Wisconsin's Attorney General Josh Kaul and Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez join Mark Thomsen today. On the board: how our state leaders are working to keep our elections safe and keep us moving forward! Josh talks with Mark about the importance of maintaining free and fair elections. Including providing proper security and safety measures for those who run our elections. Attorney General Kaul implores you: if you see anything that threatens to interfere with the election, report it. Start by notifying the Chief Election Official at your polling place. If needed, elevate by informing your local law enforcement and contacting the Wisconsin Election Commission. Lieutenant Governor Rodriguez joins Mark to talk about the issues that matter to Wisconsinites. She and Mark discuss the necessity of reconciliation after the election. This election season is proving to be an extremely divisive time in American history. So how will we come back together and work to keep this great state moving forward? Guests: Sara Rodriguez, Josh Kaul

Folks, we are less than 4 weeks from the voting deadline in the most important election of the century. Yes, we say that most elections. And it's never been more true. With our very democracy on the line, you must participate in this election cycle. Kristin Hansen, President of Blue Sky Waukesha and Sam Liebert, Wisconsin Director of All Voting is Local join Mark to talk about the unique stakes of this election. In addition to the vital Presidential race, Wisconsin voters have a huge opportunity to reshape our state's legislature. With new, fairer maps, we can finally achieve accurate representation to meet our deeply purple state's needs. However, we'll face challenges in achieving that. Kristin, Sam, and Mark discuss the attempts at election interference present in this cycle. Guests: Kristin Hansen, Sam Liebert

We all do better when we all do better. A simple statement. And one we much repeat often to ourselves and our elected officials. It's the only way we can ALL move FORWARD! Stephanie Bloomingdale, President of AFL-CIO Wisconsin, joins Mark to share why AFL-CIO endorses Kamala Harris for President. As AFL-CIO WI works hard to make life better for working people, Stephanie recounts the Biden-Harris administrations' robust support for unions. The Harris-Walz ticket's experience and record point forward for all of us who labor for our living. The other ticket? Well... we are NOT going their direction. Darryl Morin is President and Chair of the board for Forward Latino, an advocacy and empowerment group for Wisconsin's diverse Latina/o/x populations. Like all demographics, Wisconsin's Latinx groups are not monolithic or single-issue voters. Darryl joins Mark to share pressing concerns around safety and voter protections for Latinx individuals- and for us all. Guests: Stephanie Bloomingdale, Darryl Morin

Attorney Mark Thomsen talks with Congressional candidate Peter Barca and current representative of the 20th AD, Christine Sinicki. Peter Barca is the Democratic candidate for Wisconsin's 1st Congressional District. He has a long legislative career spanning three decades. Peter served for 7 years as the Assembly Minority Leader. And serve is the right word for what Peter does. His policies stem from his desire to serve his community, in whatever capacity he can. Christine Sinicki can't stop being a community leader. She just doesn't know how! Chris has served 13 terms in the Wisconsin Assembly, representing the 20th AD with strength, courage, and persistent humor. Now, she's running for her 14th term, with the conviction that in this election, with our new fairer maps, we finally have a chance to DO SOMETHING! Guests: Christine Sinicki, Peter Barca

Kamala Harris said it simply and surely: we are NOT going back. We ARE going forward! Attorney Mark Thomsen talks with four women today about the absolute necessity to elect our first female president. Not only is Kamala Harris merited for President as an individual, we MUST act to restore the rights of all women to make appropriate decisions for themselves, regardless of their home state in this country. Mark interviews Representative Jodi Emerson of Wisconsin AD 91, who is running for re-election. She celebrates the new challenge she faces in her newly solid purple district. Before this year's redistricting, it was bluest blue. Because though she now faces true competition, it means that others do too, and Wisconsin will secure better representation by it. Next, Mark talks with Karen Kirsch, candidate for AD 7. Karen left the private sector due to a pressing call to serve her community, and she has found great fulfillment working for the public. The icing on the cake this week: an exclusive interview with Senator Tammy Baldwin. Tammy has worked hard to achieve real results that benefit Wisconsinites. She loves this state and the people she represents. There can be no clearer contrast between her and her opponent. Guests: Tammy Baldwin, Jodi Emerson, Karen Kirsch

Unfair gerrymandered legislative maps denied Wisconsinites true choice for our representatives in Madison for too long. Now, we the voters regain control over choosing who will write our laws. This week on the Paul Revere Show, we have two incredible guests dedicated to seeing Wisconsin voters make their voices heard. Jay Heck is the executive director of Common Cause Wisconsin. Jay walks us through the legislative map redistricting for 2024, the return of ballot drop boxes, and the two constitutional amendments on the August 13th primary. Remember to vote in the primary, vote NO on the amendment proposals, and use your drop box if it's appropriate for you! Jodi Habush Sinykin is the Democratic candidate for Wisconsin's 8th senate district. Since 2011, this district favored Republican candidates to an extraordinary degree. Now, the voters of Wisconsin's 8th SD finally get to choose a new path. Jodi is compassionate and passionate, with a platform focused on environmental conservation and human rights. Guests: Mark Thomsen, Jodi Habush Sinykin, Jay Heck

