Report from the Field, Strategic Blueprints • November 17th, 2008

The Fox Valley goes blue

by Chris Lato

It was once fairly reliable GOP territory. But in the last two election cycles, the Fox Valley has been steadily turning from red to blue. To put a spin on the title of one recent book, what’s the matter with the Fox Valley?

Anyone who thought Democrat U.S. Rep. Steve Kagen would be ‘one and done’ were disappointed this month after John Gard failed to knock one out of the park in his second at-bat.

Meanwhile, Wisconsin Democrats see the opportunity and are seizing it. Note the rise of Fox Valley Dems to leadership positions. Wisely, Democrats recognize the chance to build a political dynasty in an area of Wisconsin that was once fairly reliable in leaning GOP.

With every election, you’ll hear that old chestnut: ‘This is the most important election in our lifetimes.’ 2008 was important, sure – but it’s not too early to start talking about 2010 as one that will really matter.

After all, we’ll have a governor’s and attorney general’s races. We’ll know if the GOP has been able to get its act together following the crippling losses of ’06 and ’08, and the stage will be set for drawing up the legislative district map – which can help secure parts of the state for one political party for years to come.

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