1 00:00:05,839 --> 00:00:09,510 >> The following program is a PBS Wisconsin Original 2 00:00:09,576 --> 00:00:12,412 Production. >> A blowout election night 3 00:00:12,479 --> 00:00:16,083 has Democrats and Republicans analyzing what 4 00:00:16,149 --> 00:00:20,420 went right and what went wrong, and unprecedented 5 00:00:20,487 --> 00:00:24,691 threats over social media. Has Wisconsin Republicans 6 00:00:24,758 --> 00:00:26,760 distancing themselves from the president? 7 00:00:26,827 --> 00:00:29,663 [MUSIC] I'm Frederica Freyberg 8 00:00:29,730 --> 00:00:33,100 tonight on "Here& Now" Congressman Mark Pocan 9 00:00:33,166 --> 00:00:36,970 joins to stake his position on the war in Iran and the 10 00:00:37,037 --> 00:00:40,374 request to increase military spending, a wrap 11 00:00:40,440 --> 00:00:43,610 of the spring election, and how Democrats in the 12 00:00:43,677 --> 00:00:46,313 crowded field for governor are setting their sights on 13 00:00:46,380 --> 00:00:49,750 the primaries. And our political panelists, Bill 14 00:00:49,816 --> 00:00:53,253 McCoshen and Scot Ross, tell us what this all means 15 00:00:53,320 --> 00:00:56,089 heading into the fall elections. It's "Here& Now" 16 00:00:56,156 --> 00:00:58,392 for April 10th. [MUSIC] 17 00:01:00,594 --> 00:01:02,896 >> Funding for Here and now is provided by the Focus 18 00:01:02,963 --> 00:01:07,634 Fund for Journalism and Friends of PBS Wisconsin. 19 00:01:14,842 --> 00:01:18,078 >> A terrifying week in global warfare brings 20 00:01:18,145 --> 00:01:21,048 cautious relief. Days later, by way of a two week 21 00:01:21,114 --> 00:01:24,718 ceasefire in Iran, citizens on the sidelines may wonder 22 00:01:24,785 --> 00:01:27,454 where their congressional representatives stand and 23 00:01:27,521 --> 00:01:30,591 how they are responding to the war. Tonight, we turn 24 00:01:30,657 --> 00:01:33,527 to second District Democratic Congressman Mark 25 00:01:33,594 --> 00:01:36,230 Pocan. We should note we reached out to Republicans 26 00:01:36,296 --> 00:01:39,199 in several districts without reply. Congressman, 27 00:01:39,266 --> 00:01:41,602 thanks very much for being here. 28 00:01:41,668 --> 00:01:43,804 >> Sure. >> Thank you. So on Tuesday 29 00:01:43,871 --> 00:01:47,207 this week, the world was on tenterhooks waiting 30 00:01:47,274 --> 00:01:50,077 president Trump's threat that a whole civilization 31 00:01:50,143 --> 00:01:54,815 will die tonight unless Iran opened the Strait of 32 00:01:54,882 --> 00:01:56,950 Hormuz and then the announcement of a cease 33 00:01:57,017 --> 00:02:00,854 fire. The white House says it was a tactic that worked. 34 00:02:00,921 --> 00:02:04,725 What do you say? >> You know, this is chaos 35 00:02:05,359 --> 00:02:09,029 piled on top of chaos, piled on top of uncertainty, 36 00:02:09,096 --> 00:02:11,732 right. I don't think Donald Trump, from day one really 37 00:02:11,798 --> 00:02:15,569 had a plan on how to deal with what he was doing 38 00:02:15,636 --> 00:02:18,539 going into Iran. And we're seeing that all unfold 39 00:02:18,605 --> 00:02:21,542 right now. And that rhetoric just has been 40 00:02:21,608 --> 00:02:25,445 unseen by any world leader previously. And and even 41 00:02:25,512 --> 00:02:28,115 now, the cease fire is still has all kinds of 42 00:02:28,182 --> 00:02:30,884 uncertainty. We not exactly sure what all the standards 43 00:02:30,951 --> 00:02:33,220 were. Donald Trump said he knows the ten. He'll tell 44 00:02:33,287 --> 00:02:36,523 you if they're met. That's ridiculous. And Iran just I 45 00:02:36,590 --> 00:02:39,960 saw today said two conditions aren't met yet. 46 00:02:40,027 --> 00:02:42,462 The stopping of the bombing in Lebanon and releasing 47 00:02:42,529 --> 00:02:45,332 some funds to them, which that was the first time I 48 00:02:45,399 --> 00:02:48,235 actually had kind of heard that part of whatever was 49 00:02:48,302 --> 00:02:50,704 negotiated. So this is just a complete mess. Our gas 50 00:02:50,771 --> 00:02:53,273 prices are going up, our respect across the world is 51 00:02:53,340 --> 00:02:56,443 going down. And it was a war of choice. There was no 52 00:02:56,510 --> 00:02:58,579 imminent threat to the United States. And that's 53 00:02:58,645 --> 00:03:00,814 the only time the president could initiate this without 54 00:03:00,881 --> 00:03:04,818 Congress. So, you know, to call it chaotic is probably 55 00:03:04,885 --> 00:03:08,355 an insult to the word chaos. >> You and others have 56 00:03:08,422 --> 00:03:10,858 called to invoke the 25th amendment to remove Donald 57 00:03:10,924 --> 00:03:13,760 Trump from office. Now, that would take the vice 58 00:03:13,827 --> 00:03:16,230 president and the majority of the cabinet to declare 59 00:03:16,296 --> 00:03:21,301 the president unfit. So is is this really a rhetorical 60 00:03:21,368 --> 00:03:24,104 demand on your and others parts? 