Earlier in October I joined about 70 others attending the “Future of America” event hosted by the Wisconsin College Republicans at a facility on Front Street in La Crosse. One of the many speakers correctly pointed out that the college age generation is not the future of America but rather the heart of America!

This event was organized and orchestrated by the Wisconsin College Republicans (CR) and several of the Wisconsin CR organization leaders were there and actively participated. These leaders represented several college campuses from across the state. Their organizational skills and professionalism in making presentations was noteworthy. There were several twenty-something year old present already in elected leadership or actively anticipating their campaign for office in 2024. Based on that evening, I can certainly comment that the college aged generation is both the heart and the future of our state and our country.

There were many “older” people present wanting to show their support for the “college kids”. Guests included the Chairman of the 3rd District Republicans and the County Republican Chairmen from Monroe, Vernon, La Crosse and Dane Counties as well as the Vice Chairman from Milwaukee County. There was even a gentleman and his teenage daughter taking it all in.

Former State Senator Dan Kapanke led the list of guest speakers with some motivational and encouraging words which seemed to set the stage for the evening. State Senator Pat Testin (R-24th), a former CR from UW-Stevens Point, pointed out that the road to victory for Republicans nationally goes through Wisconsin. Congressman Derrick Van Orden (R-WI 3rd) shared some personal insights to the developing situation with the Speaker of the House and added a few comments on the federal budget and other issues. He also shared that when his daughter recently lost her battle with cancer that former President Trump made a personal call to express his sympathy.

nother featured speaker was the state leader from Turning Point USA who is also the Dane County Republican Chairman and the Vice Chairman of the Republican County Chairman Organization. This multi-hatted experience gives him a unique perspective and he is extremely positive on the potential of the younger generation in the upcoming elections.

U.S. Senate candidate Stacey Klein was introduced and asked to share a few words. Klein is from Trempealeau County and brings her cultural experience as a farmer’s daughter, her professional experience as financial advisor, her political experience with the local County Republican Party, and her leadership experience on the Trempealeau County Board of Supervisors to the campaign. After sharing her experiences and strengths, she effectively critiqued the incumbent whom she hopes to defeat next November realizing there will probably be a Primary in August.

The gentleman featured as the keynote speaker, Congressman Tom Tiffany (R-WI 7th) was the final speaker of a lively and informative evening. Congressman Tiffany was fired up and started his presentation with five or six “In Joe Biden’s America…” pointing out many problems with the lack of leadership in the current administration. The government is too large, the House passes a bill and the Senate sits on it, there are open borders for drugs and immigration, and Biden is really trying to be Obama’s third term transforming America are the major problems. Congressman Tiffany hopes the American people will wake up before the 2024 election and he is ready and willing to help the Republican Presidential nominee –and all Republicans-- win in Wisconsin.

Whether the “Future of America” or the “Heart of America”, and I think it could be both, the College Republican event in La Crosse earlier in October was certainly inspirational and bodes well for the present and future! Having two Congressmen, a State Senator, a former State Senator, several County Republican Chairmen, a US Senate candidate, and the several twenty-somethings already in leadership roles, speaks volumes to the excitement at this event. But, for this to truly happen the twenty-somethings of the college-age generation need growing opportunities and monetary support for the benefit of the entire country both today and tomorrow.