This is a live broadcast of the third congressional district Democratic
primary candidate for them from UW Lacrosse. This special is presented exclusively
by Civic Media on WLCX Lacrosse, WCFWHD2, the tap, Chippewa Falls, WRC, Richland
Center, and WFHR, Wisconsin Rapids. Now, back to our moderator, William Garcia,
chair of the third congressional district in Lacrosse County, live from the
UW Lacrosse campus.
We're enhancing and expanding access to rural health care and helping farmers
with conservation programs and clean drinking water issues. That's the kind of
problem-solving skills that I will bring with me to Congress.
We need a leader with proven experience to get things done and the values
that you can trust. And that's why I'm not only running to challenge
Derek Van Orden but to restore common sense to Congress.
Great. Thank you so much. And next is Rebecca Cook.
Well, thank you to William Garcia and to UW Lacrosse Dems and to Lacrosse
County Dems. I'm Rebecca Cook. I grew up in the Eau Claire area,
raising registered Holsteens on our dairy farm. But like a lot of
Wisconsin farmers, we had to sell our cows because of the price of milk
and competition with larger dairies, which was tough. But that's the story
of a lot of folks throughout Wisconsin. And that's a key reason why I'm
running for Congress. To take on corporate monopolies that are robbing
us of our farming traditions and decimating our rural economies.
But, you know, we're tough out here. And we pick ourselves up.
I worked my way through college before I came back home to Eau Claire to start
my own small business that I ran for seven years before closing it
at the end of 2022. It's tough to compete against cheap
foreign-made goods. I now run a hospitality business and I wait
for three nights a week while I'm running for Congress. And you don't see
a lot of folks with my kind of background in Congress. You see a lot of career
politicians, elitists, and radicals who want to hijack our government.
People like Derek Van Orden, who is more focused on climbing the career
political ladder than he is in serving his constituents. And he's a bully.
He yells at Senate pages. He's lash out at the president during the
state of the Union address. He lacks the temperament to really serving
Congress. And he doesn't exemplify our Wisconsin values.
We need someone who is going to reinstill our faith in democracy, not work to dismantle it.
And that's why I'm running. We deserve a representative in Congress
who's a doer. Someone who knows how to get things done, who can roll up
their sleeves, and not sort of fist fight, whether that's across the aisle
or within their own party. In addition to his decorum, his policies
don't matter our values. He supports big A, the put his
put family farms like mine out of business. He's at one point
called for a nationwide abortion band. I'm going to deliver
on kitchen table issues like increasing access to affordable quality health care,
taking on corporate monopoly just that are price-catching consumers at the gas
pump at the grocery store and in our housing market. And I'm going to defend
reproductive freedoms. It's not my role as a legislator to be making
decisions for you and your family in Congress, in your doctor's office.
So I'm looking forward to chatting more tonight about issues that are important to all of us.
Thank you. And finally, Eric Wilson.
Hi, my name is Eric Wilson. Is it down?
Yes. Okay. Hi, my name is Eric Wilson.
Born and raised Wisconsinite. I went to college in Madison
and have built a career in project management in both the health care
and housing industry.
I want to take my opening statement to talk about something that we haven't
talked about last debate and talked about and will not be a topic in this debate.
And that's climate change. Climate change is a crisis and it's
something that we need to be addressing as aggressively as possible.
I support the Green New Deal and I support Biden
and everything that he has been doing but it is not enough and we need to continue
to push it. I'm excited to be here and to share my perspective tonight
and looking forward to the additional debate topics that we have coming up.
So thank you for all being here.
Thank you, everyone. So let's move on right to our first question.
Our first question is about foreign relations.
Last month, Congress passed three military aid packages,
one for Ukraine, one for Israel, and one for Taiwan.
How do you decide when military aid is appropriate?
We'll start with you.
Thank you so much. I think first and foremost,
it's important for us to invest in diplomacy first and to minimize
not only harm but global conflicts and prevent
harm to American troops whenever possible.
I think it's important for us as foreign policy leaders
when we talk about global affairs to really center the American people
and all of our concerns and when it comes to these issues,
I'm going to talk specifically about Ukraine.
Let's talk about Congressman Derek Van Orden and his turning his back on the people of Ukraine
when it comes to sovereignty and democracy.
We have not only the responsibility but also I think the important opportunity to be a leader on that issue
but I want to say investing in Ukraine aid is actually investing in national security for us.
Putin wants nothing more than to reestablish the Soviet block.
He wants it should he be successful against Ukraine to go further into Poland and beyond
and he wants to establish a war with the United States and Europe.
So by investing in aid to Ukraine which I would have voted yes for,
we would also be investing in not only our national security but preventing
a ground war in Europe with Putin.
Derek Van Orden turned his back on us with that vote.
That's why we need real leaders with proven experience who can deliver results for us,
especially on tough and complex issues like foreign policy.
Thank you. Rebecca Cook.
So here in Wisconsin we live up to our promises and we stand up for our friends and for allies.
I would have supported the supplemental defense aid package.
I would have voted for it.
And I'll talk about each of these pieces.
Israel and Palestine first after the attacks on October 7th.
I issued a statement condemning Hamas and defending Israel's right to defend itself.
And I think now more than ever I think we can all agree that we need a peaceful resolution now.
And that's not going to happen until everyone is at the decision making table
and getting the hostages released is a prime piece to that,
to getting all the players at this decision making table to move that forward.
When it comes to Ukraine, we need to stand up to Putin.
We need to stand up to bullies like that.
And in the face of dictators, we need to stand strong,
whether that's Moscow or Beijing.
We need to stand strong against encroaching authoritarianism.
And so my partner, Halle and I have a show called Educators Amplified where we focus on that.
And we also focus on the idea that many of us talk about Congress with pragmatic and sensible leadership.
People that can get things done, not folks that want to hijack the government.
Eric Bolson, we need to prioritize democracy.
We need to make sure or democracy and diplomacy.
We need to make sure that we are not just not all security challenges need military enforcement.
I support Taiwan. I support Ukraine.
I support our allies.
But I also will make sure that we are holding our allies accountable.
I actually would not have supported the offensive weapons in Israel.
We need to be making sure that it is just defensive and that we aren't continuing and expanding humanitarian crisis.
Earlier this year, I was the only one that called for a ceasefire in Israel because it's the correct thing to do.
We need to be holding our allies accountable while still supporting them to create a global structure that works.
Great. And actually, as one minute follow-up question, I specifically did want to ask.
And this is largely today they were arrested a bunch of protesters at UW-Madison over calling for a ceasefire.
What is your opinion on the Gaza and Israel Gaza ceasefire?
Thank you so much for that follow-up question.
I think first and foremost, when it comes to this issue, it cannot be unilateral.
It has to be bilateral. That means bringing people together.
It's not only talking about a durable lasting peace, but convening conversations that are serious about a real two-state solution.
We believe strongly that when it comes to this issue, we not only need to continue to demand for a peaceful long-term durable solution, but also the ability to immediately deliver and expand corridors for humanitarian aid.
That includes fuel, water, medical supplies, and more. Thank you.
Rebecca?
I touched on this a bit in my last question, but a ceasefire can't happen at the snap of a finger.
