Van Hollen also initiated Project Safe Neighborhoods, a federal effort to reduce violent gun crime by enforcing the numerous laws already on the books. In its first year, Van Hollen worked in Rock County to prosecute individuals for gun crimes ranging from being a felon in possession of firearms or ammo to use of firearms during violent felonies, resulting in an average prison sentence of more than five years. Van Hollen later expanded the effort to Dane County and several multi-jurisdictional drug enforcement groups in rural Wisconsin. Firearms prosecutions nearly tripled during his tenure.
A fiscal conservative, Van Hollen underspent his budget during all three of his years as U.S. Attorney. During this time, the number of criminal cases filed by Van Hollen's office increased by 15% in 2002, 7% in 2003 and 23% in 2004 totaling a 53% increase during his tenure.
Van Hollen's recreational pursuits include running, biking, swimming, skiing, basketball and golf. He has run two marathons and completed the 2003 Ironman Wisconsin Triathlon in Madison. An avid hunter, Van Hollen has been a member of Ducks Unlimited, Grouse Unlimited, National Rifle Association, Wisconsin Sporting Heritage, Inc., and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
J.B., wife Lynne and their children, Byron and Madelyn, live in Waunakee. J.B. Van Hollen graduated from St. Olaf College in 1988 with an undergraduate degree in Political Science and Economics. He earned his law degree two years later from the University of Wisconsin Law School.
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http://www.ronjohnsonforsenate.com/home/meet-ron/
Ron Johnson - Candidate for US Senate
(against Democrat incumbent Russ Fiengold)
Ron grew up in a family and in a place where one of the greatest compliments you could give a person was to say that he or she was a hard worker. This belief in a strong work ethic has been a core principle that has guided Ron’s life.
As soon as Ron was old enough he started mowing lawns and shoveling driveways to earn a few extra dollars. He delivered papers, caddied at the local golf course, and he even helped bale hay on his uncle’s dairy farm.
At the age of 15, Ron started paying taxes when he began working at Walgreen’s Grill. He only started as a dishwasher, but he quickly rose through the ranks to become a night manager before reaching the age of 16.
Ron and his wife of 32 years, Jane, met during his senior year of high school. While in college, Ron lived at home and worked full time in order to pay for all of his college expenses. Because of his work ethic, Ron was able to graduate college debt-free and with $7,000 in the bank. On August 20th of the same year he graduated college, Ron and Jane married.
Ron then went to work as an accountant at a company called Josten’s and attended night school to earn an MBA. He completed all of the course work for his MBA except for his final thesis when another opportunity called.
In 1979, Ron and Jane moved to Wisconsin, where Ron started a business called PACUR with his brother-in-law. Ron was the accountant and a machine operator, and for most of the company’s first year, Ron traded 12 hour shifts with his brother-in-law until they could train other operators.
With the help and dedication of the fine people Ron had the privilege of working with, PACUR has grown from a company supplying a single customer to the largest producer in the world of a specialty plastic used in medical device packaging and high tech printing applications. PACUR sells its products all around the world, with one of its largest export markets being China. PACUR is still proud to say: “We don’t export jobs, we export plastic.”
Ron and Jane’s first daughter, Carey, was born with a serious medical condition. It was then that Ron realized that his family is the most important thing in his life, and it still is today while everything else has become secondary. With the birth of Jenna and Ben, Ron and Jane’s family grew, along with the success of the business.
Ron’s quiet, but extensive work within his community has had a deep impact. Ron has worked within the community to simply lend a helping hand to his neighbors- a value Ron learned from his parents.
Ron enjoys the outdoors, fishing, hiking, camping, Packer and Badger games, rec league softball and basketball, folk music and playing guitar. As always, Ron’s family is with him every step of the way.
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www.friendsofdaveross.com
Superior Mayor Dave Ross - Candidate for Lt. Governor
Dave Ross was born in Superior, Wisconsin on March 9th, 1952. He graduated from Superior Senior High School in 1970 and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Communicating Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. Dave was married in 1973 to his wife, Lynn and together they have four daughters and ten grandchildren. They attend North Bay Community Church in Superior and have been active volunteers in their community for many years.
Dave grew up in a small business family and knows the hard work it takes to run a business. He was self employed for over 20 years in an upholstery business.
Dave was first elected mayor of Superior in 2003 and was re-elected in 2007 with an overwhelming majority. Dave is a strong fiscal conservative. In the six years Dave Ross has been mayor, he contained taxes, enacted a plan to eliminate over 28 million dollars in general obligation debt, reversed negative cash flow in the city’s golf course, landfill and health fund accounts, and increased profitability in the city owned marina. He has eliminated over 3½ million dollars in structural costs in the city budget while protecting essential city services.
Dave is a member of the board of directors of Superior-Douglas County Chamber of Commerce, Superior Business Improvement District, Superior-Douglas County Development Association, Great Ships Initiative and the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Mayors Initiative. Dave is a member of the Wisconsin Economic Development Association and Douglas County Republican Party, and a past director of the Wisconsin League of Municipalities.
Dave can be reached via e-mail at friendsofdaveross@gmail.com.
