Congressman Grothman sets aside politics and spins some records at Madison's WORT

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.) was one of nine GOP congressman to oppose renaming a post office in Winston-Salem, N.C. to honor civil rights activist Maya Angelou.

Rep. Glenn Grothman set politics aside and spun records for an hour at a community radio station in Madison Tuesday.

The conservative Republican recorded a one hour show of his favorite music at Madison's WORT (89.9 FM). Grothman's program will be aired in the near future.

"He has long wanted to play some records on the air," said Molly Stentz, WORT news and public affairs director.

A former state senator, Grothman asked about doing a DJ stint several years ago when he was interviewed by WORT, Stentz said.

Grothman was scheduled to do the show on a Monday night when the station offers one hour slots for community access broadcasts. (A recent show was "Brian and Matt talk Jimi Hendrix.") A conflict came up, so he recorded the show for an upcoming broadcast.

Stentz said it was unusual for a politician to seek air time for a music program.

"I frankly haven't had that many people ask," she said.

Stentz said Grothman had asked whether the station aired any polka music, but wasn't sure he was going to work any into his set.

"I think he's a classic rock guy. He's welcome to bring his own stuff or use what we have here - we have a big library."

The congressman's musical roots are indeed in the past, spokeswoman Bernadette Green said in an email.

"He describes his musical taste as songs that were really popular during their time (aka the 60s and 70s), but haven’t traveled through the decades," she said.

Grothman's favorite band? Canadian hard-rockers Rush.

Green said her boss has previously spun records at WISS (98.3 FM), based in Berlin.

Grothman represents the 6th district, which extends from his home turf in Sheboygan County west to Columbia County, just north of Madison. The western part of his district is in the northern fringe of the WORT signal, although the station also broadcasts online.

"I feel like the politicians that engage with the media - that should be the goal. That's how it used to be," Stentz said.

A date has not been set.