And overnight, all folks have to come to the decision-making table in order for a true peace to be lasting.
And that starts with getting the hostages released and brought back to Israel so that we can move forward with that.
Yeah, I think I call him for a ceasefire, but also I'm going to call out it shouldn't take seven months for someone to call for something that's correct.
Step up when things are difficult.
Great. Thank you. On to our second question, which is about immigration.
And we'll start this one with Rebecca Cook.
The immigration system is broken in the United States.
What are some concrete steps you would support to fix how immigration in the U.S. is handled?
So you alluded to this for years. Congress has taken a patchwork approach to immigration policy.
And I think that it's something that's been really frustrating to watch over time.
And I think in a district like this, I think a lot about what a big part of our workforce migrant workers are.
From the dairy farms in our district to being a part of our manufacturing workforce.
And having a pathway to citizenship, I think, is more important than ever.
And folks have talked a lot about securing the border, which is important as well.
But I think offering a pathway is so important for people that are paying into a system and living in the shadows and are really a part of our communities and contributing to our communities.
And this comes back to partisan politics.
And we've had bipartisan bills that have been put forth that Republicans chose to take off the floor so this could be a talking point for Donald Trump on the campaign trail versus getting something done.
And again, this is these are bipartisan bills that we could move forward and actually do something about this.
Yeah, the reality is we need immigration.
Our economy depends on it.
Our agriculture industry, our hospitality industries, it's something that we need to fix.
I'm in support of strengthening our borders, making sure that there's security, but also creating a pathway to citizenship.
It should not take 10 years for people to become citizens.
We can do better than that.
We had a bipartisan bill.
But again, partisan politics are getting in the way of actually creating the change that we need.
I am also in support of getting rid of ICE.
We need to not be caging children.
We need to create humanitarian solutions at the border.
We need to make sure that the resources are there to actually process people that are coming through.
It's not just at our border bill.
It's also making sure that we are addressing the root causes of why people are trying to come to the United States.
It's making sure that we are looking at Central America and that they are fleeing for a reason.
And so we have to do what we can to help support those areas as well.
I also want to make sure that we are protecting the border from fentanyl, from other illegal drugs coming over and impacting our communities.
Thank you, and Katrina Shackling.
I am the daughter of an immigrant.
My dad came here and actually naturalized at the LaCrosse County Courthouse in the 80s from Glasgow, Scotland.
I am proud of him and proud of his career in public service.
But the last time we, as a country, enacted comprehensive immigration reform was in the 80s when he came to this country.
And that's unacceptable.
We need an urgent call for bipartisan action on immigration reform.
That's comprehensive and lasting.
Why does it need to be bipartisan?
Because we have seen folks like Donald Trump tell Derek Van Orden,
hey, oppose a bipartisan border control and protection deal.
And he said, all right, I'll put America's interests at risk in order to serve you.
We need public servants who will do the opposite, who will reach across the aisle to deliver common sense results on an issue like comprehensive immigration reform.
And that really means more resources at the border for the overworked and understaffed border protection agents, as well as not only a path to citizenship,
but reforming and modernizing our H2A visas.
So our hardworking dairy farmers and agricultural industry can have the workforce they need to succeed.
Thank you.
And then as a follow-up question, Rebecca Cook, it seems like Republicans are pressuring the White House to take a more aggressive stance on border-related issues.
Is President Biden sending the right message to migrants looking to enter this country?
I think I'll bring it back to the office that I'm running for and for you as Congress, and that we have the power within Congress to get something done at the border,
and that it takes pragmatic leaders to be able to work across the aisle to pass the bipartisan bills that have already come to the floor that would address this very issue.
Yeah, and like I said, I believe in securing our border, but we can also do it in a humane way.
We do not have to be forcing people into camps.
I think the crux of this question, and that global, I should say, national conversation we're having about the border is really about not only national security but workforce issues.
Wisconsin is on track to lose about 130,000 workers from our workforce and our economy by 2030.
When I talk to dairy farmers, healthcare workers, people in long-term care, I know we have a caregiver shortage as well as a worker shortage when it comes to our agricultural industry.
We need to have real conversations about reforming the H2A visa program, modernizing the ability, the pathway to legally work here, and ensuring that at the border, we're not only securing it with resources, but also preventing the harmful flow of illegal drugs like fentanyl into our country.
Great, thank you. Our next topic is campaign finance, and we'll start with Eric Wilson.
For campaign finance, this race looks like it will cost, especially once we get to the general election, millions and millions and millions of dollars, probably more money that has ever been spent on the third CD election.
What on earth can we do to rein in this kind of political spending and bring some common sense back to how we run for office?
Well, I'm in support of public finance elections. I think it's a waste of resources for everyone who's spending millions and millions of dollars, and it's big corporations, it's billionaires using their money to take away our voice.
I think is really what it comes down to, and so we really need to get big money out of politics.
It's not just that. They're corrupting our elections. I believe in members, banning members of Congress from doing stock trades. I think it's making sure that we are doing same-day voting.
It's expanding the rights of voters as well, and like we saw with the funding in the state, if we aren't fully funding our elections, there's outside money that comes into this.
And so I want to make sure that we're publicly funding and have the resources to have fair elections, that everyone has a chance.
It's not easy, working full-time, and running. Like, as we know, it's not an easy thing, but then we're putting up barriers that not everyone has access.
And we're not getting necessarily the best candidates because of how our system is structured.
Thank you. Katrina Shanklin.
Citizens United was one of the most harmful decisions for our democracy, and it has led to a massive onslaught of money and politics.
And it's led to a lot of politicians being bought and doing just about anything to get that donation from that corporate lobbyist.
I'm going to stand up to those special interests and say no, especially when it comes to my work on ending Citizens United.
When I say I will stand up and work on Citizens United, you can trust it because as a state legislator, I've co-sponsored resolutions over and over to call for a statewide referendum on ending Citizens United.
I'll be a co-author of the democracy for all amendment in Congress, which would clarify that money isn't speech and corporations aren't people, they shouldn't be able to buy our elections.
In the state legislature, I co-authored bills for public financing of elections and to lower our campaign finance limits, which would affect me as a candidate.
So that really shows my commitment to this issue, and you know that I have the experience you can count on and trust.
This is Rebecca Cook.
I just heard people listening.
It's difficult for regular people to run for Congress.
Now that more than ever, I think we need regular folks stepping off the sidelines, teachers, hello waitresses, bus drivers, representing us in the halls of DC.
But it's so, so difficult to also be working full time and running for office seven days a week is what it really demands.
And I think it's exciting that there's a younger group of people running for this particular position because you don't always see that.
You have to be independently wealthy to be able to step up to run for Congress.
And I think getting rid of harmful legislation like Citizens United, ending Citizens United is something that we've got to come together to do.
I'll also point out Derek Van Orden who we're running against, you know, is taking corporate pack checks left and right in DC that for some of us is what a paycheck looks like for an entire month.
So this is something that's important to me, especially being a working class candidate and continuing to work while I'm running for this office.
Thank you. Now all of these questions today were submitted by users from around the central region of the third CD.
This is one that was asked by multiple people. So there was a bit of a groundswell here to ask this particular question.