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www.votebrettdavis.com
WI Assemblyman Brett Davis - Candidate for Lt. Governor
Brett Davis was born in Oshkosh, graduated from Monroe High School and earned a B.A. in business administration from UW-Oshkosh, where he played collegiate basketball. His public service began immediately at the start of his professional career, first as a legislative aide in the state Capitol and then as an advisor to Governor Tommy Thompson both in Madison and Washington, D.C.
Brett was elected to his south central Wisconsin Assembly District as one of the youngest members of the Legislature in 2004. Despite liberal special interest groups spending over a million dollars attacking him, Brett managed to win reelection twice in a district where President Barack Obama took 64% of the vote. Brett’s common-sense philosophy and hard work on behalf of his constituents won support from Republicans, Independents and even some Democrats – a trait that will certainly help the GOP take back the governor’s office in 2010.
Brett has used his service in the state Assembly to fight for lower taxes, hold the line on government spending, provide high-quality, affordable health care, stand up for the Second Amendment and defend for pro-family and pro-life values. Brett is best known for his work on education reform and his willingness to take on the education establishment to try and improve our schools.
Brett has a lifetime 100 percent rating from the National Federation of Independent Businesses, was endorsed by Wisconsin Right to Life and given an “A” rating from the National Rifle Association in every legislative session.
In addition to his legislative service, Brett is a small businessman working as a Realtor for Hedeman Real Estate Company. Because of his commitment to economic development, Brett was elected President of the Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce.
Brett and his wife Amy reside with their daughter Audrey (2) and sons Will (5) and Sam (newborn) in the Town of Oregon.
As Lieutenant Governor, Brett will lead with the same vision he has had in every aspect of his life – focusing on Wisconsin’s top priorities, really listening to families and businesses when they talk about their immediate needs and their hopes for the future, and getting Wisconsin back on the right track after too many years of poor leadership.
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www.rebeccaforreal.com
Rebecca Kleefisch - Candidate for Lt. Governor
Rebecca’s Wisconsin roots were planted generations ago when the promise of innovation and good work brought her Great Great Great Grandfather west to Wisconsin in 1856. Horatio Gates Howard Reed built the Sheboygan Fond Du Lac Railroad and served in the 1869-1870 Wisconsin State Assembly before managing the Kaukauna Water Power Company.
Rebecca’s family tradition of strong women is laid out in the story of her Great Great Great Grandmother, who was surprised when the newly-purchased family farm along the shore of Lake Butte des Morts was also the site of a time-honored Menominee trail. When Chief Oshkosh himself once led his band straight to her door, Ester Mary Cole Reed was there to entertain with a jar of cookies. (Later she learned her guests liked doughnuts even better.)
Her parents were high school sweethearts. Dave and MaryJo Reed began dating at Brookfield Central High School when they were 16!
Becky was the first of two daughters. As a child, she loved learning about nature. Her dad was patient teaching her to fish and catch baby snakes and crayfish.
As a teenager, Becky learned the value of work by filing invoices in her dad’s home office for pennies a paper and teaching tap lessons at her mother’s dance studio. But it was her father’s work for Butler’s own Western States Envelope Company that sparked her interest in marketing. Every time a new line of products or colors was produced, Becky delighted in consulting, churning out dozens of name suggestions for each new selection.
When college came, though, Becky wanted to tell the stories of people instead of products and graduated with a journalism degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
At her college internship at WISN-TV in Milwaukee, Becky met Joel Kleefisch, a young reporter whose quick rise to a top 30 TV market interested her. He interested her, too.
Their first date was to Lambeau Field where the pair was too frugal to part with the money for tickets, so they got to know each other over the time-honored tradition of watching the Packers rout the Vikings from a tavern.
Rockford, Illinois was Becky’s first morning news anchor job. She typed scripts on a typewriter, learned to work sources, write her own promos and collect business cards for an over-flowing Rolodex of experts. She was ready to return to Wisconsin.
In 1999 Becky joined the ranks of WISN-TV. Before long, she was again behind the morning anchor desk, fronting two hours of daily coverage for the Southeastern Wisconsin station, chatting with her co-anchors about politics during commercial breaks.
When Joel and Becky’s first daughter Ella arrived in 2003, Becky left her job as a news anchor to stay at home, but still committed to keeping the family finances on track. Becky and Joel sold their house and moved into one with a more affordable mortgage. They began clipping coupons and cutting back.
To loosen things up, Becky arranged freelance work when Joel was home to watch Ella, and then when she was born in 2006, Violet. Her work in TV and college coursework in marketing put Becky in a unique niche to do contract work in marketing, public relations and media. She did all three, squeezing in volunteer work in Ella’s classroom and teaching Violet’s Sunday School class.
In 2009, with kids out of diapers, Becky was frustrated watching her beloved Wisconsin being wrecked by liberal tax-and-spenders. Combining her TV background and political junkie tendencies, Becky started a video blog, embedded once a week on “Sykes Writes”, a widely read conservative Wisconsin blog. Shortly after, she snagged a regular seat as a conservative pundit on “Sunday Insight”- a political talk show.
