Rebecca Cooke
Waitress
Democrat
Town of Tainter
Elected Experience
None
Q&A with the Candidate
Why should voters send you to congress?
We need more people in Congress with working class backgrounds who have experienced failed policies and are going to lead from those lived experiences to deliver results for our communities. I grew up on a dairy farm in Eau Claire where we had to sell our cows because of the low price of milk and corporate competition. I went on to elect changemakers to public office before I came back home to start a small business and nonprofit focused on providing start-up capital to women-owned businesses across northwest Wisconsin. Because of that work I was appointed by Governor Evers to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. I'm running for Congress to embolden the working class and reclaim rural power.
What is the top issue in your district? How would you address it?
Healthcare access and affordability are the biggest challenges facing communities across the region. Families are worried about rising costs, provider shortages, and losing local services. Recently, two major hospitals closed in Eau Claire, and in parts of the district, the nearest hospital with labor and delivery services is more than 40 minutes away. I've been meeting with health care providers, patients, and local leaders across the district to better understand these challenges. In Congress, I’ll work to expand Medicare to cover vision dental & hearing, create pipeline programs to bolster our healthcare workforce, increase Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rates to keep our rural hospitals and clinics open. No one should have to travel hours or worry about going bankrupt to get the care they need.
What expertise would you bring into congress? How would it help your district?
As a small business owner, I know what it’s like to start a business, process payroll and balance a budget. If we had more leaders with business acumen in Congress we might be able to do something about our national debt. I founded a nonprofit to support other women on that same path to entrepreneurship — helping over 70 small businesses launch. Because of that work Gov. Evers appointed me to the Wisconsin Economic Development Board. In Congress, I’ll be able to lead on agricultural initiatives because of my family’s background in farming and pass a farm bill to support family farms vs. corporate ag. I’ll lead initiatives that support main street vs. wall street. And I’ll fight like hell to lower costs across the board.
Should Congress exert more oversight over the president? Why or why not?
Yes. Congress has a constitutional responsibility to provide oversight of the executive branch, regardless of who is president. Oversight promotes accountability, transparency, and responsible use of taxpayer dollars. It should be conducted in a fair, fact-based manner and focused on ensuring government works for the American people.
What is your favorite fun Wisconsin history fact?
Wisconsin is the largest producer of cranberries in the country — with ample growers here in WI-03. Why? When the glacier receded from central Wisconsin (think Warrens, Wisconsin Rapids) it left a sandy region (Central Sands!) where typical cash crops like corn or soybeans can’t grow. This left a rich environment for native cranberries and led to a burgeoning family-led industry of growers.