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/wcpt820/">WCPT AM 820</a> in Chicago, "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" (weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central) is a topical and interactive talk show that focuses on national, state and city politics. A veteran Chicago broadcaster, Joan talks to politicians and professors, activists and authors, candidates and correspondents, as well as listeners who call in to share their views on the news of the day. Her goal is to Edify, Entertain and Elect &mdash; Democrats, of course. &nbsp; &nbsp;
Joan Esposito has hosted WCPT's afternoon show since 2019. Prior to that she spent 20 years as a Chicago television anchor and reporter for WGN Channel 9, ABC7 and NBC5, and had a stint as managing partner at media trainer J2SC. &nbsp;Joan is a long-time member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).&nbsp;

Joan Esposito: Live, Local & Progressive

Carolyn Fiddler of This Week in Statehouse Action: WCPT 820 Interview

Filling in for Joan Esposito, Carolyn Fiddler is joined by Heather Williams, president of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC). 

The interview focused on the DLCC's strategy and the stakes of state legislative elections.
- Heather described strong Democratic momentum, including 31 seats flipped this cycle, while stressing that most voters have not yet voted and campaigns need continued community-level outreach.
- The DLCC’s year-round work includes recruiting candidates, providing campaign tools and fundraising support, and building toward legislative majorities over multiple cycles.
- Potential Democratic trifectas in states including Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, and Pennsylvania could shape policy, redistricting, election administration, and the party’s future candidate bench.

Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive).

 

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Filling in for Joan Esposito, Carolyn Fiddler is joined by Heather Williams, president of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dlcc.org/">Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee</a> (DLCC).&nbsp;
The interview focused on the DLCC's strategy and the stakes of state legislative elections. - Heather described strong Democratic momentum, including 31 seats flipped this cycle, while stressing that most voters have not yet voted and campaigns need continued community-level outreach. - The DLCC&rsquo;s year-round work includes recruiting candidates, providing campaign tools and fundraising support, and building toward legislative majorities over multiple cycles. - Potential Democratic trifectas in states including Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, and Pennsylvania could shape policy, redistricting, election administration, and the party&rsquo;s future candidate bench.
Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (<a href="http://heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive">heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive</a>).
&nbsp;
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Heather Williams of the DLCC: WCPT 820 Interview

Filling in for Joan Esposito, Carolyn Fiddler is joined by Chris Mann, Democratic candidate for attorney general of Kansas.

Mann discussed his priorities as a Democratic candidate and contrasted them with incumbent Kris Kobach’s record. Here are a few highlights from the conversation: 
- Mann described his background as a police officer, prosecutor, and attorney representing victims of drunk driving. He cited the Kansas Fraternal Order of Police endorsement, the first for a Democrat in at least 25 years.
- He said many small law enforcement agencies need more support from the attorney general’s office and Kansas Bureau of Investigation.
- He identified rising domestic violence homicides, underfunded shelters, and youth suicide as key concerns, noting that suicide is the leading cause of death for Kansas children ages 10-17.
- Mann said consumer fraud losses exceeded $30 million in the first half of the year, including increased losses to government-impersonation scams. He proposed public education, coordination with law enforcement partners, and work with telecom and email providers.
- He also called for stronger support for farmers and businesses, and for pursuing federal funds allocated to Kansas.
- Mann said his day-one priority would be refocusing the office on public service and community safety. He criticized Kobach’s record on voting restrictions and said Kansas had not received federal funds he believes it is owed.

Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive).

 

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Filling in for Joan Esposito, Carolyn Fiddler is joined by <a href="https://chrismannforkansas.com/meet-chris/">Chris Mann</a>, Democratic candidate for attorney general of Kansas.
Mann discussed his priorities as a Democratic candidate and contrasted them with incumbent Kris Kobach&rsquo;s record. Here are a few highlights from the conversation:&nbsp; - Mann described his background as a police officer, prosecutor, and attorney representing victims of drunk driving. He cited the Kansas Fraternal Order of Police endorsement, the first for a Democrat in at least 25 years. - He said many small law enforcement agencies need more support from the attorney general&rsquo;s office and Kansas Bureau of Investigation. - He identified rising domestic violence homicides, underfunded shelters, and youth suicide as key concerns, noting that suicide is the leading cause of death for Kansas children ages 10-17. - Mann said consumer fraud losses exceeded $30 million in the first half of the year, including increased losses to government-impersonation scams. He proposed public education, coordination with law enforcement partners, and work with telecom and email providers. - He also called for stronger support for farmers and businesses, and for pursuing federal funds allocated to Kansas. - Mann said his day-one priority would be refocusing the office on public service and community safety. He criticized Kobach&rsquo;s record on voting restrictions and said Kansas had not received federal funds he believes it is owed.
Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (<a href="http://heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive">heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive</a>).
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Chris Mann: WCPT 820 Candidate Interview 

Filling in for Joan Esposito, Carolyn Fiddler is joined by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Elllison, 2026 candidate for re-election. 

The interview focused on Keith Ellison’s record as Minnesota attorney general, his priorities if re-elected, and election protection. Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- Ellison cited litigation over insulin pricing, SNAP benefits, federal immigration enforcement, and John Deere’s restrictions on farmers repairing equipment.
- He described the office’s role as enforcing existing laws, including consumer protection and antitrust laws.
- He said he would continue work on health care and prescription affordability, antitrust enforcement, technology practices affecting children, and recovery of earned wages.
- He identified farm closures and economic pressures as concerns raised by Minnesotans.
- He said his office and partner organizations are preparing to respond to federal interference or intimidation at the polls.
- He urged people to vote and to encourage others to vote, and report suspected intimidation to officials or civil rights organizations.

Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive).

 

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Filling in for Joan Esposito, Carolyn Fiddler is joined by <a href="https://www.ag.state.mn.us/office/agbio.asp">Minnesota Attorney General Keith Elllison</a>, 2026 <a href="https://www.keithellison.org/">candidate for re-election</a>.&nbsp;
The interview focused on Keith Ellison&rsquo;s record as Minnesota attorney general, his priorities if re-elected, and election protection. Here are a few highlights from the conversation: - Ellison cited litigation over insulin pricing, SNAP benefits, federal immigration enforcement, and John Deere&rsquo;s restrictions on farmers repairing equipment. - He described the office&rsquo;s role as enforcing existing laws, including consumer protection and antitrust laws. - He said he would continue work on health care and prescription affordability, antitrust enforcement, technology practices affecting children, and recovery of earned wages. - He identified farm closures and economic pressures as concerns raised by Minnesotans. - He said his office and partner organizations are preparing to respond to federal interference or intimidation at the polls. - He urged people to vote and to encourage others to vote, and report suspected intimidation to officials or civil rights organizations.
Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (<a href="http://heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive">heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive</a>).
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Carolyn Fiddler of This Week in Statehouse Action: WCPT 820 Interview

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