Will you pledge not to take contributions over $200 from executives, lobbyists and packs affiliated with the hospital insurance and pharma corporations.
And instead pledge to put the health well being in safety of their constituents over corporate health industry profits.
Yes, I've already signed that pledge.
Great, this is Katrina Schinkeland. I appreciate this question and I'm so glad that so many people are talking about it.
I would have to look at the pledge just so I know specifically regarding hospitals, just because I have a lot of constituents who work at hospitals, if it's executives or just regular folks who are nurses and doctors.
What I will say when it comes to corporate pack money, those are corporations who will write $5,000 checks and bundle them together for hundreds of thousands, sometimes millions of dollars.
I'm not the kind of person who can be bought and I have a track record and the legislature of standing up to those powerful special interests.
And Rebecca Cook.
I've said this out on the stump before and I'll say it again that I'll never take a dollar of money from big corporate pharma.
This is something that's really near and dear to me. I've shared this story before that my dad was diagnosed with cancer at the start of this campaign and went in to get his first prescription drugs at Walgreens, a $1,300 copay for a woman supply one drug, an $1,800 copay for another woman supply.
And we need politicians and people that are representing us in Congress that are not beholden to those special interest groups.
Thank you. Our next topic is drinking water and this comes from French Island right here in La Crosse, has been on bottled water for almost four years after the islands drinking wells were contaminated with PFAS.
What is the role of the federal government as opposed to local and state in ensuring clean drinking water and what should the federal government be doing for areas like French Island?
And this starts with Katrina Shanklin.
The town of Campbell has been through far too much and they've had to pay far too much with their health worrying about drinking their water at the taps having to have five gallon drinking water every day.
Just to fulfill their needs and the federal government has a responsibility the EPA just came out with new drinking water standards that are about 17 times stronger than the state of Wisconsin drinking water standards.
That is going to mean a federal investment is needed to ensure that we can follow those standards as municipalities.
And then for towns like the town of Campbell, they have a $25 million bill that they're staring at under 5,000 people live in that town.
Do the math. Should they have to pay greater rates in order to get clean drinking water? Absolutely not.
We can build on the investments of the bipartisan infrastructure law and the inflation reduction act to ensure everyone not just folks in the town of Campbell and French Island get access to clean drinking water.
But when it comes to PFAS, we need to be doing as much as possible to hold corporations accountable.
Recoup the costs that the A triple F firefighting manufacturers created not just in health, but in those drinking water investments and ensure that Congress really delivers on clean drinking water for Wisconsin.
I will champion and be the lead author on that bill in Congress as a statewide leader on clean drinking water here in Wisconsin.
Thank you. Rebecca Cook.
So you alluded to the issue here in La Crosse County on French Island. This is an issue that we're seeing across the third congressional district.
We have issues in our well water in a clear and there's so many municipalities throughout the third CD that haven't tested for it that don't even know that it already exists within their wells.
And so calling for more testing is one of the things that's at the start of that calling for more research and remediation.
And remediation is not cheap and a lot of these smaller municipalities they cannot foot those big price tags even the city of O'Clair.
It's going to take about 20 million dollars to remediate our city wells of which only two million dollars has been appropriated from their federal level.
If dollars are appropriated to Madison and we can't get out of the state legislature it really comes back to federal lawmakers that are going to be able to push this forward.
And it also comes to going back to the source so you know looking at the firefighting film in the way in which some of our products are made.
It's really critical that we take a look at that's that we're not dealing with these issues at the get go.
Thank you and Eric Wilson.
Yeah this is not an issue that local local municipalities can handle on their own.
I mean it's going to take a lot of money to get us out of these situations.
And so as an advocate making sure that everyone has access to clean drinking water.
In our rural areas there are a lot of people that have private wells.
We don't require testing for private wells.
We also don't provide people the resources for that testing or either having to drill a new well or put in a remediation system.
There are a lot of people in our community that don't have the resources to do that.
If we don't help them.
And so as an advocate as as someone in Congress I will make sure that everyone has access to drinking water.
Because we're 60% water so we kind of need water.
But yeah if we we shouldn't have to worry about having contaminated water.
Thank you so much. We are going to take in just a moment.
We're going to take a two minute break for station identification on civic media.
This is the third CD Democratic Primary Candidate Forum.
We'll be back in just a minute.
You're listening to a live broadcast of the third congressional district Democratic Primary Candidate Forum from UW Lacrosse.
This special is presented exclusively by Civic Media on WLCX Lacrosse.
WCFWHD2 the tap Chippewa Falls.
WRCE Richland Center and WFHR Wisconsin Rapids.
We'll return in just a moment.
Stay with us for more live coverage from UW Lacrosse.
You're listening to special coverage on WLCX Lacrosse.
WCFWHD2 Chippewa Falls.
WRCE Richland Center and WFHR Wisconsin Rapids.
This is Civic Media.
All right and welcome back everyone.
We're going to start right off.
We're going to go with Rebecca Cook first and the question is,
President Biden has forgiven $29 billion in student loan debt.
Is this kind of forgiveness the right approach?
Rebecca Cook.
So I was fortunate enough to get through college with the help of the FAFSA program.
So it works a job and also Pell grants.
And some of the things that I've been in favor of is instead of just some of the band-aid solutions that we've seen
because there's actual structural form that we need to accomplish are expanding Pell grants
to middle income and low income families, better regulation of our for profit colleges
and also taking on predatory student loan lending businesses
who are really a big piece of this puzzle and a real big issue for the state that we're in right now.
And also addressing administrative vote.
I'll give you a story and example.
I was going through these questions with my mom.
I guess I'm always doing to pay you prep with my mom.
She's a real, you know, true North.
And we were talking about my aunt Linda who went back to school in her 40s.
She's a single mom and she is now retired is on social security and she is still paying into student loans.
And so we need to start restructure programs that are pledging Americans into permanent cycles of debt
and that's something that I'm committed to.
Eric Wilson.
Make it free.
I think it's pretty simple as Democrats.
Education is the great equalizer.
We need to be getting rid of student loan debt that has been skyrocketing.
No longer, you have to work three jobs, four jobs to try to pay for what you used to be able to do on a part-time job.
We need to ensure that we are also making higher education free institutions, public universities, trade schools.
If we are to, if we got rid of student loan debt, it's an economic issue too.
$1.4 billion or trillion dollars into our economy over the next 10 years.
People can afford houses, they can buy new cars, they can add to our economy.
Get rid of student debt, make our education free.
It's an investment in our community and our society.
Thank you. Katrina Shaiklin.
I think that all of the solutions, as it relates to tackling student loan debt, really need to be prospective and not just retroactive.
We are looking at current generation, some of whom are here tonight, who are UWL students, who are staring down a huge student loan debt future.
And that inhibits the economy and it predicates their choices.
And so many people who aren't here tonight chose not to go to college because it felt out of reach for them because of the cost of tuition.
The state of Wisconsin used to spend almost 60% of the higher education costs for UW system.
Now it's about 13 to 15%, sometimes 20, depending on which campus you are, who's footing the bill, its students.
