With so much attention being paid to the presidential campaign and the recent Republican and Democratic party conventions, it's easy to forget that there is an important local election on Tuesday.
Apparently, many people have forgotten, or simply don't care.
The Wisconsin primary election is tomorrow. But state election officials predict only about 15 percent of the state's eligible voters will go to the polls.
While Green County voters have only one contested primary on the ballot Tuesday, it's an important one. Monroe Democrats John Waelti and Kris Wisnefske are vying for the opportunity to challenge incumbent Rep. Brett Davis, R-Oregon, in the 80th Assembly District.
Davis' two election victories have been tight in a district that is split between Republicans and Democrats. No matter which Democrat wins Tuesday, the Nov. 4 general election is certain to be a close one.
But picking the contender might be a difference maker in that outcome.
State Democrats are targeting the 80th District as one that is winnable in their attempt to become the majority in the Assembly. Democrats already control the state Senate and have Jim Doyle in office as governor.
Philosophically, not much separates Waelti from Wisnefske. Waelti emphasizes education funding as his top priority. Wisnefske, a nurse, says she would focus first on health care issues.
Wisnefske has raised far more money ($30,205 to Waelti's $7,653) and earned a number of endorsements during the primary campaign. She also would take a significantly larger campaign fund balance into a general election. But Davis, as of July 31, had nearly $86,000 in campaign coffers. Expect a healthy infusion of statewide money into the campaign of whichever Democrat emerges Tuesday.
The balance of power between parties in Madison is extremely important to the legislative process. It is important who opposes Rep. Davis in the 80th Assembly District in November. There's no good reason not to go to the polls on Tuesday to help determine that outcome.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Make sure to get there. It won't take long to vote.
Apparently, many people have forgotten, or simply don't care.
The Wisconsin primary election is tomorrow. But state election officials predict only about 15 percent of the state's eligible voters will go to the polls.
While Green County voters have only one contested primary on the ballot Tuesday, it's an important one. Monroe Democrats John Waelti and Kris Wisnefske are vying for the opportunity to challenge incumbent Rep. Brett Davis, R-Oregon, in the 80th Assembly District.
Davis' two election victories have been tight in a district that is split between Republicans and Democrats. No matter which Democrat wins Tuesday, the Nov. 4 general election is certain to be a close one.
But picking the contender might be a difference maker in that outcome.
State Democrats are targeting the 80th District as one that is winnable in their attempt to become the majority in the Assembly. Democrats already control the state Senate and have Jim Doyle in office as governor.
Philosophically, not much separates Waelti from Wisnefske. Waelti emphasizes education funding as his top priority. Wisnefske, a nurse, says she would focus first on health care issues.
Wisnefske has raised far more money ($30,205 to Waelti's $7,653) and earned a number of endorsements during the primary campaign. She also would take a significantly larger campaign fund balance into a general election. But Davis, as of July 31, had nearly $86,000 in campaign coffers. Expect a healthy infusion of statewide money into the campaign of whichever Democrat emerges Tuesday.
The balance of power between parties in Madison is extremely important to the legislative process. It is important who opposes Rep. Davis in the 80th Assembly District in November. There's no good reason not to go to the polls on Tuesday to help determine that outcome.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Make sure to get there. It won't take long to vote.
