The column below reflects the views of the author, and these opinions are neither endorsed nor supported by WisOpinion.com.
Rebecca Cooke resoundingly won the 3rd Congressional District (CD) Democratic primary election. Cooke handily prevailed in 17 out of 19 counties with 50% of the vote in a three-way race. Cooke’s victory statement showed grace and wisdom: “Thank you to everyone across our district’s 19 counties who voted and made their voices heard in this election … . I applaud my primary opponents for stepping up to run in this critical race and am grateful for their support as we come together, ready to defeat (Republican) Derrick Van Orden this fall.”
Despite GOP delusions and dire predictions, Cooke rapidly consolidated support from the other primary candidates and those who stayed neutral. 3rd CD Democratic primary candidates Katrina Shankland and Eric Wilson fulsomely endorsed Cooke. They also joined a unity tour of the 3rd CD. Moreover, Wisconsin Democratic Party Chairman Ben Wikler said Democrats were “excited to unite behind Rebecca Cooke.” And, the 3rd CD Democratic Party wholeheartedly embraced Cooke: “Rebecca Cooke’s focus on kitchen table issues, her ability to connect with voters, and her extraordinary campaign team proves Cooke has what it takes to win in November.”
More Democrats also stepped forward. Wisconsin 2nd CD Representative Mark Pocan said: “All hands will be on deck.” And, he tweeted “Congrats” to Cooke. She responded: “Thanks and Happy Birthday!” Moreover, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) shifted the 3rd CD race between Cooke and Van Orden to its top priority “Red to Blue” campaign list. The DCCC said: “Western Wisconsinites can trust Rebecca Cooke to deliver for them because that’s what she’s done her whole life—from opening a small business in Eau Claire, to helping other women in her community become entrepreneurs, to working with Governor Evers to create jobs in Wisconsin.”
Cooke, a sixth-generation Wisconsinite, comes from a military family, and grew up on a 3rd CD dairy farm. A perfect fit for the 3rd CD. She seeks common ground on kitchen table issues with Democrats, independents and Republicans, no matter where they live or who they previously voted for. She wants to roll up her sleeves and go to work for dairy and other farmers, middle and working class folks and main street businesses. A sharp contrast to first-termer Van Orden.
Van Orden has earned a reputation for extremist out-of-touch views, continual bad behavior and no accomplishments for the 3rd CD. Notwithstanding caustic condemnations of the January 6 insurrection by the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff and national business groups, Van Orden was there falsely questioning the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election. And, no phony ad with Van Orden herding kids can wash away the stain of his repeated outbursts against young people or singularly and rudely interrupting President Biden as he delivered the State of the Union address.
Van Orden can’t control himself or deliver for the 3rd CD. Still no farm bill or help for small dairy farmers. Unlike Van Orden, Cooke will be ready on day one. Vote Cooke for change and results.
Kaplan wrote a guest column from Washington, D.C., for the Wisconsin State Journal from 1995 – 2009.