61 00:03:24,171 --> 00:03:27,107 >> Yeah, I think this is a signal to the world that 62 00:03:27,174 --> 00:03:30,010 don't hate America. There are normal people here 63 00:03:30,077 --> 00:03:32,412 because what Donald Trump is doing is hurting our 64 00:03:32,479 --> 00:03:35,649 place across the globe right now. You know, some 65 00:03:35,716 --> 00:03:38,652 of our best trading partners in Japan and South 66 00:03:38,719 --> 00:03:41,221 Korea rely on like 70% of their energy coming through 67 00:03:41,288 --> 00:03:44,658 the Straits of Hormuz. The fact that now they're 68 00:03:44,725 --> 00:03:47,528 paying the price of Donald Trump's bad decision, the 69 00:03:47,594 --> 00:03:51,198 fact that our best allies were not informed going 70 00:03:51,265 --> 00:03:54,735 into this. So now they're not participating, which I 71 00:03:54,801 --> 00:03:57,938 totally understand. But Donald Trump doesn't. We 72 00:03:58,005 --> 00:04:01,909 have to express that as a nation. This we understand 73 00:04:01,975 --> 00:04:04,678 this is a bad decision. What he did in a couple of 74 00:04:04,745 --> 00:04:07,481 those those social media posts this week were beyond 75 00:04:07,548 --> 00:04:12,085 a bad decision. And I seriously and many others 76 00:04:12,152 --> 00:04:14,221 question whether or not he's able to do this job. 77 00:04:14,288 --> 00:04:17,157 But we want others to understand that many of us 78 00:04:17,224 --> 00:04:20,394 do question his capability. >> Wisconsin polling shows 79 00:04:20,460 --> 00:04:25,032 that 61% of voters oppose this war, many of them 80 00:04:25,098 --> 00:04:28,335 probably in your district. But what levers of power do 81 00:04:28,402 --> 00:04:31,705 you and others in Congress have over this? Will Dems 82 00:04:31,772 --> 00:04:35,542 continue to push for a war powers resolution? 83 00:04:35,609 --> 00:04:38,612 >> Yeah, we'll push for War powers resolution next week 84 00:04:38,679 --> 00:04:41,381 when we're back in Washington. And I'll tell 85 00:04:41,448 --> 00:04:44,351 you, this is one where, you know, we need some of the 86 00:04:44,418 --> 00:04:46,987 Republicans from Wisconsin across the country to reach 87 00:04:47,054 --> 00:04:49,690 around their backs and feel if they have a bone down 88 00:04:49,756 --> 00:04:53,460 the middle called a spine, because it's necessary for 89 00:04:53,527 --> 00:04:55,963 Congress to stand up and stop Donald Trump from this 90 00:04:56,029 --> 00:04:59,032 chaotic behavior, it is up to Congress to initiate war. 91 00:04:59,099 --> 00:05:01,134 That's according to the Constitution. And I've 92 00:05:01,201 --> 00:05:03,637 heard a few Republicans say they're waiting 90 days and 93 00:05:03,704 --> 00:05:05,939 all this other stuff. The Constitution doesn't say 94 00:05:06,006 --> 00:05:09,309 the Constitution gives the power to Congress on this. 95 00:05:09,376 --> 00:05:12,646 So we have to act and take the responsible role in 96 00:05:12,713 --> 00:05:15,983 this. And if we don't, then unfortunately, we continue 97 00:05:16,049 --> 00:05:19,052 to pay higher prices at the gas pumps. We continue to 98 00:05:19,119 --> 00:05:21,221 hurt ourselves with other countries across the world. 99 00:05:21,288 --> 00:05:24,525 So there's a lot riding on this. And we need Wisconsin 100 00:05:24,591 --> 00:05:27,694 Republicans and others in Congress to stand up and 101 00:05:27,761 --> 00:05:31,198 and grow a spine. >> Why should Wisconsinites 102 00:05:31,265 --> 00:05:35,669 care about a conflict happening half a world away? 103 00:05:35,736 --> 00:05:38,639 >> A lot of reasons. I mean, you're seeing it right now 104 00:05:38,705 --> 00:05:40,841 in gas prices. They're up. What about $1.20 a gallon 105 00:05:40,908 --> 00:05:43,710 right now because of what's going on? This is going to 106 00:05:43,777 --> 00:05:45,846 continue for months. If this ended today, Frederica, 107 00:05:45,913 --> 00:05:48,916 we will see gas prices in those increases for months 108 00:05:48,982 --> 00:05:51,885 to come yet. So this was a terrible decision that was 109 00:05:51,952 --> 00:05:54,254 done by the white House. But you should care because 110 00:05:54,321 --> 00:05:56,924 also our trade around the world is chaotic as Donald 111 00:05:56,990 --> 00:05:59,726 Trump's tariffs have been. It's important that we have 112 00:05:59,793 --> 00:06:02,529 partners across the globe that buy American products 113 00:06:02,596 --> 00:06:05,132 that create American jobs. And when we're hurting 114 00:06:05,199 --> 00:06:07,901 ourselves like we are with this right now, we 115 00:06:07,968 --> 00:06:10,504 jeopardize our role in being able to do that. So 116 00:06:10,571 --> 00:06:12,606 it's about jobs. It's about your pay. It's about what 117 00:06:12,673 --> 00:06:14,775 you're paying for goods because we're paying too 118 00:06:14,842 --> 00:06:17,811 much for everything from groceries and everyday 119 00:06:17,878 --> 00:06:20,981 goods because of tariffs to health care and utilities, 120 00:06:21,048 --> 00:06:23,483 because of the big ugly law. And now we're paying too 121 00:06:23,550 --> 00:06:25,552 much for gas because of this. There's a lot of 122 00:06:25,619 --> 00:06:28,088 reasons we should pay attention and care. 123 00:06:28,155 --> 00:06:31,692 >> As to rising inflation. I see that consumer 124 00:06:31,758 --> 00:06:35,696 sentiment just ranked at the lowest on record in in 125 00:06:35,762 --> 00:06:40,234 the US. And meanwhile, Trump's budget calls for 126 00:06:40,834 --> 00:06:44,638 $1.5 trillion in defense spending. This would not be, 127 00:06:44,705 --> 00:06:47,374 I trust, a priority of yours. 128 00:06:48,375 --> 00:06:50,544 >> No. In fact, I think what the president said is 129 00:06:50,611 --> 00:06:53,280 we don't have money for things like child care 130 00:06:53,347 --> 00:06:56,416 because he wants to put it into the national the 131 00:06:56,483 --> 00:06:59,186 Pentagon's budget, essentially, because he's 132 00:06:59,253 --> 00:07:02,623 wasting so many weapons right now while he's doing 133 00:07:02,689 --> 00:07:05,259 this war of choice in Iran. And, you know, I think if 134 00:07:05,325 --> 00:07:08,595 you talk to the average person, certainly the 135 00:07:08,662 --> 00:07:11,698 care is far more important than what he's doing right 136 00:07:11,765 --> 00:07:14,701 now. So the fact that he doesn't understand, let's 137 00:07:14,768 --> 00:07:17,204 face it, he's the Epstein class, right? He's a really, 138 00:07:17,271 --> 00:07:20,407 really rich guy who is out of touch with what it is to 139 00:07:20,474 --> 00:07:23,210 actually live paycheck to paycheck, to pay a mortgage, 140 00:07:23,277 --> 00:07:25,012 to make sure you have health care for your family. 