A day after the first and only televised debate, UW-La Crosse professor emeritus, Dr. Joe Heim, joined to give his thoughts on the Wisconsin governor's race. 

Most of the focus was on the race in general, though all five Democratic candidates debated the night before. 

Heim talks about Francesca Hong running as a Democratic Socialist and Tom Tiffany being a far-right candidate and how that might play out in a purple state, where a lot of elections are decided by just a few percentage points.

We also discussed the saga over Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez dropping out, David Crowley getting back in the race and Gov. Tony Evers endorsing him — over his Mandela Barnes, his old lieutenant governor. 

A day after the first and only televised debate, UW-La Crosse professor emeritus, Dr. Joe Heim, joined to give his thoughts on the Wisconsin governor's race.&nbsp;
Most of the focus was on the race in general, though all five Democratic candidates debated the night before.&nbsp;
Heim talks about Francesca&nbsp;Hong running as a Democratic Socialist and Tom Tiffany being a far-right candidate and how that might play out in a purple state, where a lot of elections are decided by just a few percentage points.
We also discussed the saga over Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez dropping out, David Crowley getting back in the race and Gov. Tony Evers endorsing him &mdash; over his Mandela Barnes, his old lieutenant governor.&nbsp;

Listener conversations about the days events in and around the La Crosse area.  Weekdays from 5-6pm on WIZM 1410AM and 92.3FM

La Crosse Talk PM WIZM

Rick Solem talks about the days events in and around the La Crosse area. Weekdays from 5:07-6pm on 1410 WIZM

Rick Solem talks about the days events in and around the La Crosse area. Weekdays from 5:07-6pm on 1410 WIZM

WIZM - La Crosse

Political scientist Dr. Joe Heim on Wisconsin governor's race

Brad Williams on fatal La Crosse trials

Berge on biggest issues

Berge on Cooke's disclosure extension

We caught up with Emily Berge on the campaign trail for the U.S. House in Wisconsin's 3rd District, getting her thoughts on financial disclosure extensions granted to her opponent.

Also, Brad Williams joins us to break down two cases going through the courts — the Cody Alland murder trial and the case of a 61-year-old driver who hit 27-year-old Tarianna Thompson with his pickup after failing to stop at an intersection. Thompson, who was riding her bike, died nine days later, and an inquest jury on Monday recommended charges be brought against the driver, Richard Myron.

In the second half of the show, with the Aug. 11 primary just weeks away, Berge discusses her growing momentum in the district.

In this segment:


Gaining Ground: Berge reacts to political analysts pointing to her grassroots momentum and shares how volunteer numbers are building across the district.


Voter Priorities: Key issues voters and young adults are raising on the trail, including healthcare, housing, data centers, and getting money out of politics.


Campaign Finance & Transparency: Berge highlights the importance of compliance following Sarah Rodriguez dropping out of the governor's race over campaign finance errors, and addresses why opponent Rebecca Cooke’s delayed personal financial disclosure is a concern for primary voters.


Federal Policy & Foreign Affairs: Her take on Congressional stock trading bans, campaign finance reforms, and voter frustration over military spending versus domestic needs like healthcare.

We caught up with Emily Berge on the campaign trail for the U.S. House in Wisconsin's 3rd District, getting her thoughts on financial disclosure extensions granted to her opponent.
Also, Brad Williams joins us to break down two cases going through the courts &mdash; the <a href="https://www.wizmnews.com/2026/07/28/prosecution-rests-in-la-crosse-murder-trial-as-defense-prepares-to-call-witnesses-wednesday/">Cody Alland murder trial</a> and the case of a 61-year-old driver who hit 27-year-old Tarianna Thompson with his pickup after failing to stop at an intersection. Thompson, who was riding her bike, died nine days later, and an inquest jury on Monday <a href="https://www.wizmnews.com/2026/07/27/jury-recommends-charges-against-truck-driver-in-fatal-la-crosse-bike-crash/">recommended charges be brought</a> against the driver, Richard Myron.
In the second half of the show, with the Aug. 11 primary just weeks away, Berge discusses her growing momentum in the district.
In this segment:
<ul data-path-to-node="4">
<li>
Gaining Ground: Berge reacts to political analysts pointing to her grassroots momentum and shares how volunteer numbers are building across the district.
</li>
<li>
Voter Priorities: Key issues voters and young adults are raising on the trail, including healthcare, housing, data centers, and getting money out of politics.
</li>
<li>
Campaign Finance &amp; Transparency: Berge highlights the importance of compliance following Sarah Rodriguez dropping out of the governor's race over campaign finance errors, and addresses why opponent Rebecca Cooke&rsquo;s delayed personal financial disclosure is a concern for primary voters.
</li>
<li>
Federal Policy &amp; Foreign Affairs: Her take on Congressional stock trading bans, campaign finance reforms, and voter frustration over military spending versus domestic needs like healthcare.
</li>
</ul>

U.S. House candidate Berge questions Cooke disclosures, plus Williams on two fatal La Crosse trials

La Crosse city admin debate

Local projects & case for city admin

Fixing City Hall efficiency

Kmart development update

He's worked with the city of La Crosse on many projects. A popular one right now is redeveloping the old Kmart lot.

