WPR Campaign 2008Highlights from this year's presidential contest, covered by Wisconsin Public Radio reporters Menu WPR Primary Series Raw Audio September 2008 Coverage August 2008 Coverage July 2008 Coverage June 2008 Coverage May 2008 Coverage April 2008 Coverage March 2008 Coverage February 2008 Coverage Recent Stories Scholar Discusses Democratic Wave in Wisconsin 11/05/08 Wisconsin helped President-Elect Barack Obama capture the White House in this historic election. In the state, Democrat Steve Kagen prevailed in hotly contested Congressional race, the Democrats held on their Senate majority and they could be gaining the assembly as well. Joe Heim, a political science professor in U-W LaCrosse, analyses the changing political scene in the state for Terry Bell… running time 3:28 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Democrats Ride Tide of Victory Across Nation, State 11/05/08 Barack Obama’s victory heralds a series of wins for Democrats, both nationally and in Wisconsin. Brian Bull talked to some Democratic leaders at last night’s Election party in Madison, and has this report… running time 1:20 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer African Americans Say Obama’s Victory Gives Hope 11/05/08 Some African-American voters in Wisconsin say they're taking special pride in Barack Obama's victory in the Presidential election. Chuck Quirmbach reports… running time 1:17 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Students Thrilled, Disappointed with Obama’s Victory 11/05/08 Crowds gathered Tuesday night across the UW-Madison campus to watch the results of the presidential election. Christina Clarkson reports on the differing reactions attendees had at Barack Obama's successful bid for president… running time 1:25 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer GOP Looking Ahead from Defeat 11/05/08 Two of Wisconsin's Republican Congressman have starkly different views of what the next 4 years will be like for them with Barak Obama in the White House. One predicts a bitter fight with Democrats over energy and tax policy . The other has hopes for bipartisan efforts to solve the nation's problems. Gil Halsted reports… running time 1:32 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Re-Elected Veteran Congressman Promises Change With Obama Administration 11/05/08 The Dean of Wisconsin's Democratic congressional delegation sees Barack Obama's victory as a mandate for action. As Glen Moberg reports, Dave Obey hopes to use his power to move the country in a new direction… running time 1:34 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Historic Voter Turnout in Superior 11/04/08 After 20 months of campaigning, voters are eager to end this race for the White House. Danielle Kaeding reports on high voter turnout in Superior… running time 1:32 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Student Voting Goes Well Overall 11/04/08 As of 2:30 this afternoon more than 900 students had voted at the Memorial Union in Madison, and there was a steady stream of students walking in the door to cast their ballots. Voting has been smooth according to poll workers with very few glitches. Gil Halsted reports… running time 1:33 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer State Law Prohibits Betting on Elections 11/04/08 If you think you're going to vote today... don't bet on it! Literally, it’s illegal, according to an obscure law. Dane County Judge Maryann Sumi mentioned it in her ruling in the lawsuit concerning the double-checking of voter registrations. Mike Haas, a lawyer for the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board, talked to WPR’s Terry Bell about the law.… running time 3:20 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer GAB Expects Record Voter Turnout 11/04/08 Polls opened at seven this morning and will stay open until eight o'clock tonight on an election day that could bring record turnout in Wisconsin. Shawn Johnson reports… running time 1:25 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Local Newspapers Endorse Presidential Candidates 11/04/08 The Janesville Gazette, the Beloit Daily News and Green Bay Press-Gazette are three Wisconsin daily newspapers who've endorsed Senator John McCain for president. But the Capital Times, Chippewa Herald, Wausau Daily Herald are among nine Wisconsin dailies giving the nod to Senator Barack Obama. But, does it really matter? Mike Simonson reports from Superior… running time 1:17 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Voters Stand in Line to Cast Early Ballots 11/03/08 Early voting continued today in Wisconsin.....with some of the longest lines being outside the Municipal Building in downtown Milwaukee. Chuck Quirmbach filed this report… running time 1:21 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer McCain Advisor with Wisconsin Ties Promotes Economic Agenda 11/03/08 A former University of Wisconsin professor turned McCain campaign official says his candidate's economic plan is best for homeowners in Wisconsin -- and the rest of the country. The Obama camp begs to differ. Brian Bull reports… running time 1:31 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Campaigns Offer Differing Environmental Stances 11/03/08 John McCain and Barack Obama offer voters some differences on the environment, energy issues