So we need to be looking forward beyond what President Biden has done and what I would champion is fully and fairly funding our higher education systems and need based financial aid to prevent student loan debt from accruing.
I think future generations would appreciate that approach because regardless of what path you choose, technical college university and apprenticeship with a trade, you deserve to have the choice.
You deserve to be able to make that decision and not take on crippling debt for the rest of your life.
So if we're going to be funding higher education, we need to be talking about need based financial aid first and making sure that higher education is actually affordable, which it's not.
And I think the majority of folks at every college campus across Wisconsin would say it's certainly a bill that they think about on a daily basis.
So I want to be a leader in Congress to not only prevent student loan debt from accruing, but also to make sure the doors of our four and two year campuses across Wisconsin stay open.
Thank you. So I actually had a follow up question that was how can we prevent this in the future. And I feel like that's the question we answered is how we can prevent this in the future.
I'm going to go back and just say so myself as an example, I graduated when I was 22. I've been paying student loans for 28 years. I now owe more than I took out still after 20 years of pay.
So while I agree with everything that we've been talking about in terms of what to do in the future, what do we need to do for student, people that have student loans right now and have been paying for them for a long time.
What is the right solution for that group starting with Rebecca?
Yeah, I mean, I think looking at interest rates and how could we re refinance interest rates.
You know, I think looking at how long somebody has had their loans, like you mentioned, you've had them for a couple of decades at this point.
So, you know, looking is there a certain time frame in which those kinds of things can be forgiven. I think those are things that I'd be interested in looking at.
Eric Wilson, you've already paid your loans. What you're paying is the interest, which is fake money. So get rid of it.
Katrina Shanklin.
I think what President Biden has done with the Save Payment Plan is a great start and looking at restructuring how you pay back your student loan debt, which you took out is a good way forward.
I also think programs like the public service student loan forgiveness program, which Democrats reformatted and streamlined recently are a great thing.
We need to look at expanding them, especially as it relates to workforce issues when it comes to getting rural health care providers, for example, looking at student loan forgiveness to get child psychiatrist and rural Wisconsin as one example.
And so that's the approach that I would take. I would say first and foremost, we need problem solvers at the table working across the aisle to enact all of this into law.
So we don't have to rely on court decisions on doing what presidents have done via executive order. That's a worry of mine.
I want to make sure in a bipartisan way, we're actually getting long-term results that future generations can count on as well as current student debt holders.
Thank you. Our next topic is LGBTQ rights, and this will start with Eric Wilson.
What can be done to provide children who are struggling with their gender identity, the care they need?
So I'm actually in this race because of Club Q. November of 2022, there was a shooting at the club in Colorado Springs.
My community is under attack, and we need people that are going to step up, that understand and are willing to fight for everyone.
We need to be providing people the resources to be themselves. That's all we are asking for is to be allowed to be ourselves and to not have the pressures of our society where my community is twice.
If not more likely to kill ourselves because we don't have the support of the community and families.
And so I want to make sure that no one has to feel that way, and that everyone has that support system because we can.
And beg, we need to be investing in mental health.
30% of Gen Z, the upcoming generation, identifies as non-straight. That's a huge portion of our population that is struggling, and that doesn't have the resources that they need.
And so as an elected official, I will make sure that we are advocating for those resources, making sure that rural communities are not being left behind, that colleges, that public schools, have the resources to provide for everyone.
Thank you. Katrina Shaiklin.
When it comes to this issue, I want the person who has this question and everyone who is part of the trans community to feel seen, heard and valued.
We have seen far right wing extremists in Wisconsin and across the country use trans kids especially as political ponds, and it is sickening, it is harmful, and it is wrong.
As a state lawmaker, I was proud to stand against attacks on access to gender affirming care because I know that the Republican politicians who are leading the charge in that fight were using our kids as political tools.
It's wrong, and what we need to have are champions on this issue. In Congress, I will not only co-sponsor the Equality Act, which will enshrine non-discrimination provisions into so many different parts of our federal laws, including fair housing, employment, and so much more, but I'll also be an ally and bring folks together who are part of the community to really understand the issues and be the best advocate I can be for you.
I want to say especially as it relates to this issue, seeing Republicans, hurt kids in a way that not only makes some struggle, but as what Eric said, really can lead to long-term mental health consequences is something we all have a responsibility as a society and as candidates to stand up against.
Thank you. Rebecca Cook.
LGBTQ folks are our neighbors, they're our friends, they're our family, they're my employer, they're my cousins, and are part of our community that should be treated with dignity and with respect, and it starts by passing the Equality Act, which is an incredibly comprehensive package that impacts housing and employment.
And I think we also need to be incredibly proactive when it comes to looking at the Supreme Court, which overturn Roe v Wade, and I have to think that marriage equality is next amongst many, many other things.
And we have far-right Republicans, people like Derek Van Orden, who are more invested in the status quo, and making this about culture wars, and just doing the right thing for members of our community.
And as a follow-up question to this, and you've alluded to it a little bit, but why do you think Republicans are so interested in this specific topic?
This seems to be a topic in many ways, both gender-forming care, but also anything really related to the LGBTQ population, that Republicans are kind of always seem to be on the attack of.
And I was wondering, why do you think that is, Eric Wilson?
Because we've normalized, we've normalized everyone else in the community, and so it's their next target.
It's the smallest group within the LGBTQ community.
And so they are demonizing it, they're attacking it. Representation matters.
We've actually already an elected a gay person in this district, in the 90s.
And so representation matters, and so it's standing up and standing in solidarity with each other to support one another.
And it's also small things, such as putting it on your website, that you're in support of LGBTQ rights and the community.
I'm the only one at this table that has it on my website. Those things matter.
Good to you to shake one.
Why do you think Republican politicians use us and other marginalized folks and are constantly working to divide and conquer us?
It's how they want elections. They so fear. They want us to fight each other, so we don't notice when they're fighting everyone.
They fight progress. They want a national abortion ban.
We know that marriage equality was at risk until Senator Tammy Baldwin led the charge.
We know that our right to privacy is still at risk, and we know that so much more is on the chopping block.
Should Donald Trump get elected, should Republican members of Congress hold to the keys to power, including radical Derek Van Orden, who is certainly not an ally in these issues.
Why do they so hate? They don't want to solve problems. They thrive on creating problems.
We need people who aren't just willing to stand up to them, but who know when to reach across the aisle and when they're working to compromise our values on these issues when it relates to equality and non-discrimination and ensuring everyone has the ability to be safe.
You can count on me. I have the experience in the Capitol.
I've stood up against these attacks. I know what they look like, and I'll tell you I'm ready for this fight in Congress.
Rebecca?
This is a tactic by the far right in creating fear in one another and fear of our own neighbors creating chaos.
We've seen it ever since Donald Trump took office, and it's something that's permeated now throughout our country at the congressional level, and even at the school board level.
It's permeated to a library in our own district in Prairie Dushin, where Derek Van Orden brought a young librarian to tears over a private book display.
This is what our current representative is.
I think now it's more important than ever for us to come together to find common ground, to not demonize one another and demonize our neighbors or to have fear of difference, but to unify.
Thank you. Our next topic is reproductive rights.
All three of you have called for the codifying of Roe v. Wade into law.
