On their latest political podcast, Milfred and Hands talk ICE, affordability and ERs with Democratic candidate for governor Sara Rodriguez. She's Wisconsin's lieutenant governor, a former state lawmaker and emergency room nurse who has been surging in the race for the Democratic nomination. She won a straw poll at the party's convention and earned endorsements from two former opponents in Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and former Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. leader Missy Hughes. The wife of a first-generation Mexican immigrant, Rodriguez wants to step up opposition to masked federal agents conducting raids in Wisconsin. She also touts her record of winning a seat in the Legislature from conservative-leaning Waukesha County. Rodriguez could become the consensus candidate, especially if the field of five main challengers for the Democratic nomination thins further. “I’ve always been on the front lines," Rodriguez says. "I have always run to the problem."
July 14th, 2026, 11:46 pm
Center Stage, with Milfred and Hands
Sara Rodriguez has 'always been on the front lines'
00:00
49m
Published July 14th, 2026, 11:46 pm
Description
On their latest political podcast, Milfred and Hands talk ICE, affordability and ERs with Democratic candidate for governor Sara Rodriguez. She's Wisconsin's lieutenant governor, a former state lawmaker and emergency room nurse who has been surging in the race for the Democratic nomination. She won a straw poll at the party's convention and earned endorsements from two former opponents in Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and former Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. leader Missy Hughes. The wife of a first-generation Mexican immigrant, Rodriguez wants to step up opposition to masked federal agents conducting raids in Wisconsin. She also touts her record of winning a seat in the Legislature from conservative-leaning Waukesha County. Rodriguez could become the consensus candidate, especially if the field of five main challengers for the Democratic nomination thins further. “I’ve always been on the front lines," Rodriguez says. "I have always run to the problem."
Share
Center Stage, with Milfred and Hands
They're the "Click and Clack" of Wisconsin politics. Scott Milfred, editorial page editor for the Wisconsin State Journal, and Phil Hands, the newspaper's political cartoonist, analyze the most important issues and debates from the Badger State with political independence and a sense of humor. Instead of tedious talking points from the left and the right, "Center Stage" broadcasts from the sensible center with audio clips from the Wisconsin Capitol, from State Journal editorial board meetings, and from political events across the state.
