Wisconsin

Jessica King

Jessica King is just the kind of pipeline candidate we love to see emerge from our training and campaign assistance. Jessica has been a farm team member since 2005. She knew she wanted to run for office some day and Progressive Majority helped guide her along the way - developing her campaign skills and defining her platform. When the time was right, she ran for Oshkosh City Council and her 2007 victory helped flip the council to a progressive majority!

Jessica is now running for state Senate in an open seat being vacated by a conservative incumbent. This district is key to expanding the one-seat majority currently held in the Senate. Having grown up in Fond du Lac County, the rural, more conservative part of the Senate district, Jessica has a natural base in an area where progressives usually struggle. Her long history in the community - she went to grade school through college and now practices law in the district - will enable her to cross party and ideological lines, build consensus and work for real change.

Young, talented, and committed to her community, Jessica King is a real example of the progressive political pipeline we're working to create.

Click here to support and learn more about Jessica.

Kristen Dexter

Kristen Dexter is running an aggressive, smart campaign for the 68th Assembly seat. Kristen was a star campaign volunteer for Pat Kreitlow, a Progressive Majority candidate elected to the state Senate in 2006. Kristen is running because she wants to bring needed change to Madison, holding state representatives accountable to the people rather than big business or special interests.

Kristen's commitment to children and families in the Chippewa Valley is evident. She was elected to the Altoona School Board in 2001 and has served as Clerk of the Board since 2004. She also serves on the Regional Steering Committee for Health Literacy Wisconsin. Kristen learned the value of hard work growing up on her family's farm. She thinks it is time to put an end to the petty bickering in Madison and to get to work solving the problems that we face as a state. As state representative, she will continue to work for health care reform, to improve the economy, and to keep our education system strong in order to prepare our kids for the future.

Click here to support and learn more about Kristen.

Alison Page

Alison is challenging conservative incumbent Sheila Harsdorf for Senate District 10. Alison currently works as a health care administrator for Alliant Health Care and is a registered nurse. Alison was president of the River Falls School Board and was a founding member of St. Croix Valley Restorative Justice Program. She is married to a local dentist, is mother to five grown children and has been a foster parent as well. Alison has been working with Progressive Majority from day one; we have provided targeting, door plans, fundraising training, message training, and one on one coaching. As a state Senator, she will fight to make health care affordable and work to lower property taxes by forcing corporations and big oil to pay their fair share of taxes.

Click here to support and learn more about Alison.

Jim Holperin

Jim Holperin is running in an open seat in rural northeastern Wisconsin. The unexpected Democratic retirement this year leaves this an open seat. Jim represented an Assembly district within this Senate district for 12 years from 1983 - 1994. He spent four years as the Secretary of the Department of Tourism and currently is employed as the business services director for the Workforce Development Board of North Central Wisconsin. Jim is in a good position to keep this seat in Democratic hands and keep a progressive majority in the Senate.

Click here to support and learn more about Jim.

Robert Wirch

State Senator Robert Wirch has served three terms in the Senate, representing District 22, which includes Kenosha and the surrounding communities. Earlier in his career, he served two terms as a state Representative. Prior to his election Bob was a factory worker and union steelworker and served on the Kenosha County Board of Supervisors. Bob has been a top advocate for working families during his time in the legislature. He authored legislation to prevent companies that receive state contracts from sending Wisconsin jobs overseas and had a 100% voting record with the AFL-CIO last session. This November he will face Benjamin Bakke, a financial advisor whose solution to the health care crisis is expanding Health Savings Accounts and who is opposed to comprehensive health care reform.

Click here to support and learn more about Robert.

Dave Hansen

State Senator Dave Hansen has served two terms in the legislature, representing District 30, which includes Green Bay and surrounding communities. Prior to his election, Dave worked for Green Bay's Department of Public Works as a truck driver and was a Teamsters union steward. He also served on the Brown County Board from 1996-2002. Dave authored the pay equity legislation that requires businesses to pay women the same as men for the same work and led the fight to protect our natural resources by voting to reduce mercury pollution, preserve our wetlands, and prevent the diversion of water from the Great Lakes to other states. This November he will face former Green Bay City Council President Chad Fradette. In his announcement speech, Fradette pledged to fight the 'Madison liberal values that I believe are destroying our state.'

Click here to support and learn more about Dave.