So my question then goes beyond that.
What else do we need to do other than codify Roe v. Wade into law to protect people's right to choose? Katrina Shanklin?
Our freedoms are on the ballot this November, and every person should have the freedom to make their own medical decisions.
Codifying Roe v. Wade into law is one of the most important things that we can do in Congress, and that's something I will leave the charge on, but I also believe we need to ensure that we're codifying the right to privacy and ensuring that fertility treatments are not only allowed but covered by health insurance.
I am a co-author of a bill in the Capitol right now that would require all Wisconsin insurance companies to cover IVF treatment for fertility and in addition.
I am a lead author of a bill to make birth control more accessible.
I know that Republicans won't stop at abortion access. They don't only want a national abortion ban.
They want to go after birth control in IVF next, not on our watch.
And so what I will tell you is when it comes to this issue, it's finding anyone who will work together on enhancing access to birth control, whether it's 12 months and one go.
If you're a member of your service member or somebody who lives in a rural area who doesn't have ready access to a pharmacy, that is life changing, getting a bill like that passed on the federal level will be one of my top priorities.
So when it comes to women's health, we need to be doing everything we can to advance this conversation, to advance access to reproductive health care and that's comprehensive family planning services, including IVF.
Thank you. Rebecca Cook?
I had to share a story before last cycle when I was running. I had a friend of mine that was pregnant and was expecting a baby with her husband and it was right after a Roe v. Wade had been overturned and she was in labor and had some complications and delivery and she had to wait
for a doctor called a room full lawyers to find out if he could do this life-saving procedure or whether he or she would be arrested.
And it's crazy to think that in 2024, this is where we are at with both women's reproductive freedoms and just women's rights in general.
I remember going in to see my OBGYN right after that, right after a Roe v. Wade was overturned and she had been telling me how many people had come in to get IUDs because women were afraid then that birth control was going to be next.
And we've seen in state legislatures across the country, they've come for IVF, they're going to come for birth control.
They're going to also come for things like STEM cell research. These are Republicans, far right Republicans that have no respect for women and the choices that they can make about their own bodies.
And I can tell you that I'm never going to be passing legislation and I don't, my role is not in a doctor's office with you and your doctor and your family making decisions about your health care.
This is in contrast to somebody like Derek van Orden who is what at one point called for a nationwide abortion ban.
This is who we're running against. I think how far to the right he is, I think is a threat to all women and we've got to be on offense here.
Thank you. Eric Wilson. Yeah, this is straightforward. I believe in unrestricted abortion access.
Women should have bodily autonomy and I will do everything that I can to make sure that you are able to make the decisions about your body, that you have privacy, that you have access to birth control, that you have access to IVF, it is not my place.
And so I will make sure that I do everything to stand by you and your rights.
Thank you. As a follow up question, should insurance companies be required to cover abortion care, reproductive care, Katrina Shanklin?
That's a great question. I think especially how it's drafted is important here. What I'll tell you right now is currently there is a court case specifically related to emergency room access for life saving abortions and Republicans are literally trying to end access to that.
Can we and should we cover abortion care as insurance companies? I think that's a reasonable question that we need to have a dialogue about as it relates to abortion access, especially as it relates to emergencies.
The fact that we're even having this conversation because of right wing extreme Republicans is embarrassing. Congressman Derek Van Orden should be a one term member of Congress over this issue.
Thank you Rebecca. My answer is yes, I think insurance companies should cover abortion abortion is health care.
Eric Wilson, I'm in support of Medicare for all which yes would include abortion care and it takes the insurance component out of this.
Thank you. Our next question has to do with unions and right to work and the question is should the federal government act to override state right to work laws?
Does the federal government have that ability first off and second if they do have that ability should they Rebecca cook?
Yeah, the answer is hell yeah, so I come from a union family my brother is a union firefighter down in Madison my sister works for the teachers union education Minnesota and any affiliate and one of my top priorities when I get to Congress is getting the pro act pass which would undo the work that Scott Walker and his cronies did with act 10 and I can't think of a piece of legislation that would really change working families lives throughout our state.
I was fortunate enough last cycle to earn the support of a number of firefighters unions as well as SCIU and the painters union and this cycle I've been endorsed by APWU the American postal workers union as well as communication workers of America and I've earned that kind of support because I show up showed up at actions for
understand health care workers here and lacrosse picketing with teamsters or striking with teamsters at lining cougles up in Chippewa Falls as well as with doing UPS practice pickets with teamsters in Eau Claire and you know I'm going to be a staunch supporter of union families and working families throughout Wisconsin in addition to passing the pro act.
I want to see Davis Bacon prevailing wage provisions past I want to see that every federally funded project that comes to this district to the third congressional district has a project labor agreement attached to it and I also support registered apprenticeship programs and expanding our workforce in that capacity.
Thank you air a question yes I'm in support of the pro act I think it's I come from a union family as well my dad was a teacher and actually had to retire because Scott Walker was was busting the unions in the state.
If we are able to do that at a federal level we will protect the right to organize and so I think we absolutely should we should also be making sure that people.
Minimum wage $15 should be the bare minimum right like we need to be fighting so that everyone has the ability to have a good life and has dignity in the job that they're working and has big corporations don't care about us right we are just numbers and so by using the ability to organize we can actually push back and we can fight for the things that we deserve and that that we need.
Should Congress repeal the repeal right to work laws across not only Wisconsin but other states in the Midwest and across the country absolutely and I will be a co author of the pro act which would do that and also ensure enforcement of existing laws in addition to that I want to fund the NLRB so that they can make sure that companies like Starbucks who are retaliating against people who are organizing their unions actually are able to ensure their rights.
In addition to the pro act I want to specifically champion the public service freedom to negotiate act which would ensure that collective bargaining rights are available to public employees and this isn't issue really important to me as somebody who grew up in a union household my parents are teachers I saw what act 10 did just like we need to repeal right to work in Wisconsin and across the country so to should we restore collective bargaining rights for public employees.
The lead author of a bill to do so for educators specifically in Wisconsin it's something I'm going to champion across for states across the country as well and in addition I want to add that I'm really proud to have working men and women standing beside me in this campaign with the endorsement of 12 labor unions and the AFL CIO because I stand with working people every day of the week and it's what I'll bring that experience and trust to Congress.
Great thank you our next question is about Social Security what specific actions can the federal government take to protect and expand Social Security for future retirees this starts with Rebecca cook.
Does it start with Eric Wilson raising the cap isn't a solution we need to eliminate it we also need to keep the age where it's at everyone deserves to retire with dignity and everyone deserves to retire I think there's a lot of people in our generation we don't feel that we are going to retire we will have to work forever that's a problem.
There are a lot of people that depend on Social Security to just live and so it's raising the cap to make sure that everyone is paying their fair share Elon must stop paying Social Security tax four minutes into the year that's ridiculous.
I was just in a clear recently standing with folks to demands that Republicans stop their attacks on Social Security and I'm really proud to be endorsed by Social Security works which doesn't always endorse and democratic primaries but knows that we need champions on this issue everyone deserves to retire with dignity and economic security.
