1 00:00:07,307 --> 00:00:10,777 PBS Wisconsin original production. 2 00:00:11,645 --> 00:00:15,148 >> I'm Frederica Freyberg. Tonight on "Here& Now", the 3 00:00:15,215 --> 00:00:18,185 last of the crowded field of Democratic candidates 4 00:00:18,252 --> 00:00:21,255 for governor. And what happens when the free 5 00:00:21,321 --> 00:00:25,259 public access eyes and ears of the state legislature 6 00:00:25,325 --> 00:00:28,328 disappears? It's "Here& Now" for 7 00:00:28,395 --> 00:00:31,865 December 19th. >> Funding for here and Now 8 00:00:31,932 --> 00:00:34,968 is provided by the Focus Fund for Journalism and 9 00:00:35,035 --> 00:00:40,040 Friends of PBS Wisconsin. >> The Wisconsin version of 10 00:00:47,648 --> 00:00:51,785 C-Span has gone dark. Wisconsin. I now shows this 11 00:00:51,852 --> 00:00:55,422 message on its website saying it is off the air. 12 00:00:55,489 --> 00:00:58,959 The private nonprofit service started in 2007, 13 00:00:59,026 --> 00:01:02,129 providing live and archived online and cable TV 14 00:01:02,196 --> 00:01:05,199 coverage of state government. But money to 15 00:01:05,265 --> 00:01:09,903 run the operation ran out. Wisconsin ESSER Roe Jon 16 00:01:09,970 --> 00:01:12,139 Henkes joins us now. And thanks very much for being 17 00:01:12,206 --> 00:01:15,108 here. >> My pleasure. Thank you. 18 00:01:15,175 --> 00:01:17,544 >> So what has been the reaction from the Wisconsin 19 00:01:17,611 --> 00:01:22,149 I audience to the fact that it went off the air? 20 00:01:22,216 --> 00:01:26,153 >> Different audiences have slightly different takes on 21 00:01:26,220 --> 00:01:30,390 on the reaction. On the positive side, we have seen 22 00:01:30,457 --> 00:01:35,028 an outpouring of small gifts made via online, the 23 00:01:36,597 --> 00:01:39,166 likes of which we've not seen. So in a period of 24 00:01:39,233 --> 00:01:43,270 about two weeks, we've generated almost $60,000 in 25 00:01:43,337 --> 00:01:47,808 gifts ranging from $5 to $1000. That's been very 26 00:01:48,442 --> 00:01:51,078 encouraging. And it says that citizens at large 27 00:01:51,144 --> 00:01:55,182 really do care about Wisconsinites future. 28 00:01:55,249 --> 00:01:58,418 Disappointing to a degree has been we've not heard 29 00:01:58,485 --> 00:02:03,156 from those larger donor philanthropist types who 30 00:02:03,891 --> 00:02:06,760 who are capable of of supporting Wisconsin. And 31 00:02:06,827 --> 00:02:11,131 we know that they value it from the perspective of 32 00:02:11,198 --> 00:02:15,769 elected officials. They are anxious for Wisconsin. I to 33 00:02:15,836 --> 00:02:20,040 light up the archive, which can happen very soon, as 34 00:02:20,107 --> 00:02:24,011 well as return to full coverage of of live events. 35 00:02:24,077 --> 00:02:26,713 So there are discussions going on behind the scenes 36 00:02:26,780 --> 00:02:30,918 right now. Our credit goes to the elected officials in 37 00:02:30,984 --> 00:02:34,621 the legislature and the governor's office. These 38 00:02:34,688 --> 00:02:38,091 are the folks who over time, different people, but the 39 00:02:38,158 --> 00:02:43,063 same bipartisan sentiment have said unequivocally 40 00:02:43,630 --> 00:02:46,266 that an independent approach to state 41 00:02:46,333 --> 00:02:49,236 government coverage is the Wisconsin way. 42 00:02:49,303 --> 00:02:53,907 >> Because I know that you were hoping for $10 million 43 00:02:53,974 --> 00:02:57,177 in state funding, but that had to have those matching 44 00:02:57,244 --> 00:03:01,114 funds, as you just talked about from donations. But 45 00:03:01,181 --> 00:03:05,052 was that ever a realistic goal and how are you 46 00:03:05,118 --> 00:03:07,521 working around that? Are you able to get some of 47 00:03:07,588 --> 00:03:12,292 that state funding without having to do the match? 48 00:03:12,359 --> 00:03:16,930 >> The hope is that by state action, those dollars 49 00:03:17,831 --> 00:03:21,001 that had the match requirement can be released 50 00:03:21,068 --> 00:03:24,972 in some portion, in whole or in part to help 51 00:03:25,806 --> 00:03:28,642 Wisconsin, I move forward. We've got five employees 52 00:03:28,709 --> 00:03:31,678 and a budget of less than a million, and we're 53 00:03:31,745 --> 00:03:34,648 producing on a busy day in the capital, up to 10 or 11 54 00:03:34,715 --> 00:03:39,419 events, five of them simultaneously live. So we 55 00:03:39,486 --> 00:03:42,623 can make a very strong argument that this is a 56 00:03:42,689 --> 00:03:47,160 lean operation that delivers quality at a very 57 00:03:47,227 --> 00:03:50,597 affordable price. We're not asking for new state money. 58 00:03:50,664 --> 00:03:53,867 These dollars have already been allocated toward 59 00:03:53,934 --> 00:03:57,171 Wisconsin. So with with some simple assurances of 60 00:03:57,237 --> 00:04:01,041 forward progress, I believe we can achieve both. 61 00:04:01,108 --> 00:04:04,111 Reactivate the archive quickly and be on the air 62 00:04:04,178 --> 00:04:06,313 in January. >> Jon Henkes, thanks very 63 00:04:06,380 --> 00:04:08,048 much. >> Thanks. 