141 00:07:25,078 --> 00:07:27,748 Can you budget for a vacation? This guy hangs 142 00:07:27,814 --> 00:07:31,018 out at Mar a Lago and has 20 Roaring 20s style 143 00:07:31,084 --> 00:07:34,788 parties. That person doesn't understand what 144 00:07:34,855 --> 00:07:37,357 Americans are going through, and we see it because we're 145 00:07:37,424 --> 00:07:40,194 paying for the increase in prices. So, you know, 146 00:07:40,260 --> 00:07:42,663 November, people can see a change. They can change out 147 00:07:42,729 --> 00:07:45,632 some of the faces in the House and the Senate, and 148 00:07:45,699 --> 00:07:47,801 then we can finally have the ability to stand up and 149 00:07:47,868 --> 00:07:50,604 do proper oversight. But right now, you know, it's 150 00:07:50,671 --> 00:07:52,472 tough times. And we get the calls in the office and 151 00:07:52,539 --> 00:07:54,508 people are certainly nervous. 152 00:07:54,575 --> 00:07:57,010 >> How do you think the war in Iran informs voters 153 00:07:57,077 --> 00:08:00,781 coming into the midterms? >> Well, I think it just 154 00:08:00,848 --> 00:08:02,916 shows another bad decision, right? The tariffs are a 155 00:08:02,983 --> 00:08:05,752 bad decision. We know that. And we're all paying more 156 00:08:05,819 --> 00:08:08,188 for groceries and everyday goods. That big, ugly law 157 00:08:08,255 --> 00:08:10,958 where they gave a giant tax break to Elon Musk and 158 00:08:11,024 --> 00:08:14,494 people who belong to Mar a Lago that took away health 159 00:08:14,561 --> 00:08:17,497 care from people and more in November. By the way, 160 00:08:17,564 --> 00:08:19,900 all the Medicaid cuts take place at that point. So 15 161 00:08:19,967 --> 00:08:22,469 million people lose health care and we're all paying 162 00:08:22,536 --> 00:08:24,705 more for it. Plus, it made utility rates go up, and 163 00:08:24,771 --> 00:08:27,641 now we're paying more for gas because of the war. So 164 00:08:27,708 --> 00:08:30,677 you look at all of this, and I think people are just 165 00:08:30,744 --> 00:08:33,747 kind of exhausted from the winning that Donald Trump 166 00:08:33,814 --> 00:08:35,983 keeps telling us. I think, you know, most of us have a 167 00:08:36,049 --> 00:08:38,118 different definition of winning. It's being able to, 168 00:08:38,185 --> 00:08:40,821 you know, have that little luxury of a snowmobile or a 169 00:08:40,888 --> 00:08:43,724 boat or whatever it might be. But it's not just 170 00:08:43,790 --> 00:08:45,626 paying more for goods so that rich people get tax 171 00:08:45,692 --> 00:08:48,695 breaks. what's your reaction to 172 00:08:48,762 --> 00:08:53,000 Liberal Supreme Court point victory this week? 173 00:08:53,066 --> 00:08:55,035 >> Well, she was an extraordinarily good 174 00:08:55,102 --> 00:08:57,237 candidate. I think they fielded an extraordinarily 175 00:08:57,304 --> 00:09:01,041 poor candidate by Supreme Court standards. But people 176 00:09:01,108 --> 00:09:03,410 also are very frustrated with what's happening 177 00:09:03,477 --> 00:09:05,546 nationally. And I think you saw that translate. I mean, 178 00:09:05,612 --> 00:09:09,082 you saw mayors flip from conservative to more 179 00:09:09,149 --> 00:09:11,218 progressive across parts of the state that aren't 180 00:09:11,285 --> 00:09:14,488 exactly blue, maybe not even purple, but people are 181 00:09:14,555 --> 00:09:17,691 just frustrated with what's going on. So I think you 182 00:09:17,758 --> 00:09:20,727 saw a lot of that. But you know, Chris Taylor is going 183 00:09:20,794 --> 00:09:23,063 to be a great Supreme Court justice. She's very smart, 184 00:09:23,130 --> 00:09:25,532 very savvy. I've worked with her since my time in 185 00:09:25,599 --> 00:09:27,668 the state legislature. She's going to help that 186 00:09:27,734 --> 00:09:30,571 court. We need that court to probably get a kick in 187 00:09:30,637 --> 00:09:33,307 the butt, maybe to get a few more things done. And I 188 00:09:33,373 --> 00:09:36,577 think she may just be that catalyst. 189 00:09:36,643 --> 00:09:40,013 Congressman Mark Pocan, >> Sure. Thank you so much. 190 00:09:40,080 --> 00:09:42,549 >> Wisconsin's spring election saw a blowout win 191 00:09:42,616 --> 00:09:45,752 for Liberal Supreme Court candidate Chris Taylor, 192 00:09:45,819 --> 00:09:50,023 defeating Conservative Maria Lazar by 20 points as 193 00:09:50,090 --> 00:09:51,792 “Here& Now” senior political reporter Zac 194 00:09:51,859 --> 00:09:55,429 Schultz tells us it was an early night. 195 00:09:57,264 --> 00:09:59,433 >> The crowd at Chris Taylor's election night 196 00:09:59,499 --> 00:10:02,703 party expected her to win the election for a seat on 197 00:10:02,769 --> 00:10:05,472 the Wisconsin Supreme Court, but that confidence didn't 198 00:10:05,539 --> 00:10:07,541 diminish the excitement for when the race was 199 00:10:07,608 --> 00:10:12,079 officially called before 9:00. Since Liberals 200 00:10:13,547 --> 00:10:16,917 flipped the court in 2023, they've paraded their 201 00:10:16,984 --> 00:10:19,253 majority on stage on election night for a 202 00:10:19,319 --> 00:10:22,155 celebratory moment. But with Chris Taylor's victory, 203 00:10:22,222 --> 00:10:25,792 the Liberal majority is now 5 to 2. And with former 204 00:10:25,859 --> 00:10:28,395 Justice Anne Walsh Bradley on hand, the stage wasn't 205 00:10:28,462 --> 00:10:31,265 big enough, so they had to hold their group photo 206 00:10:31,331 --> 00:10:33,233 afterwards. >> Wow. 207 00:10:34,468 --> 00:10:37,271 >> Who? >> We did it Wisconsin. 