Cynthia_Kaump's Blog

Hello everyone.  I want to take a moment to thank you passionate FOX 6 bloggers.  We may have not agreed on every issue, but sure had some impressive discussions here.  I've learned what not to wear to the Emmy Party, what lipstick looks best, what you like or don't like about my stories, what you like or don't like about me, as well as your political views and how you feel when another one of "Wisconsin's Most Wanted" is captured.  I thank you for that.

I made a very difficult decision to leave FOX 6 after nearly 4 years.  I've relished the funny moments in the newsroom, the intense ones out in the field, the friends I've found in my colleagues and our viewers.

It was an honor to sit down with the remaining 4 Presidential candidates for one-on-one interviews and bring their stories and personalities to you.  And yes, Senator McCain, I will wear my sunscreen wherever I go! 

It was challenging, but rewarding to profile a new federal fugitive each week in our very popular franchise "Wisconsin's Most Wanted."  In 2006, 53 fugitives were captured.  Mara and Kelly were my predecessors and left some tough shoes to fill.  I think we did it.  I really do think we made them proud.  I must note the efforts of Acting Chief U.S. Marshal Doug Bachert who spearheaded the program.  His hard work and that of the other men and women in the USMS often goes unrecognized.    As a whole, they are an impressive bunch.

I'm proud to have earned 3 Emmy nominations and title of "Best Live Reporter" in Wisconsin by the Milwaukee Press Club during my time here.

It's the right time for me to move on.....

As a cancer survivor going through additional radiation treatments last Fall, I was warned fertility would be an issue.  We are blessed to plan the welcoming of our first child into the world in December. 

Meantime, I plan to take a LONG vacation, take it easy and enjoy this wonderful time in my life.

I will miss my colleagues.  There are days I will miss the fast pace of mulitiple live shots and breaking news.  But I look forward to the rest and seeing you all on TV again.  You can count on that!

I'm officially taking this show on the road!

Warm Wishes to All,                  Cynthia

At 9:30pm, we aired a story with a Wisconsin Democratic Delegate to the National Convention.  She recently indicated she would vote for Senator McCain for President if Senator Clinton was not the Democratic candidate.  It's made news.  She's been bombarded with national media. 

She says she regrets ever having taken the phone call from a McCain staffer.

She also said she never received rules on what she was/wasn't allowed to do if her candidate she agreed to support is not the party nominee.  This is her first crack at holding a delegate seat.

The Dems now want to remove her from the convention and give it to someone else.  She has not withdrawn support for Clinton, quite the contrary, says she will vote for her at the convetion with the hopes she can still become the nominee. 

Should she lose her seat?  Does she have a right to vote for someone else if the candidate she vowed to support is not THE candidate?  Let's blog!  -Cynthia

We did a story tonight for our 10pm news on bad behavior of many Wisconsinites post massive flooding.

For starters, we caught on video 2 teens looting a vehicle stranded in flood waters on Hwy. 38 at the Racine/Milwaukee Counties border.  The Oak Creek Chief of Police wants the community to speak up if someone knows who they are.

Now--- we spotted a number of people deciding they would bypass flood barriers and drive through flood waters.  Few made it, further draining a small police department and putting the lives of drivers, passengers, and rescuers at risk. 

Chief Tom Bauer warns, those youngsters who took advantage of an already terrible situation will be charged when caught.  Those barrier bypassers can get fined $300.

In addition to all of this, Bauer wants all residents to be on high alert if a service person shows up at your doorstep claiming to be sent by the city to help with your flooded baseement, downed trees or power lines.   Any legitimate city employee with be wearing his or her Oak Creek credentials around the neck.  Anyone else..... call police.

Hmmm..... some have suggested it.  Check out my stories tonight at 9 and 10pm to find out what he's saying.  I sit down one on one with Thompson to discuss his chairing Senator John McCain's Wisconsin campaign committee and to ask about his future in politics. 

While you are at it, check out my sit down interview with John McCain.

Let us know what you think of the stories.

Cynthia

40 year old Rosa Prieto is the woman pulled from the Kinnickinnic River Sunday morning.  That was released today.  The family suspects foul play.  The police are saying little, other than they are conducting follow up interviews.  Of course should this prove to be a homicide, investigators need to play this close to their vest. 

I met with Prieto's family this afternoon.  I asked her 16 year old daughter if I could give her  hug and explained very quietly I know how she feels because I too, lost my mother.  She started crying.  She wouldn't let go and I didn't want to stop hugging her--- maybe hoping to take away a tiny bit of her pain.

For those of you who've asked in the past, what's toughest about our jobs and most rewarding--- what I just put before you-----is both.

Hang in there Alycia.       -Cynthia

40 year old Rosa Prieto is the woman pulled from the Kinnickinnic River Sunday morning.  That was released today.  The family suspects foul play.  The police are saying little, other than they are conducting follow up interviews.  Of course should this prove to be a homicide, investigators need to play this close to their vest. 

I met with Prieto's family this afternoon.  I asked her 16 year old daughter if I could give her  hug and explained very quietly I know how she feels because I too, lost my mother.  She started crying.  She wouldn't let go and I didn't want to stop hugging her--- maybe hoping to take away a tiny bit of her pain.