Tara Johnson

Tara Johnson is challenging freshman incumbent Dan Kapanke for Senate District 32, representing La Crosse and the surrounding communities in western Wisconsin. Tara was a Progressive Majority-endorsed candidate for her La Crosse County Board race in the spring of 2008, when she won her election with a whopping 60.5% of the vote against a conservative opponent. Tara launched her campaign for state Senate in April and has been going strong ever since. Tara has previously worked as the Executive Director of the United Way.Tara has served on the La Crosse County Board since 2000 and was elected unanimously to the position of Vice Chair following her spring victory. Tara proved her ability to create jobs and expand health care in La Crosse County and is ready to do the same in the state Senate.

Click here to support and learn more about Tara.

Dick Skare

Dick and his wife Carol own The Cookery, an extremely popular restaurant in the heart of Door County, one of the premier tourist destinations in Wisconsin. Dick is a Town of Gibraltar Board Supervisor and former town chairman and he is extremely active in his community, serving on a number of boards including the Door County Visitor's Bureau, the Door County YMCA Board, and Sunshine House, a home for persons with disabilities. His restaurant had a devastating fire in May, but is now on track to reopen next season. Dick has a great story and his profile is a perfect fit for this district, which is beginning to trend Democratic. Dick is poised to win big in the primary, giving him a boost going into the November general election.

Click here to support and learn more about Dick.

Pedro Colon

State Representative Pedro Colon is one of only two Assembly Democrats serving on the powerful Joint Finance Committee and he has represented Milwaukee's south side in Assembly District 8 since 1998. A native of Puerto Rico, Pedro is the first and only Latino state legislator in Wisconsin. This September he will face off against two Democratic opponents in a primary election. Pedro has been a progressive champion in the Assembly, particularly in the areas of economic justice and civil rights.

Click here to support and learn more about Pedro.

Glen Brower

Glen Brower is challenging two-term incumbent Mark Honadel for State Assembly, District 21. This district lies completely inside of Milwaukee County. Prior to the Republican incumbent's election, the district has historically been held by Democrats. Glen is the fourth generation of his family to live in South Milwaukee. He retired from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel and most recently served as the Director of the Wisconsin State Veterans Home in Union Grove. As Director he was responsible for managing multi-million dollar budgets and directing policy to improve the quality of life for Wisconsin's veteran community. As state Representative Glen will work to bring family supporting jobs to the district and make high quality health care affordable for everyone.

Click here to support and learn more about Glen.

Sandy Pasch

Sandy Pasch is running in an open seat vacated by Democrat Sheldon Wasserman, who is running for the State Senate to challenge conservative Alberta Darling. The 22nd is a seat that Democrats must protect. Sandy Pasch entered the race early and has been campaigning aggressively. Sandy has attended Camp Wellstone and secured the endorsement of the Inspector of the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Department, the Milwaukee District Attorney, and many prominent progressive activists. Sandy is a registered nurse and 21-year resident of the 22nd district. She is married and has rasied three grown children. As a second job, Sandy teaches ethics, mental health, and community nursing at Columbia School of Nursing. She also serves on numerous community boards and works with the Milwaukee Police Department conducting training on how to effectively deal with people living with mental illness.

Click here to support and learn more about Sandy.

Ann Hraychuck

State Representative Ann Hraychuck was first elected to represent District 28 in northwestern Wisconsin along the Minnesota border in the state Assembly in 2006, defeating a four-term incumbent. Prior to her election, she served in law enforcement for 32 years, including as Polk County Sheriff, and at the time was one of only two female sheriffs in the state. In 1991, she was the recipient of a Medal of Valor for rendering aid to a fellow officer who had been shot. In 2006, we worked closely with Ann on her message development, fundraising and campaign strategy. During her first term in office Ann has worked to preserve our natural resources and has authored legislation to allow small business owners and their employees to be covered under the state health insurance plan.

Click here to support and learn more about Ann.

Sarah Bruch

Sarah is also the cofounder of a small retail business in Hudson that sells gifts and novelties. Progressive Majority worked with local community leaders to recruit Sarah to run for the Assembly. Sarah experienced first-hand the failings of our current health care system when her son became ill, and she is committed to expanding health care coverage to all. She is also very involved with the conservation community in her district and if elected, will be a strong advocate for environmental protection.

Click here to support and learn more about Sarah.

Paul Tubbs

As a school guidance counselor and Rhinelander School Board Member, Paul Tubbs has committed his life to the children and families in his district.. He is now ready to take his experience and skills to the state level, representing the 34th District in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Paul understands that the key to economic prosperity is excellent schools and healthy children and families. He will work to bring good-paying, family-supporting jobs to his community, make sure Wisconsin's education system remains top-notch, and fight for affordable health care.