and land preservation. Chuck Quirmbach has the story, as our series of reports on topics in the presidential race wraps up… running time 1:30 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Jewish Group Promotes Voting and Social Justice 11/03/08 Groups across Wisconsin campaigned to get out the vote this past weekend ....including a faith-based political organization in Milwaukee. Katelyn Ferral reports… running time 1:21 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Poll Worker Continues Family Legacy 11/03/08 For one Wisconsin woman, volunteering as a poll worker on Tuesday represents more than spending a day handing out ballots. Christina Clarkson reports… running time 0:54 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Obama Outspends McCain in Campaign Ads 10/31/08 The latest report on how much the two presidential campaigns are spending on TV ads in Wisconsin shows the Obama campaign has spent 5 times as much as the McCain campaign. The author of the report says future presidential candidates should start raising money now if they want to get elected. Gil Halsted reports… running time 1:32 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Students to Volunteer at the Polls Tuesday 10/31/08 Some high school and college students will be have additional election-related duties in the next few days....including on Election Day. Chuck Quirmbach reports… running time 1:28 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Election Chief: Poll Monitoring by State Agents Not New 10/31/08 Democrats say Republican Attorney General J-B Van Hollen has no business sending special agents to polling places to watch for voter fraud on election day. But Wisconsin's Elections Chief says the practice isn't new. Shawn Johnson reports… running time 1:27 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Early Vote Breaks Records 10/31/08 Use of absentee ballots has risen over the years in Wisconsin; and this year the interest in voting early is high. Shamane Mills reports… running time 1:30 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Miller: Justice Department Monitoring of Polls Will Intimidate Voters 10/30/08 Attorney General J-B Van Hollens' decision to send out criminal investigators to watch the polls for voter fraud is getting strong criticism from a Democratic state senator. Mark Miller of Madison says it smacks of voter suppression. Gil Halsted reports… running time 1:32 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Native Americans Evaluate Campaign '08 10/30/08 People are expected to hit the polls in record numbers next Tuesday. Native American voter turnout is expected to be larger than ever. Danielle Kaeding reports on issues and concerns affecting the nation’s indigenous tribes… running time 3:21 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Fake Obama Flyer Designed to Rile Wausau Residents 10/30/08 The Obama campaign says it’s not behind a flyer circulating through the Wausau-area, which critics say plays on people’s racial fears about a black president. Brian Bull reports… running time 1:31 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer State of Economy Plays Heavily into Campaign '08 10/29/08 All this week, we're looking at issues in the presidential campaigns, and how they might affect Wisconsin. In rough economic times like these, the incumbent party often suffers at the polls. Democrat Barack Obama has been blaming the country’s financial woes on Republicans, while John McCain warns of greater doom if Democrats take the Oval Office. Brian Bull reports… running time 3:25 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Representatives Get Most Money From Outside Sources 10/29/08 A new report shows all but one of Wisconsin's congressmen raised more than eighty-percent of their campaign funds from donors who live outside their districts. Shawn Johnson reports… running time 1:25 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Political Discourse Over Coffee and Bagels 10/28/08 The touchy topic of presidential politics isn’t always spoken in polite company these days, especially if people don’t see eye to eye. But as Mike Simonson reports, people in the Superior area are finding ways to talk without ending friendships… running time 1:40 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Inconsistency and Lack of Oversight May Impair Voting Next Tuesday 10/28/08 A nonpartisan voting advocacy group says some swing states may face problems at the polls on election day. Christina Clarkson reports on how Wisconsin fares… running time 0:55 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Unions Expected to Work for Obama 10/28/08 Democratic presidential candidates traditionally depend on Labor to provide both cash and votes in union strongholds across the country. This year is no exception. The cash and votes are particularly important in states like and Wisconsin. With plants closing and union jobs leaving Labor is working overtime to demonstrate the differences between Barack Obama and John McCain. Gil Halsted of Wisconsin Public Radio reports… running time 3:04 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Wisconsinites Scrutinize Candidate’s Health Plans 10/27/08 This week we begin a series of reports about issues in the presidential campaign important to Wisconsin. Today -- health