Banking on her experience in marketing and messaging and her love of politics, people started suggesting it might be time for a mom with some kitchen table common sense to lead. So Becky filed some papers to run for Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin.
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www.kingforsecretaryofstate.com
David King - Candidate for WI Secretary of State
(against Democrat incumbent Doug La Follete)
David King; the man-
David D. King is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and continues to maintain and fulfill his long time passion for making a difference within the very community in which he resides. He began his journey of social servitude shortly after high school when in 1979 David became a "neighborhood security aid". Patrolling the city neighborhoods and assisting with the needs of the elderly, he saw the effects of what happens when people give up hope, surrender the dream of a future and abandon the very basic tenets of self responsibility, hard work and education that built this nation. He heard the stories of older members of the community as they spoke of hard work and sacrifices made in generations past and was determined to use his life to make a difference in others. By 1983 he was doing this as he began managing "million dollar restaurants" at which he provided jobs to those who had previously had difficulty in finding employment.
In 1994, David heard the powerful word of God and followed His calling by relocating to Meridian, Georgia. Upon his arrival he assisted the Ministry by implementing a Youth Center. 1996 found Pastor King repositioning himself back in Milwaukee and establishing a prison ministry with the goal to rehabilitate the prison inmates. From 1997 to 1999, David managed a Transitional Living Facility named the "Mountain of the Lord House" which offered counseling, social assistance and spiritual guidance to men including former inmates, drug addicts and the homeless. Urged by his passion for this ministry of self responsibility and empowerment, he also founded a Transitional Home for Single Mothers called "The Lord House of Rest". This facility was designed to encourage single mothers to become spiritually strong and to gain and maintain social-economic independence.
During the same time frame David founded "Win a Soul Ministries"; a place where individuals can come as they are seeking the powerful word of God. In 2001 he continued his mission of servitude to the Milwaukee community by founding S.W.E.E.P. (Soldiers, Walking, Evangelizing and Empowering People) Community Justice Center, which in the first year of operation placed over two hundred n individuals in employment and secured housing for over one hundred individuals. In 2007 the Milwaukee God Squad was born and this community organization continues to provide an even greater impact on the city.
David King; the candidate-
Throughout his years of public servitude in Milwaukee and surrounding areas, one thing David King has always believed is that WI is a state filled with an incredible amount of natural resources but that our greatest resource is our people. He recognizes that no one knows better what the people of WI need then the people themselves and no one knows better how to achieve meeting those needs then the people. Over the last few years David King grew increasingly concerned and frustrated as he saw the state listening less to the people of the state and instead governing from a "we know what you need" mentality. This frustration led to a lot of thought, prayer and discussion with family and friends and in the end, David decided that he could best help his community and the state by not simply voicing his frustration but by dedicating this next part of his life to actively working for change at a state level.
As Secretary of State David King is ready to accept the current duties of the office but at the same time he refuses to stop there. David doesn't want to just "maintain" the office of Secretary of State as it has been for the last several years, but redefine the position into one of service to the state. No longer will the Wisconsin Secretary of State be a hidden figure in an office in Madison, but an office with a pulse. With an office budget of 1.5 million and staff of 8, he is determined to send his staff out into the community to hear directly from the people regarding what they need from the Secretary of State Office and Madison so that the people can reclaim and rebuild their communities, counties and the state.
Like our founding fathers, David King recognizes that the success of the state comes from the success of the people. The success of the people comes from the fundamental rights of the person which our founding fathers listed in the Constitution, these being "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness". David King believes that in recognizing that the individual knows their dreams and goals better than anyone else, we show them respect. He believes that self determination comes from self respect and self responsibility. He recognizes that the success of the person comes from achieving the goals that can only be reached when the individual is allowed to succeed or fail on their own. Once the individual succeeds, he can help others to follow and as more succeed, so does the community, the county, the state and the country.
David King recognizes that unlike other offices in state government, the office of Secretary of State does not have the power of a vote, but does have the power of advocacy and influence. The Secretary of State can advocate for the people by addressing the issues that are important to the people. David King has determined that as Secretary of State he will do this starting with addressing voter fraud. He believes that the people of WI need to know that they are the ones who determine their future and that this can only be done when voter fraud is addressed so that the legal residents of the state can be assured that their vote is being counted; their voice being heard.
Please spread the word! David King is a man who has devoted his life to serving others through his ministry. Now he wants to serve the State of WI as their next Secretary of State. He wants the Secretary of State office, his office, to have an active presence in the different regions of Wisconsin so that he knows the wants and needs of the people and can ensure that the Secretary of State's office adjusts to meet the needs of the people throughout Wisconsin, not simply the status quo of Madison. David King may be a name that is new to some of you, but have no doubt he's up to the challenge...and like days of old, he has a simple message for Madison, "look out Goliath, David is coming".
