There is a lot at stake for the people of Wisconsin, and the country, in the Nov. 5  election. The presidential election is critical for many reasons, but the down ballot races are also very important. What happens with the U.S. House and Senate and Wisconsin Assembly  are almost as important as who wins the presidency. 

Wisconsin and the country desperately need to break the legislative gridlock that has prevented any meaningful action on our many social, economic, political and environmental problems. 

Regardless of who wins the presidency, Democratic control of the Wisconsin and national legislatures is critical. If Harris wins she must have legislative support to move the country forward. If Trump wins only Democratic control can stop his disastrous agenda. 

On the national level there are many issues we can no longer afford to ignore. Climate change is the most obvious, but there are many other environmental problems that Republican will continue to ignore or exacerbate. 

Reform of the Supreme Court will be impossible without Democratic control. Economic inequality and the decline of the middle class will continue. If the Republicans are able to implement Project 2025, the vast majority of us will be hurt. 

In Wisconsin for the first time since 2010 control of the Assembly is actually in play. Because of the new, less gerrymandered electoral districts, either party could win control. A Democratic win will be good for public education, university system funding, protection of the environment, ensuring abortion rights, and continuing progress on developing a green economy. 

So let’s compare the candidates for legislative offices and see which are better for the people of Wisconsin. 

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin has 30 years of service to the people of Wisconsin. Beginning with the Madison City Council, she has had many elected positions and been a strong progressive advocate for equality economic fairness, health care, public schools, the environment and social issues important to most of us. Reelecting Tammy is essential to maintaining control of the the Senate

Eric Hovde is a multi-millionaire CEO and owner of a bank and bank holding company in California. He was born in Wisconsin, graduated from UW-Madison and inherited his grandfather’s Madison-based property management company. But he has spent most of his life making money in Washington, DC and California, where he owns a mansion. 

Hovde’s campaign website is all useless platitudes, but from other sources and his current campaign ads, it is clear he is a typical, conservative Republican. Voters should expect no support for the issues that are important to most of us or the changes that are needed to build a better, more fair, more just country. Hovde will be a reliable vote for cutting taxes on the wealthy and the failed economic policies of the past.  

Working people voting for Republicans (or millionaires and billionaires) is like turkeys voting for Thanksgiving. 

Rep. Tom Tiffany has never been out of small town, rural Minnesota and Wisconsin (except as a legislator in Madison and D.C.). This limited, parochial background is reflected in his policy positions which have not served Wisconsin well. 

Tiffany’s strident opposition to environmental protections are a prime example. Tiffany’s environmental record is one of the worst of any politician. Today people in Wisconsin can’t drink the water from many private wells because of pollution. Some public water systems are having similar problems with PFAS “forever” chemicals. Today there are fish advisories for what people can eat from Wisconsin waters. Tiffany has consistently voted against any efforts to protect the environment and prevent these kind of problems.

Tiffany is fully invested in the MAGA false and destructive attitudes about immigrants, climate change, green energy initiatives, election denial and  foreign policy. His ignorant, aggressive approach to China is especially dangerous. Threatening use of military force is not a solution and may result in a war which we, and the people of Taiwan, will lose.           

In contrast, Kyle Kilbourn has lived and worked in other countries. He has a much broader base of experience and educational background. Kyle is not hindered by ideological blinders. He is the kind of person who can work across partisan lines. Kyle is concerned that “Today, extremist politicians are trying to take us backward in time...” He supports health care for everyone, preserving our water and environment, protecting Social Security and Medicare and “advocating for policies that transcend partisanship, emphasizing good governance and civic engagement for a more equitable society.“

Tom Tiffany has remained in Congress because of the extreme gerrymandering of the 7th Congressional District, not because his positions were good for people. Voters should give Kyle a chance to do a better job.

In the 73rd Wisconsin Assembly District both candidates are new to elected office and the district has new, less gerrymandered, boundaries. But there is a sharp contrast between candidates. It is literally contest between generations and old versus new thinking.

Democrat Angela Shroud represents a new generation coming to public service. She is younger but with good experience, education and knowledge of the issues. She has a doctorate degree in sociology and has been an educator for 14 years. She is an Associate Professor of Sociology and Social Justice at Northland College in Ashland. 

Angela is an articulate advocate for progressive policies including; protecting the Lake Superior watershed, supporting teachers and strengthening schools, fighting for reproductive justice and health care and advocating affordable housing.

Frank Kostka is an old-school Republican. He describes himself as a “blue collar kind of guy.” He grew up in  Ashland. After high school, he sailed on the Great Lakes and worked in the mines in Northern Minnesota. He spent 20 years in the U.S. Air Force as an electronics technician. He is currently the owner of the Bay Area Pawn Shop in Ashland. He has had leadership positions with the American Legion.

To his credit Kostka is not a far right extremist. He believes abortion should be the women’s choice. He just seems unprepared and lacking clear positions on issues. He has no campaign website. Too often his response to questions are “I don’t know” or “I have to research that.” His  primary concern is taxes and bringing “good paying jobs to northern Wisconsin” with no idea of how to do that. 

To be charitable Frank Kostka is not ready to serve. Angela Stroud is obviously the better choice.

Remember voting is like driving: “D” is for going forward and “R” is for going backward.