care. Republican John McCain and Barack Obama have both have come up with proposals they say improve access and affordability. Shamane Mills reports… running time 3:06 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Advocates Want Better Access for Voters with Disabilities 10/27/08 A non-partisan survey by the Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition says people with disabilities cite transportation problems and uncertainty about their eligibility as two main reasons they don't vote. State disability advocates want to change that. Christina Clarkson reports… running time 1:21 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Giuliani’s Robo-Calls Confuse, Please Recipients 10/24/08 Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani is reaching out personally to voters in several states, including Wisconsin. But a local recipient of his recorded anti Obama call is surprised her organization was targeted for his message. Gil Halsted has details… running time 1:34 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Van Hollen Says He’ll Contest Voter Registration Database Ruling 10/24/08 A Dane County Judge ruled yesterday that the state does not have to go back and verify the registration information of thousands of voters before Election Day. But Republican Attorney General J-B Van Hollen said immediately he would appeal the ruling. Shawn Johnson reports… running time 1:35 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Students Want College Costs as Part of National Agenda 10/24/08 The non-profit College Board says nationally, tuition at public four-year colleges has almost doubled over the last 20 years. Yesterday students at UW-Madison joined a country-wide effort asking Congress to make college more affordable. Christina Clarkson reports.… running time 1:20 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Judge Throws Out Voter Registration Lawsuit 10/23/08 A Dane County Judge has rejected Attorney General J-B Van Hollen's lawsuit that would have forced poll workers to check the identifies of thousands of voters before Election Day. Shawn Johnson reports… running time 1:27 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Scholar Says Impact of Youth Vote May Be Limited 10/23/08 In the 2004 presidential election, Wisconsin's youth voter turnout was the second highest in the nation. For the upcoming election, organizers want to get even more youth out to vote. But some question their effect on the outcome of elections. Christina Clarkson reports… running time 1:17 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Poll Shows Wisconsinites Favor Obama 10/22/08 Wisconsin may not be the "battleground" state it once was. The Wisconsin Public Radio, St. Norbert College survey shows Democrat Barack Obama with a wide lead over his Republican opponent John McCain. And the economy could be the deciding factor in this fall's election. Patty Murray reports… running time 1:26 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Survey Says Biden’s More Qualified than Palin 10/22/08 A new poll shows people in Wisconsin think one Vice Presidential candidate "has what it takes" to run the country...and the other doesn't. Patty Murray has more results from the Wisconsin Public Radio, St. Norbert College survey… running time 1:22 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Democrats Hope an Obama Victory Has Coattails 10/22/08 Repeated polls have now shown Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama with a wide lead over Republican John McCain in the battle for Wisconsin's 10 electoral votes. As Shawn Johnson reports... Democrats are hoping Obama's success trickles down to candidates for the state legislature… running time 1:27 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Middle East Expert Discusses Obligations for Next Administration 10/22/08 The next President of the United States will have his work cut out for him come January 20th. Although the economy is expected to rule, an expert speaking in Duluth on the Middle East says stabilizing that region can’t be put on the back burner like it was before the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Mike Simonson reports from Superior… running time 1:17 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer College Students, Educators, Negotiate Election Day Participation 10/21/08 There's been a push to get young people to vote this (presidential) election. How that activity may conflict with college classes is something students and faculty are working out in different ways across the country. Shamane Mills reports… running time 1:27 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Ads Offend Democrats 10/21/08 The Democratic Party is asking T-V stations in Eau Claire and Green Bay to stop running ads that allege Democratic Assembly candidates support the plan known as "Healthy Wisconsin." Shawn Johnson reports… running time 1:25 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer McCain Campaign Isn’t Giving Up On Wisconsin 10/17/08 Wisconsin is still a purple- or presidential battleground -- state. That from the Obama and McCain campaigns, in the wake of the news that the Republican National Committee is pulling its McCain ads in from the state. Mike Simonson reports from Superior… running time 1:00 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Scholar