64 00:04:09,516 --> 00:04:11,785 >> Tonight we continue our interviews with candidates 65 00:04:11,852 --> 00:04:14,788 running in the primary election for governor. We 66 00:04:14,855 --> 00:04:17,191 brought you interviews with the two Republicans in the 67 00:04:17,257 --> 00:04:20,527 race earlier this month. There are seven Democrats 68 00:04:20,594 --> 00:04:23,797 lining up. We spoke with three of them last week. Up 69 00:04:23,864 --> 00:04:26,667 next, senior political reporter Zac Schultz brings 70 00:04:26,733 --> 00:04:30,204 us introductory interviews with the remaining four 71 00:04:30,270 --> 00:04:33,106 Democrats, starting with former Lieutenant Governor 72 00:04:33,173 --> 00:04:36,677 Mandela Barnes. >> Mandela Barnes. Thanks 73 00:04:36,743 --> 00:04:38,645 for coming in for sure. >> Thank you so much for 74 00:04:38,712 --> 00:04:41,081 having me. >> So for voters who may 75 00:04:41,148 --> 00:04:43,550 not be as familiar with you, introduce yourself and say, 76 00:04:43,617 --> 00:04:46,153 why are you running for governor? 77 00:04:46,220 --> 00:04:47,821 Barnes, former lieutenant governor, former state rep 78 00:04:47,888 --> 00:04:49,890 running for governor because we found ourselves 79 00:04:49,957 --> 00:04:52,059 in a critical moment here in the state of Wisconsin 80 00:04:52,125 --> 00:04:55,863 all across the country. But Wisconsin has certainly 81 00:04:55,929 --> 00:04:59,099 rising costs, such as no different from other states. 82 00:04:59,166 --> 00:05:02,803 But when people are having such a hard time to pay for 83 00:05:02,870 --> 00:05:05,939 groceries, to live in their homes, to be able to afford 84 00:05:06,006 --> 00:05:08,742 their utilities or even healthcare. We need 85 00:05:08,809 --> 00:05:11,111 leadership that's going to reject the status quo and 86 00:05:11,178 --> 00:05:13,814 actually get to work to solving our problems. And 87 00:05:13,881 --> 00:05:16,383 this is more than just about bold leadership to 88 00:05:16,450 --> 00:05:18,819 take on Donald Trump. We need bold leadership that's 89 00:05:18,886 --> 00:05:21,021 going to provide solutions. And I'm running because we 90 00:05:21,088 --> 00:05:23,524 need to provide real relief. In my time in the 91 00:05:23,590 --> 00:05:25,425 legislature, my time as lieutenant governor has 92 00:05:25,492 --> 00:05:28,462 been focused on making life better for people across 93 00:05:28,529 --> 00:05:30,397 Wisconsin. It has been focused on improving 94 00:05:30,464 --> 00:05:32,699 quality of life. And that's why I'm ready to get to 95 00:05:32,766 --> 00:05:36,803 work to lower costs on the very first day. 96 00:05:36,870 --> 00:05:38,906 that's driven you in your career, or maybe a lane 97 00:05:38,972 --> 00:05:41,742 within the party that helps define who you are? 98 00:05:41,808 --> 00:05:43,810 >> Well, there are a number of issues. You know, I 99 00:05:43,877 --> 00:05:46,847 honestly think about challenges, situations, 100 00:05:46,914 --> 00:05:48,615 circumstances that I've dealt with, you know, 101 00:05:48,682 --> 00:05:50,817 growing up, you know, unfortunately, I've lost 102 00:05:50,884 --> 00:05:54,087 friends to gun violence. And that was one of the 103 00:05:54,154 --> 00:05:56,590 biggest things that actually made me think 104 00:05:56,657 --> 00:05:59,927 about public service. Who was going to step up, who 105 00:05:59,993 --> 00:06:02,062 was going to answer the call. And when we have 106 00:06:02,129 --> 00:06:04,865 these conversations about crime, we have these 107 00:06:04,932 --> 00:06:07,167 conversations about violence in general. Like 108 00:06:07,234 --> 00:06:09,403 it speaks to me personally. >> How much money are you 109 00:06:09,469 --> 00:06:12,339 going to need to raise in order to win this primary? 110 00:06:12,406 --> 00:06:14,374 And then the election? >> An obscene amount of 111 00:06:14,441 --> 00:06:17,110 money, which is the worst part about politics. 112 00:06:17,177 --> 00:06:20,581 There's far too much money involved. I think about, 113 00:06:20,647 --> 00:06:23,083 you know, the the amount of spending that's not just 114 00:06:23,150 --> 00:06:26,186 from candidates but also from superPACs. And it 115 00:06:26,253 --> 00:06:30,157 feels as if everyday people don't have a voice in 116 00:06:30,224 --> 00:06:32,893 politics. I'm proud of, you know, my previous campaigns 117 00:06:32,960 --> 00:06:35,896 where we were grassroots funded, we didn't take 118 00:06:35,963 --> 00:06:38,799 corporate PAC money, not a dime of corporate PAC money. 119 00:06:38,866 --> 00:06:41,702 And I look at this race and that's the same case. We're 120 00:06:41,768 --> 00:06:44,905 not taking corporate PAC money, but it is going to 121 00:06:44,972 --> 00:06:48,208 take about $50 million on the candidate side for me 122 00:06:48,275 --> 00:06:52,613 to raise. And it shouldn't be that way. But if we 123 00:06:53,747 --> 00:06:55,816 don't come out successful, we'll never be able to get 124 00:06:55,883 --> 00:06:58,619 big money out of politics. >> You're no stranger to 125 00:06:58,685 --> 00:07:01,455 competitive primaries, so you between negative 126 00:07:01,522 --> 00:07:03,524 campaigning against a member of your party versus 127 00:07:03,590 --> 00:07:05,359 just defining differences between candidates? 