Remember, with David King, "The people win in 2010"
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http://www.scottfeldt.com/
Scott Feldt - Candidate for WI State Treasurer
Personal Background
Scott Feldt was born on September 3, 1966 in Madison, WI to Bill and Alice Feldt. Scott grew up in Janesville, WI where he attended Parker High School. Scott was involved in tennis, music and theater. Scott got his first taste of politics when he participated in the Washington Seminar program. Students selected an issue to research and then travelled to Washington D.C. to interview federal officials about their topic. Shortly after, Scott realized that public service and public policy was the career path he wanted to pursue. Scott attended UW-Madison where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He later returned to receive his Master’s degree in Public Administration and Public Policy.
In 1995, Scott worked as the Executive Assistant to the State Treasurer until 2002. During that time, he was elected to the Rock County Board of Supervisors in 1998 where he served for 7 years and became Vice Chair of the Finance Committee. In 2002 Scott returned to Janesville to work for the Chamber of Commerce as Vice President of Government Relations. In 2005, Scott was offered an economic development position in Iowa where in less than three years, economic activity increased by approximately $55 million with the location of three businesses and the expansion of five. In 2007, Scott returned home to work for ABC Supply founder Ken Hendricks. With Hendricks’ tragic death, Scott returned to economic development as Director of Community Development for the city of East Moline, Illinois.
Scott, his wife Margarita, and three children, Emilio, Alena and Isabella live in Janesville where they enjoy family time.
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US CONGRESS
3rd district - (district info)
www.kapankeforcongress.com
State Senator Dan Kapanke - Candidate for US Congress 3rd District (against Democrat incumbent Ron Kind)
Biography
Dan Kapanke has served on boards, owns small businesses and is currently a State Senator for Wisconsin. His biography and resume of education and work outlines the background and experiences he brings to the service of his supporters as he campaigns for U.S. Congress in 2010. Your support is always welcome. You can donate, get involved, or follow Dan as he campaigns.
Resume of Dan Kapanke
Background
As a lifelong resident of the Coulee Region, Dan Kapanke grew up on his family's farm near Coon Valley, graduated from Onalaska Luther High School and now resides on French Island near La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Education
Dan attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science with a minor in Economics and then a Masters of Education in Professional Development.
Work Experience
Dan worked in the agri-business field for 25 years for Pride Seed Company and Kaltenberg Seed Farms. Prior to taking state office, Dan was active in local government, serving on the Town of Campbell Board of Supervisors for 13 years, including seven as town chair. He was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in 2004 to represent the 32nd District and re-elected to a second term in 2008.
As a freshman senator, Kapanke chaired the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Insurance. He currently serves on the committees on Agriculture and Higher Education; Public Health, Senior Issues, Long-Term Care, and Job Creation; Committee on Rural Issues, Bio-fuels, and Information Technology. In addition Dan was tapped to serve on the Special Committee on Justice Reinvestment Initiative Oversight.
Civic & Community Involvement
In 2003, Dan and his wife, Ruth, brought the La Crosse Loggers baseball team to La Crosse as a member of the Northwoods League.
Interests
Dan Kapanke is a common sense leader led by values and determination that sets him apart from every other politician. Kapanke is a unifying yet unwavering leader. He is committed to his beliefs yet willing to work together with both Republicans and Democrats in order to serve and represent the people of Western Wisconsin.
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7th district - (district info)
www.duffyforcongress.com
District Attorney Sean Duffy - Candidate for US Congress 7th District
(against Democrat incumbent Dave Obey)
Experience
Sean P. Duffy is the District Attorney for Ashland County Wisconsin. Sean is currently serving his fourth term as Ashland County's District Attorney and is recognized as an aggressive prosecutor with a better than 90% trial success rate. He is most proud of his dedication to prosecuting child sex crimes. Working together with law enforcement, Sean helped make Ashland County one of the first counties in the state to investigate and prosecute child internet sex crimes.
Sean was born and raised in rural Wisconsin and has never strayed far from his roots. Wisconsin's storied lumber history runs through his veins. His great, great grandfather was one of the state's early pioneers and a laborer for the Northwestern Lumber Company. His great grandfather, one of the city of Hayward's founding settlers, was a sawyer for 27 years.
Four generations later, Sean is carrying on the family tradition as a nationally recognized professional lumberjack athlete. He is a three-time world champion in the 90-foot speed climb and an accomplished log-roller. Sean has been a color commentator for ESPN's Great Outdoor Games, as well as a Badger State Games Honorary Athlete and takes pride in bringing national attention to a sport with vital roots in Wisconsin's proud history.
Among Wisconsin's younger voters, Sean is well-known for having been cast on MTV's iconic reality show, The Real World. Through the show, Sean met Arizona native Rachel Campos, and a year and a half later, they married and returned to northwestern Wisconsin to raise their family. After Sean graduated from law school he practiced law at his father's Hayward law firm before becoming a special prosecutor in Ashland, Wisconsin, Shortly thereafter, he became the assistant D.A, and later the District Attorney.
Virtually all of his very large family (he's the tenth of eleven siblings!) still lives in Hayward, and having experienced a quintessential small-town childhood Sean wanted nothing less for his own family. Now, nine year old Evita, seven year old Jack, five year old Lucia-Belen, three year old John-Paul, and one year old Paloma are growing up surrounded by the idyllic beauty and solid values of northwestern Wisconsin. Not surprisingly, as soon as Sean's kids learn to walk, he teaches them how to logroll and they perform in logrolling exhibition and competitions throughout the region.
