The Recombobulation Area is a 19-time Milwaukee Press Club award-winning opinion column and online publication founded by longtime Milwaukee journalist Dan Shafer. The Recombobulation Area is now part of Civic Media. Mark Becker is the former chairman of the Brown County Republican Party, a party he has now left. In 2024, he was part of Wisconsin Republicans for Harris-Walz. He also hosts the radio show and podcast, “Rational Revolution,” which airs on Saturday and Sunday on the Civic Media network. I always enjoy talking politics with Mark, who has a unique perspective and always has a lot to say. On this latest episode, we talked about looking ahead to the 2026 midterm elections, the race for governor (and the candidate forum I hosted in January), and whether or not Wisconsin is really a purple state. We also talked about how this is Tony Evers’ last year as governor. He’ll be giving his final State of the State Address this week (Tuesday, Feb. 17, 7 p.m.). And in the state legislature, the Assembly and Senate are racing to their imaginary deadline to complete their session before going off to campaign for nine months (we’ve, uh, discussed this broken dynamic before). With all of that happening, is this the end of a certain era in Wisconsin state politics? You can watch the full conversation, which features a final segment with Becker’s take on the Super Bowl halftime show, in the video here, or listen in the official podcast feed embedded below. Becker also recently wrote this column here at The Recombobulation Area, about Alex Pretti, fellow alum of the Green Bay Boys Choir. One more thing: Last Friday, I joined my friend Greg Bach on the final episode of “Civic Media Mid-Mornings,” which has been broadcasting in the “Matenaer On Air” 9-11 a.m. timeslot since Jane’s retirement in December. But don’t worry, Greg will soon be back on the airwaves, and you’ll hear more about what’s in store in the coming days. Listen to that episode with yours truly here, or watch the video below, at about the midway point. “Rational Revolution” video edited by Dominic Lee. The Recombobulation Area is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Dan Shafer is a journalist from Milwaukee who writes and publishes The Recombobulation Area. In 2024, he became the Political Editor of Civic Media. He’s written for The New York Times, The Daily Beast, Heartland Signal, Belt Magazine, WisPolitics, and Milwaukee Record. He previously worked at Seattle Magazine, Seattle Business Magazine, the Milwaukee Business Journal, Milwaukee Magazine, and BizTimes Milwaukee. He’s won 23 Milwaukee Press Club Excellence in Journalism Awards. He’s on Twitter at @DanRShafer. Join our subscriber group chat here! Subscribe to The Recombobulation newsletter here and follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @ therecombobulationarea. Already subscribe? Get a gift subscription for a friend. Part of a group who might want to subscribe together? Get a group subscription for 30% off! Follow Dan Shafer on Twitter at @DanRShafer and at BlueSky at @danshafer.bsky.social. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.therecombobulationarea.news/subscribe