128 00:07:05,425 --> 00:07:07,294 >> Well, I have zero interest in negative 129 00:07:07,361 --> 00:07:10,831 campaigning against any of my opponents. My focus, as 130 00:07:10,898 --> 00:07:14,434 I mentioned, has been and will continue to be on 131 00:07:14,501 --> 00:07:17,804 November. And I say this, I have a lot of friends in 132 00:07:17,871 --> 00:07:19,806 the race. I respect everybody in the race. I 133 00:07:19,873 --> 00:07:21,942 think everybody brings something to the race, but 134 00:07:22,009 --> 00:07:24,745 I'm running based off of my experience, my time in the 135 00:07:24,811 --> 00:07:26,747 legislature, my time as lieutenant governor is 136 00:07:26,813 --> 00:07:29,316 unmatched in this primary. I've been every single 137 00:07:29,383 --> 00:07:32,419 county. My first, my first year as lieutenant governor, 138 00:07:32,486 --> 00:07:35,222 continued to make my rounds across the state. Every 139 00:07:35,289 --> 00:07:38,592 year after even out of office, I've had the great 140 00:07:38,659 --> 00:07:41,595 fortune and opportunity to be able to travel the great 141 00:07:41,662 --> 00:07:43,730 state of Wisconsin just meeting with people just, 142 00:07:43,797 --> 00:07:46,834 you know, existing, living, getting to enjoy the rich, 143 00:07:46,900 --> 00:07:49,436 natural beauty. You could spend money at our small 144 00:07:49,503 --> 00:07:53,040 businesses and just spend time in communities. And 145 00:07:53,106 --> 00:07:56,176 with that being the case, I think about the work that I 146 00:07:56,243 --> 00:07:58,946 have put in. And, you know, some folks may say, oh, 147 00:07:59,012 --> 00:08:00,848 Mandela's got the name recognition. Well, I got 148 00:08:00,914 --> 00:08:02,983 the name recognition because I've shown up. 149 00:08:03,050 --> 00:08:05,552 >> When voters are looking at this broad field of 150 00:08:05,619 --> 00:08:07,287 candidates, do you think they should look for who 151 00:08:07,354 --> 00:08:09,823 connects best with them on the issues, or should they 152 00:08:09,890 --> 00:08:12,326 be thinking about electability? 153 00:08:12,392 --> 00:08:15,095 should be looking about or looking at who is going to 154 00:08:15,162 --> 00:08:18,031 fight for them, who is going to show up, who's not 155 00:08:18,098 --> 00:08:20,300 going to take no for an answer, who's going to be 156 00:08:20,367 --> 00:08:23,170 bold, and who is going to drastically work to improve 157 00:08:23,237 --> 00:08:24,872 quality of life regardless of where you live and 158 00:08:24,938 --> 00:08:26,974 regardless of who you vote for. 159 00:08:27,040 --> 00:08:29,009 >> So most of the candidates have connections 160 00:08:29,076 --> 00:08:31,144 to either Milwaukee or Madison. What is the what 161 00:08:31,211 --> 00:08:34,014 is your outreach plan for the rest of the state for 162 00:08:34,081 --> 00:08:36,116 rural Wisconsin? >> Well, I can tell you, 163 00:08:36,183 --> 00:08:38,352 there's not a person in this race who has the 164 00:08:38,418 --> 00:08:41,154 experience in all parts of Wisconsin that I have. In 165 00:08:41,221 --> 00:08:43,757 22, I won the Wisconsin Farmers Union, friend of 166 00:08:43,824 --> 00:08:46,093 the Family Farmer Award. Because of my dedication to 167 00:08:46,159 --> 00:08:49,796 rural Wisconsin. I ran into a guy leaving that 168 00:08:49,863 --> 00:08:51,965 conference a few years ago and said that he never 169 00:08:52,032 --> 00:08:54,601 thought that he'd be voting for a guy from Milwaukee, 170 00:08:54,668 --> 00:08:56,937 based on his rural policy, and also understanding that 171 00:08:57,004 --> 00:09:00,274 rural Wisconsin isn't just farms, it is small 172 00:09:00,340 --> 00:09:03,744 businesses that make up Wisconsin. It's also the 173 00:09:03,810 --> 00:09:07,948 outdoor activities that bring tourism to rural 174 00:09:08,015 --> 00:09:09,516 Wisconsin. >> What do you think the 175 00:09:09,583 --> 00:09:12,152 impact of Donald Trump will be on this election? 176 00:09:12,219 --> 00:09:14,955 >> Well, people are dissatisfied. People were 177 00:09:15,022 --> 00:09:19,459 lied to. People have been lied to. He lied the first 178 00:09:19,526 --> 00:09:21,461 time around. But people are feeling those lies a whole 179 00:09:21,528 --> 00:09:24,798 lot more. He called affordability a hoax. The 180 00:09:24,865 --> 00:09:26,567 person is struggling to pay their utility bills right 181 00:09:26,633 --> 00:09:29,403 now. I don't think that's a hoax. People who are 182 00:09:29,469 --> 00:09:31,438 struggling to stay in their homes, they don't think 183 00:09:31,505 --> 00:09:33,740 that's a hoax. People who are going to see their 184 00:09:33,807 --> 00:09:36,610 health care premiums rise. We're going to see their 185 00:09:36,677 --> 00:09:39,079 health care premiums balloon. It's not a hoax to 186 00:09:39,146 --> 00:09:41,915 them. And that's why this campaign isn't just about 187 00:09:41,982 --> 00:09:44,151 me running for governor, me winning the race for 188 00:09:44,218 --> 00:09:46,553 governor. This is about ensuring that we have a 189 00:09:46,620 --> 00:09:48,889 majority in the state Assembly and the state 190 00:09:48,956 --> 00:09:51,425 Senate to actually do right by the people, because the 191 00:09:51,491 --> 00:09:54,094 will of the people should be the law of the land, and 192 00:09:54,161 --> 00:09:55,529 we're going to ensure that it is. 193 00:09:55,596 --> 00:09:57,231 >> Mandela Barnes. Thanks for coming in. 194 00:09:57,297 --> 00:09:59,900 >> For sure. Thank you so much. 195 00:09:59,967 --> 00:10:02,736 >> Statewide recognition also belongs to Zach's next 196 00:10:02,803 --> 00:10:06,106 candidate interview. Former Wisconsin Economic 197 00:10:06,173 --> 00:10:10,344 Development Corporation CEO Missy Hughes Missy Hughes. 198 00:10:10,410 --> 00:10:12,346 >> Thanks so much for joining us. 199 00:10:12,412 --> 00:10:15,349 >> Good to see you. >> So for voters who don't 200 00:10:15,415 --> 00:10:18,385 know you, introduce you're running for governor. 