Yesterday in La Crosse

Oktoberfest became a political fest, 30 years ago

Published

6 years ago

October 5, 2018

The Maple Leaf Parade of 1988 in La Crosse fell just a month before a presidential election, and it drew a frequent presidential contender. Republican Sen. Bob Dole walked with several Wisconsin members of his party in the parade, including Senate candidate Susan Engeleiter, who was running to succeed retiring Democrat William Proxmire. Engeleiter’s Democratic opponent, Herb Kohl, also took part in the parade. Kohl won the Senate seat, and in the Bush vs. Dukakis race for the White House, Wisconsin went for Michael Dukakis.

On this night 30 years ago, vice presidential candidates Dan Quayle and Lloyd Bentsen debated in Omaha. The event is best remembered for Republican Quayle comparing his qualifications to Democrat John Kennedy in 1960, with Bentsen responding “You’re no Jack Kennedy.” Quayle still became VP.

In movie theaters that fall, you could see “Halloween 4,” a sequel without Jamie Lee Curtis. She was starring with John Cleese and Kevin Kline in “A Fish Called Wanda.” And Tom Hanks and Sally Field played stand-up comics in “Punchline,” 30 years ago, 1988, yesterday in La Crosse.

Related Topics:Bob Dole Dan Quayle oktoberfest

Brad Williams

A native of Prairie du Chien, Brad graduated from UW - La Crosse and has worked in radio news for more than 30 years, mostly in the La Crosse area. He regularly covers local courts and city and county government. Brad produces the features "Yesterday in La Crosse" and "What's Buried on Brad's Desk." He also writes the website "Triviazoids," which finds odd connections between events that happen on a certain date, and he writes and performs with the local comedy group Heart of La Crosse. Brad been featured on several national TV programs because of his memory skills.