SPOONER, WI — Wisconsin State Senator Romaine Quinn joined DrydenWire founder Ben Dryden Wednesday, May 27, 2026, for another episode of DrydenWire Live, covering a broad range of political topics impacting Northwest Wisconsin and the state as a whole.
The live conversation, which ran just under an hour on DrydenWire’s Facebook page, touched on legislative developments in Madison, Republican politics, state budget discussions, local economic concerns, and Quinn’s ongoing campaign for Wisconsin’s newly drawn 23rd Senate District.
One of the first topics discussed was the recent unanimous approval by the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee to reopen the Brule Fish Hatchery. Quinn spoke about the importance of the hatchery to Northern Wisconsin tourism, conservation efforts, and the local economy, calling the project a major win for the region.
A large portion of the discussion focused on the failed $1.8 billion state surplus package that generated significant debate among Republicans. Quinn explained why he supported the proposal, despite criticism from some conservatives and concerns raised in a recent Legislative Fiscal Bureau report projecting a future structural deficit if the package had been enacted.
Dryden also questioned Quinn about the internal disagreements among Senate Republicans regarding the deal, including reports that leadership announced support for the package before all votes had been secured. Quinn addressed the political tension surrounding the proposal and shared his perspective on balancing tax relief, infrastructure priorities, and long-term fiscal responsibility.
The conversation also included discussion about Congressman Tom Tiffany and his involvement in the surplus discussions, along with Quinn’s recent endorsement of candidate Kevin Hermening in the 7th Congressional District Republican primary race. Quinn explained why he chose to make the endorsement and discussed the potential political dynamics depending on the election outcome.
As the discussion shifted toward campaign season, Quinn spoke about running in Wisconsin’s newly configured 23rd Senate District following legislative redistricting. He also discussed connecting with voters throughout the district during summer parade season and the questions constituents are asking most frequently, including concerns about inflation, gas prices, and the economy.
Dryden and Quinn additionally discussed turnover within the Wisconsin Senate Republican caucus, with several Republican senators not seeking reelection. Quinn shared his thoughts on what the changes could mean for the future direction of the Legislature and Republican leadership in Madison.
The episode was streamed live on DrydenWire’s Facebook page as part of the ongoing DrydenWire Live series featuring long-form conversations with elected officials and community leaders from across Wisconsin.
The full video replay will be available on DrydenWire’s YouTube channel and embedded below.
Last Update: May 27, 2026 1:16 pm CDT