201 00:10:18,452 --> 00:10:20,654 >> Yeah. So I'm a mother of three. I've lived in 202 00:10:20,721 --> 00:10:23,724 Wisconsin since almost 2000, and we raised our family 203 00:10:23,790 --> 00:10:26,393 here. My husband and I working for Organic Valley, 204 00:10:26,460 --> 00:10:29,496 and I worked for Organic Valley for 17 years. And 205 00:10:29,563 --> 00:10:31,865 then Governor Evers asked if I was interested in 206 00:10:31,932 --> 00:10:33,867 running economic development for the state. 207 00:10:33,934 --> 00:10:37,337 So for the last six years, I was the head of Wisconsin 208 00:10:37,404 --> 00:10:38,939 Economic Development Corporation. 209 00:10:39,006 --> 00:10:41,808 >> Is there a single issue that drives you, or perhaps 210 00:10:41,875 --> 00:10:44,344 a lane within the party that helps define you? 211 00:10:44,411 --> 00:10:47,080 >> You know, it's all about the economy and building a 212 00:10:47,147 --> 00:10:49,483 strong economy for all Wisconsinites. That's what 213 00:10:49,550 --> 00:10:52,886 I did for years working at Organic Valley, helping 214 00:10:52,953 --> 00:10:56,657 farmers stay on their farms, and then at Wedc building 215 00:10:56,723 --> 00:11:00,294 an economy, whether it was in Milwaukee or Antigo or 216 00:11:00,360 --> 00:11:02,396 Superior all around the state, working with 217 00:11:02,462 --> 00:11:05,566 communities and businesses so that everyday 218 00:11:05,632 --> 00:11:07,868 Wisconsinites can succeed. >> How money much do you 219 00:11:07,935 --> 00:11:09,903 think you need to raise in order to to win this 220 00:11:09,970 --> 00:11:12,372 primary? >> Oh, you know, the the 221 00:11:12,439 --> 00:11:15,909 money factor in politics is really interesting. And I 222 00:11:15,976 --> 00:11:18,846 have an incredible network. I think that the race is 223 00:11:18,912 --> 00:11:23,584 going to be anywhere between 2 or $3 million for 224 00:11:23,650 --> 00:11:25,786 the primary. But, you know, I'm just guessing. I'm not 225 00:11:25,853 --> 00:11:28,655 sure that I have the best answer for that. I can tell 226 00:11:28,722 --> 00:11:31,525 you that heading into the general, which is what I'm 227 00:11:31,592 --> 00:11:34,394 focused on, it is going to be an incredible race. All 228 00:11:34,461 --> 00:11:36,763 eyes of the nation are going to be on Wisconsin. 229 00:11:36,830 --> 00:11:38,999 >> For you personally, how do you define the 230 00:11:39,066 --> 00:11:41,301 difference between negative campaigning against a 231 00:11:41,368 --> 00:11:43,737 member of your own party versus just defining the 232 00:11:43,804 --> 00:11:46,373 differences between two candidates? 233 00:11:46,440 --> 00:11:50,010 that Wisconsin has a lot of choices for the Democratic 234 00:11:50,077 --> 00:11:53,347 primary, and my goal is to make sure that 235 00:11:53,413 --> 00:11:55,983 Wisconsinites know my story. I have a story that is 236 00:11:56,049 --> 00:11:59,052 fresh and different. I've never run for office before. 237 00:11:59,119 --> 00:12:02,689 I'm the only one who is from outside of Madison or 238 00:12:02,756 --> 00:12:04,892 Milwaukee, so I have a lot to say about myself, and 239 00:12:04,958 --> 00:12:07,661 I'm going to be focused on telling my story. 240 00:12:07,728 --> 00:12:09,863 >> For primary voters who are tuning in right now, 241 00:12:09,930 --> 00:12:12,032 should they be looking for the the candidate where 242 00:12:12,099 --> 00:12:14,501 they align most closely on the issues, or should they 243 00:12:14,568 --> 00:12:17,137 be thinking about electability? 244 00:12:17,204 --> 00:12:19,673 wisconsinite, I want to make sure that we keep the 245 00:12:19,740 --> 00:12:22,943 governor's seat blue and that we have someone who 246 00:12:23,010 --> 00:12:25,779 can lead the state and be successful in building an 247 00:12:25,846 --> 00:12:28,482 economy for the state. And that's why just as as a 248 00:12:28,549 --> 00:12:30,884 citizen of Wisconsin, I'm focused on electability and 249 00:12:30,951 --> 00:12:33,187 making sure that we get the right candidate winning in 250 00:12:33,253 --> 00:12:35,589 November. primary. Most of the 251 00:12:35,656 --> 00:12:37,958 candidates have connections to Madison or Milwaukee, 252 00:12:38,025 --> 00:12:40,994 southeast Wisconsin, or even your. Your position 253 00:12:41,061 --> 00:12:44,097 ties you to Madison. What's your your goal? To reach 254 00:12:44,164 --> 00:12:46,099 the rest of the state and let people know that you 255 00:12:46,166 --> 00:12:49,336 you can connect with those other areas. 256 00:12:49,403 --> 00:12:52,105 foremost, I live in western Wisconsin, so I am from 257 00:12:52,172 --> 00:12:54,708 outside of Madison and Milwaukee. I have worked 258 00:12:54,775 --> 00:12:57,644 all around the state. We've had impact in all 72 259 00:12:57,711 --> 00:13:00,013 counties. So, you know, whether it's a small 260 00:13:00,080 --> 00:13:02,916 business in Washburn that we've supported or 261 00:13:02,983 --> 00:13:06,386 Milwaukee Tool or Fiserv in downtown Milwaukee, we've 262 00:13:06,453 --> 00:13:09,656 had impact all around the state. And so I can speak 263 00:13:09,723 --> 00:13:12,693 to creating a statewide coalition that carries the 264 00:13:12,759 --> 00:13:15,229 day next November. >> What will be the impact 265 00:13:15,295 --> 00:13:17,598 of Donald Trump on this election? 