208 00:10:40,274 --> 00:10:43,043 >> Contrary to the last two record setting elections, 209 00:10:43,110 --> 00:10:45,679 this one was quieter, with less outside interest 210 00:10:45,746 --> 00:10:49,483 groups spending fewer ads and lower turnout. While 211 00:10:49,550 --> 00:10:52,753 justice elect Chris Taylor held an 8 to 1 spending 212 00:10:52,819 --> 00:10:55,756 advantage over her opponent, Maria Lazar. Taylor praised 213 00:10:55,822 --> 00:10:58,058 her get out the vote effort for getting her supporters 214 00:10:58,125 --> 00:11:01,395 to the polls. >> And I am so grateful for 215 00:11:01,461 --> 00:11:05,632 the grassroots support that I needed to win this race. 216 00:11:05,699 --> 00:11:09,269 This was a grassroots campaign about the people 217 00:11:09,336 --> 00:11:13,207 of the state of Wisconsin. And tonight the people of 218 00:11:13,273 --> 00:11:17,444 Wisconsin spoke. And what you said is clear we are 219 00:11:17,511 --> 00:11:21,515 moving forward. >> I have spoken with Chris 220 00:11:22,482 --> 00:11:26,620 Taylor and I have conceded, and that's okay. 221 00:11:27,454 --> 00:11:30,924 >> At her event, Lazar was gracious in defeat, hugging 222 00:11:30,991 --> 00:11:33,260 supporters and consoling those who thought she could 223 00:11:33,327 --> 00:11:36,430 pull off the upset. But the parties weren't even over 224 00:11:36,496 --> 00:11:38,699 before thoughts turned to the Wisconsin Supreme Court 225 00:11:38,765 --> 00:11:41,835 election next April, incumbent Conservative 226 00:11:41,902 --> 00:11:44,204 Justice Annette Ziegler has already announced she won't 227 00:11:44,271 --> 00:11:47,140 run again, and with conservatives having lost 228 00:11:47,207 --> 00:11:50,010 five out of six races, there's a real question of 229 00:11:50,077 --> 00:11:52,479 what it will take for conservative candidates and 230 00:11:52,546 --> 00:11:55,082 their Republican supporters to be competitive in the 231 00:11:55,148 --> 00:11:57,885 spring. >> This race was run in a 232 00:11:57,951 --> 00:12:02,322 way that we were always behind catching up. That's 233 00:12:02,389 --> 00:12:05,092 not how races are going to go from now on. I want 234 00:12:05,158 --> 00:12:07,794 people in this state to demand better from your 235 00:12:07,861 --> 00:12:10,931 your candidates. >> On the Liberal side, 236 00:12:10,998 --> 00:12:13,166 potential candidates for next spring need to decide 237 00:12:13,233 --> 00:12:15,669 soon if they're running in order to start building up 238 00:12:15,736 --> 00:12:18,172 the fundraising network that has been central to 239 00:12:18,238 --> 00:12:21,975 their winning streak. Judge Pedro Colon was at Taylor's 240 00:12:22,042 --> 00:12:24,144 party and has talked about running in the past. 241 00:12:24,211 --> 00:12:27,481 >> As I said, every race is unique, so I have to 242 00:12:27,548 --> 00:12:31,084 uniquely think about race for the Supreme Court. But 243 00:12:31,151 --> 00:12:34,988 tonight is a great victory for the state of Wisconsin. 244 00:12:35,055 --> 00:12:37,024 >> With their new five two majority, Liberals will 245 00:12:37,090 --> 00:12:41,562 control the court until a 2030. Reporting from 246 00:12:41,628 --> 00:12:45,632 Madison. I'm Zac Schultz for "Here& Now". 247 00:12:45,699 --> 00:12:48,235 >> Now that the Supreme Court election is over, 248 00:12:48,302 --> 00:12:51,271 attention shifts to the next election. Tom Tiffany, 249 00:12:51,338 --> 00:12:53,974 the only prominent Republican running for 250 00:12:54,041 --> 00:12:57,010 governor, responded to Tuesday's outsized win for 251 00:12:57,077 --> 00:13:00,581 liberal justice elect Chris Taylor. 252 00:13:00,647 --> 00:13:03,083 >> We got our butts kicked last night, right? There's 253 00:13:03,150 --> 00:13:06,486 no doubt about it. And we should acknowledge that. 254 00:13:06,553 --> 00:13:09,489 But the election that's coming up this fall in 255 00:13:09,556 --> 00:13:12,192 November is a new election. And you guys know as well 256 00:13:12,259 --> 00:13:17,431 as anyone, every election is unique. And I have built 257 00:13:17,497 --> 00:13:22,636 a campaign money, manpower and messaging. We're going 258 00:13:23,504 --> 00:13:27,007 to compete on all fronts. >> Before a challenger 259 00:13:27,074 --> 00:13:30,043 takes on Tiffany in November. Seven Democrats 260 00:13:30,110 --> 00:13:33,180 are running to win the nomination in the August 261 00:13:33,247 --> 00:13:35,782 primary. The first two Marquette polls have shown 262 00:13:35,849 --> 00:13:40,053 a wide open race, with 65% of all Democratic voters 263 00:13:40,120 --> 00:13:43,390 saying they haven't made up their minds. Reporter Zac 264 00:13:43,457 --> 00:13:45,692 Schultz has been on the campaign trail and tells us 265 00:13:45,759 --> 00:13:48,629 how the Democrats are handling this crowded 266 00:13:48,695 --> 00:13:51,265 primary. >> Sara Rodriguez 267 00:13:52,165 --> 00:13:55,202 >> Pick a city across the state. 268 00:13:55,269 --> 00:13:57,971 you doing? Good. Are you. >> In on any given weekend? 