Polarizing non-partisan races, Spring birding

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Janet Protasiewicz is seen from the side standing at a podium. Dan Kelly points at his head as he looks her way while answering a question.
Justice Dan Kelly, right, speaks to Judge Janet Protasiewicz, left, during a debate Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at the State Bar Center in Madison, Wis. Angela Major/WPR

A former state lawmaker and professor helps us better understand why non-partisan races in Wisconsin have been feeling more partisan lately. Then, an ornithologist joins us to preview the spring birdwatching season.

Featured in this Show

  • Why Wisconsin's nonpartisan races feel more and more partisan

    Campaigns for State Supreme Court, school board, mayor, and more are nonpartisan, meaning that candidates don’t run with a party label. But political parties are heavily involved, and these elections can feel like partisan races even without the labels on the ballot. A Wisconsin politics expert tells us how things have changed over time–and why it matters.

  • Birds to watch for in Wisconsin as spring comes around

    It’s officially spring, and the robins are out. So are many other Wisconsin birds. An ornithologist tells us what species we can expect to see this season.

Episode Credits

  • Rob Ferrett Host
  • Sarah Hopefl Technical Director
  • Rob Ferrett Producer
  • Colleen Leahy Producer
  • Mordecai Lee Guest
  • Stanley Temple Guest

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