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Fightin' Bob at 150: Progressive and Feisty as Ever

By Gil Halsted, WPR

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This year's Fighting Bob Fest transformed the Sauk County Fair ground into what organizers called the largest political convention in the state. The more than four thousand people who came to the event on Saturday (9/10/05) were treated to fiery speeches on election reform, the war in Iraq, and a call to help rebuild hurricane ravaged New Orleans.

Organizers champion the vision of Robert LaFollette (1855-1925), a firebrand politician who fought for fairness and reform in American government. A devoted Republican, LaFollette won many admirers and several harsh foes, particularly conservatives on both sides of the political aisle. Speakers and participants at this year's celebration included U.S. House Representatives Tammy Baldwin and Gwen Moore, U.S. Senator Russ Feingold, and Mike McCabe, of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign.

Event photos taken by Gil Halsted, WPR

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