‘In the trenches’: Wisconsin’s struggling small businesses could turn a Trump ally’s district blue
Summary
Small-business owners in Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District say rising costs, tariffs, and healthcare expenses are hurting their businesses and customers. Democrat Rebecca Cooke is highlighting those concerns in her competitive race against Republican incumbent Derrick Van Orden, who has supported President Donald Trump.Key Facts
- Erin Klaus plans to close Tangled Up in Hue, her artisan market in downtown Eau Claire, at the end of the year after 18 years in business.
- Klaus said sales had declined for two years and she had used income from another job to help pay her staff.
- Klaus cited tariffs, inflation, living costs, healthcare expenses, and a downtown paid-parking program among the pressures on her business.
- Amy Burke Lepper said tariffs raised the cost of cabinets she buys from a Canadian maker, and some clients delayed home-building projects because of costs.
- Burke Lepper said health insurance for her and her husband rose from more than $1,000 to nearly $3,000 per month, leaving her without coverage.
- The article describes Wisconsin’s 3rd District House race as competitive, with Cooke challenging Van Orden.
- Cooke is focusing her campaign on economic strain among workers, farmers, and business owners.
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