Former Wisconsin Republican Gov. Tommy Thompson says Wisconsin is a blue state, ICE detains an Onalaska state trooper, and Derek Van Orden is already filing paperwork to run again in 2028.

UW-La Crosse political science professor Dr. Anthony Chergosky is in studio to help break down the blue wave, what it means for Wisconsin politics, the possibility of Democrats redrawing congressional maps, and what the next two years could look like in Washington.

Also joining the show are WIZM's Kevin Millard and Brad Williams, helping break down local issues, including the impending closure of Downtown Main Street and the competing city administrator proposals heading to the La Crosse City Council.

Conversation topics:

Van Orden eyeing 2028: Chergosky sees a potential strategy behind the defeated congressman's early filing — discouraging other Republicans from challenging him before the next election.

Redrawing WI's House maps: Democrats could protect their newly won seats, try to pick up more or create a nonpartisan commission. Chergosky explains the risks of each approach.

Is Wisconsin blue? Are statewide Democratic victories over the past decade part of a lasting political shift, or is Wisconsin still purple?

Democrats take control of DC: How will a Democratic Congress work with President Trump, and will the focus be on passing legislation or making a political statement?

Agenda for WI's Democrats: Could priorities like marijuana legalization and a $20 minimum wage move one bill at a time, rather than waiting for the state budget?

ICE detains Onalaska state trooper: Millard explains how a Wisconsin State Patrol trooper ended up in an ICE detention facility and what led to his release.

Former Wisconsin Republican Gov. Tommy Thompson says Wisconsin is a blue state, ICE detains an Onalaska state trooper, and Derek Van Orden is already filing paperwork to run again in 2028.
UW-La Crosse political science professor Dr. Anthony Chergosky is in studio to help break down the blue wave, what it means for Wisconsin politics, the possibility of Democrats redrawing congressional maps, and what the next two years could look like in Washington.
Also joining the show are WIZM's Kevin Millard and Brad Williams, helping break down local issues, including the impending closure of Downtown Main Street and the competing city administrator proposals heading to the La Crosse City Council.
Conversation topics:
Van Orden eyeing 2028: Chergosky sees a potential strategy behind the defeated congressman's early filing &mdash; discouraging other Republicans from challenging him before the next election.
Redrawing WI's House maps: Democrats could protect their newly won seats, try to pick up more or create a nonpartisan commission. Chergosky explains the risks of each approach.
Is Wisconsin blue? Are statewide Democratic victories over the past decade part of a lasting political shift, or is Wisconsin still purple?
Democrats take control of DC: How will a Democratic Congress work with President Trump, and will the focus be on passing legislation or making a political statement?
Agenda for WI's Democrats: Could priorities like marijuana legalization and a $20 minimum wage move one bill at a time, rather than waiting for the state budget?
ICE detains Onalaska state trooper: Millard explains how a Wisconsin State Patrol trooper ended up in an ICE detention facility and what led to his release.

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

UW-L's Chergosky on Democrats' moves the next two years, DVO files 2028 run  

 

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>

Reps. Doyle, Johnson discuss priorities as Democrats take control in Wisconsin

Ranting about the elections in Wisconsin and Minnesota, referendum questions and money in politics.

Ranting about the elections in Wisconsin and Minnesota, referendum questions and money in politics.

Ranting about the election

How much work goes into getting Mt. La Crosse ready for another ski season?

General Manager Darcie Briedel and Ski Patrol member Keachen Abing stopped in studio to talk about the behind-the-scenes work of preparing the mountain for winter — plus a new youth program that will give kids the chance to learn to ski for free.

Briedel and Abing discuss everything from making snow, and the costs involved,, to what it takes to become a Ski Patrol member — with members like Toddy Hilby being so over the hill he usually needs others on Ski Patrol to also rescue him on calls.

The two also break down their first-of-its-kind Learn to Ski for Free program in Wisconsin, which won La Crosse SOUP last month and is getting additional support from the La Crosse Community Foundation to get 200 fourth graders outside and on the slopes.

Lastly, we hit on the annual Ski and Snowboard Swap this Saturday and Sunday at Mt. La Crosse.

In this conversation:
Getting ready for winter: How snowmaking works, why humidity matters, the costs involved and what it takes to get the mountain ready for opening day.
Fourth-grade ski program: How the new program will work, why fourth grade was chosen and how families can sign up.
La Crosse SOUP: How the Ski Patrol pitched its idea, won $2,378 and secured additional community support.
Ski and Snowboard Swap: What to expect November 7-8 and how families can find affordable equipment.
Beyond the hill: How Ski Patrol volunteers help with emergency preparedness and community safety throughout the year.
Life on the mountain: What Mt. La Crosse offers outside ski season, including uphill running events, yoga, Pilates and weddings.

How much work goes into getting Mt. La Crosse ready for another ski season?
General Manager Darcie Briedel and Ski Patrol member Keachen Abing stopped in studio to talk about the behind-the-scenes work of preparing the mountain for winter &mdash; plus a new youth program that will give kids the chance to learn to ski for free.
Briedel and Abing discuss everything from making snow, and the costs involved,, to what it takes to become a Ski Patrol member &mdash; with members like Toddy Hilby being so over the hill he usually needs others on Ski Patrol to also rescue him on calls.
The two also break down their first-of-its-kind Learn to Ski for Free program in Wisconsin, which won La Crosse SOUP last month and is getting additional support from the La Crosse Community Foundation to get 200 fourth graders outside and on the slopes.
Lastly, we hit on the annual Ski and Snowboard Swap this Saturday and Sunday at Mt. La Crosse.
In this conversation:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Getting ready for winter: How snowmaking works, why humidity matters, the costs involved and what it takes to get the mountain ready for opening day.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Fourth-grade ski program: How the new program will work, why fourth grade was chosen and how families can sign up.</li>
<li aria-level="1">La Crosse SOUP: How the Ski Patrol pitched its idea, won $2,378 and secured additional community support.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Ski and Snowboard Swap: What to expect November 7-8 and how families can find affordable equipment.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Beyond the hill: How Ski Patrol volunteers help with emergency preparedness and community safety throughout the year.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Life on the mountain: What Mt. La Crosse offers outside ski season, including uphill running events, yoga, Pilates and weddings.</li>
</ul>

UW-L's Chergosky on Democrats' moves the next two years, DVO files 2028 run

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