WAICU supports civic engagement

debate_wba_foundation_gubernatorial_waicu_10_19_2018.jpeg

Rolf Wegenke, Rebecca Larson, Governor Scott Walker, Governor-Elect Tony Evers, WAICU sponsors debate Rolf Wegenke, Rebecca Larson, Governor Scott Walker, Governor-Elect Tony Evers, WAICU sponsors debate
Pictured (from left to right) at the October 19 gubernatorial debate: Governor Scott Walker; Rebecca Larson, WAICU senior VP for advocacy; Dr. Rolf Wegenke, WAICU president; and governor-elect, Dr. Tony Evers

WAICU, as a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, supports civic engagement and civil debate.

Leading up to the 2018 mid-term elections, WAICU sponsored two debates. The first was the October 13 debate between Wisconsin U.S. Senate candidates, incumbent Tammy Baldwin and challenger Leah Vukmir, which took place in Wausau, Wisconsin.

The second WAICU-sponsored debate was between the Wisconsin gubernatorial candidates, incumbent Scott Walker and challenger Tony Evers. The event took place on October 19 in Madison.

Both debates were held by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Foundation Board, which upheld its 30-year tradition of holding statewide debates for the Wisconsin Governor and the U.S. Senate races. The debates were made available to radio and television stations throughout the state for live or delayed broadcast.

The debates were moderated by Jill Geisler, a Wisconsin native and the Bill Plante Chair in Leadership and Media Integrity at Loyola University Chicago. A group of journalists in each of the regions where the debates were held served as panelists who posed questions to the candidates.

The debates were one of many ways WAICU and its members foster civic learning, not only for students, but for the public.