Marvin Wanders, CEO of Three-Sixty Real Estate Solutions, stopped in studio to talk about his experience working with La Crosse and other municipalities in the region, and how he feels about the need for a city administrator position.

City administrator is back in front of council during the August cycle, beginning next week with the Judiciary & Administrative Committee. It could be on the City Plan Commission agenda, as well. That one isn't up yet.

IN THIS INTERVIEW:


Why a City Administrator? How professional management, clear structure, and department alignment impact city growth and $80M budget efficiency.


Old Kmart Site Update & Timeline: Where the Copper Rocks project currently stands with the city, what needs to happen with the development agreement, and the timeline for when demolition and site work could potentially start next spring.


New Local Housing Projects: A look at the newly openedCNC Residences near Mayo and the ORI studio micro-apartments at Badger West near UW-La Crosse.


La Crosse Housing Trends: Meeting the demand for one- and two-person households and shifting demographics in the region.

He's worked with the city of La Crosse on many projects. A popular one right now is redeveloping the old Kmart lot.
Marvin Wanders, CEO of <a href="https://www.threesixty.bz/">Three-Sixty Real Estate Solutions</a>, stopped in studio to talk about his experience working with La Crosse and other municipalities in the region, and how he feels about the need for a city administrator position.
City administrator is back in front of council during the August cycle, beginning next week with the <a href="https://cityoflacrosse.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=1363293&amp;GUID=807E21D7-49BA-426D-8531-96742119A7E7&amp;Options=info|&amp;Search=">Judiciary &amp; Administrative Committee</a>. It could be on the City Plan Commission agenda, as well. That one isn't up yet.
IN THIS INTERVIEW:
<ul data-path-to-node="7">
<li>
Why a City Administrator? How professional management, clear structure, and department alignment impact city growth and $80M budget efficiency.
</li>
<li>
Old Kmart Site Update &amp; Timeline: Where the Copper Rocks project currently stands with the city, what needs to happen with the development agreement, and the timeline for when demolition and site work could potentially start next spring.
</li>
<li>
New Local Housing Projects: A look at the newly opened CNC Residences near Mayo and the ORI studio micro-apartments at Badger West near UW-La Crosse.
</li>
<li>
La Crosse Housing Trends: Meeting the demand for one- and two-person households and shifting demographics in the region.
</li>
</ul>

Marvin Wanders on Kmart timeline, new housing, and whether La Crosse needs a city administrator

Electability in the Wisconsin governor's race has taken center stage as state Sen. Kelda Roys stopped in studio to discuss her bid to lead the state.

With the race reshaped, we talk to Roys about candidate electability and how Francesca Hong's "Democratic socialist" label plays into the strategy to win next month, and in November.

Roys also breaks down her proposal to end private school voucher funding and her priorities for lowering living costs and reforming classroom technology.

UW-La Crosse political scientist Dr. Anthony Chergosky was also in studio helping decode the high percentage of undecided voters and break down the race for Wisconsin's 3rd US House District.

We analyze how Republican incumbent Derek Van Orden is posturing against Democratic primary candidates Rebecca Cook and Emily Berge, including financial disclosure extensions and debate challenges.

Key Topics:


The Democratic Primary: Sen. Kelda Roys on campaign finance, debate strategy, and navigating a shifting candidate field.


Voucher School Reform: Inside Roys' plan to phase out tax-funded private school vouchers and re-invest in public education.


Electability & Strategy: Dr. Anthony Chergosky breaks down how Francesca Hong's "Democratic socialist" label and outside ad spending impact primary voters vs. the general electorate.


3rd Congressional District: A look at financial disclosure extensions, debate challenges, and general election strategies involving Derek Van Orden, Rebecca Cook, and Emily Berge.

Electability in the Wisconsin governor's race has taken center stage as state Sen. Kelda Roys stopped in studio to discuss her bid to lead the state.
With the race reshaped, we talk to Roys about candidate electability and how Francesca Hong's "Democratic socialist" label&nbsp;plays into the strategy to win next month, and in November.
Roys also breaks down her proposal to end private school voucher funding and her priorities for lowering living costs and reforming classroom technology.
UW-La Crosse political scientist Dr. Anthony Chergosky was also in studio helping decode the high percentage of undecided voters and break down the race for Wisconsin's 3rd US House District.
We analyze how Republican incumbent Derek Van Orden is posturing against Democratic primary candidates Rebecca Cook and Emily Berge, including financial disclosure extensions and debate challenges.
Key Topics:
<ul data-path-to-node="7">
<li>
The Democratic Primary: Sen. Kelda Roys on campaign finance, debate strategy, and navigating a shifting candidate field.
</li>
<li>
Voucher School Reform: Inside Roys' plan to phase out tax-funded private school vouchers and re-invest in public education.
</li>
<li>
Electability &amp; Strategy: Dr. Anthony Chergosky breaks down how Francesca Hong's "Democratic socialist" label and outside ad spending impact primary voters vs. the general electorate.
</li>
<li>
3rd Congressional District: A look at financial disclosure extensions, debate challenges, and general election strategies involving Derek Van Orden, Rebecca Cook, and Emily Berge.
</li>
</ul>

Political scientist Dr. Joe Heim on Wisconsin governor's race

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