Analyzes Negative Ads in Presidential Race 10/17/08 When the candidates spared on the issue of negative campaign ads during Wednesday night's debate, it was University of Wisconsin research that was cited. Barry Burden is a professor of Political Science at U-W and a member of the Wisconsin Advertising Project. Wisc Ads tracks political ads in over 100 television markets. Professor Burden talked to WPR's Terry Bell about this campaign season's batch... running time 3:26 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Wisconsinites React to Last Presidential Debate 10/16/08 The final debate between the presidential candidates followed another bad day on Wall Street and tough times in Wisconsin. Shamane Mills went to a debate watching event last night in which John McCain proposed an across-the-board spending freeze and Obama said he'd cut Medicare subsidies to insurance companies. Shamane Mills reports… running time 1:28 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Native Lobbyist Prepared to Argue for McCain in Major Venue 10/15/08 A prominent Native American lobbyist with ties to Wisconsin is backing John McCain’s Presidential bid. As Brian Bull reports, she’ll make her case public and widespread right before Election Day, in the country’s largest Indian newspaper… running time 1:35 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer GOP Denies Poll Watching Will Intimidate Voters 10/15/08 The Republican Party of Wisconsin is defending its plans to recruit poll watchers for inner city precincts in Milwaukee. The party says an email released by the Obama campaign wrongly suggests that Republicans plan to intimidate voters in low income or crime prone neighborhoods. Gil Halsted reports… running time 1:31 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Kerry Backs Obama, Early Voting 10/15/08 2004 Democratic Presidential Candidate John Kerry visited the grounds outside the state capitol building in Madison yesterday to urge supporters of Barack Obama to vote early. And he hinted briefly at an ongoing lawsuit that could cast some doubt on thousands of voter registrations. Shawn Johnson reports… running time 1:32 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer UFCW Union Compares Candidates’ Health Care Reform Plans 10/15/08 Though the economy remains the top issue for many voters in the upcoming presidential election, Wisconsin's largest private sector union says health care reform is their number one concern. Christina Clarkson reports… running time 1:07 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Kerry Supports Early Vote in Wisconsin 10/14/08 2004 Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry is touring Wisconsin today. He's urging an early vote for this year's Democratic contender Barack Obama. Chuck Quirmbach reports… running time 1:34 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Clinton Booster Champions McCain 10/14/08 John McCain's presidential campaign made an appeal to women voters at a forum in Menominee Falls today. Among those talking up the Republican Senator was a major fundraiser for Hillary Clinton. Shawn Johnson reports… running time 1:29 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Native Americans Differ On Best Presidential Candidate 10/13/08 The candidates for president are reaching out to Native American voters in hotly contested states. Chuck Quirmbach has more on the competition in Wisconsin… running time 1:16 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Presidential Advisors Debate Economy at UW Madison 10/10/08 Top policy advisors for John McCain and Barack Obama were on the UW-Madison campus today to talk about the economy. The forum provided a preview of what to expect when the candidates themselves tackle that issue in a Presidential Debate next Wednesday. Shamane Mills reports… running time 1:08 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer McCain Claims to be the Honest Choice 10/10/08 Republican presidential candidate John McCain made one final stop in his two day swing through Wisconsin with a rally in La Crosse. Steve Roisum reports… running time 1:07 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Scholar Says McCain Can Still Win Wisconsin 10/10/08 Republican presidential candidate John McCain continues his campaign for president with a stop in La Crosse today. Steve Roisum reports… running time 0:54 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer McCain Tells Mosinee Crowd He Will Win Wisconsin 10/10/08 Republican Presidential Candidate John McCain told a crowd outside a Mosinee airport hangar yesterday that Wisconsin will be a tough state for him to carry... but that he's proven doubters wrong before. Shawn Johnson reports... running time 1:16 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer McCain Asks the Government to Solve the Mortgage Crisis 10/10/08 Republican Presidential candidate John McCain continues to call for the federal government to purchase bad mortgages from homeowners…and replace the deals with affordable terms. McCain is campaigning in Wisconsin today. Chuck Quirmbach reports… running time 1:16 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Next President’s Choice of Justices Influence Voters 10/09/08 A new survey suggests nearly half of likely voters in Wisconsin are considering who a