Republicans want to raise the retirement age and got Social Security and Medicare and I will stand up to those attacks as a proven leader on retirement security and Wisconsin but also work on issues like co offering the Social Security 2100 act which would fund Social Security through 2100 raise the payments to seniors by at least 2% depending on the individual and scrap the cap.
I think actually lift the cap above $400,000 earners that's important because right now there are people within seconds of the first day of the year billionaires who work 19 seconds who are done 19 seconds later for paying into Social Security for the rest of the year.
How many of us can say that zero the working families and seniors of Western and Central Wisconsin deserve a leader who will deliver on this promise and ensure that their retirement security is not only intact but livable.
So my parents are both on Social Security and Medicare and they rely on those checks on a monthly basis as I know that seniors across Wisconsin and across the third congressional district do.
Like my colleagues here tonight I support scrap in the cap and ensuring that higher earners are paying into the system.
I was also just this last week at an action for Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans and AFG and Eau Claire standing in solidarity to ensure that we're not cutting these critical programs that are so important to seniors across the country.
I think we need to both preserve and protect Social Security but also expand it and expand Medicare to cover vision, dental and hearing.
The very things that deteriorate as folks age and I know Derek Van Warden and far right members of Congress have called on multiple occasions to scrap both of these programs.
I think it's a real good indicator of what is our country really stand for and how do we treat our youngest and our oldest parts of our society.
And I think that we know where the far right Republican team is on on those issues.
As a follow-up question, I've been helping my parents navigate some of the Medicare things and it's utterly bizarre. Medicare A, Medicare B, D, C, all these letters and plans and bizarre things.
But what can we do to expedite that? Eric Wilson?
I'm the only candidate here that is fighting for Medicare for all.
That means that you don't have to worry about your A's and B's and C's and D's. You just get health care. Who doesn't deserve health care?
Thank you. Katrina Shanklin.
I talk to a lot of seniors about Medicare and specifically the prescription drug program, the donut hole and their out of pocket costs.
And I think it's fantastic that congressional Democrats led on capping out of pocket costs and allowing Medicare to negotiate with big pharmaceutical companies to lower the cost of prescription drugs.
I want to build on that progress. I know for too many, their Medicare plans are confusing and there are scam advantage marketing plans out there.
I've heard repeatedly from constituents who unfortunately have personally been tricked by them and think something is covered but isn't most recently a constituent with a bill that was supposed to be covered but wasn't and was worried about medical debt.
We have a responsibility to improve Medicare and that includes making it less confusing and more accessible to seniors while holding the line on Republican attacks they want to got Medicare by 40%.
So when we talk about affordable health care, we need to make sure that Medicare works and works for everyone and improve on the promise of it while also holding the line against Republican attacks.
Rebecca Cook?
I told this story a little bit earlier tonight but my dad who is on Medicare when he got went in to get those prescription drugs.
I mean, he was so surprised at the price of them though he's on Medicare, right?
And he's now getting his prescription drugs through Mark Cuban's for profit business because it's $200 a month versus 1,300.
And, you know, we should be making Medicare less confusing and more accessible for our seniors that comes at, you know, from health care in general but also the prescription drug crisis that we have.
Thank you. We're now going to take our final two minute break for civic media and station identification. We'll be back in just a second.
You're listening to a live broadcast of the third congressional district Democratic primary candidate for them from UW Lacrosse.
This special is presented exclusively by civic media on WLC X lacrosse WCFW HD to the tap Chippewa Falls WRCE Richland Center and WFHR Wisconsin Rapids.
We'll return in just a moment. Stay with us for more live coverage from UW Lacrosse.
This is a live broadcast of the third congressional district Democratic primary candidate for them from UW Lacrosse.
This special is presented exclusively by civic media on WLC X lacrosse WCFW HD to the tap Chippewa Falls WRCE Richland Center and WFHR Wisconsin Rapids.
Now, back to our moderator William Garcia, chair of the third congressional district in Lacrosse County live from the UW Lacrosse campus.
And welcome back to the last half hour of the third CD Democratic primary candidate for them.
Before we move on to our final few questions, I did want to actually make a pitch for joining your local Democratic party.
County parties all over the third CD are working tirelessly to elect Democrats up and down the ballot and they would absolutely love your support.
It is $25 a year, $10 if you are on limited income and all you need to do is just Google your local county's Democratic party or you can go to our third CD website.
That's third CD wistdims.com. That's 3rd CD wistdims.com.
And you'll find there a list and contact information for all of the counties in the third CD.
So, please consider that as we go forward.
Now, going back to our fourth, this is about a wealth tax.
And this is also our longest question.
Sorry about that, but the Trump tax cuts are set to expire in 2025.
They were specifically designed to expire as soon as Trump went out of office if he had won a second term.
And people are kind of scrambling to figure out how to replace those.
Biden has promised not to raise taxes on anyone earning less than $400,000 a year.
But to pay for all of the things that we need to do, Biden has said he will enact measures that would raise taxes on stock buybacks, increase the corporate income tax and corporate alternative minimum taxes.
And finally, institute a new 25% billionaire tax on individuals with wealth defined as a total value of their assets of more than $100 million.
So, the question is, do you support these types of tax increases that specifically target wealthy Americans?
And this starts with Katrina Shaqman.
I really appreciate this thoughtful question for far too long, the wealthiest among us, America's billionaires and millionaires and wealthy corporations have not been paying their fair share.
And let's look at why that is.
In 2021, when Democrats in Congress had the opportunity to repeal the incredibly inequitable and regressive wealthy Trump windfalls, the tax breaks for the corporate billionaires, who stood in the way?
It was a Democrat, it was cursed in cinema.
So, who we elect matters because cursed in cinema actually said to Joe Manchin that she didn't want to raise taxes on corporations.
President Biden released last two months ago in March, 2024, a budget plan to lower taxes on working families while ensuring the wealthiest billionaires not only in Wisconsin but across the country finally pay their fair share.
I hear all the time across the third about people who can't make ends meet who are very worried and feel very strongly they've already paid in.
And they're right. They've done more than their fair share. It's time to write that wrong. What are we going to do next? Let's start with the Biden budget plan, Senator Wyden's billionaire tax and so much more.
I think making sure that we're not giving working families the bill is my primary focus while also holding the wealthiest among us who like Amazon haven't paid in for a long time accountable and making them pay their fair share.
Thank you Rebecca Cook.
I was brought up working class. I'm still working class and I've always paid my fair share and I was brought up to do to do just that.
And the wealthy wealthy in this country should be paying their fair share too. In Congress, I'll support closing tax loopholes.
I like the carried interest loophole. We've seen career politicians like Kyrsten Sinema kill reform on to allow hedge fund managers greater reductions on their taxes and that's just not right.
I think that we should that should also include higher marginal tax rates on higher earners.
People like Derek Van Orden are not taking progressive stances on this because they are more beholden to special interests and their donors than they are to getting things done for working Western Wisconsinites.
Thank you Eric Wilson.
Birdie was right. We need to raise taxes on wealthy individuals and close loopholes Biden was right. We need to raise taxes on corporations and close loopholes.
Elizabeth Warren was right. We need to have a wealth tax. Her proposal is 2% on anyone over 50 million and 3% on anyone over over a billion.