Sean believes that much is at stake in the 2010 cycle for his children, and the 7th District. If his Congressional bid is successful, he knows he will be taking an important step to preserve Wisconsin values and the Wisconsin way of life.
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State Senate
23rd district (district info)
www.terrymoulton.com
Terry Moulton - Candidate for State Senate 23rd District
(against incumbent Democrat Pat Krietlow)
As Wisconsin looks to make a comeback from the economic recession, nothing is more important than strong leadership on job creation. For more than two decades, Terry Moulton has owned and operated a small business right here in the Chippewa Valley, Mouldy’s Archery and Tackle, serving his customers, meeting a payroll, and creating jobs. Terry understands that high taxes and excessive government regulation cost us jobs.
Recognized as a leader in job creation, Terry served as the leading voice in the State Assembly on small business issues. From his post as Chair of the Small Business Committee, Terry worked across the aisle to push for tax reforms targeted at increasing investment in our local economy, expanding research and development, and creating more good paying jobs, all in an effort to position us for long term job growth and increased job security.
Before opening his business, Terry worked for 17 years in the administration at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls and he’s put that experience to work for the people in the Chippewa Valley. Terry has served on several boards, committees, and panels on health care reform, offering more than a dozen proposals to make health care more affordable and ensure that a lost job doesn’t mean lost health care coverage.
As an avid fisherman and hunter, Terry has been active on the issues that matter most to Wisconsin sportsmen and women. Serving as vice-chair of the Natural Resources Committee in his time in the Assembly and as a life-member of the National Rifle Association, Terry has lobbied and fought the DNR for more effective deer management practices, expanding opportunities for youth in hunting and fishing, and reasonable regulations that allow Wisconsinites to enjoy the outdoors.
Born in Whitefish, Montana, Terry moved to Chippewa Falls with his family when he was 2 years old. He grew up on the shores of Small Lake Wissota and has spent almost his entire life right here in the Chippewa Valley. He has been married to his wife Sue Kay for 43 years, and they have two grown children and eight grandchildren.
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31st district (district info)
www.edthompson.com
Tomah Mayor Ed Thompson - Candidate WI State Senate 31st District
(against Democrat incumbent Kathleen Vinehout)
Ed Thompson grew up in Elroy, Wisconsin where his father ran a small grocery store with a gas pump out front and his mother was a public school teacher at a one room schoolhouse. As a boy, Ed worked in the store after school and on weekends. Ed’s experience in the family store, and working summers on a nearby farm with his older brother Tommy, taught him the value of hard work.
In school, Ed won seventh place in the Wisconsin Spelling Bee as an seventh grader. At Royall High School, Ed was active in the drama department and competed in football, basketball, and track. After high school, Ed briefly attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison before enlisting in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. After an honorable discharge from the armed forces, Ed married his high school sweetheart Kathy Nelson and settled in Elroy with his family.
Ed has four children: Ann Marie Greene, a public school teacher in Richmond, Virginia; Kristin Beth Ashford, a state university professor in Lexington, Kentucky; Allan Edward “Chip” Thompson, a public school teacher in Tomah; and Joshua Thompson, an attorney with a non-profit law firm in Sacramento, California. Ed is also the proud grandfather of eight grandchildren.
Ed has lived the hard-working life at the heart of Wisconsin’s character. Some years, long hours of back-straining work were just enough to put food on the table and pay the electric bill.
Ed has shoveled asphalt in a road crew, plowed snow for the county, welded in the cab shop of the Janesville auto assembly line, worked at the Oxford federal prison, and competed in Golden Gloves boxing.
In 1990, Ed bought the building on Tomah’s main street that would become Mr. Ed’s Tee Pee Supper Club. Rejecting advice to tear down the building, Ed instead restored it to a welcoming supper club. Over the past twenty years, Ed has brought the Tee Pee to its status as a Monroe County institution. Since 1993, Ed has hosted Tomah’s annual free Thanksgiving dinner at the Tee Pee. There, the people of Tomah come together and provide meals to those less fortunate on Thanksgiving. Last Thanksgiving, they served over 1,200 people at the Tee Pee.
Ed was elected Mayor of Tomah — a city of over 8,000 people — in April of 2000, defeating a two term incumbent. As Mayor, Ed worked to shape up Tomah’s financial situation. He helped reduce the city’s debt by over $4 million without resorting to an expected property tax hike. Ed also saved Tomah taxpayers millions of dollars by engineering a settlement of a longstanding dispute with the Environmental Protection Agency regarding a Superfund landfill clean-up. As Mayor, Ed also championed and oversaw the creation of a senior and disabled program at minimal cost per year and of a senior center at no cost to taxpayers.