Presidential candidate would nominate for the U.S. Supreme Court as a major factor in this year’s election. Brian Bull reports… running time 1:14 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer McCain Talks About Housing 10/09/08 During last night's presidential debate, Republican John McCain unveiled a plan that would have the federal government spend hundreds of billions to buy up bad mortgages. Speaking on Democrat Barack Obama's behalf... Governor Jim Doyle said the plan could work... but it's the kind of thing Obama has been discussing for weeks. Shawn Johnson reports… running time 1:12 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Republicans Want Better Checking of Voter Eligibility 10/08/08 The City of Milwaukee says it expects a record voter turnout of as many as three-hundred thousand people for next month's presidential election. But Republicans say Milwaukee hasn't taken enough steps to deter voter fraud. Chuck Quirmbach reports… running time 1:14 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Democrats Claim Van Hollen’s Fraud Lawsuit is Politically Motivated. 10/08/08 Democrats are using an audio recording posted on a website to argue that Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen's voter fraud lawsuit against the state is political. As Glen Moberg reports, the subject came up at a candidate forum last night in Wausau… running time 1:24 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Union’s Ads Compare Obama and McCain’s Health Care Proposals 10/07/08 The largest health care union in Wisconsin-- and the nation-- is pouring millions into a last minute wave of campaigning.... on an issue a recent A-P poll indicates voters know little about: the details of the two presidential candidate's health care plans. Shamane Mills reports… running time 1:04 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Police Want More Grants From Next Administration 10/07/08 With the presidential candidates scheduled for their second debate tonight police chiefs across the country are wondering whether their issues might get some attention. Gil Halsted reports… running time 1:26 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer TV Ad Denounces Palin’s Support For Aerial Wolves Hunting 10/03/08 A pro-wildlife group is scheduled to start running a television ad in Wisconsin today that criticizes Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin. Chuck Quirmbach reports… running time 1:18 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Health Care Workers Try To Make Universal Care A Campaign Theme 10/02/08 The nation's economy has dominated the presidential race of late, but unionized health care workers in Wisconsin continue to bank on insurance reform as an issue that may help democrats. Shamane Mills reports… running time 1:11 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Felon Votes In Question 10/02/08 Two new national reports raise concerns about whether people with criminal records may miss out on their legal opportunity to vote in the upcoming November election . Gil Halsted reports… running time 1:06 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Obama Pushes Senators To Support Bailout Package 10/02/08 Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama stopped in La Crosse yesterday for a rally before flying back to Washington D-C. Obama, as well as his Republican challenger John Mc-Cain, are expected to vote on a bailout package for the financial services industry. Steve Roisum reports… running time 1:22 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer DNC Official Calls For More Regulations 10/01/08 Democratic National Committee Chair Howard Dean stopped in Eau Claire today at a work place that relies on private sector contracts for job training. The former Vermont Governor was campaigning for Senator Barack Obama and used the opportunity to call for more regulations on private companies. Mary Jo Wagner has more… running time 1:34 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer Obama Makes Third Wisconsin Visit 10/01/08 Thousands are expected to attend a rally today in La Crosse for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama. Steve Roisum reports … running time 1:03 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer NAACP Fears Voter Database Lawsuit Hurts African Americans 10/01/08 The Milwaukee branch of the NAACP wants to intervene in the Attorney General's lawsuit against Wisconsin's elections agency. The NAACP says the lawsuit could disproportionately hurt African American voters. Shawn Johnson reports… running time 1:00 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer
Highlights from this year's presidential contest, covered by Wisconsin Public Radio reporters
Scholar Discusses Democratic Wave in Wisconsin 11/05/08 Wisconsin helped President-Elect Barack Obama capture the White House in this historic election. In the state, Democrat Steve Kagen prevailed in hotly contested Congressional race, the Democrats held on their Senate majority and they could be gaining the assembly as well. Joe Heim, a political science professor in U-W LaCrosse, analyses the changing political scene in the state for Terry Bell… running time 3:28 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer
Wisconsin helped President-Elect Barack Obama capture the White House in this historic election. In the state, Democrat Steve Kagen prevailed in hotly contested Congressional race, the Democrats held on their Senate majority and they could be gaining the assembly as well. Joe Heim, a political science professor in U-W LaCrosse, analyses the changing political scene in the state for Terry Bell…
Barack Obama’s victory heralds a series of wins for Democrats, both nationally and in Wisconsin. Brian Bull talked to some Democratic leaders at last night’s Election party in Madison, and has this report…
Some African-American voters in Wisconsin say they're taking special pride in Barack Obama's victory in the Presidential election. Chuck Quirmbach reports…
Crowds gathered Tuesday night across the UW-Madison campus to watch the results of the presidential election. Christina Clarkson reports on the differing reactions attendees had at Barack Obama's successful bid for president…
Two of Wisconsin's Republican Congressman have starkly different views of what the next 4 years will be like for them with Barak Obama in the White House. One predicts a bitter fight with Democrats over energy and tax policy . The other has hopes for bipartisan efforts to solve the nation's problems. Gil Halsted reports…
The Dean of Wisconsin's Democratic congressional delegation sees Barack Obama's victory as a mandate for action. As Glen Moberg reports, Dave Obey hopes to use his power to move the country in a new direction…
After 20 months of campaigning, voters are eager to end this race for the White House. Danielle Kaeding reports on high voter turnout in Superior…
As of 2:30 this afternoon more than 900 students had voted at the Memorial Union in Madison, and there was a steady stream of students walking in the door to cast their ballots. Voting has been smooth according to poll workers with very few glitches. Gil Halsted reports…
If you think you're going to vote today... don't bet on it! Literally, it’s illegal, according to an obscure law. Dane County Judge Maryann Sumi mentioned it in her ruling in the lawsuit concerning the double-checking of voter registrations. Mike Haas, a lawyer for the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board, talked to WPR’s Terry Bell about the law.…
Polls opened at seven this morning and will stay open until eight o'clock tonight on an election day that could bring record turnout in Wisconsin. Shawn Johnson reports…
The Janesville Gazette, the Beloit Daily News and Green Bay Press-Gazette are three Wisconsin daily newspapers who've endorsed Senator John McCain for president. But the Capital Times, Chippewa Herald, Wausau Daily Herald are among nine Wisconsin dailies giving the nod to Senator Barack Obama. But, does it really matter? Mike Simonson reports from Superior…
Early voting continued today in Wisconsin.....with some of the longest lines being outside the Municipal Building in downtown Milwaukee. Chuck Quirmbach filed this report…
A former University of Wisconsin professor turned McCain campaign official says his candidate's economic plan is best for homeowners in Wisconsin -- and the rest of the country. The Obama camp begs to differ. Brian Bull reports…
John McCain and Barack Obama offer voters some differences on the environment, energy issues and land preservation. Chuck Quirmbach has the story, as our series of reports on topics in the presidential race wraps up…
Groups across Wisconsin campaigned to get out the vote this past weekend ....including a faith-based political organization in Milwaukee. Katelyn Ferral reports…
For one Wisconsin woman, volunteering as a poll worker on Tuesday represents more than spending a day handing out ballots. Christina Clarkson reports…
The latest report on how much the two presidential campaigns are spending on TV ads in Wisconsin shows the Obama campaign has spent 5 times as much as the McCain campaign. The author of the report says future presidential candidates should start raising money now if they want to get elected. Gil Halsted reports…
Some high school and college students will be have additional election-related duties in the next few days....including on Election Day. Chuck Quirmbach reports…
Democrats say Republican Attorney General J-B Van Hollen has no business sending special agents to polling places to watch for voter fraud on election day. But Wisconsin's Elections Chief says the practice isn't new. Shawn Johnson reports…
Use of absentee ballots has risen over the years in Wisconsin; and this year the interest in voting early is high. Shamane Mills reports…
Attorney General J-B Van Hollens' decision to send out criminal investigators to watch the polls for voter fraud is getting strong criticism from a Democratic state senator. Mark Miller of Madison says it smacks of voter suppression. Gil Halsted reports…
People are expected to hit the polls in record numbers next Tuesday. Native American voter turnout is expected to be larger than ever. Danielle Kaeding reports on issues and concerns affecting the nation’s indigenous tribes…
The Obama campaign says it’s not behind a flyer circulating through the Wausau-area, which critics say plays on people’s racial fears about a black president. Brian Bull reports…