Folks, it has been an exciting week! Beginning with President Biden's courageous and patriotic decision to withdraw from his re-election campaign on Sunday, the 2024 Presidential race has completely changed. As Kamala Harris has secured enough support to earn the Democratic nomination, the energy is absolutely electrifying. Attorney Mark Thomsen talks with LuAnn Bird and Sarah Harrison, candidates for Wisconsin AD 61 and AD 15 respectively. These two previously red districts are ready to flip blue after this year's redistricting with these two fantastic candidates! Both LuAnn and Sarah attended VP Harris' rally in Milwaukee on Tuesday. They share how rejuvenating it was to be part of the excitement as the 2024 Presidential Election has fundamentally changed, setting it's trajectory in one direction: forward. Guests: Sarah Harrison, LuAnn Bird, Mark Thomsen

Folks, we've heard a lot this week about the need for our voting systems to be secure. Unfortunately, the people calling for "securing" our elections want to do that by suppressing as many votes they disagree with as possible. Not to worry, we're joined by Jeff Mandell, general counsel for Law Forward and Matt Moreno, chair of the Waukesha County Dems. Jeff, Matt, and your host Attorney Mark Thomsen, are dedicated to helping guide Wisconsin forward through voter engagement and legal protections! It is your civil right and responsibility to vote- let's make it happen. Guests: Jeff Mandell, Mark Thomsen, Matt Moreno

Folks, it's election season. Today, Mark Thomsen interviews Sam Liebert and Katrina Shankland. Wisconsin's Fall Primary is August 13th, 2024. Whether you plan to vote on election day, to mail in your ballot, or to cast your ballot in a safe, WI Supreme Court sanctioned drop box, make a plan and VOTE. Sam Liebert is the WI director of All Voting is Local, a non-partisan, nonprofit national with chapters in 8 key states across the country. He and Mark discuss the efforts of All Voting is Local to protect the sacred right and responsibility of citizens to vote. Katrina Shankland is running to represent Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District on a platform of getting things done. She is committed to working on her side of the aisle and across it to bring real results to the people she represents. Katrina is energized and ready to take her experience to Congress! Guests: Katrina Shankland, Mark Thomsen, Sam Liebert

In this impactful episode of "The Paul Revere Show," host Mark Thompson welcomes back Reverend Greg Lewis and Jarrod Anderson. Reverend Greg Lewis, the executive director of Souls to the Polls Wisconsin. They discuss the organization's mission to educate and empower communities about the importance of voting and civic engagement. Reverend Lewis shares valuable insights on how Souls to the Polls is making a difference across Wisconsin, helping people understand their voting rights, key election dates, and the new district maps. They delve into the challenges and successes in mobilizing voters, especially in Black and Brown communities, and the crucial issues that resonate with them, such as housing, education, and criminal justice reform. This episode also highlights the significance of early and absentee voting and the efforts to simplify the voting process. Reverend Lewis passionately talks about the need for fair representation and the ongoing fight against gerrymandering. Then Mark is joined by Jared Anderson, a healthcare attorney and candidate for the 19th Assembly District seat. Anderson discusses his work with Common Ground Healthcare Cooperative and his vision for a more collaborative, progressive approach to politics. The conversation delves into the importance of expanding BadgerCare, addressing the nursing shortage, and safeguarding reproductive rights. Anderson’s commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and fostering bipartisan cooperation highlights his readiness to make a meaningful impact in Madison. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on democracy, community organizing, and the power of voting. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in making a positive change in their community through informed voting.

Jack Heck of Common Cause Wisconsin joins Mark to discuss the pressing issues. Jay provides a deep dive into the corrupting influence of special interest money and the impact of the Citizens United Supreme Court decision. They explore the history of campaign finance reform in Wisconsin, the dismantling of the Government Accountability Board, and the urgent need to overturn Citizens United to restore transparency and democracy. Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of how dark money shapes political outcomes and what steps can be taken to combat this growing problem. Jay also highlights the bipartisan efforts to limit money in politics and the importance of public financing for campaigns.

Mark Thomsen is joined by Kristin Hansen of Blue Sky Waukesha as well as Sam Liebert from All Voting Is Local in the lead up to a big political summer here in Wisconsin Kristin Hansen, President of Blue Sky Waukesha: https://www.blueskywaukesha.org/ Sam Liebert, Wisconsin Director of All Voting Is Local: https://allvotingislocal.org/

Mark's talking with two guests today about how our great state is continually moving Forward!. First up is Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors. She comes from a background of education and brings a focus on equity initiatives to the county board. Marcelia emphasizes that we all do better when we all do better and when we work together forwards toward good. For the second half hour, Mark is talking with Sarah Harrison, candidate for Wisconsin's 15th Assembly District, a brand new district created to break up our previously extremely gerrymandered state. Her campaign is focused on listening first before speaking: making sure she is in tune with the issues that really matter to the people she will represent. Guests: Sarah Harrison, Mark Thomsen, Marcelia Nicholson

With guest, Wisconsin State Representative for the 18th Assembly District and newly elected Milwaukee City Attorney, Evan Goyke. Mark gently cross examines Evan on what exactly a City Attorney does day to day. From building permits to working with law enforcement on drug control and other major issues facing the state's largest city, Evan breaks down how vital the work he does with as City Attorney is. Schools: how much money does the state of Wisconsin reimburse to schools providing education for children with special needs. 1 in 4 Milwaukee students have an Individualized Education Plan, for which the school receives back 33% of every dollar spent to educate these students. Evan digs into how he as both Legislator and City Attorney can address drastic disparity amongst public schools.

