17th Senate District
Ernie Wittwer and Pat Bomhack are running as Democrats in the Aug. 12 primary for the 17th Senate District. The winner will face Howard Marklein, the only Republican candidate, in the November general election.
Pat Bomhack
Age: 32
City/town of residence: Spring Green
Family: From a Family of 5 (2 sisters)
Education: University of Wisconsin Law School, JD; London School of Economics, MA; Stanford University, BA.
Occupation: Attorney
Previous elected positions held or experience: Legislative Staff, U.S. Senator Russ Feingold; Executive Office Staff, Governor Jim Doyle; Dodgeville Historic Preservation Board; Dodgeville Housing Authority Board; Iowa County Ethics Board; Southwest Wisconsin Library System Board of Trustees
What are the top issues facing this district/board and how would you work to resolve them?
Elected officials need to do a better job at reaching across the aisle and working together. The Wisconsin way is not to divide and conquer. The Wisconsin way is to invite everyone to the table so that we can find common sense solutions to the problems that affect all of us here in the Badger State. As State Senator, I will be an independent voice and put the interests of the people I represent ahead of what is best for my political party.
What are other key issues facing the district/board, and how would you work to resolve them?
1. Reinvest in our local public schools and stop vouchers. Every child in southwest Wisconsin deserves a quality education. Unfortunately, private takeover of our public schools is threatening that education. As State Senator, I will say "no" to vouchers and "yes" to a strong public education system.
2. Protect the environment. The land in southwest Wisconsin has sustained us for over 150 years. As State Senator, I will work to preserve it by keeping our strong, local controls over frac sand mining.
3. Get big money out of politics. Our democracy is meant to be run by the people. I am one of the few candidates in Wisconsin that refuses to accept money from corporate PACs and registered lobbyists. Just like my former boss and mentor, Senator Russ Feingold, I will fight the corrupting influence of corporate power in our democracy.
4. Strengthen our rural economy. As State Senator, I will fight to ensure that southwest Wisconsin gets its "bite of the apple," and has the funds needed to repair our roads, support worker retraining, and expand access to broadband Internet.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
Communities throughout southwest Wisconsin need a unified approach to ensure we are able to restore our shared values that are being torn apart under current leadership. I love my community of Spring Green and have the attitude, commitment, and energy needed to ensure that the 17th Senate District has a strong, independent voice representing all of our communities.
I am honored to have the endorsements of AFSCME PEOPLE (Council 40 and 48), WEAC, the Wisconsin Laborers' District Council, and Fair Wisconsin and appreciate your thoughtful consideration on Aug. 12.
Age: 32
City/town of residence: Spring Green
Family: From a Family of 5 (2 sisters)
Education: University of Wisconsin Law School, JD; London School of Economics, MA; Stanford University, BA.
Occupation: Attorney
Previous elected positions held or experience: Legislative Staff, U.S. Senator Russ Feingold; Executive Office Staff, Governor Jim Doyle; Dodgeville Historic Preservation Board; Dodgeville Housing Authority Board; Iowa County Ethics Board; Southwest Wisconsin Library System Board of Trustees
What are the top issues facing this district/board and how would you work to resolve them?
Elected officials need to do a better job at reaching across the aisle and working together. The Wisconsin way is not to divide and conquer. The Wisconsin way is to invite everyone to the table so that we can find common sense solutions to the problems that affect all of us here in the Badger State. As State Senator, I will be an independent voice and put the interests of the people I represent ahead of what is best for my political party.
What are other key issues facing the district/board, and how would you work to resolve them?
1. Reinvest in our local public schools and stop vouchers. Every child in southwest Wisconsin deserves a quality education. Unfortunately, private takeover of our public schools is threatening that education. As State Senator, I will say "no" to vouchers and "yes" to a strong public education system.
2. Protect the environment. The land in southwest Wisconsin has sustained us for over 150 years. As State Senator, I will work to preserve it by keeping our strong, local controls over frac sand mining.
3. Get big money out of politics. Our democracy is meant to be run by the people. I am one of the few candidates in Wisconsin that refuses to accept money from corporate PACs and registered lobbyists. Just like my former boss and mentor, Senator Russ Feingold, I will fight the corrupting influence of corporate power in our democracy.
4. Strengthen our rural economy. As State Senator, I will fight to ensure that southwest Wisconsin gets its "bite of the apple," and has the funds needed to repair our roads, support worker retraining, and expand access to broadband Internet.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
Communities throughout southwest Wisconsin need a unified approach to ensure we are able to restore our shared values that are being torn apart under current leadership. I love my community of Spring Green and have the attitude, commitment, and energy needed to ensure that the 17th Senate District has a strong, independent voice representing all of our communities.
I am honored to have the endorsements of AFSCME PEOPLE (Council 40 and 48), WEAC, the Wisconsin Laborers' District Council, and Fair Wisconsin and appreciate your thoughtful consideration on Aug. 12.