After serving as Mayor for two years, Ed ran for Governor of Wisconsin as a Libertarian in 2002. Ed’s platform of smaller government, lower taxes, and honest government caught on with a Wisconsin populace concerned about the growth of government, higher taxes, and scandals ripping through Madison. Ed garnered more than 185,000 votes – 10.5% of all the votes cast in the Governor race and the highest vote percentage received by any third-party Wisconsin Governor campaign in sixty years. Where people knew Ed best, he won the Governor race. Ed won the most votes of any candidate in Juneau County in which he grew up and Monroe County in which he has lived and worked for the last twenty years. In Tomah, Ed won a majority of votes in the Governor race, and the record voter turnout required the printing of additional ballots on election day.
Following his run for Governor, Ed removed himself from politics. He was the subject of a documentary titled “A Remarkable Man,” which detailed his life and his run for Governor. Ed remained removed from politics until 2005 when voters spontaneously drafted him on election day as an unregistered write-in candidate and elected him to serve on the Tomah City Council. Having not run for the position, Ed was reluctant to accept, but the overwhelming support he received led him back into public office.
After serving as a councilman for two years, Ed ran for Mayor of Tomah again. Ed defeated the three term incumbent Mayor by a two-to-one margin. As Mayor, Ed again worked to control government spending. Ed has helped ensure, including by vetoing a proposed city budget, that Tomah residential and business property tax rates decreased each year of his Mayor term. Despite the strong support Ed has for reelection as Mayor, Ed has announced he will step down from the Mayor’s office at the term’s conclusion this spring so he may dedicate more time and attention to his State Senate campaign.
Ed continues to own and manage Mr. Ed’s Tee Pee Supper Club. When Ed is not on the campaign trail, he can be found most days at the Tee Pee running his business—or performing a lead role of a play at the community theater across the street.
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25th district (district info)
www.daneforsenate.com
Dane Deutsch - Candidate for State Senate 25th district
(against Democrat incumbent Bob Jauch)
(Rice Lake, WI)… Citing concerns about high unemployment, high taxes and out-of-touch Madison politicians, Dane Deutsch announced he will run against incumbent Bob Jauch for the 25th State Senate district. The 25th State Senate district includes all of Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland, Iron, Washburn counties and parts of Sawyer, Barron, Polk and Burnett counties. “Wisconsin families are very worried about losing their jobs, and watch hopelessly as Madison politicians raise their taxes and drive jobs to business-friendly states,” said Dane Deutsch, a small business owner of over 20 years. “As your next State Senator, I will work tirelessly to keep businesses and good-paying jobs here and stop big-spending government.” According to Forbes Magazine, Wisconsin has the unfortunate rank as the third worst state in the nation in which to do business. Wisconsin is in the top ten highest property tax states, while the Wisconsin Taxpayer’s Alliance estimates that recent tax increases may move Wisconsin from 11th to the 6th highest-taxed state in the union. “Wisconsin’s worsening job climate keeps small and large businesses alike from growing, or staying in, our communities,” said Dane. “Once these jobs move to other states, they’re hard to get them back. We’d be better served by politicians who actually try to keep the jobs we have now with a better jobs and tax climate.” “The one question I will ask myself before voting on any bill in Madison is ‘Will this help create jobs, or will it kill jobs?’,” said Dane. “I believe that reducing taxes on businesses and personal property will allow small businesses and citizens to once again grow jobs and revenue.” This year alone the Democrat-controlled Legislature passed over $5 billion in new taxes and fees on families and businesses to pay for a 6.8% increase in government spending. Dane Deutsch, a former Air Force Officer, and his wife Katharine have four adult children and one grandchild. He is the CEO and owner of Deutsch’s, Inc., which is composed of three companies: Deutsch’s Gymnastics Training Center, DCS Netlink (Security/Network/Computer Company), and Leadership Management Development Center (LMDC). Dane is a Character Counts Ambassador and national trainer.
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State Assembly
68th district (district info)
http://www.kbernierforassembly.com/
Kathy Bernier - Candidate for WI Assembly 68th District
(against Democrat incumbent Kristen Dexter)
ü Wisconsin lost 163,000 jobs, but Assembly Democrats voted to add 263 employees to the state government payroll
ü Wisconsin’s various levels of government employed more people than Wisconsin’s manufacturers for the first time in state history.
ü We learned that Wisconsin lost 4.3 percent of its private sector businesses over the last three years, while Illinois increased its number of employers by 7.8 percent.
ü Wisconsin’s unemployment rate almost reached 10 percent and Wisconsin is ranked as the 3rd worst state in which to do business, but Assembly Democrats voted to raise taxes by nearly $5 billion on Wisconsin families and employers.
ü Wisconsin faced a $6.6 billion budget deficit, but Assembly Democrats voted to increase spending in their budget by nearly 10 percent.
ü Wisconsin’s budget crisis was ranked among the 10 worst in the nation.
The State of Wisconsin is in BIG trouble. We need a representative that is going to be willing to make the tough decisions and not be intimidated by special interests, as well as a broad understanding of government and not a narrow perspective or interest. We need a representative who will stand up for what is right, even if she is standing alone. Kathy is that person!