266 00:13:17,664 --> 00:13:20,200 >> You know, I think what we're really seeing is just 267 00:13:20,267 --> 00:13:24,104 a devastation in the economy. As I'm talking to 268 00:13:24,171 --> 00:13:27,007 businesses, they are pulling back. They're not 269 00:13:27,074 --> 00:13:29,576 rehiring people, they're stopping investments. And 270 00:13:29,643 --> 00:13:31,578 as I'm talking to everyday Wisconsinites, they are 271 00:13:31,645 --> 00:13:33,981 struggling to make ends meet. This is all because 272 00:13:34,047 --> 00:13:36,984 of Donald Trump's policies. This is a man made crisis 273 00:13:37,050 --> 00:13:39,753 that we are in right now. You know, looking at what's 274 00:13:39,820 --> 00:13:42,689 happening with the farmers out in western Wisconsin, 275 00:13:42,756 --> 00:13:46,360 we saw farmers plowing under soybeans, which is 276 00:13:46,426 --> 00:13:49,663 insanity. And now Donald Trump is offering a bailout 277 00:13:49,730 --> 00:13:52,933 to try to make up for his failed policies. And again, 278 00:13:53,000 --> 00:13:55,569 this man made crisis that he has created. 279 00:13:55,636 --> 00:13:57,070 >> All right, Missy Hughes, thanks for your time. 280 00:13:57,137 --> 00:14:00,974 >> Thank you. >> Many elected officials 281 00:14:01,041 --> 00:14:03,877 in higher office come from the state legislature. 282 00:14:03,944 --> 00:14:07,614 State Representative Francesca Hong of Madison 283 00:14:07,681 --> 00:14:10,951 hopes she becomes one of them. Here she is with Zac 284 00:14:11,018 --> 00:14:14,321 Schultz Francesca Hong. >> Thanks for joining us. 285 00:14:14,388 --> 00:14:17,090 >> Happy to be here. >> For voters who don't 286 00:14:17,157 --> 00:14:19,026 know you, give us an introduction of who you are 287 00:14:19,092 --> 00:14:22,229 and why you're running for governor. 288 00:14:22,296 --> 00:14:24,898 representative for the 76th district here in Madison. I 289 00:14:24,965 --> 00:14:28,969 am a proud single mom to my son George, and I'm a 290 00:14:29,036 --> 00:14:31,772 service industry worker. And so I owned a restaurant 291 00:14:31,839 --> 00:14:34,675 for seven years and worked as a chef. And I still work 292 00:14:34,741 --> 00:14:37,911 as a bartender and line cook. And I'm running for 293 00:14:37,978 --> 00:14:42,249 governor because we are in a moment of crisis and 294 00:14:42,316 --> 00:14:46,587 chaos. But we're also in a movement moment. And as an 295 00:14:46,653 --> 00:14:50,858 organizer and as a working class candidate, I think 296 00:14:50,924 --> 00:14:53,727 that it's the right thing to do to fight alongside 297 00:14:53,794 --> 00:14:56,597 working class people who are demanding change. 298 00:14:56,663 --> 00:15:00,067 >> Is there a single issue that drives you, or perhaps 299 00:15:00,133 --> 00:15:02,102 a lane within the Democratic Party, that may 300 00:15:02,169 --> 00:15:05,506 define you. >> Fully funding public 301 00:15:06,039 --> 00:15:08,842 education, universal child care, and expanding 302 00:15:08,909 --> 00:15:12,145 BadgerCare for all? These are universal policies 303 00:15:12,212 --> 00:15:15,382 addressing universal issues for Wisconsinites all 304 00:15:15,449 --> 00:15:20,320 across the state. And I think this moment demands a 305 00:15:20,387 --> 00:15:24,391 visionary, bold action and not incrementalism. 306 00:15:24,458 --> 00:15:26,460 >> Running for governor is very expensive. How much do 307 00:15:26,527 --> 00:15:29,329 you think you need to run to be competitive? And 308 00:15:29,396 --> 00:15:31,231 what's going to happen after the primary if you 309 00:15:31,298 --> 00:15:34,801 make it through that? >> We are proud to be a 310 00:15:34,868 --> 00:15:39,039 people powered grassroots campaign, and we have 311 00:15:39,106 --> 00:15:42,109 thousands of donors who have given from all across 312 00:15:42,176 --> 00:15:46,547 the state. And in fact, 48 out of 50 states here in 313 00:15:46,613 --> 00:15:50,751 the country. And so raising has been less of a 314 00:15:53,987 --> 00:15:57,457 challenge that because we have so many volunteers and 315 00:15:57,524 --> 00:16:00,861 folks across the state who are committed to being a 316 00:16:00,928 --> 00:16:03,964 part of our movement. >> When it comes to a 317 00:16:04,031 --> 00:16:06,533 competitive primary for you, what's where do you draw 318 00:16:06,600 --> 00:16:09,436 the line between negative campaigning against a 319 00:16:09,503 --> 00:16:11,805 member of your own party versus defining differences 320 00:16:11,872 --> 00:16:15,843 between candidates? >> No. Crowded primaries 321 00:16:15,909 --> 00:16:20,480 are good for democracy, but I think in this moment 322 00:16:21,248 --> 00:16:26,053 people are stressed and demanding bold change. And 323 00:16:26,720 --> 00:16:31,291 so we're really focused on making sure that the issues 324 00:16:31,358 --> 00:16:35,028 that we see folks struggling with, with 325 00:16:36,129 --> 00:16:40,234 affordability and, you know, living in times of fascism, 326 00:16:40,300 --> 00:16:43,036 we want to make sure that we are naming the 327 00:16:43,103 --> 00:16:46,240 billionaires and the culprits of these issues, 328 00:16:46,306 --> 00:16:49,910 and then how the state is responsible for presenting 329 00:16:49,977 --> 00:16:53,313 and delivering solutions to help people live a life of 330 00:16:53,380 --> 00:16:55,649 dignity. >> When primary voters are 331 00:16:55,716 --> 00:16:57,818 looking at all the candidates, should they be 332 00:16:57,885 --> 00:16:59,753 focusing more on who's more aligned with an issue that 333 00:16:59,820 --> 00:17:02,723 they support or electability? 