269 00:13:58,038 --> 00:13:59,873 >> How are you? >> There's a good chance. 270 00:13:59,940 --> 00:14:01,909 >> First off, I'm Missy Hughes. 271 00:14:01,975 --> 00:14:04,044 >> You'll find one of the Democrats running for 272 00:14:04,111 --> 00:14:05,812 governor, shaking hands and introducing themselves. 273 00:14:05,879 --> 00:14:08,248 >> My name is Kelda Roys, and I'm running for 274 00:14:08,315 --> 00:14:10,617 governor. launched their campaigns 275 00:14:10,684 --> 00:14:13,720 last year, but the polling shows the race has just 276 00:14:13,787 --> 00:14:15,889 started, with most candidates polling in the 277 00:14:15,956 --> 00:14:18,292 low single digits. >> You know, we're about 5 278 00:14:18,358 --> 00:14:21,228 to 6 months into this race and still have a long 279 00:14:21,295 --> 00:14:23,330 runway ahead of us. >> The bottom line for the 280 00:14:23,397 --> 00:14:25,399 statewide poll, very credible, is that almost 281 00:14:25,465 --> 00:14:28,068 nobody has made up their mind about this, and it's a 282 00:14:28,135 --> 00:14:30,370 wide open race. >> This is the first time 283 00:14:30,437 --> 00:14:33,073 I've run for office, so I'm excited to learn what 284 00:14:33,140 --> 00:14:34,208 Wisconsinites are really thinking about, what 285 00:14:34,274 --> 00:14:36,109 they're concerned about with the future. 286 00:14:36,176 --> 00:14:38,111 >> No poll before people have actually started 287 00:14:38,178 --> 00:14:40,214 paying for communications is going to tell you 288 00:14:40,280 --> 00:14:42,015 anything reliable about the electorate. 289 00:14:42,082 --> 00:14:44,885 >> What I say to them is really look at who can win 290 00:14:44,952 --> 00:14:47,421 in November, who has the most experience, who's been 291 00:14:47,487 --> 00:14:50,023 able to win in difficult races. 292 00:14:50,090 --> 00:14:52,726 >> Only Mandela Barnes and Francesca Hong are polling 293 00:14:52,793 --> 00:14:55,395 above 10%. >> Poll numbers are poll 294 00:14:55,462 --> 00:14:57,331 numbers doesn't change our program. We're showing up 295 00:14:57,397 --> 00:14:59,366 all across Wisconsin. We're talking to people, and 296 00:14:59,433 --> 00:15:01,568 there's a poll that came out two days before, showed 297 00:15:01,635 --> 00:15:04,338 me with a lead with eight points above the next 298 00:15:04,404 --> 00:15:06,340 person. So polls are polls are always scattered all 299 00:15:06,406 --> 00:15:08,609 over the place. >> Hong in particular is 300 00:15:08,675 --> 00:15:11,411 taking a different approach to the campaign. We met her 301 00:15:11,478 --> 00:15:13,847 in La Crosse, where her event doubled as a benefit 302 00:15:13,914 --> 00:15:16,850 for Driftless Mutual Aid, and she skipped the speech 303 00:15:16,917 --> 00:15:19,119 and just helped the other volunteers. 304 00:15:19,186 --> 00:15:22,523 >> We are organizing and community powered campaign, 305 00:15:22,589 --> 00:15:25,859 so events like this, community actions with 306 00:15:25,926 --> 00:15:29,596 support from mutual aid efforts. This is what I 307 00:15:29,663 --> 00:15:31,832 hope more politicians will start doing. 308 00:15:31,899 --> 00:15:34,902 >> With two thirds of all Democrats undecided. Each 309 00:15:34,968 --> 00:15:37,638 voter the candidate convinces now has a chance 310 00:15:37,704 --> 00:15:40,340 to influence an even larger audience. 311 00:15:40,407 --> 00:15:42,509 >> I'm seeing a ton of engagement around the state 312 00:15:42,576 --> 00:15:45,145 when I go to Brown County or Marinette, folks are 313 00:15:45,212 --> 00:15:47,548 showing up for meetings. They want to understand 314 00:15:47,614 --> 00:15:50,083 where the candidates are, who the candidates are. 315 00:15:50,150 --> 00:15:52,553 >> That makes these small meet and greets that much 316 00:15:52,619 --> 00:15:55,856 more important. >> Clearly, this is an 317 00:15:55,923 --> 00:15:58,725 engaged electorate. People who want to make sure that 318 00:15:58,792 --> 00:16:01,061 we are doing the right level of organizing to be 319 00:16:01,128 --> 00:16:03,697 ready for this fall. >> I mean, you absolutely 320 00:16:03,764 --> 00:16:05,799 have your political junkies who are who are tuning in 321 00:16:05,866 --> 00:16:08,435 and asking a lot of questions. But we also know 322 00:16:08,502 --> 00:16:11,672 there's a lot happening in the world. 323 00:16:11,738 --> 00:16:14,074 election over. It's a four month sprint to the August 324 00:16:14,141 --> 00:16:15,943 primary villain. >> Incredible. A few months 325 00:16:16,009 --> 00:16:18,145 in, actually incredible response all across the 326 00:16:18,212 --> 00:16:21,081 state, we've been traveling nonstop. The response has 327 00:16:21,148 --> 00:16:23,650 been incredible. We see the momentum continue to grow. 328 00:16:23,717 --> 00:16:26,220 We see support increase all across Wisconsin. 329 00:16:26,286 --> 00:16:28,689 >> I'm feeling really good about the race. I'm feeling 330 00:16:28,755 --> 00:16:31,758 really good about what my team is doing. We are going 331 00:16:31,825 --> 00:16:35,362 all across the state, all 72 counties, talking to 332 00:16:35,429 --> 00:16:37,764 everybody because I firmly believe you can't lead if 333 00:16:37,831 --> 00:16:39,967 you don't listen. >> I feel great. I feel 334 00:16:40,033 --> 00:16:42,102 like I'm getting a huge amount of momentum as I 335 00:16:42,169 --> 00:16:45,506 travel across the state, and it's really a joy to 336 00:16:45,572 --> 00:16:49,610 campaign when people are feeling like we're on the 337 00:16:49,676 --> 00:16:51,678 cusp of something different in Wisconsin. 