All this week, we're looking at issues in the presidential campaigns, and how they might affect Wisconsin. In rough economic times like these, the incumbent party often suffers at the polls. Democrat Barack Obama has been blaming the country’s financial woes on Republicans, while John McCain warns of greater doom if Democrats take the Oval Office. Brian Bull reports…
A new report shows all but one of Wisconsin's congressmen raised more than eighty-percent of their campaign funds from donors who live outside their districts. Shawn Johnson reports…
The touchy topic of presidential politics isn’t always spoken in polite company these days, especially if people don’t see eye to eye. But as Mike Simonson reports, people in the Superior area are finding ways to talk without ending friendships…
A nonpartisan voting advocacy group says some swing states may face problems at the polls on election day. Christina Clarkson reports on how Wisconsin fares…
Democratic presidential candidates traditionally depend on Labor to provide both cash and votes in union strongholds across the country. This year is no exception. The cash and votes are particularly important in states like and Wisconsin. With plants closing and union jobs leaving Labor is working overtime to demonstrate the differences between Barack Obama and John McCain. Gil Halsted of Wisconsin Public Radio reports…
This week we begin a series of reports about issues in the presidential campaign important to Wisconsin. Today -- health care. Republican John McCain and Barack Obama have both have come up with proposals they say improve access and affordability. Shamane Mills reports…
A non-partisan survey by the Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition says people with disabilities cite transportation problems and uncertainty about their eligibility as two main reasons they don't vote. State disability advocates want to change that. Christina Clarkson reports…
Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani is reaching out personally to voters in several states, including Wisconsin. But a local recipient of his recorded anti Obama call is surprised her organization was targeted for his message. Gil Halsted has details…
A Dane County Judge ruled yesterday that the state does not have to go back and verify the registration information of thousands of voters before Election Day. But Republican Attorney General J-B Van Hollen said immediately he would appeal the ruling. Shawn Johnson reports…
The non-profit College Board says nationally, tuition at public four-year colleges has almost doubled over the last 20 years. Yesterday students at UW-Madison joined a country-wide effort asking Congress to make college more affordable. Christina Clarkson reports.…
A Dane County Judge has rejected Attorney General J-B Van Hollen's lawsuit that would have forced poll workers to check the identifies of thousands of voters before Election Day. Shawn Johnson reports…
In the 2004 presidential election, Wisconsin's youth voter turnout was the second highest in the nation. For the upcoming election, organizers want to get even more youth out to vote. But some question their effect on the outcome of elections. Christina Clarkson reports…
Wisconsin may not be the "battleground" state it once was. The Wisconsin Public Radio, St. Norbert College survey shows Democrat Barack Obama with a wide lead over his Republican opponent John McCain. And the economy could be the deciding factor in this fall's election. Patty Murray reports…
A new poll shows people in Wisconsin think one Vice Presidential candidate "has what it takes" to run the country...and the other doesn't. Patty Murray has more results from the Wisconsin Public Radio, St. Norbert College survey…
Repeated polls have now shown Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama with a wide lead over Republican John McCain in the battle for Wisconsin's 10 electoral votes. As Shawn Johnson reports... Democrats are hoping Obama's success trickles down to candidates for the state legislature…
The next President of the United States will have his work cut out for him come January 20th. Although the economy is expected to rule, an expert speaking in Duluth on the Middle East says stabilizing that region can’t be put on the back burner like it was before the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Mike Simonson reports from Superior…
There's been a push to get young people to vote this (presidential) election. How that activity may conflict with college classes is something students and faculty are working out in different ways across the country. Shamane Mills reports…
The Democratic Party is asking T-V stations in Eau Claire and Green Bay to stop running ads that allege Democratic Assembly candidates support the plan known as "Healthy Wisconsin." Shawn Johnson reports…
Wisconsin is still a purple- or presidential battleground -- state. That from the Obama and McCain campaigns, in the wake of the news that the Republican National Committee is pulling its McCain ads in from the state. Mike Simonson reports from Superior…
When the candidates spared on the issue of negative campaign ads during Wednesday night's debate, it was University of Wisconsin research that was cited. Barry Burden is a professor of Political Science at U-W and a member of the Wisconsin Advertising Project. Wisc Ads tracks political ads in over 100 television markets. Professor Burden talked to WPR's Terry Bell about this campaign season's batch...