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93rd district (district info)
www.friendsofmikeconlin.com
Mike Conlin - Candidate for WI Assembly 93rd District
(against Democrat incumbent Jeff Smith)
“Having been instrumental in several successful business startups, I believe I am uniquely qualified to understand what it takes to foster small business start-ups and grow jobs.”
A Hard Worker
From offset printer operator to stockroom laborer to pallet manufacturer in high school, to Janitor, UPS truck loader, and engineering intern at NSP (now Xcel Energy) while attending the U of Minnesota to earn his Bachelors in Electrical Engineering degree, Mike Conlin has known hard work since his youth.
He continued his strong work ethic as design engineer at Video Monitors, Inc., a high-tech start-up company in Eau Claire while earning an MBA Degree at St. Thomas University. He rapidly advanced in his profession, earning the position of VP of Engineering at three separate high-tech monitor companies.
A Successful Entrepreneur
In 1990, Mike helped establish Dynamic Displays, Inc. with partners from his days at Video Monitors and a number of investors from the Eau Claire community.
For the first ten years, Mike worked hard as VP of Research and Development, almost single-handedly designing the entire Dynamic Displays’ product line. Mike became President and CEO in 1999 and his efforts are now focused on Marketing, Finance, and General Management. Though still a small company, Dynamic Displays successfully competes in the high-tech world of computer displays, selling its product nationally and internationally and infusing over $10 million into the Chippewa Valley in salaries and expenses over the past twenty years.
A Leader in the Community
Starting up a fledgling business and raising a boisterous young family took up most of Mike’s time but as his children grew and his company stabilized, Mike became active in local civic affairs. Mike’s activities include:
A Committed Family Man
Mike and his wife, Kari, live south of Eau Claire in the Township of Washington. Their oldest son, John, served in the Army and the Army Reserves, serving in Nicaragua, Kosovo, and Kuwait, and Afghanistan. John now lives in Eau Claire with his wife and three children and drives truck. Their second son, Bob, started college at UWEC (taking time off to serve in Kosovo, courtesy of the Army Reserves) and received his bachelor’s degree in history from the U of Minn. Bob now lives in Connecticut with his wife and is attending Yale in pursuit of his Masters, then his PhD. Their third son, Rick, received his bachelors of Fine Arts degree in Illustration at UWEC and lives in the Twin Cities with his wife. Rick is designing Mike’s campaign website and literature. Their youngest child, Laura, works for US Bank in Eau Claire.
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//www.facebook.com/pages/Isaac-Weix/113811603756?v=info
Issac Weix - Candidate for WI Assembly 93rd District
(against Democrat incumbent Jeff Smith)
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92nd district (district info)
http://clinardforstateassembly.com/Candidate.html
Dennis Clinard - Candidate WI Assembly 92nd District
(against Democrat incumbent Mark Radcliffe)
We have watched with frustration the growth of government, irresponsible spending and the subsequent mismanagement of our tax dollars. We have watched the steady departure from civic virtue, traditional values and common sense. This past year Dennis, along with other concerned citizens, organized the Monroe County Taxpayers Relief Committee which Dennis was chosen to lead. Their goal was simple; restore responsible and responsive leadership to the Monroe County Board and stop the “tax & spend” policies. The people of Monroe County agreed, and a Recall Election was an overwhelming victory for common sense government.
That county board government body mirrored, on a smaller scale, our state legislature in Madison with the “liberals” and “progressives” in the majority, and in the face of a massive and growing deficit, have passed the largest deficit spending budget in history
I believe, as Dennis does, that it is time to act. We must act to restore common sense change, and prudent decision making that truly reflects the sentiments of the people of the 92nd District and not a political party’s agenda! We need a representative that will go to Madison, not to warm a seat, but stand up and fight against irresponsible spending and oppressive taxes, fees and regulations. This agenda is over the top and out of control, and it has to stop!
Dennis believes: instead of growing government we need to grow the economy by reducing the restrictive tax burdens, regulations and fees placed on the private sector, small business owners and the free-market enterprise system, and provide incentives that will foster economic growth, jobs and prosperity.
Dennis and I agree that OUR government should listen to the people, its business leaders, and learn to do as we all have had to do, tighten our belts and live within our means. People know that these liberal progressive policies are taking us in the wrong direction, and the people are making their voices heard. This is OUR government and this is a critical election.
Do we really want to continue down the path of more government, more tax and spend, spending more money that we don’t have to spend? Or, as Dennis says; “shouldn’t we choose to follow a prudent course guided by common sense and a moral compass that leads us to high ground, and defends our rights, public virtue and our traditional values.” It can happen, and we can do it, we can help make our government responsive and accountable. It’s the right thing to do. Each of us, every taxpayer and every citizen has a vested interest in the outcome of the elections of 2010.
I am asking you to join me at the Lincoln Day Dinner to meet Dennis. His enthusiasm for this endeavor equals his commitment to service. Now is the time to discard complacency and rally behind a candidate with proven leadership qualities that will truly represent the people.
