Joan Esposito is joined by Leslie Martes, CEO of Forward Majority. The interview focused on the stakes of state legislative elections and Forward Majority’s strategy to help Democrats gain power in state legislatures.

Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- Martes said 21 seats across Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania could create four Democratic trifectas; Michigan House Democrats need four seats for control.
- State legislatures shape policy on issues including election rules, abortion, teacher pay, minimum wage, Medicaid, and voting rights. A Michigan House race discussed in the interview had been decided by 79 votes in 2024.
- Founded in 2017, Forward Majority focuses strategic resources on overlooked state legislative districts and uses data and message testing to connect candidates’ positions to voters’ concerns.
- Martes emphasized that national or statewide success does not automatically carry down the ballot; voters need to know their state legislative candidates and positions.
- Polls and early voting figures were described as indicators rather than definitive predictions. 

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 Leslie Martes, CEO of&nbsp;<a href="https://forwardmajority.org/about/">Forward Majority</a>.&nbsp;The interview focused on the stakes of state legislative elections and Forward Majority&rsquo;s strategy to help Democrats gain power in state legislatures.
Here are a few highlights from the conversation: - Martes said 21 seats across Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania could create four Democratic trifectas; Michigan House Democrats need four seats for control. - State legislatures shape policy on issues including election rules, abortion, teacher pay, minimum wage, Medicaid, and voting rights. A Michigan House race discussed in the interview had been decided by 79 votes in 2024. - Founded in 2017, Forward Majority focuses strategic resources on overlooked state legislative districts and uses data and message testing to connect candidates&rsquo; positions to voters&rsquo; concerns. - Martes emphasized that national or statewide success does not automatically carry down the ballot; voters need to know their state legislative candidates and positions. - Polls and early voting figures were described as indicators rather than definitive predictions.&nbsp;
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

Leslie Martes of Forward Majority: WCPT 820 Interview

Joan Esposito is joined by David Schultz, distinguished university professor of political science and legal studies at Hamline University and an adjunct law professor at the University of St. Thomas.

The interview examined the close Minnesota Senate race, campaign spending and polling, voter turnout, and money in politics. Here a few highlights from the conversation:
- Schultz described Minnesota as usually Democratic but politically competitive, making its Senate seat important to Democratic efforts to control the Senate.
- He said campaign spending shifts and where Donald Trump campaigns can indicate which races parties consider competitive and where they are concentrating resources.
- He said most voters are aligned with a party; late-campaign efforts mainly focus on turnout rather than changing minds. He emphasized that nonvoting can affect close election outcomes.
- He argued that building coalitions and winning elections are necessary for incremental policy change, even when candidates are not voters’ ideal choices.
- Schultz and Esposito discussed whether large outside contributions, including money from Elon Musk, could prompt voters to reject candidates. He distinguished wealthy donors’ spending from contributions bundled by labor unions.

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 David Schultz,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hamline.edu/faculty-staff/david-schultz">distinguished university professor of political science and legal studies at Hamline University</a> and an <a href="https://law.stthomas.edu/about/faculty-staff/directory/david-schultz/">adjunct law professor at the University of St. Thomas</a>.
The interview examined the close Minnesota Senate race, campaign spending and polling, voter turnout, and money in politics. Here a few highlights from the conversation: - Schultz described Minnesota as usually Democratic but politically competitive, making its Senate seat important to Democratic efforts to control the Senate. - He said campaign spending shifts and where Donald Trump campaigns can indicate which races parties consider competitive and where they are concentrating resources. - He said most voters are aligned with a party; late-campaign efforts mainly focus on turnout rather than changing minds. He emphasized that nonvoting can affect close election outcomes. - He argued that building coalitions and winning elections are necessary for incremental policy change, even when candidates are not voters&rsquo; ideal choices. - Schultz and Esposito discussed whether large outside contributions, including money from Elon Musk, could prompt voters to reject candidates. He distinguished wealthy donors&rsquo; spending from contributions bundled by labor unions.
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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Prof. David Schultz: WCPT 820 Interview

Joan Esposito is joined by Michael Jones, founder, publisher and national political correspondent for Once Upon a Hill, and author of the Congress Nerd newsletter. 

The interview focused on congressional strategy, voter priorities, and possible Democratic leadership if the party wins control of Congress. Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- Jones said House Speaker Mike Johnson has prevented politically difficult votes and frequently sent the House home, while voters are concerned about affordability, health care, nutrition assistance, and jobs.
- If Democrats gain a majority, they may pursue affordability measures and investigations of the administration and corporations; the agenda will depend on the majority’s size and makeup.
- Jones expects Hakeem Jeffries to be elected speaker and described his leadership as collaborative and consensus-oriented, while noting questions about whether his style will satisfy voters seeking a more combative approach.
- With Donald Trump remaining president, Democrats may seek some legislation with his support and dare him to veto other measures. 

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 Michael Jones, founder, publisher and national political correspondent for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.onceuponahill.com/">Once Upon a Hill</a>, and author of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.onceuponahill.com/subscribe">Congress Nerd</a> newsletter.&nbsp;
The interview focused on congressional strategy, voter priorities, and possible Democratic leadership if the party wins control of Congress. Here are a few highlights from the conversation: - Jones said House Speaker Mike Johnson has prevented politically difficult votes and frequently sent the House home, while voters are concerned about affordability, health care, nutrition assistance, and jobs. - If Democrats gain a majority, they may pursue affordability measures and investigations of the administration and corporations; the agenda will depend on the majority&rsquo;s size and makeup. - Jones expects Hakeem Jeffries to be elected speaker and described his leadership as collaborative and consensus-oriented, while noting questions about whether his style will satisfy voters seeking a more combative approach. - With Donald Trump remaining president, Democrats may seek some legislation with his support and dare him to veto other measures.&nbsp;
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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Michael Jones of Once Upon a Hill: WCPT 820 Interview

Michael Jones

Camaron Stevenson

Leslie Martes

David Schultz

On today's show
– Michael Jones, founder, publisher and national political correspondent for Once Upon a Hill
– Camaron Stevenson, national correspondent in Washington, D.C. for Courier and author of the weekly "Below the Belt(way)" newsletter 
– Leslie Martes, CEO of Forward Majority
– David Schultz, distinguished university professor of political science and legal studies at Hamline University and an adjunct law professor at the University of St. Thomas

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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On today's show &ndash; Michael Jones, founder, publisher and national political correspondent for <a href="https://www.onceuponahill.com/">Once Upon a Hill</a> &ndash; Camaron Stevenson, national correspondent in Washington, D.C. for Courier and author of the weekly "<a href="https://www.beltway.news/">Below the Belt(way)</a>" newsletter &ndash; Leslie Martes, CEO of <a href="https://forwardmajority.org/about/">Forward Majority</a> &ndash; David Schultz, <a href="https://www.hamline.edu/faculty-staff/david-schultz">distinguished university professor of political science and legal studies at Hamline University</a> and an <a href="https://law.stthomas.edu/about/faculty-staff/directory/david-schultz/">adjunct law professor at the University of St. Thomas</a>
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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Leslie Martes of Forward Majority: WCPT 820 Interview

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