338 00:16:51,745 --> 00:16:54,581 >> Reporting from Madison. I'm Zac Schultz for "Here& 339 00:16:54,648 --> 00:16:57,317 Now". >> Governor Tony Evers 340 00:16:57,718 --> 00:17:00,254 Thursday signed a bipartisan bill into law 341 00:17:00,320 --> 00:17:03,790 that makes online sports betting legal in Wisconsin. 342 00:17:03,857 --> 00:17:07,160 When those bets are made through servers located on 343 00:17:07,227 --> 00:17:11,665 tribal lands, Evers said the new law means a broader 344 00:17:11,732 --> 00:17:14,134 collection of tribal nations in Wisconsin could 345 00:17:14,201 --> 00:17:17,571 reap the benefits of increased gaming revenues. 346 00:17:17,638 --> 00:17:21,441 The measure saw opposition from major operators like 347 00:17:21,508 --> 00:17:25,712 Draft Kings and FanDuel. The 11 tribes will now 348 00:17:25,779 --> 00:17:29,082 negotiate new gaming compacts with the state to 349 00:17:29,149 --> 00:17:33,353 develop a model for sports betting. In other news, the 350 00:17:33,420 --> 00:17:36,623 UW Board of Regents fired President Jay Rothman this 351 00:17:36,690 --> 00:17:38,692 week. >> To terminate the UW 352 00:17:38,759 --> 00:17:41,161 system president. >> And he is not going 353 00:17:41,228 --> 00:17:44,531 quietly. The board voted unanimously to remove 354 00:17:44,598 --> 00:17:48,135 Rothman, who says he was blindsided by the decision 355 00:17:48,202 --> 00:17:51,805 with no reasons given. In response, the state Senate 356 00:17:51,872 --> 00:17:55,342 Committee on Universities and Technical Colleges took 357 00:17:55,409 --> 00:17:59,146 public testimony from regents to speak to Rothman 358 00:17:59,213 --> 00:18:01,348 termination. But the president of the region 359 00:18:01,415 --> 00:18:05,319 said personnel rules require confidentiality and 360 00:18:05,385 --> 00:18:09,223 they would detail their termination decision if 361 00:18:09,289 --> 00:18:13,427 Rothman would waive that confidentiality. 362 00:18:14,027 --> 00:18:17,464 exactly what he is doing. He is a sophisticated 363 00:18:17,531 --> 00:18:19,433 professional who understands that personnel 364 00:18:19,499 --> 00:18:23,036 matters are confidential. And yet President Rothman, 365 00:18:23,103 --> 00:18:26,974 who understands all of this, has chosen to use that 366 00:18:27,040 --> 00:18:30,077 constraint as a shield, making public statements. 367 00:18:30,143 --> 00:18:34,281 He knows I cannot rebut and framing a narrative he 368 00:18:34,348 --> 00:18:38,852 knows I cannot correct that is deliberately one sided. 369 00:18:38,919 --> 00:18:42,789 That is not a search for truth. That is strategy. 370 00:18:42,856 --> 00:18:45,692 >> For his part, Governor Tony Evers said, quote, 371 00:18:45,759 --> 00:18:49,663 many see the ongoing threats to fire UW regents 372 00:18:49,730 --> 00:18:52,833 as Republicans attempt to leverage and flex their 373 00:18:52,900 --> 00:18:57,538 political power while they still have it. Governor 374 00:18:57,604 --> 00:19:00,807 Evers making a comment there on political fortunes 375 00:19:00,874 --> 00:19:03,977 going forward. What will those fortunes look like in 376 00:19:04,044 --> 00:19:06,580 the midterm elections? We welcome our political 377 00:19:06,647 --> 00:19:09,249 panelists, Republican Bill McCoshen and Democrat Scot 378 00:19:09,316 --> 00:19:11,318 Ross. And hello. >> How are you? 379 00:19:11,385 --> 00:19:14,888 >> Pretty good. So Bill Tom Tiffany said Republicans 380 00:19:14,955 --> 00:19:17,758 got their butts kicked Tuesday night. How, in your 381 00:19:17,824 --> 00:19:20,160 view did that happen? >> Well, he's right about 382 00:19:20,227 --> 00:19:22,896 that. If you're going to win statewide, you need 383 00:19:22,963 --> 00:19:24,998 three things. You need money, organization and 384 00:19:25,065 --> 00:19:28,535 message. Mom, we had no money. We didn't look like 385 00:19:28,602 --> 00:19:31,738 we had any organization. And I'm not sure what the 386 00:19:31,805 --> 00:19:34,141 message was. So I think we failed on all three of 387 00:19:34,208 --> 00:19:37,411 those points. And ultimately, it wasn't the 388 00:19:37,477 --> 00:19:40,380 worst Supreme Court election in state history, 389 00:19:40,447 --> 00:19:45,052 but it was pretty close. And you know, when when 390 00:19:45,118 --> 00:19:49,923 Maria Lazar is losing her home county of Waukesha by 391 00:19:51,225 --> 00:19:53,994 43,600, she got 43,600 fewer votes than Brad 392 00:19:54,061 --> 00:19:56,697 Schimel did in her own county. That's a rough 393 00:19:56,763 --> 00:19:58,866 night. >> Scott wasn't about the 394 00:19:58,932 --> 00:20:01,635 money advantage for Chris Taylor. 395 00:20:01,702 --> 00:20:04,104 advantages before where I mean, I've been part of 396 00:20:04,171 --> 00:20:06,740 ones where the Republicans had all the money and the 397 00:20:06,807 --> 00:20:09,109 Liberal candidate didn't have any. And we've never I 398 00:20:09,176 --> 00:20:11,378 haven't you know, the most I saw was like I think 399 00:20:11,445 --> 00:20:14,281 seven points back in 2013. But the fact is, is that 400 00:20:14,348 --> 00:20:17,084 this is a combination of a couple things. First and 401 00:20:17,150 --> 00:20:20,387 foremost, that the The Donald Trump Republican 402 00:20:20,454 --> 00:20:24,291 Party has taken us to war. It's taken us into the 403 00:20:24,358 --> 00:20:27,060 poorhouse, and it keeps doubling down. And I would 404 00:20:27,127 --> 00:20:29,363 point out that, you know, in the same interview where 405 00:20:29,429 --> 00:20:31,999 Tom Tiffany said they got their butts kicked, he also 406 00:20:32,065 --> 00:20:35,936 endorsed Trump's, you know, announced intention to 407 00:20:36,003 --> 00:20:40,140 commit war crimes and every economic policy that he has 408 00:20:40,207 --> 00:20:42,609 pushed forward, including trying to overturn the 409 00:20:42,676 --> 00:20:45,913 results of the 2020 election. Considering this 410 00:20:45,979 --> 00:20:51,385 race was about fairness, freedom and rights, there's 411 00:20:51,451 --> 00:20:54,354 no wonder the Republicans lost. 412 00:20:54,421 --> 00:20:57,758 factor is Trump in these elections? 