- Friends of Dennis Clinard
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67th district (district info)
(seat currently held by independent Jeff Wood)
http://www.votegullickson.com/
Dean Gullickson - Candidate WI Assembly 67th District
Hi,
I am Dean Gullickson, candidate for the 67th District Assembly. Many folks who live in the 67th District already know me as I have spent most of my life here, in the 67th District. Many of you are my friends and neighbors.
I have been serving the people of Wisconsin for over 30 years as a police officer and conservation warden. “Failure is not an option,” is a motto I know well and live by. When it comes to representing the people of the 67th District, failure will not be an option. I will work hard to put the state back on the track to a stable future.
I am asking you to return me to public service as your assemblyman for the 67th District. There are many more battles to be won for the people of Wisconsin; I am ready to fight for you. Put a proven leader in the Assembly. Vote for Dean Gullickson!
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http://tomlarsonforassembly.com/
Tom Larson - Candidate WI Assembly 67th District
A Message to the People
Today we face many issues. All of them are important and must be addressed; however the issues we need to tackle immediately are fiscal responsibility, taxes and jobs. Unless we face these head on I am concerned that our children and grandchildren will live in a permanent state of poverty. Someone recently reminded me there are no more "Mayflowers" to leave the country. There is nowhere else to go. This time we need to fix the problems. We need strong leaders to make tough decisions and that's why I am announcing my candidacy for the 67th Assembly District.
I came out of the trenches of the working ranks. I am not polished speaker or a seasoned politician. I was raised on a farm near Colfax and know what it is to get dirt under my fingernails. I am a businessman who built my company from the ground up by hard work, common sense and being fiscally responsible. Over the years we have developed many jobs, met payroll and provided benefits. I will use these same principles and attributes to do a great job as an Assemblyman. Another reason I am the right person for this position is I intend to do what the name implies - represent. A representative should represent the people and not just take their own personal agenda to Madison.
This next election will be the most important election we have seen in years. I am asking for your help and your support to elect me and others like me to go to Madison and get back control of our runaway government.
Bio
I am Tom Larson. My wife Mary and I raised three wonderful children. We are pleased to have seven grandchildren and we are expecting another in the spring.
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Don Moga - http://donmoga.com/
Don Moga - Candidate WI Assembly 67th District
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Colonel James Lewis - Candidate WI Assembly 67th District
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Marv Prestrud - Candidate WI Assembly 67th District
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91st district (district info)
http://www.ingram4u.com/
Bill Ingram - Candidate for WI Assembly 91st District
(against Democrat incumbent Chris Danou)
I'm not a millionaire and I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth. I do have a degree in business and I've been in leadership positions most of my life. I have a wide variety of life experiences and my specialty is common sense problem solving.
I have an extensive background in leadership, management, emergency management and working class economics. I'm retired from law enforcement with over 20 years of experience. I am currently or have in the past been a fire fighter, an EMS First Responder, a Director of Emergency Management, a Search and Rescue Pilot, and an instructor for Incident Command, Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), Basic Life Support, CPR/AED and First Aid.
I served six years in the US Air Force where I spend about two and a half years as a Special Agent with the Office of Special Investigations. I spent about a year in Europe working VIP protection on an anti-terrorism team.
I've been a farmer and a Vice-President of a software development company. I designed and developed this website. I've also done landscaping and home improvement projects. My first wife owned a flower shop. At this point, I'd like to say that she is a very private person and has nothing to do with my campaign. I'd like to ask that everyone respect her privacy.
I chose to campaign for Governor as an Over the Road truck driver. This gives me the opportunity to travel extensively across America and talk to working Americans about the problems facing our country. These are the same problems that face us right here in Wisconsin.
At one point in my life, I ran against a supervisor for a promotion. He got the promotion and had me terminated. As a result, I chose to file bankruptcy. This was ultimately one of the best business decisions that I've made in my life and I have no regrets. I appealed the termination and was reinstated about a year later, but the financial damage was irreversible. This whole situation gave me a tremendous insight to the credit industry. This industry is in need of some serious changes. I also started writing a book that I'm going to title "Incompetent Authority", which will be a humorous, but serious look into the abuse of political power and trust within management.
I am a strong believer in individual rights as long as they do not effect others. I believe that more laws make more criminals and violators. Laws also make life complicated. We need to greatly reduce and simplify our laws.
I enjoy working with Special Olympic fund raisers. I also like to fly, sail, scuba dive, drive heavy construction equipment and other big rigs, golf, cook, and instruct. I've owned four Harley Davidsons, but grew up on dirt bikes and snowmobiles.
I have a very special gift that none of the millionaire candidates have and that is a real insight into the day to day frustrations, needs, and determination of the average working American citizen. I truly believe I can win this election, because the bottom line is, there are more of us than there are of them and in America, MAJORITY RULES!!!
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County Offices
http://www.co.eau-claire.wi.us/CountyDepartments/ClerkOfCourts/index.html
Kristina Ascherbrenner - Eau Claire County Clerk of Courts
http://www.co.eau-claire.wi.us/public_safety/sheriff/index.htm
Ron Cramer - Eau Claire County Sheriff
20% 
J.B. (John) Van Hollen was elected Attorney General in November 2006 by pledging to "fight crime and restore integrity" to the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ). 