For those of you who've asked in the past, what's toughest about our jobs and most rewarding--- what I just put before you-----is both.

Hang in there Alycia.       -Cynthia

You all need to check out this story on our page that airs tonight at 10pm about Counterfeit cash floating around. 

I got a tutorial speaking to a Bank security person this afternoon about how to detect phony bills.  I am amazed by the counterfeiting sophistication.

Have you ever seen/held a counterfeit bill? 

I was listening to a political commentator recently dicuss how those rooting on Senator Hillary Clinton to withdraw from the Presidential race are foolish to ever count out a Clinton.

Looking at the numbers in West Virginia tonight, perhaps his comment has some grit. 

By no means is this an endorsement for Mrs. Clinton, but what do you think?  Is it wise, when reviewing their history to believe she would give up a fight that easily?   What do you think?

Let's blog!

The political frenzy is in full swing here in Wisconsin. 

Senator Barack Obama had 20 thousand supporters on their feet in Madison Tuesday night and a Racine woman in tears tonight.

Senator Hillary Clinton sent her daughter Chelsea Clinton Monday and Tuesday to stump on state campuses.  President Clinton will make his way here Thursday to blaze the campaign trail for the New York Senator.

So where are the Republicans? 

Senator John McCain is expected here Friday night.

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee made his first visit to the Dairy State tas a Presidential candidate tonight (Wednesday).  I had the opportunity to interview him one on one.  We hit all the political points of a traditional interview.  We talked policy.  We talked about pundits urging him to step down.  He says he will not.  We talked about the VA system here that is under staffed and under funded.  He pointed to his Veterans Bill of Rights as a solution.  We talked about the grossly skewed unemployment rate among African American men in Milwaukee.  It's the second highest in the nation-- behind Pittsburgh.  Then, I have to say, he surprised me.  The self dubbed "only conservative candidate" in this race did not miss a beat when I tried to have some fun with him. 

Here's what I walk away knowing about Governor Mike Huckabee.... He says he has enough cash to take this race straight to the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis the first week of September AND he duck hunts, prefers to drink coffee that closely resembles sludge, and jams to the Rolling Stones proudly proclaiming with a chuckle, they are all older than him! 

Did you watch our stories tonight?  How about checking them out under our political and news tabs on MyFOXMilwaukee.com? 

Let me know what you think of the candidate making his debut here tonight.

Let's Blog!  -Cynthia

Well, we knew it was coming.  We reported on it.

There was Maine's primary this weekend.  Maryland's is Tuesday.

Ready for this?

Monday, Chelsea Clinton is coming to compaign for her mother.  She will be at UWM and you guessed it, so will we!

Obama will be in Madison Tuesday.

This is an exciting time in politics.

If there was one question you could ask Chelsea, what would it be? 

Let's Blog!                            -Cynthia

There's so much attention being placed on Super Tuesday.  Some 20 states will hold primary elections.  It's shaping up to look like a National Primary. 

Pundits predict a Republican candidate will arise after tomorrow.

Local analysts aren't so convinced. 

Both Democratic candidates set up camp here in Wisconsin already.

So, yes, Wisconsin will come into play.  But how much?  Who do you predict to emerge as front runners here during our primary February 19th?

Let's blog about it!  -Cynthia

President George W. Bush is slated to make his final State of the Union address to our nation.  We will likely hear on the status of the War in Iraq, mortgage rates, the state of the economy.  So, what do you want/need to hear from Mr. Bush tonight?

Let's Blog.  -Cynthia

Read all the information you can about this folks!   -Cynthia

The world of politics, specifically this Presidential election season grows more fascinating each day.

Obama, a bi-racial man walked away a winner from the Iowa Caucuses in a predominantly white state.  That's history being made folks.

Then Johnny come lately, Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee walks away from Iowa an unexpected victor on the Republican ticket. 

Many pundits were counting out Clinton, Edwards, Guiliani, Romney, McCain.  Then along comes the New Hampshire primary.

Did Hillary's tearful display win her votes?  Not sure, but she won New Hampshire.  Whoa!  She defied the polls to come out on top.  Obama was not far behind, but where was Edwards?

Then, Senator John McCain who most had counted out of this race shocked everyone pulling the Republican vote.

This is exciting stuff!  I'm on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happens in remaining primaries and caucuses.  Nevada's coming up.  So is Wisconsin.  Stay Tuned!

-Cynthia

I spoke to Jim Fiene, Senior Vice President of Open Pantry stores this afternoon on the phone.  Something I read on WisPolitics.com peaked my interest.... so I called.

Open Pantry stores are doling out "Doyle Dollars" to customers who buy cigarettes.  It is a $1 off coupon for 2 packs of cigarettes purchased.

Fiene says the chain will continue to dole out the dollars through January 31st to remind people why their cigarettes cost more.

I also spoke to Matt Cantor, Deputy Communications Director for Governor Jim Doyle.  He told me over the phone, the Governor has no worries.  Actually, he's pleased with the impact the cigarette tax increase has had the past 2 weeks since it's inception January 1st.  The state has a record number of calls to its quit line. 

Huh!

-Cynthia