413 00:20:58,425 --> 00:21:01,028 was nationalized. I don't agree with Scott on that. 414 00:21:01,094 --> 00:21:03,597 It may have had something to do with some people 415 00:21:03,664 --> 00:21:06,166 staying home. I mean, the truth is they didn't know 416 00:21:06,233 --> 00:21:08,702 Maria Lazar. She raised less than $1 million, which 417 00:21:08,769 --> 00:21:11,972 is far less than Brad Schimel. I mean, a year ago, 418 00:21:12,039 --> 00:21:14,141 we had the most expensive Supreme Court race in 419 00:21:14,208 --> 00:21:18,412 history, $115 million. This one combined was around 10 420 00:21:18,478 --> 00:21:21,582 million. So people didn't know who she was. So I'm 421 00:21:21,648 --> 00:21:25,219 not I'm not sure that Trump was a huge factor in this 422 00:21:25,285 --> 00:21:28,388 race. But the truth is, you know, congrats, first of 423 00:21:28,455 --> 00:21:31,725 all to justice elect Chris Taylor. But she won seven 424 00:21:31,792 --> 00:21:34,328 out of eight congressional districts, including Tom 425 00:21:34,394 --> 00:21:36,763 Tiffany's. >> And they went up 7171 of 426 00:21:36,830 --> 00:21:39,233 the 72 counties had a higher performance than in 427 00:21:39,299 --> 00:21:41,568 2025. >> So how does this travel 428 00:21:41,635 --> 00:21:43,637 into November? >> Well, I think I think 429 00:21:43,704 --> 00:21:45,839 that the trend is irreversible in terms of 430 00:21:45,906 --> 00:21:48,909 the Republican performance would just I mean, again, I 431 00:21:48,976 --> 00:21:51,845 just have to disagree because if you look at past 432 00:21:51,912 --> 00:21:53,914 elections, you know, like for instance, in 2016 where 433 00:21:53,981 --> 00:21:57,484 Rebecca Bradley, I mean, she lost, she won by 94,500 434 00:21:57,551 --> 00:21:59,653 votes, you know, when there were 97,000 more 435 00:21:59,720 --> 00:22:01,588 Republicans who voted in the presidential primary 436 00:22:01,655 --> 00:22:04,458 that year, that's not even close to 20%. It's not even 437 00:22:04,525 --> 00:22:06,627 close to double digits in terms of the difference 438 00:22:06,693 --> 00:22:09,329 between the two. You know, Republicans have in the in 439 00:22:09,396 --> 00:22:11,999 the Trump era, lost races where tons of money, the 440 00:22:12,065 --> 00:22:14,835 most money ever spent, they've lost when not a lot 441 00:22:14,902 --> 00:22:18,805 of money spent. They've lost by double digits. Each 442 00:22:18,872 --> 00:22:21,375 time that we've had these things, it's just again, 443 00:22:21,441 --> 00:22:23,877 it's the brand is broken. They are doubling down. The 444 00:22:23,944 --> 00:22:27,047 cult will continue. Tom Tiffany, Derrick, Van Orden 445 00:22:27,114 --> 00:22:30,083 and whoever. Republicans can finally try and get to 446 00:22:30,150 --> 00:22:33,554 be leader of the Senate and Assembly or Republicans, 447 00:22:33,620 --> 00:22:36,690 you know, come November, you know, it's just a 448 00:22:36,757 --> 00:22:39,326 disaster. But again, Democrats have to do the 449 00:22:39,393 --> 00:22:42,362 work in order to get there. >> Not a great correlation 450 00:22:42,429 --> 00:22:44,364 between spring elections and fall elections in the 451 00:22:44,431 --> 00:22:46,934 state of Wisconsin. If you look at 2023, Janet 452 00:22:47,000 --> 00:22:49,703 Protasiewicz won a Supreme Court seat by ten points. 453 00:22:49,770 --> 00:22:52,139 2024 Donald Trump wins Wisconsin with the most 454 00:22:52,206 --> 00:22:54,374 votes of any statewide candidate in history. So 455 00:22:54,441 --> 00:22:57,778 it's it's not a perfect correlation, but I would 456 00:22:57,845 --> 00:22:59,847 say it's a warning sign for Republicans, and they ought 457 00:22:59,913 --> 00:23:02,616 to take it that way. >> So, Bill, what about the 458 00:23:02,683 --> 00:23:04,852 war in Iran and its repercussions at home? 459 00:23:04,918 --> 00:23:07,721 >> I think it's having an impact in this respect. Gas 460 00:23:07,788 --> 00:23:10,924 prices are up whether it's a buck, buck 50 and people 461 00:23:10,991 --> 00:23:13,493 feel that. So the fundamental question that 462 00:23:13,560 --> 00:23:16,263 every voter has to answer when they go into the 463 00:23:16,330 --> 00:23:19,333 voting booth is, what's in it for me if I vote for X 464 00:23:19,399 --> 00:23:21,668 or Y? And right now, that's not great for Republicans, 465 00:23:21,735 --> 00:23:24,371 for Republicans to have a shot this fall, gas needs 466 00:23:24,438 --> 00:23:27,074 to be at or below three bucks a gallon. And if it's 467 00:23:27,140 --> 00:23:29,343 not, it's going to be a tough cycle. 468 00:23:29,409 --> 00:23:31,445 >> Yeah, 33% gas prices have gone up since Trump's 469 00:23:31,512 --> 00:23:35,015 war of choice in Iran. >> So if if that somehow 470 00:23:35,082 --> 00:23:38,785 gets resolved and those gas prices come down and 471 00:23:38,852 --> 00:23:43,023 inflation comes down, is it does it kind of revert to a 472 00:23:43,090 --> 00:23:44,825 regular cycle then. >> Because people are still 473 00:23:44,892 --> 00:23:46,894 losing their health care, they're still seeing ICE, 474 00:23:46,960 --> 00:23:50,898 you know, the Gestapo in our streets, you know, 475 00:23:50,964 --> 00:23:54,067 killing Americans who do nothing more than protest. 