Mark Thomsen returns to airwaves in this triumphant candidacy announcement with Dora Drake, candidate for 4th Senate District. Dora is currently in the assembly and now sets her sights on the Senate. The conversation takes a deep dive into the special election for Wisconsin's 4th Senate District, set for July 30th, 2024. Drake, running for this significant seat, outlines the unique challenges and opportunities within the district—from urban forests like Havenwood to suburban areas like Glendale. She articulates her vision for a new era of service-oriented leadership that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), pushing back against recent legislative challenges to DEI initiatives in the state. Listeners will not only get a clearer understanding of the geographic and political nuances of the 4th Senate District but also grasp the broader implications of the upcoming elections. Drake's commitment to a multiracial democracy and her strategic insights into gaining a Democratic majority in the Senate underscore a critical dialogue on the future of governance in Wisconsin. Plus, Mark welcomes Jay Heck, the longstanding director of Common Cause, to discuss the evolving landscape of voting rights, focusing on the controversial topic of voter drop boxes and their impact on electoral access. This engaging discussion not only sheds light on the strategic battles waged to protect democratic integrity but also highlights significant legal challenges and their broader implications for voters across the state. Jay provides an insightful overview of the Common Cause’s advocacy efforts, emphasizing their ongoing fight to ensure every vote counts in Wisconsin—a state with a rich history of high voter turnout and bipartisan support for accessible voting.

In this thought-provoking episode, attorney Mark Thomsen and AFL-CIO Wisconsin head Stephanie Bloomingdale delve into the profound impact of new electoral maps on Wisconsin's future and the revitalization of organized labor. They explore how these maps signal a beacon of hope for hardworking Wisconsinites, offering a fresh opportunity to reclaim rights and advantages that have been eroded over the past decade. With a backdrop of historical challenges, including the controversial Act 10 and the efforts to dismantle union power, the discussion highlights the strategic victories achieved through solidarity among workers and the pivotal role of the judiciary in ensuring fair representation. This conversation is not just about maps; it's a rallying cry for labor rights, democracy, and the collective power of the community to shape its destiny. Together they paint a vivid picture of the struggles and triumphs of the labor movement in Wisconsin, emphasizing the significance of recent legislative changes. Bloomingdale shares personal insights and the broader implications of these changes for labor rights, offering a glimpse into the potential for a brighter future for workers. The narrative is a compelling mix of personal stories, political analysis, and a forward-looking perspective on the labor movement's role in fostering social and economic justice. Listeners will come away informed about the historical context of labor rights in Wisconsin, the strategic importance of electoral maps, and the ongoing efforts to ensure fair and democratic processes. This episode is a testament to the resilience of organized labor and its crucial role in advocating for workers' rights and social equity in the face of adversity.

In this pivotal episode of the Paul Revere show, host Mark Thomsen and special guest Ben Wikler, chairperson of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, dive into the historic moment for democracy in Wisconsin with the signing of new state legislative maps. Celebrating a milestone in the fight for fair representation, they discuss the journey to dismantle gerrymandered maps that skewed the democratic process and the implications of this victory for future elections. The episode delves into the crucial role of grassroots movements, the impact of Supreme Court decisions, and the strategic shifts needed for the Democratic Party in upcoming elections. As they explore the broader significance of Wisconsin's political landscape, the conversation also touches on the generational opportunity for change, highlighting the importance of diverse and young candidate recruitment and the potential for profound shifts in both state and national politics. Mark is also joined by Matt Moreno, chairperson of the Waukesha County Democratic Party, on a captivating journey through Waukesha's political landscape transformation on the Paul Revere show. This episode dives into the significant shift from a traditionally red stronghold to a burgeoning blue wave, as evidenced in recent elections and the impact of newly signed legislative maps by Governor Tony Evers. The duo discusses the strategic battles fought for fair representation, highlighting the victories and challenges in making Waukesha a key battleground in Wisconsin politics. Listen as they explore the implications of these changes for local and state elections, focusing on the critical issues at stake for young families, such as affordable housing, childcare, reproductive rights, and the importance of inclusive communities.

In this revisit of the great interview held last year, Mark speaks with Mellisa Temple, a local teacher whose firing in Waukesha drew national attention.

Att. Mark Thomsen is joined by Democratic Minority leader Rep. Greta Neubauer and Nick Ramos, executive director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign to discuss the upcoming changes in Wisconsin's maps, "silly season", and voting trends across the state.

Mark Thomsen is joined by Milwaukee's mayor Cavalier Johnson and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley on this day memorializing the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr. as well as the future they envision for Milwaukee and beyond.