Here & Now

Baldwin Surges to Reelection

Frederica Freyberg:
The Marquette Law School Poll was nearly pitch perfect in the race for Wisconsin governor, having it tied going into the election. Polling was also right as rain in the U.S. Senate race. Incumbent Democrat Tammy Baldwin won the race by ten points over her Republican challenger Leah Vukmir. In tonight’s closer look, how that played out Tuesday night.

News Anchor:
CNN is projecting that Tammy Baldwin has won her race in Wisconsin.

Frederica Freyberg:
The projections for the win started coming in even before the polls closed in Wisconsin. The foregone conclusion of the official call that quickly followed didn’t dampen the celebratory mood over a second term for the Madison Democrat with statewide appeal.

[cheers and applause]

Tammy Baldwin:
So thank you, Wisconsin!
[cheers and applause]

Tammy Baldwin:
For us, it wasn’t simply a political fight. It was a fight about doing what’s right.

Frederica Freyberg:
Baldwin spoke to protecting coverage of pre-existing conditions, helping farmers, veterans and Wisconsin manufacturing, of combating climate change and maintaining retirement security.

Tammy Baldwin:
In Wisconsin, we understand that America will only be made stronger when our political debate becomes more about issues and less about knocking each other down.

[cheers and applause]

Frederica Freyberg:
60 miles away, supporters, including Republican U.S. Senator Ron Johnson, heard Leah Vukmir concede after a rough-and-tumble run-up to the election.

Leah Vukmir:
Even though we don’t see eye to eye on the issues, to say the least, she ran a hard-fought race.

Frederica Freyberg:
Vukmir is as hard right as Baldwin is hard left.

Tammy Baldwin:
Make no mistake. I am proud to be a Wisconsin progressive.

[cheers and applause]

Frederica Freyberg:
Baldwin’s closing soundtrack election night was “Hit Me with Your Best Shot.”
Senator Baldwin says she sees a divided Congress being able to work potential compromise on issues such as infrastructure, lowering prescription drug prices and the farm bill.