476 00:23:54,134 --> 00:23:56,203 Like those things aren't going to stop. And the cult 477 00:23:56,270 --> 00:23:58,205 of Trump within the Republican Party of elected 478 00:23:58,272 --> 00:24:01,074 officials, specifically Derrick Van Orton and Tom 479 00:24:01,141 --> 00:24:03,944 Tiffany, who both, as Bill correctly pointed out, lost 480 00:24:04,011 --> 00:24:05,946 the congressional district. I mean, Derrick Van Orton 481 00:24:06,013 --> 00:24:08,549 lost his district or Chris Taylor 1 Derrick Van 482 00:24:08,615 --> 00:24:11,218 Norton's district by 22 points. Eau Claire and La 483 00:24:11,285 --> 00:24:13,954 Crosse were nearly 40%. It could. 484 00:24:14,021 --> 00:24:17,491 >> It could revert to a normal cycle before the war 485 00:24:17,558 --> 00:24:20,160 broke out in the Middle East. The generic ballot 486 00:24:20,227 --> 00:24:22,963 was a couple points favorable towards Democrats. 487 00:24:23,030 --> 00:24:25,632 That's something that Republicans can and compete 488 00:24:25,699 --> 00:24:29,503 in and win in. Now it's 5 or 6, and in some polls 489 00:24:29,570 --> 00:24:32,139 it's eight points. That's a much tougher environment 490 00:24:32,206 --> 00:24:34,808 for Republicans. >> So, Scott, what about 491 00:24:34,875 --> 00:24:36,710 for Democrats in their splintered primary for 492 00:24:36,777 --> 00:24:39,847 governor with so many candidates? 493 00:24:39,913 --> 00:24:41,915 there's more coverage of what Democrats are talking 494 00:24:41,982 --> 00:24:43,784 about because they're not attacking each other, not 495 00:24:43,851 --> 00:24:45,919 going after each other. It's the same thing from 496 00:24:45,986 --> 00:24:48,121 2018. I mean, there were hardly any even contrast 497 00:24:48,188 --> 00:24:51,091 levels in the 2018 primary for for Democrats. And what 498 00:24:51,158 --> 00:24:54,261 ended up happening, Tony Evers upset Scott Walker, 499 00:24:54,328 --> 00:24:57,097 who was trying to win a third term. And didn't you 500 00:24:57,164 --> 00:25:00,067 know, I think that on top of, you know, not just that 501 00:25:00,133 --> 00:25:02,202 ballot, but talking I'm sorry to your question, not 502 00:25:02,269 --> 00:25:05,772 just talking about the Democrats in the in the in 503 00:25:05,839 --> 00:25:08,575 the primary, but what that's going to do for the 504 00:25:08,642 --> 00:25:10,711 down ballot, the state Senate and state Assembly. 505 00:25:10,777 --> 00:25:13,614 I mean, we saw things like, you know, some of the 506 00:25:13,680 --> 00:25:15,549 targets, the best targets the Republicans have in the 507 00:25:15,616 --> 00:25:19,119 state Senate, Jeff Smith, Chris Taylor won his 508 00:25:19,186 --> 00:25:21,722 district by 30 points. Like, you know, that's all I mean, 509 00:25:21,788 --> 00:25:24,658 there's even new there's new meat on the table as 510 00:25:24,725 --> 00:25:26,927 results of of Tuesday night. >> Not surprising but a 511 00:25:26,994 --> 00:25:29,563 different take. There's 123 days until the primary. If 512 00:25:29,630 --> 00:25:31,798 they do not define one another Francesca Hong will 513 00:25:31,865 --> 00:25:33,901 be the Democratic nominee. >> What's the money race 514 00:25:33,967 --> 00:25:36,803 going to look like? >> It's going to be very 515 00:25:36,870 --> 00:25:39,239 different this fall. Maria Lazar got no outside help, 516 00:25:39,306 --> 00:25:41,808 including from allied groups like the Federalist 517 00:25:41,875 --> 00:25:44,311 Society and WMC, who have always spent seven figures 518 00:25:44,378 --> 00:25:47,247 in Supreme Court races. This fall, the money will 519 00:25:47,314 --> 00:25:50,083 be there for Tom Tiffany. >> And what about the money 520 00:25:50,150 --> 00:25:52,386 on the Democratic side? >> Golly yes, I think that 521 00:25:52,452 --> 00:25:55,022 the money is going to be there for Democrats because 522 00:25:55,088 --> 00:25:57,191 they have been an incredible fundraising 523 00:25:57,257 --> 00:25:59,126 you know, since Wikler. Thankfully. 524 00:25:59,193 --> 00:26:01,328 >> He's Wikler gone. >> So but Devin's doing a 525 00:26:01,395 --> 00:26:04,231 good job of raising the money too. You know, again, 526 00:26:04,298 --> 00:26:06,533 Democrats need to do what in order to win these races? 527 00:26:06,600 --> 00:26:08,602 It's not about outraising the Republicans. It's about 528 00:26:08,669 --> 00:26:12,272 a consistent, relentless assault on what Republicans 529 00:26:12,339 --> 00:26:14,074 stand for and how they are hurting the people of 530 00:26:14,141 --> 00:26:16,243 Wisconsin. >> 207 days to go. It's 531 00:26:16,310 --> 00:26:18,979 time to get the war over and get back to domestic 532 00:26:19,046 --> 00:26:22,216 affairs. Ross, thanks very much. 533 00:26:22,282 --> 00:26:25,018 Thank you. For more on this and other issues facing 534 00:26:25,085 --> 00:26:27,554 Wisconsin, visit our website at PBS Wisconsin. 535 00:26:27,621 --> 00:26:30,424 Org and then click on the news tab. That's our 536 00:26:30,490 --> 00:26:32,793 program for tonight. I'm Frederica Freyberg. Have a 537 00:26:32,860 --> 00:26:34,995 good weekend. [MUSIC] 538 00:26:44,104 --> 00:26:48,909 >> Funding for Here and now is provided by the fund for 539 00:26:48,976 --> 00:26:52,880 Journalism and Friends of PBS Wisconsin.