America got the joke when actor Charles Durning, playing the Governor in the 1982 movie “The Best Little Whore House in Texas,” sang how he “loved to dance the little sidestep” and “lead the people on.” Audiences recognized and were amused by the character’s stereotype of their own elected officials. They laughed when one citizen responded to the Governor’s meaningless drivel by asking another, “Was that a yes or a no?” and got “a possible maybe” in response. There’s always some truth in a good joke.
A lot has changed since 1982. Our complacency over recent decades allowed those who want to fundamentally change our country to make serious inroads. During the last 5 years our freedom has been threatened in ways we would never have imagined. Political parties and the media have been corrupted by money and power. Career politicians have replaced elected officials who are responsive to the will of the people who elected them. Our legislators have become a joke that isn’t funny anymore. The success of the movement to take back our country and our state will depend on each of us stepping up to do our part. Small individual actions will be as significant as sweeping group initiatives.
Both houses of the Wisconsin legislature have been majority Republican for most of the past 20 years and there has been a Republican governor during most of that time. They do not deliver what the people need and want. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Leader Devin LeMahieu have a stranglehold on the political process and legislators who do not fall in line pay a price. The large sums of lobbyist money that flow to both sides of the aisle have been well documented. Many of those who have tried to get meaningful engagement from their elected representatives on issues that are important to them have learned what being ignored entirely or being the recipient of a masterful “sidestep” feel like.
A Personal Story
A year ago, my husband and I moved into our new home, which is located in the 97th Assembly District of Wisconsin. Cindi Duchow is our Representative as of January 2025. She previously represented the 99th District, but that changed as part of the court-mandated redistricting of the electoral map.
Several red flags made me wonder from the start whether Duchow would be the kind of Representative who works for the people. I was aware that last August Robin Vos was implicated in a dark money scheme that used dirty tactics to pit Republican against Republican as the redistricting primaries played out. Despite the Republican Party of Wisconsin’s official position that they do not get involved in primaries, there was ample evidence to conclude that Vos was using the resources of the Party to assure the defeat of candidates who would not march in lock-step with his directives. The tactics used against those who were defeated were ugly and slanderous. Cindi Duchow was a beneficiary of this campaign. My common sense told me that if she enjoys the support of Robin Vos and also holds the leadership position of Majority Caucus Vice Chair (which she does), she is more likely someone who goes along to get along than someone who independently represents the interests of her constituents. My skepticism was further heightened by knowing Duchow has been asked on numerous occasions to attend a meeting of the Waukesha County Conservative Business Coalition, of which I am a member, and never shown.
Over the past few months, I have had 2 exchanges with Cindi Duchow on issues that matter to me. The verbatim emails follow:
I wrote to Duchow:
“I am hearing conflicting information about a legislative bill being contemplated that deals with utility companies being allowed to bypass the requirement for competitive bidding on power line projects. Assembly Bill 25. I am writing to ask your assistance by answering two questions:
“1. In simple terms, what will this bill do and what are its intended benefits?
“2. What is your position on the bill?”
Duchow responded:
“The bill is intended to implement a right-of-first-refusal, which would give utility companies the first opportunity to build and operate new electricity transmission lines before any outside companies have the chance to bid on the project.
“Proponents of the bill argue that ROFR ensures a stable expansion of the state’s power grid since local companies should be more familiar with the state’s energy needs and regulations. Opponents of the bill argue that ROFR stifles competition by effectively barring external companies from bidding on transmission ownership until Wisconsin utility companies decide not to bid.
“The authors of the bill are currently working on amendments, and I am looking forward to reviewing the final bill.”
I followed up:
“Thank you for your response. Are you inclined to support or not support this idea in concept? Also, please let me know when you have a final bill and what your position is on it.”
Pressed to divulge her position on the concept of awarding contracts without a bid, Duchow did not answer my second email.
Weeks later, in response to Governor Evers flying the “Progress Pride Flag” over state-owned properties, I wrote to Duchow to urge her to initiate the process for a Constitutional Amendment to restrict flag-flying over state-owned buildings to the official flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin.
Duchow responded:
“Earlier this year, Rep. Steffen introduced a bill that would prohibit any flags other than the state, U.S., or recognized military flags flown at state and local government buildings. This bill was referred to the Committee on Local Government, where it will receive a public hearing.
“Although I do not sit on this committee, I will certainly consider voting for this bill if it reaches the Assembly Floor. Thank you again for contacting me, and please do not hesitate to reach out with any future questions or concerns.”
I followed up again:
“I appreciate your quick response to my request that you take the lead on restricting flag flying or display at state-owned buildings to the flags of the United States or the state of Wisconsin. Given you described a process that may ultimately move a bill through committee, I interpreted your response as declining my request to lead a more direct route (constitutional amendment) to this end.
“I realize I did not phrase my question in a way that would give me the information I need to understand what your position is on the issue of using our state buildings for advocacy of what are often controversial positions. I would appreciate your letting me know what your personal position is on whether flag flying should be restricted. It is important to me to know where my elected representatives stand on all issues to determine my future support for them.”
Once again, pushed to divulge her view, Duchow did not respond. I am singling Representative Duchow out for criticism, not because she is unique, but because her response is typical of what we’ve come to expect from elected officials. They feed us pablum when we’re looking for substance and too often it works for them. Holding their positions on the issues that come before the Legislature close to the vest is a strategy to preserve the option to drift whichever direction the political winds are blowing. We should demand better.
A Call to Action
Every Wisconsin voter who is determined to take back our state has the power to make communications with state legislators an effective weapon in this fight. When voters are passive, legislators are unchecked. No one expects to agree with their elected officials on all matters but a serious response to the issues constituents raise; a direct and honest answer to every question asked; and a willingness to truthfully reveal their views on all matters should qualify as the minimum requirements for continued constituent support. Somewhere along the way too many have lost sight of the fundamentals of representative government, and they need to be reminded. They work for us. Until we decide they don’t.
