The race for the Wisconsin Senate's 17th District seat is drawing attention around the state for good reason: The stakes are high for both parties to grab this seat, left open with the retirement of longtime Republican Sen. Dale Schultz. A win for Republicans will help ensure the party maintains control over both houses in the state legislature. For Democrats, winning the 17th Senate District, along with one other, will mean a majority in the state Senate.
The race has been fascinating to watch: Democrat Pat Bomhack, a young attorney from Spring Green, initially declared his candidacy for the 51st Assembly District. He switched gears in late April, announcing he would instead run for Schultz's seat. Ernie Wittwer initially won the Democratic primary against Bomhack, but after a recount, and missing ballots from the city of Monroe, Bomhack was declared the winner by the thinnest of margins.
Bomhack is an appealing candidate, to be sure. He speaks with a passion for progressive politics, evoking the tradition of "Fighting Bob" La Follette, and a desire to seek out opportunities for bipartisanship.
It's noteworthy that Schultz has endorsed Bomhack in this race. Schultz has received considerable media attention for his bipartisan efforts and willingness to break with the GOP, most notably opposing Gov. Walker's Act 10 and mining legislation. For this, Schultz received some criticism, but we respect and appreciate his independent thinking and outspokenness, and take his endorsement seriously.
There has been some criticism that Bomhack, a Waukesha native who came to the district as a law clerk, was cherry-picked as the Democratic poster boy to win the 17th District. That aside, we like to believe that Bomhack would honor his pledge to represent this district as an attorney represents a client, with a doggedness and eye to negotiation. His pledge to refuse money from corporate PACs and registered lobbyists is also commendable.
In spite of Bomhack's promise, we believe Republican Howard Marklein, the current Assemblyman for District 51, is the best candidate for the 17th Senate District, for these reasons:
• He is a numbers guy. A certified public accountant, Marklein is a bloodhound, sniffing out waste and keeping careful tabs on state budgeting procedures. To that end, he authored a bill that would require the state to use generally accepted accounting principles - just as municipalities, school districts and private businesses use.
• He's an old farm boy from the district. There is much to be said for a candidate who grew up farming. Agriculture remains our district's backbone. Marklein understands our district and our work ethic.
• He's a known quantity. Marklein has worked directly with his Assembly constituents, including the city of Monroe, Green County and private businesses, to solve problems. He has earned our trust that he will continue to be responsive to the voters in this Senate district.
We are not without our reservations in endorsing Marklein. It does seem that Marklein tows the party line too stringently; while he points to instances of bipartisanship, we would like to see our state senator willing to stand out as an independent on truly substantive issues. Given Schultz's longevity in this district, we believe our fellow voters want to see that as well.
Ultimately, Marklein has the right mix of intelligence, common sense and experience to earn him a spot in the state Senate.
The race has been fascinating to watch: Democrat Pat Bomhack, a young attorney from Spring Green, initially declared his candidacy for the 51st Assembly District. He switched gears in late April, announcing he would instead run for Schultz's seat. Ernie Wittwer initially won the Democratic primary against Bomhack, but after a recount, and missing ballots from the city of Monroe, Bomhack was declared the winner by the thinnest of margins.
Bomhack is an appealing candidate, to be sure. He speaks with a passion for progressive politics, evoking the tradition of "Fighting Bob" La Follette, and a desire to seek out opportunities for bipartisanship.
It's noteworthy that Schultz has endorsed Bomhack in this race. Schultz has received considerable media attention for his bipartisan efforts and willingness to break with the GOP, most notably opposing Gov. Walker's Act 10 and mining legislation. For this, Schultz received some criticism, but we respect and appreciate his independent thinking and outspokenness, and take his endorsement seriously.
There has been some criticism that Bomhack, a Waukesha native who came to the district as a law clerk, was cherry-picked as the Democratic poster boy to win the 17th District. That aside, we like to believe that Bomhack would honor his pledge to represent this district as an attorney represents a client, with a doggedness and eye to negotiation. His pledge to refuse money from corporate PACs and registered lobbyists is also commendable.
In spite of Bomhack's promise, we believe Republican Howard Marklein, the current Assemblyman for District 51, is the best candidate for the 17th Senate District, for these reasons:
• He is a numbers guy. A certified public accountant, Marklein is a bloodhound, sniffing out waste and keeping careful tabs on state budgeting procedures. To that end, he authored a bill that would require the state to use generally accepted accounting principles - just as municipalities, school districts and private businesses use.
• He's an old farm boy from the district. There is much to be said for a candidate who grew up farming. Agriculture remains our district's backbone. Marklein understands our district and our work ethic.
• He's a known quantity. Marklein has worked directly with his Assembly constituents, including the city of Monroe, Green County and private businesses, to solve problems. He has earned our trust that he will continue to be responsive to the voters in this Senate district.
We are not without our reservations in endorsing Marklein. It does seem that Marklein tows the party line too stringently; while he points to instances of bipartisanship, we would like to see our state senator willing to stand out as an independent on truly substantive issues. Given Schultz's longevity in this district, we believe our fellow voters want to see that as well.
Ultimately, Marklein has the right mix of intelligence, common sense and experience to earn him a spot in the state Senate.