334 00:17:04,324 --> 00:17:07,160 >> Electability is subjective, and I think 335 00:17:07,227 --> 00:17:10,264 that we need leadership, and the people are 336 00:17:10,330 --> 00:17:13,767 demanding leadership where politicians aren't going to 337 00:17:13,834 --> 00:17:16,803 say one thing and do another. We want leadership 338 00:17:16,870 --> 00:17:21,308 with folks who are committed to moral courage 339 00:17:21,375 --> 00:17:24,878 and willing to do the hard thing, and not the 340 00:17:24,945 --> 00:17:27,080 politically expedient or politically comfortable 341 00:17:27,147 --> 00:17:29,616 thing. >> Most of the Democrats 342 00:17:29,683 --> 00:17:32,119 running in this campaign are either aligned with 343 00:17:32,186 --> 00:17:34,888 Milwaukee or Madison. What's your plan to get out? 344 00:17:34,955 --> 00:17:36,557 Introduce yourself to the rest of the state, 345 00:17:36,623 --> 00:17:39,660 especially those rural areas who feel unheard. 346 00:17:39,726 --> 00:17:42,529 >> I've had the privilege of traveling across the 347 00:17:42,596 --> 00:17:45,098 state for the last five years, since I was elected 348 00:17:45,165 --> 00:17:48,268 into the legislature. Whether it's helping other 349 00:17:48,335 --> 00:17:51,972 candidates campaign in this for the state Assembly, or 350 00:17:52,039 --> 00:17:56,243 being invited to speak at and meeting farmers and 351 00:17:56,310 --> 00:17:59,479 educators and people across the state, I'm going back 352 00:17:59,546 --> 00:18:03,083 to those communities and also meeting new ones. And 353 00:18:03,150 --> 00:18:07,721 I think that when we go to rural areas, suburban areas, 354 00:18:07,788 --> 00:18:11,792 urban areas, I've been so heartened by the diversity 355 00:18:11,859 --> 00:18:15,562 of people who are attending our events. Republicans, 356 00:18:15,629 --> 00:18:19,867 independents, Democrats. It's been and it's 357 00:18:20,567 --> 00:18:22,536 multigenerational. I have learned so much from young 358 00:18:22,603 --> 00:18:24,771 people who are attending our events, and we're going 359 00:18:24,838 --> 00:18:27,608 to continue to meet those communities where they are, 360 00:18:27,674 --> 00:18:30,110 regardless of what part of the state they're in. 361 00:18:30,177 --> 00:18:32,513 >> What do you think the impact of Donald Trump will 362 00:18:32,579 --> 00:18:35,816 be on this primary? >> The fascist, 363 00:18:37,017 --> 00:18:40,787 authoritarian regime in the federal government is 364 00:18:40,854 --> 00:18:45,225 really creating a lot of chaos and uncertainty for 365 00:18:45,292 --> 00:18:49,596 working class people. And so beyond, you know, what 366 00:18:49,663 --> 00:18:52,499 is happening at the federal government. I think it's 367 00:18:52,566 --> 00:18:55,569 important to stay focused on how we can deliver for 368 00:18:55,636 --> 00:18:58,839 working class people, meeting the urgency of this 369 00:18:58,906 --> 00:19:01,642 moment with universal policies that are actually 370 00:19:01,708 --> 00:19:04,344 going to change the material conditions of 371 00:19:04,411 --> 00:19:09,149 people's lives at a pace and deliver, you know, as 372 00:19:09,216 --> 00:19:11,485 urgently and as quickly as we can. 373 00:19:11,552 --> 00:19:13,620 >> All right, Francesca Hong, thanks for your time. 374 00:19:13,687 --> 00:19:17,191 >> Thank you so much. >> Zach's next interview is 375 00:19:17,257 --> 00:19:21,161 with the most recent entrant to the race, former 376 00:19:21,228 --> 00:19:24,164 Wisconsin Department of Administration Secretary 377 00:19:24,231 --> 00:19:26,366 Joel Brennan Joel Brennan. >> Thanks for coming in 378 00:19:26,433 --> 00:19:28,569 today. >> Thanks for having me. 379 00:19:28,635 --> 00:19:30,838 >> So for the voters who don't know you, introduce 380 00:19:30,904 --> 00:19:34,575 yourself and say why you're running for governor. 381 00:19:34,641 --> 00:19:37,778 who's had a 30 year career here in Wisconsin. Mine's a 382 00:19:37,845 --> 00:19:40,581 Wisconsin story, and I'm somebody who's of and from 383 00:19:40,647 --> 00:19:43,083 here. And I can tell you the conversations I have 384 00:19:43,150 --> 00:19:45,619 with people here, that there is a a palpable sense 385 00:19:45,686 --> 00:19:49,723 of frustration, anger. I think people are truly 386 00:19:49,790 --> 00:19:52,192 concerned about just making ends meet. And then, you 387 00:19:52,259 --> 00:19:54,761 know, you add on to that that you've got Donald 388 00:19:54,828 --> 00:19:57,231 Trump in the white House who is chaotic, he's 389 00:19:57,297 --> 00:19:59,933 dysfunctional, who's cruel, and it's enough to make 390 00:20:00,000 --> 00:20:01,969 everybody angry. And I'm angry too, but I'm also 391 00:20:02,035 --> 00:20:05,172 somebody who, over the course of a career, I've 392 00:20:05,239 --> 00:20:07,541 demonstrated for some people, when you get angry, 393 00:20:07,608 --> 00:20:10,377 you want to get even. When I get angry, I want to roll 394 00:20:10,444 --> 00:20:12,613 up my sleeves and get something done. And so 395 00:20:12,679 --> 00:20:16,283 that's what I've tried to demonstrate. And so we have 396 00:20:16,350 --> 00:20:19,453 in Wisconsin, a situation where there are 200,000 397 00:20:19,520 --> 00:20:22,523 people who are about to lose their health care 398 00:20:22,589 --> 00:20:24,625 benefits, tens of thousands more who are going to see 399 00:20:24,691 --> 00:20:27,828 their premiums double or triple. And so that's a 400 00:20:27,895 --> 00:20:30,464 reason for people to be angry. And in some ways, we 401 00:20:30,531 --> 00:20:33,901 need to ensure that Wisconsin values are 402 00:20:33,967 --> 00:20:36,370 protected. But thankfully we have fair maps now. And 403 00:20:36,436 --> 00:20:39,006 with fair maps and a Democratic governor, we 404 00:20:39,072 --> 00:20:42,576 have an opportunity to make real, lasting change for 405 00:20:42,643 --> 00:20:45,479 Wisconsin, protect those values, and do things that 406 00:20:45,546 --> 00:20:47,447 can put us right by Wisconsin families. That's 407 00:20:47,514 --> 00:20:50,217 why I'm running. >> Is there a single issue 408 00:20:50,284 --> 00:20:52,753 that drives you, or maybe a lane within the Democratic 409 00:20:52,819 --> 00:20:54,755 Party that helps define who you are? 410 00:20:54,821 --> 00:20:56,657 >> Well, I think if anybody's looking around 411 00:20:56,723 --> 00:20:59,126 right now, the main issue that anybody is dealing 412 00:20:59,193 --> 00:21:01,628 with here in Wisconsin is affordability. You know, 413 00:21:01,695 --> 00:21:04,698 we're in a situation where just in the last week, it 414 00:21:04,765 --> 00:21:08,936 was revealed that the first time homebuyers now are 40 415 00:21:09,002 --> 00:21:12,139 years old. Five years ago, they were average of 33 416 00:21:12,206 --> 00:21:16,777 years old. And we've got we spent $10,000 a year on 417 00:21:16,844 --> 00:21:19,213 health care per person in Wisconsin. Yet there are 418 00:21:19,279 --> 00:21:21,448 people who go without people who can't afford 419 00:21:21,515 --> 00:21:24,551 their prescription drugs. All of those are challenges. 420 00:21:24,618 --> 00:21:26,820 And then at the same time, you have Donald Trump 421 00:21:26,887 --> 00:21:29,056 running around the country saying affordability is a 422 00:21:29,122 --> 00:21:31,725 Democratic hoax. It's not a hoax. It's an issue that's 423 00:21:31,792 --> 00:21:34,528 real for every Wisconsin resident. 424 00:21:34,595 --> 00:21:37,197 >> How much money do you need to raise in order to 425 00:21:37,264 --> 00:21:39,800 be competitive and win this primary and then survive 426 00:21:39,867 --> 00:21:42,836 into the general election? >> Yeah, well, I think. 427 00:21:42,903 --> 00:21:45,606 >> Elections are expensive, and what I'm going to do in 428 00:21:45,672 --> 00:21:47,875 this race is I'm going to lean into the relationships 429 00:21:47,941 --> 00:21:49,877 that I've developed and cultivated over the course 430 00:21:49,943 --> 00:21:53,146 of the last 30 years. You know, I grew up as the 431 00:21:53,213 --> 00:21:55,983 second youngest of 11 kids. I had to work my way 432 00:21:56,049 --> 00:21:58,952 through college, have 4 or 5 jobs to do that 433 00:21:59,019 --> 00:22:01,455 everything I've ever had, I have earned. And so what 434 00:22:01,522 --> 00:22:04,992 I'm going to do is go out and communicate with people 435 00:22:05,058 --> 00:22:08,295 about the work that I've done over the last 30 years, 436 00:22:08,362 --> 00:22:10,531 the executive experience, the breadth that I have. 437 00:22:10,597 --> 00:22:13,634 And I'm confident that I can generate resources as I 438 00:22:13,700 --> 00:22:16,170 listen to and talk to people around the state. 439 00:22:16,236 --> 00:22:19,473 >> This is a very large Democratic primary, very 440 00:22:19,540 --> 00:22:21,875 competitive one. How do you define the difference 441 00:22:21,942 --> 00:22:24,578 between negative campaigning versus showing 442 00:22:24,645 --> 00:22:27,281 up differences between candidates? 443 00:22:27,347 --> 00:22:29,883 like I said, I'm the second youngest of 11 kids. I know 444 00:22:29,950 --> 00:22:32,920 what it's like to have to go to a crowded table and 445 00:22:32,986 --> 00:22:35,722 elbow your way in, whether it's for attention or even 446 00:22:35,789 --> 00:22:38,492 to get a meal. And so, you know, I'm comfortable with 447 00:22:38,559 --> 00:22:40,827 that. But but what I am going to do in this 448 00:22:40,894 --> 00:22:43,697 campaign is really talk to people about me and about 449 00:22:43,764 --> 00:22:47,134 my background. 30 years of progressive executive 450 00:22:47,201 --> 00:22:48,969 experience, things like, you know, running the 451 00:22:49,036 --> 00:22:52,206 largest science museum in the state of Wisconsin at 452 00:22:52,272 --> 00:22:55,075 Discovery World, three years as the top appointed 453 00:22:55,142 --> 00:22:58,312 official in Governor Evers cabinet and the work that 454 00:22:58,378 --> 00:23:01,748 we did there. So the way that I'm going to try to 455 00:23:01,815 --> 00:23:04,117 distinguish myself from others is to just 456 00:23:04,184 --> 00:23:06,553 communicate with them about the depth of relationships 457 00:23:06,620 --> 00:23:09,156 and what we have done. >> So as voters start to 458 00:23:09,223 --> 00:23:11,291 get to know these candidates, should they be 459 00:23:11,358 --> 00:23:13,493 looking for who's closest to them on the issues, or 460 00:23:13,560 --> 00:23:15,462 should they be thinking about electability? 