From Lynn Dew
Platteville
To the Editor:
On August 11, we get to decide which Democratic candidate, Rebecca Cooke or Emily Berge, will run against Derrick Van Orden to represent Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District (WI-03). If we truly want to win in November, then Cooke is our candidate. Not only is she the most qualified candidate, she is also the only one with the name recognition and campaign resources necessary to beat Van Orden.
Cooke’s life experiences have prepared her well for this office. She grew up on a dairy farm (one of Wisconsin’s primary industries); she owned and operated a small business and created a non-profit to support other women-owned businesses; she served on the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation; and she worked for the campaigns of other candidates. She has also spent the better part of a decade studying legislative policy and making connections with members of Congress, which will enable her to be a productive representative.
In comparison, Berge’s career as a therapist and time on Eau Claire’s city council have provided little experience with the people and industries throughout Wisconsin and she does not have the policy knowledge or connections necessary to be an effective Congresswoman.
Cooke also has the best chance of defeating Van Orden in November. In today’s political world, it takes name recognition and money to win an election of this magnitude. Cooke has both. She has established connections with significant individuals and organizations and has endorsements from national figures including Tammy Baldwin and Pete Buttigieg. She also has the financial resources to support a major campaign. Contrary to what the Berge camp implies, these funds are not from corporate PACs but are from individuals and non-corporate organizations. As a first-time grassroots candidate, Berge does not have the name recognition, connections, or funds to compete with Van Orden.
One final point is that the 2026 climate is set for Cooke. The factors that cost Democrats votes in 2024 (Biden’s economy, the selection of Harris, and the infatuation with Trump) are not at play and frustration is building with the current administration. A candidate like Cooke is what we need.
To win in November we must vote for Cooke in August. She is highly qualified and ready to represent WI-03; she has name recognition and political support; and she has the funds and staff needed to defeat Van Orden. Let’s vote for Cooke and flip this seat!
