UW-La Crosse political science professor Dr. Anthony Chergosky in studio breaking down the Wisconsin governor’s debate between David Crowley and Tom Tiffany and the 3rd U.S. House District debate between Rebecca Cooke and Derrick Van Orden. 

Which candidates helped themselves, which had awkward moments, and what did we learn about their positions on taxes, spending, guns and the 2020 election?

 Chergosky also explains why the governor’s debate may have left voters wanting another round.

Before that, though, we got into a growing concern for elected officials: threats against their safety and their families. 

Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway says the threats have become a factor in her decision not to seek reelection. Van Orden has described death threats that led him to move his home. How widespread is the problem, and what can be done to hold people accountable without making things worse?

We started the show with WIZM’s Brad Williams to talk about La Crosse Public Schools potential lawsuit against social media companies over claims their platforms are designed to be addictive. Williams also shares what he’s seeing on the campaign trail, with candidates and high-profile political figures making stops every day in the Coulee Region.

Topic highlights:

• The governor’s debate: Why Chergosky thinks another debate — or a different format — could give voters a better look at Crowley and Tiffany.
• Crowley and the Democratic Socialists: Why Crowley struggled when asked which parts of Francesca Hong’s Democratic Socialist agenda he supports.
• Tiffany and the 2020 election: How his explanation involving Zuckerberg-funded election grants compares with the reasons he gave at the time for challenging the election results.
• Taxes and spending: Both candidates promise to fund Wisconsin’s priorities. Chergosky examines the unanswered questions about how they would make the numbers work.
• Cooke’s position on assault rifles: Why her debate answer stood out and prompted a response from Van Orden’s campaign.
• Van Orden’s answer on government: What his comments about becoming more disgusted with the federal government reveal about the challenges of getting legislation passed.
• Threats against elected officials: Why Rhodes-Conway says she won’t seek another term, Van Orden’s account of threats against his family, and the difficult question of how to hold perpetrators accountable.
• La Crosse Schools and social media: Brad Williams explains the potential lawsuit and the legal argument that social media companies designed addictive platforms.
• Williams on the campaign trail: Williams recounts a busy week of campaign appearances, including visits from members of the Trump administration and candidates running for statewide office.