461 00:23:15,529 --> 00:23:17,598 >> You know, I don't think those two things are 462 00:23:17,664 --> 00:23:20,567 mutually exclusive. I think the issues are hugely 463 00:23:20,634 --> 00:23:24,238 important to everybody here in the state. And and I 464 00:23:24,304 --> 00:23:28,208 think that when voters look, they have options and 465 00:23:28,275 --> 00:23:30,511 primaries are good for establishing options. And 466 00:23:30,577 --> 00:23:33,080 so they'll have opportunities to look at 467 00:23:33,146 --> 00:23:35,482 all the candidates and what we stand for. 468 00:23:35,549 --> 00:23:37,384 >> Most of the Democratic candidates have connections 469 00:23:37,451 --> 00:23:40,888 to Milwaukee or Madison. How do you introduce 470 00:23:40,954 --> 00:23:43,390 yourself to rural Wisconsin? The rest of the state? 471 00:23:43,457 --> 00:23:46,260 >> Yeah, well, mine's a Wisconsin story. My dad was 472 00:23:46,326 --> 00:23:49,963 born in 1927 to a single mom in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. 473 00:23:50,030 --> 00:23:53,066 My mom was born in 1928, in Milwaukee, grew up in 474 00:23:53,133 --> 00:23:55,235 Milwaukee and East Troy. And so, you know, ours is a 475 00:23:55,302 --> 00:23:58,906 a Wisconsin story, just like lots of other peoples 476 00:23:58,972 --> 00:24:01,508 here. president a number of times. 477 00:24:01,575 --> 00:24:04,144 So what impact do you think Donald Trump will have on 478 00:24:04,211 --> 00:24:07,447 this election? looms large over everything 479 00:24:07,514 --> 00:24:10,517 that we do right now. You know, and at this point, 480 00:24:10,584 --> 00:24:12,920 the most likely candidate on the Republican side is 481 00:24:12,986 --> 00:24:15,689 Tom Tiffany. And the apple doesn't fall far from the 482 00:24:15,756 --> 00:24:17,958 tree when it comes to Tom, Tiffany and Donald Trump. 483 00:24:18,025 --> 00:24:20,861 And so I think we need people. We need candidates 484 00:24:20,928 --> 00:24:23,797 who are able to stand up to that, but not only stand up, 485 00:24:23,864 --> 00:24:26,333 but be able to demonstrate that they've been effective 486 00:24:26,400 --> 00:24:28,669 about doing things and getting things done. And, 487 00:24:28,735 --> 00:24:32,206 you know, in my view of this, you know, yes, Donald 488 00:24:32,272 --> 00:24:35,108 Trump is going to play a role in the campaign. But 489 00:24:35,175 --> 00:24:36,944 ultimately, the campaign can't be just about Donald 490 00:24:37,010 --> 00:24:39,813 Trump has to be about Wisconsin families, 491 00:24:39,880 --> 00:24:42,883 Wisconsin values. That's who I am. And that's what 492 00:24:42,950 --> 00:24:44,818 I'm looking forward to discussing and talking 493 00:24:44,885 --> 00:24:46,753 about as I'm out on the campaign trail. 494 00:24:46,820 --> 00:24:48,689 >> Joel Brennan, thanks for coming in. 495 00:24:48,755 --> 00:24:50,958 >> Thank you. >> Next week "Here& Now", 496 00:24:51,024 --> 00:24:54,161 we'll take a brief hiatus, but we're back in the new 497 00:24:54,228 --> 00:24:57,831 year with a special program looking at the cost of 498 00:24:57,898 --> 00:25:01,435 medication increasing and insurance coverage of them 499 00:25:01,502 --> 00:25:05,439 shrinking. Here's a preview. >> I just remember walking 500 00:25:05,506 --> 00:25:09,576 in and she had it written out on a piece of paper, no 501 00:25:09,643 --> 00:25:14,248 longer covered by insurance. >> What would you do? 502 00:25:14,314 --> 00:25:17,251 >> We always assume that he kind of ran some life 503 00:25:17,317 --> 00:25:19,786 choices and said rent or this, and thought he could 504 00:25:19,853 --> 00:25:22,589 do without it. >> If your medicine was 505 00:25:22,656 --> 00:25:25,792 suddenly not covered by insurance. 506 00:25:25,859 --> 00:25:30,197 >> We need $13,000 before we can ship this. And I 507 00:25:30,764 --> 00:25:33,767 said $13,000. >> If you had to pay 508 00:25:34,668 --> 00:25:38,472 hundreds or thousands of dollars up front. 509 00:25:38,539 --> 00:25:42,176 >> Yes. That's what this drug costs to be delivered 510 00:25:42,242 --> 00:25:44,912 without insurance. >> Before getting a life 511 00:25:44,978 --> 00:25:47,748 saving prescription. [MUSIC] 512 00:25:47,814 --> 00:25:49,183 >> The patients really don't understand what's 513 00:25:49,249 --> 00:25:51,618 going on with their benefits. 514 00:25:51,685 --> 00:25:54,888 >> And it all seems too complicated to understand. 515 00:25:54,955 --> 00:25:57,291 [MUSIC] survival mode, and you're 516 00:25:57,357 --> 00:26:00,394 just trying to figure out, like, do I go to work and 517 00:26:00,460 --> 00:26:04,198 make money? Or do I deal with this disease? 518 00:26:04,264 --> 00:26:06,300 >> We have the fifth highest health care costs 519 00:26:06,366 --> 00:26:09,703 in the nation, and our quality does not reflect 520 00:26:09,770 --> 00:26:12,072 that. >> These patients are 521 00:26:12,139 --> 00:26:14,274 confused, they're overwhelmed, and they're 522 00:26:14,341 --> 00:26:16,610 forced into impossible decisions about their 523 00:26:16,677 --> 00:26:19,813 health. >> Join us January 2nd at 7 524 00:26:22,649 --> 00:26:27,020 p.m. for Rx Uncovered a "Here& Now" one hour 525 00:26:27,087 --> 00:26:30,023 special. That's our program for tonight. I'm Frederica 526 00:26:30,090 --> 00:26:32,159 Freyberg. We'll see you in the new year. 527 00:26:32,226 --> 00:26:33,894 [MUSIC] . 528 00:26:45,138 --> 00:26:47,608 >> Funding for "Here& Now" is provided by the Focus 529 00:26:47,674 --> 00:26:52,346 Fund for Journalism and Friends of PBS Wisconsin.