If we did that, we would raise $1.4 trillion that we can use to reinvest in our community and fund the programs that we need, not just the top.
Thank you. Our next question is about guns and specifically do you support an assault weapons ban?
I believe Eric, are we starting with Eric? You started the last day.
Great. Here in Western Wisconsin we have a rich heritage of hunting and gamesmanship but I don't know the last time that I've seen an assault rifle at a deer camp.
I support gun legislation and gun reform like universal background checks which is something that a lot of gun owners agree upon and want to see get passed.
When I'm talking to folks like in Union Halls they ask me when I come in and I'm a Democrat, are you going to take our guns? And I said no. I want everybody to be as just a responsible gun owner as you are.
I think it's also to be enforcing, important to be enforcing red flag laws. Those go up when somebody is a harm to themselves or others. And I do support an assault rifle ban.
Thank you. Eric Wilson.
Yeah, I believe in assault weapon assault weapon ban. I support responsible gun ownership.
I just got the distinction from the mom's demand gun action and that's because I'm talking about it. I am talking about this topic everywhere I go because it's important.
We can't be avoiding topics that are difficult. And no, I'm not trying to come and take everyone's guns away but we need to be reasonable about it.
We need weapons and weapons of war in our houses. We can make sure that our guns are safe. I went through I come from a haunted family.
You know that you never point a rifle and you treat a rifle as it is it's always loaded.
There are a lot of incidents of children getting hurt because we aren't doing enough.
Our kids shouldn't have to worry about active shooter drills in school.
We're just focusing on tornado drills. Now they're talking about active shooter drills. We can do better as a society.
Guns are the number one killer of children in Wisconsin. We can do better. And I will be a strong advocate for responsible gun ownership when elected to Congress.
Thank you and Katrina Shanklin.
I'm a hunter and I'm a member of the Isaac Walton League. I have this conversation with a lot of hunters who identify from all political ideologies in Wisconsin.
One of the things we talk about is the importance of safe storage, hunter safety education and responsible gun ownership.
I support strong safe storage laws. I support enhancing our background check program and ending the gun show loophole.
Making sure that we pass red flag laws because Wisconsin doesn't have one right now.
Getting guns out of the hands of violent criminals, especially as it relates to cracking down on straw purchasing and enforcing those, I was a co-author of a bipartisan law in Wisconsin to do that.
I also co-sponsored a bill that's pretty substantially similar to what we're talking about here. And that's a bill to ban bump stocks.
When it comes to weapons of war, I think, and I hear this all the time from hunters to you don't need a bump stock to hunt.
So we should be not only talking about that, but also about providing resources to the federal government to enforce these laws, which continue to be a problem, especially as it relates to straw purchasing.
Thank you so much. Our next question is about inflation. And the question is, in addition to corporate price gouging,
does the federal government carry any blame for inflation? This starts with Eric Wilson?
I think it does come back to corporate, corporate gouging, though, like profits are skyrocketing.
I think the part of it is a lack of resources to enforce some of these issues. And if we were to fund the programs that we have appropriately, we could push back on big corporations and make sure that they aren't just charging whatever they want.
That that's the control that we need to we need to be investing in the programs and holding them accountable. We need to be breaking up antitrust.
I mean, we will always see consolidation of markets. We've seen it in telecoms. We see it in airlines. We see it across the board.
Because of economies of scale, it will always come back. And so the role of our federal government is to make sure that we are breaking up big corporations that have the power to do whatever they want.
So in some regards, yes, I don't feel that we have enforced the laws that we have enough to protect consumers and protect people.
Thank you. Katrina Shanklin.
Does the federal government carry any blame for inflation? Democrats passed the Inflation Reduction Act.
They also provided key resources to small business owners, whether it was hairdressers, mom and pop diners on main streets across rural Wisconsin.
And so much more to help them not only make payroll, but stay open beyond the pandemic.
That sounds like where that question was addressing, but I really want to talk about what inflation is.
If you look at the quarterly reports from the last four years, you will see the majority of them.
Once we got through the main part of the pandemic actually came, inflation came from two things.
Greenflation or corporations, just raising prices artificially, or in some cases, there were supply chain issues still.
So when it comes to inflation, I have great empathy for everyone who not only is constantly thinking about, you know, will they be able to put food on the table and gas in their tank to get to work, but the federal government has a responsibility.
To not only enforce price-gouging laws, but strengthen them, that's something that I will do as a member of Congress.
It's something I've championed consumer protection in the legislature.
Thank you, Rebecca Cook.
As someone who owned a small business in the district for a number of years and still does run a small businesses, I know all too well the challenges that a lot of small businesses are facing throughout the third congressional district and the squeeze that inflation has put on working families.
I also was a member through the pandemic of the WEDC board that put forth a lot of grants and a lot of support to small business owners throughout the third congressional district and throughout the state of Wisconsin.
The bounce back grants that they had, helping main street to bounce back.
And those types of things are things that I think federally fund, getting those things federally funded are so important.
But it comes back to corporate price-gouging, which I think is so important and I think is what we're dealing with today.
And having politicians that are not going to be beholden to the special interests that are bank rolling their campaigns.
We have to enforce anti-trust laws.
Otherwise, we're feeling the brunt of it in the housing market at the grocery store and at the gas pump.
And it takes people with a real backbone and a real spine to stand up to these corporate monopolies.
Thank you so much.
And now our final question of the evening before closing statements.
And this one was another one of our user submitted questions and it says, we only have one earth and protecting it should be our top priority.
Would you support a ban on fracking and offshore drilling practices that are causing irreparable harm to our planet?
And this starts with Katrina Schakeler.
Thank you so much.
I think acting on climate and doing everything within our power as a federal government, state government, even local government is crucial to ensure not only livability, but our future generations security.
When it comes to fracking and banning fracking as well as offshore drilling practices, I support President Biden's work moving forward on a few key initiatives.
I think especially related to fracking, I know that it is incredibly harmful to our water quality and there are so many issues to human health as it relates to it.
So I would love to talk specifics about what that bill would look like but would generally be very supportive with that and in general related to offshore drilling as well.
When it comes to a healthy and stable climate, we need leaders who understand that we have very little time and this moment demands urgency.
In the state capital, I fought tooth and nail for clean energy investments and clean water, something I want to do in Congress.
I want to serve not only on the agriculture committee, but be a champion of conservation, not only in agriculture, but across Wisconsin and the nation.
So it would be happy to look at that bill and chat with the folks who ask that question, but in general I'm supportive of doing everything we can to protect our climate for future generations.
Thank you. Rebecca Cook.
Both this cycle and running for Congress and last cycle, I've worked to build relationships with rural electric cooperatives around the third congressional district.
I've been to dairy land here in lacrosse to get a better understanding of how they're moving towards more renewable options and one of the things that I think is important to note are the tax credits from the IRA that went to benefit rural electric cooperatives in reducing their reliance on carbon.
To moving to more renewable modes of power.
I'm also really supportive of agrivoltaics and bringing along the farming and agricultural community with us as we move to more renewable energy options and being able to grow crops between solar fields.
And so looking at some of these renewable options first I think is something that I'm more excited about as we work to really combat climate change and its effects.
