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This event is now full – please click the link above to join the waitlist as spots sometimes open up at the last minute
This complimentary social event for PLATO members and their guests will take place on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, from 2:00-4:00pm at The East Side Club located on Monona Drive.
Enjoy light refreshments, social opportunities, committee updates, door prizes, and a fascinating keynote presentation by Dr. Henrik M. Schatzinger. The title of his presentation will be Hidden Money, Visible Power: Super PACs and Dark Money in Wisconsin Politics.
Dr. Schatzinger is Professor of Political Science at Ripon College and Director of the Center for Politics and the People. He grew up in Germany and came to the United States in 2001 as a Fulbright Scholar, later becoming a naturalized citizen. His work examines campaigns and campaign finance, interest groups, and lobbying, with emphasis on how money, incentives, and institutional pressure shape participation and governing outcomes. His perspective reflects a dual vantage point. He approaches American politics with both critical distance and lived commitment, and he translates institutional mechanics into clear explanations for broad audiences. He co-authored Game Changers, a book on how Super PACs and dark money are transforming U.S. campaigns. He is the author of the forthcoming Cambridge University Press book Super PACs in the City, which explains how outside money is reshaping local elections – PLATO members may access an overview of this book here.
Dr. Schatzinger also serves as a political analyst for state, national, and international media. His television commentary includes BBC News, C-SPAN, Spectrum News, and WBAY-TV, along with full-length programs on WisconsinEye. His print and online interviews include Newsweek, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, La Libre in Belgium, and Jiji Press in Japan, and his radio interviews include National Public Radio and Wisconsin Public Radio. Since 2016, he has convened and moderated more than 120 public forums through the Center for Politics and the People, featuring nearly 300 speakers and panelists, many of which are live-streamed on WisconsinEye.
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Schedule of Events
1:30pm – Doors Open for Early Check-in & Social Time
2:00pm – Check-in & Social Time Continue
2:15pm – Welcome & Introductions
2:30pm – PLATO Business Meeting
2:45pm – Keynote: Hidden Money, Visible Power: Super PACs and Dark Money in Wisconsin Politics, by Dr. Henrik M. Schatzinger, introduced by Barbara Drake
3:35pm – Door Prizes
3:55pm – Closing Message
4:00pm – Social Time for those who want to linger + open cash bar for a variety of beverage choices during Happy Hour
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Door Prizes
PLATO One-Year Membership for current member ($60 value)
PLATO One-Year Membership for new member ($60 value)
Gift Certificate toward a PLATO-Sponsored Trip ($50 value)
Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co. Gift Certificate ($25 value)
(2) Pasture and Plenty Gift Certificates ($25 value each)
Hop Haus Brewing Company (Verona & Fitchburg) Gift Card ($25 value)
Ingeni Coffee & Tea Maker with Three Tea Sampler Bundle from Burman Coffee Traders ($35 value)
Wisconsin State Capitol 2025 Ornament ($25 value)
(2) Hand-Blown Glass Tumblers ($50 value)
––> This list will be updated as more prizes come in!
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Driving & Parking Directions
This event will be held at the East Side Club located at:
3735 Monona Drive, Madison, Wi 53714 – click here for Google Map.
The East Side Club has convenient, free parking in the parking lot in front of their building and ADA accessible facilities.
Cancellations? Contact Stephanie at info@platomadison.org.
Questions? Contact Stephanie at info@platomadison.org.