The final debate between the presidential candidates followed another bad day on Wall Street and tough times in Wisconsin. Shamane Mills went to a debate watching event last night in which John McCain proposed an across-the-board spending freeze and Obama said he'd cut Medicare subsidies to insurance companies. Shamane Mills reports…
A prominent Native American lobbyist with ties to Wisconsin is backing John McCain’s Presidential bid. As Brian Bull reports, she’ll make her case public and widespread right before Election Day, in the country’s largest Indian newspaper…
The Republican Party of Wisconsin is defending its plans to recruit poll watchers for inner city precincts in Milwaukee. The party says an email released by the Obama campaign wrongly suggests that Republicans plan to intimidate voters in low income or crime prone neighborhoods. Gil Halsted reports…
2004 Democratic Presidential Candidate John Kerry visited the grounds outside the state capitol building in Madison yesterday to urge supporters of Barack Obama to vote early. And he hinted briefly at an ongoing lawsuit that could cast some doubt on thousands of voter registrations. Shawn Johnson reports…
Though the economy remains the top issue for many voters in the upcoming presidential election, Wisconsin's largest private sector union says health care reform is their number one concern. Christina Clarkson reports…
2004 Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry is touring Wisconsin today. He's urging an early vote for this year's Democratic contender Barack Obama. Chuck Quirmbach reports…
John McCain's presidential campaign made an appeal to women voters at a forum in Menominee Falls today. Among those talking up the Republican Senator was a major fundraiser for Hillary Clinton. Shawn Johnson reports…
The candidates for president are reaching out to Native American voters in hotly contested states. Chuck Quirmbach has more on the competition in Wisconsin…
Top policy advisors for John McCain and Barack Obama were on the UW-Madison campus today to talk about the economy. The forum provided a preview of what to expect when the candidates themselves tackle that issue in a Presidential Debate next Wednesday. Shamane Mills reports…
Republican presidential candidate John McCain made one final stop in his two day swing through Wisconsin with a rally in La Crosse. Steve Roisum reports…
Republican presidential candidate John McCain continues his campaign for president with a stop in La Crosse today. Steve Roisum reports…
Republican Presidential Candidate John McCain told a crowd outside a Mosinee airport hangar yesterday that Wisconsin will be a tough state for him to carry... but that he's proven doubters wrong before. Shawn Johnson reports...
Republican Presidential candidate John McCain continues to call for the federal government to purchase bad mortgages from homeowners…and replace the deals with affordable terms. McCain is campaigning in Wisconsin today. Chuck Quirmbach reports…
A new survey suggests nearly half of likely voters in Wisconsin are considering who a Presidential candidate would nominate for the U.S. Supreme Court as a major factor in this year’s election. Brian Bull reports…
During last night's presidential debate, Republican John McCain unveiled a plan that would have the federal government spend hundreds of billions to buy up bad mortgages. Speaking on Democrat Barack Obama's behalf... Governor Jim Doyle said the plan could work... but it's the kind of thing Obama has been discussing for weeks. Shawn Johnson reports…
The City of Milwaukee says it expects a record voter turnout of as many as three-hundred thousand people for next month's presidential election. But Republicans say Milwaukee hasn't taken enough steps to deter voter fraud. Chuck Quirmbach reports…
Democrats are using an audio recording posted on a website to argue that Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen's voter fraud lawsuit against the state is political. As Glen Moberg reports, the subject came up at a candidate forum last night in Wausau…
The largest health care union in Wisconsin-- and the nation-- is pouring millions into a last minute wave of campaigning.... on an issue a recent A-P poll indicates voters know little about: the details of the two presidential candidate's health care plans. Shamane Mills reports…
With the presidential candidates scheduled for their second debate tonight police chiefs across the country are wondering whether their issues might get some attention. Gil Halsted reports…
A pro-wildlife group is scheduled to start running a television ad in Wisconsin today that criticizes Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin. Chuck Quirmbach reports…
The nation's economy has dominated the presidential race of late, but unionized health care workers in Wisconsin continue to bank on insurance reform as an issue that may help democrats. Shamane Mills reports…
Two new national reports raise concerns about whether people with criminal records may miss out on their legal opportunity to vote in the upcoming November election . Gil Halsted reports…
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama stopped in La Crosse yesterday for a rally before flying back to Washington D-C. Obama, as well as his Republican challenger John Mc-Cain, are expected to vote on a bailout package for the financial services industry. Steve Roisum reports…
Democratic National Committee Chair Howard Dean stopped in Eau Claire today at a work place that relies on private sector contracts for job training. The former Vermont Governor was campaigning for Senator Barack Obama and used the opportunity to call for more regulations on private companies. Mary Jo Wagner has more…
Thousands are expected to attend a rally today in La Crosse for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama. Steve Roisum reports …
The Milwaukee branch of the NAACP wants to intervene in the Attorney General's lawsuit against Wisconsin's elections agency. The NAACP says the lawsuit could disproportionately hurt African American voters. Shawn Johnson reports…
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