And this is in contrast to a lot of far right Republicans who are climate deniers and don't believe in science.
We need people that believe in science representing us in Congress and help protecting our earth for future generations.
Thank you Eric question.
Yes I'm in support of banning fracking.
I think like stated we need to be as aggressive as possible because we are in a climate crisis.
We don't have time.
And so we need to be investing in solar we need to be investing in renewable energies.
And it's not just solar fields it's making sure that we have a ton of buildings that we can put solar on.
But we also need to be mindful in the legislation that we are passing.
For example there is a tax credit for public schools to put solar on there.
Well public schools don't file taxes so that's a little bit of a conundrum isn't it?
We need to be mindful of what we're doing and how we can actually execute these things.
And that we aren't putting the burden on the people we are trying to help.
Excellent thank you so much.
And now it's time to move to our closing statements.
And we're going to start with the same person who started us last time.
So representative Katrina Shanklin.
Thank you so much to everyone who came tonight and for the La Crosse County Democratic Party and College Dums for sponsoring this forum in civic radio.
I'm Katrina Shanklin and I'm running for Congress because we need proven leaders with the experience to deliver results for working families and seniors and the values you can trust.
We heard from three candidates tonight and one of us will have the opportunity to take on and hopefully defeat radical congressman Derek Van Warden in November.
I'm the only candidate in this race who's won an election.
I think that's important.
I'm the only candidate in this race who has passed bulls into law.
I think that's important.
And I'm the only candidate in this race who has experience defeating a Republican at the ballot box.
And that experience is what is going to help us win in November.
When Republicans targeted me multiple times with hundreds of thousands of dollars in attack ads.
I won my purple district by double digits.
How did I win by building and growing a coalition of Democrats, Independents and even some Republicans who care about issues like democracy and reproductive freedom.
We need a leader whose laser focused on building that coalition and delivering results because that's what it's going to take to beat a first term vulnerable freshman who hopefully will be his last term.
We get one shot at taking out Derek Van Warden.
We saw last cycle that the D triple C and national Democrats failed to invest.
Here's what's different this time.
We know they're going to win the general.
We have the opportunity to elect a candidate in this primary with a proven track record of not only winning elections and being the Democrat who got the most votes in her district but also getting things done for seniors and working families.
In stark contrast to Derek Van Warden who has not gotten things done and has only created more problems for us in Congress.
I ask for your vote in August because the stakes are too high.
I'm proud to be represented or to be supported and endorsed by legislators from all over the third congressional district to recognize that we need someone with a proven track record of winning.
And I'm proud to have earned the endorsement of 12 labor unions, the AFL CIO and Social Security Works.
I'm asking for your vote in August to grow our winning coalition so together we can defeat Derek Van Warden in November.
Thank you so much. Rebecca Cook.
I think if there's one thing that all of us can agree on here tonight and probably all of us in this room is that Derek Van Warden has got to go.
We talked at length about how his policies are just plain wrong for folks here in West Central Wisconsin and everything else is really just plain embarrassing.
I'm the one to defeat Derek Van Warden.
What sets me apart from folks here tonight are my lived experiences.
So many of us have lost our farms.
So many of us struggle to pay our health care bills.
So many of us have shuttered our small businesses and so many of us are really living paycheck to paycheck.
And when I'm out talking to voters across the district, I really hear the same stories.
And we know that we can turn out Democratic voters in the general, but it's take someone with a background like mine that's going to influence and work to connect with swing independent and moderate voters to find common ground to be able to win the seat.
When the seat opened up last cycle to me, it felt like a real opportunity to step up and serve my community in a greater way.
And now that feels even more urgent.
We won 11 out of 19 counties in the district last cycle and lost by just eight percent of the vote, despite being hugely outspent.
We won in population centers like O'Clayer County and Portage County, but we also won in a lot of rural communities.
And that's because we had a message that really resonated.
The seat is one that's not going to be anointed by endorsements or lawmakers, but it will be earned.
That campaign allowed us to build the 19 county infrastructure.
It's going to take to deliver the seat in November.
It allowed me to build a profile to raise the resources to take on dark money, far-right politicians like Derek Van Orden.
And it showed me that we have a message that works, a working class message, not a career politician.
I know we can flip the seat back to blue, and I'm asking for your support.
I'm going to need your help knocking every door in this district, even if it's down a dirt road, writing postcards, having tough conversations, but ones that I know can break through.
Together, I know that we can mend the division in our country and in this district.
And I'm asking for your vote in August, but again, in November.
Thank you.
Thank you so much. Eric Wilson.
While we're all Democrats, we have a lot of differences as well.
If you want a progressive champion that's going to fight for the same message and the same things that Biden and Tammy are fighting for, that's me.
We can win this district with a progressive message, Bernie won this district.
And so it's something that we can't, we can't muddle down what we are actually fighting for.
It's Medicare for all.
It's talking about responsible gun ownership. It's talking about affordable housing. It's fighting for climate.
We can't keep doing the same thing that we have done over and over again to solve the challenges that we have ahead of us.
We are going to have to think outside the box. That has been my career, thinking outside the box and actually getting things done.
We have a problem. We find a solution.
And we actually implemented that's how we're going to move forward together.
I'm fighting to be that fresh perspective.
I'm fighting to be that progressive voice.
But again, I can't do it alone.
And so I'm asking for your support.
It's asking to volunteer to knock doors to donate.
Be part of a movement that is going to push through.
We've got a lot of momentum.
And we will continue to do so throughout the summer and on to November.
Because ultimately we're going to kick Derek's ass.
Thank you so much.
And with that, that is our debate. Although I do want to jump in one more time.
Would everyone, if our listeners and our audience would like to know how to find out more about you or how to donate to your campaign, what should they do? Katrina?
Katrina Shankland for congress.com or Katrina for Wisconsin.com.
I've been having coffees all over the district.
Would love the opportunity to meet with you, chat with you as we collect nomination signatures and work to get out the vote.
Thank you.
We're back at Cook.
Cook for Wisconsin. CEO, OK, E, I've got a silent E on my last name.
And then F or L, Sputtle, Wisconsin, all spelled out.
You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.
I don't know if they're calling it that anymore. Not a great place anyways.
But and you can follow us. We're doing a 19 county district tour that's going to be coming up here in the next month.
We'll be rounding out into June with dairy breakfast and getting out to the county fairs this summer.
Eric Walson.
Wilson for Wisconsin.com is my website and then that's the same for my socials.
And we've already put on 9,000 miles this year and we're going to continue on.
So keep keep looking out for me being being out there because showing up is important and showing up is how we're going to win this.
Thank you so much. And with that, could we have a round of applause for our candidates, please?
I'm William Garcia, chair of the third CD Democrats of Wisconsin.
I hope you have a great day. Please consider joining us.
It's going to be a long campaign between now and November.
But the third CD Democrats are ready to fight and we're ready to win.
Thank you so much. You have a great night.
Join us on June 12th for another exclusive live broadcast of the third Congressional District Forum featuring the Democratic Primary Candidates from the UW-Platfill Olsvik Hall.
You've been listening to this live broadcast on Civic Media.
