 

After 15 years in the minority, Wisconsin Democrats are finally in control of state government. 

 

But will they use that power to push back against Republicans after years of being shut out, or take a different approach?

State Assembly Reps. Steve Doyle (D-Onalaska) and Tara Johnson (D-Shelby) stopped in studio the day after their reelection victories to talk about the Democratic takeover of the governor's office and both chambers of the Legislature. 

Doyle looks back on the last time Republicans took control in 2011, when he was just starting to serve in the Assembly, and what that experience could mean for the new Democratic majority. 

The two also discuss the agenda they've been preparing and how they expect the new majority to approach governing.

Part of that agenda could include capping the millions of dollars flowing into Wisconsin elections and the campaign finance loopholes that allow big contributions from billionaire donors. 

Doyle and Johnson also share their thoughts on incoming Gov. David Crowley, his background in Milwaukee County government and what kind of working relationship they expect with him.

In this episode:
The blue blizzard: Democrats have been preparing for a possible majority, with a 100-day plan and hundreds of bills previously introduced. Johnson explains why their priorities shouldn't come as a surprise.
Learning from 2011: Doyle recalls the atmosphere when Republicans took control under Scott Walker, including committee changes, Act 10 and the redrawing of legislative maps. Will Democrats avoid repeating that approach?
Campaign finance and big money: The $42 million spent in Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District race raises questions about campaign finance loopholes, unlimited contributions to political parties and what lawmakers can do about it.
Tiffany's loss and Crowley's win: Doyle offers his take on why Republicans went with Tom Tiffany for governor, while both Democrats discuss the competitive Democratic primary and how the party rallied behind Crowley.
Getting to know David Crowley: Doyle and Johnson talk about the new governor's background, his experience in Milwaukee County and why they believe he'll work well with the Legislature.
No retirement plans: After 15 years in the minority, Doyle says finally having the opportunity to get things accomplished in the majority has him rejuvenated.

&nbsp;
After 15 years in the minority, Wisconsin Democrats are finally in control of state government.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
But will they use that power to push back against Republicans after years of being shut out, or take a different approach?
State Assembly Reps. Steve Doyle (D-Onalaska) and Tara Johnson (D-Shelby) stopped in studio the day after their reelection victories to talk about the Democratic takeover of the governor's office and both chambers of the Legislature.&nbsp;
Doyle looks back on the last time Republicans took control in 2011, when he was just starting to serve in the Assembly, and what that experience could mean for the new Democratic majority.&nbsp;
The two also discuss the agenda they've been preparing and how they expect the new majority to approach governing.
Part of that agenda could include capping the millions of dollars flowing into Wisconsin elections and the campaign finance loopholes that allow big contributions from billionaire donors.&nbsp;
Doyle and Johnson also share their thoughts on incoming Gov. David Crowley, his background in Milwaukee County government and what kind of working relationship they expect with him.
In this episode:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The blue blizzard: Democrats have been preparing for a possible majority, with a 100-day plan and hundreds of bills previously introduced. Johnson explains why their priorities shouldn't come as a surprise.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Learning from 2011: Doyle recalls the atmosphere when Republicans took control under Scott Walker, including committee changes, Act 10 and the redrawing of legislative maps. Will Democrats avoid repeating that approach?</li>
<li aria-level="1">Campaign finance and big money: The $42 million spent in Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District race raises questions about campaign finance loopholes, unlimited contributions to political parties and what lawmakers can do about it.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Tiffany's loss and Crowley's win: Doyle offers his take on why Republicans went with Tom Tiffany for governor, while both Democrats discuss the competitive Democratic primary and how the party rallied behind Crowley.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Getting to know David Crowley: Doyle and Johnson talk about the new governor's background, his experience in Milwaukee County and why they believe he'll work well with the Legislature.</li>
<li aria-level="1">No retirement plans: After 15 years in the minority, Doyle says finally having the opportunity to get things accomplished in the majority has him rejuvenated.</li>
</ul>

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