Paul is challenging an incumbent whose votes have consistently lined up with the conservative leadership in Madison instead of with the best interests of his district. Paul has knocked on thousands of doors in his community and has heard loud and clear that the people of the 34th Assembly District are ready for new leadership.

Click here to support and learn more about Paul.

Jay Schmelling

For the last 10 years, Jay has been the executive director of the Pipe Trades Association, the fastest growing building trades association in the state. He was previously a small business owner and family farmer. Jay sees job loss and the rising cost of energy as top problems in his district and believes the development of bio-based renewable energy could be an important part of the solution. If elected Jay will work hard to promote job growth in a part of the state that needs economic development. We are excited about his race and his passion for progressive issues.

Click here to support and learn more about Jay.

Stan Gruszynski

Stan is no stranger to the Wisconsin State Legislature. Stan formerly served five terms in the Assembly District 71 from 1984 - 1994, where he was an environmental leader, authoring both the Wisconsin Environmental Education Law and Farms for the Future Act. Since retiring from the legislature, Stan has worked mainly in rural development. He has been director of the Rural Leadership and Community Development Program at the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point for the past five years. He was formerly the Wisconsin Public Affairs Director for the US Department of Agriculture Rural Development. Stan has a proven track record of leadership and solving problems and we are excited about helping bring him back to work in the State Assembly!

Click here to support and learn more about Stan.

Andy Jorgensen

State Representative Andy Jorgensen was elected to the State Assembly, District 37 in 2006, winning an open seat held for seven terms by a Republican. Prior to his election, Andy was a UAW member and steward working on the assembly line at the General Motors plant. He also had a successful radio career as WFAW's popular morning radio personality, 'Andy Arbuckle'. He has been a Cub Scout den leader, a Sunday school teacher at his family's church, and a classroom aide at his children's school. In 2006, we worked closely with Andy, endorsing him in the primary and providing assistance on his message development, fundraising and campaign strategy. This November he will face the winner of a Republican primary in September. As State Representative, Andy has been a tireless advocate for farm families and also authored consumer protection legislation that would require payday lenders to disclose the total amount of fees and interest rates associated with their loans.

Click here to support and learn more about Andy.

Fred Clark

Fred Clark is challenging a three-term incumbent, Doc Hines for State Assembly District 42. Fred is a conservationist, consulting forester, and small business owner. Fred was appointed by Republican Governor Thompson in 1998 to represent Columbia County on the Lower Wisconsin Riverway Board, and to the Wisconsin Council on Forestry by Democratic Governor Doyle in 2004. Fred was a founder of the Woodland School, a Baraboo-based educational program offering conservation training to private landowners, now in its 10th year. He was also a founding member of the Baraboo Range Preservation Association, a non-profit land trust serving Sauk and Columbia counties. As state Representative, Fred will be a strong conservation advocate and lead the fight for affordable health care and job growth.

Click here to support and learn more about Fred.

Kim Hixson

State Representative Kim Hixson was elected to the State Assembly, 43rd District, defeating a two term incumbent. Prior to his election, he was a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (an AFT member) and had a long history of community involvement including serving on the Whitewater Common Council for four years and as its President from 2005 to 2006, coaching youth basketball and soccer, and serving as a Boy Scout Pack Master. In 2006, we worked closely with Kim on his message development, fundraising and campaign strategy. As State Representative Kim has worked with members of both parties to save Wisconsin's prescription drug program for senior citizens and has fought to bring more jobs to his district. The former State Representative whom he defeated in 2006, Debi Towns, is running again for the seat this November.

Click here to support and learn more about Kim.

Phil Garthwaite

State Representative Phil Garthwaite was first elected to represent District 49 in the State Assembly in 2006, defeating a three-term incumbent. Phil was the first Democrat to hold the seat since 1913. He was the fifth generation to be raised on the family farm, and prior to his election he was a farm radio director and broadcaster for local radio stations. In 2006, we worked closely with Phil on his message development, fundraising and campaign strategy. This November he will face the winner of a three-way Republican primary. During his first term in office Phil fought for the rights of workers over big corporations and authored legislation to ensure that employees could collect unpaid wages when their company goes bankrupt before banks and credit companies can collect money owed to them.

Click here to support and learn more about Phil.

Steve Hilgenberg

State Representative Steve Hilgenberg was elected to represent District 51 in the State Assembly in 2006, defeating an eight-term Republican incumbent. The U.S. Army veteran and former small business owner had a long history of community involvement prior to his election to the Assembly. He served on the Dodgeville School Board for seven years and was a community representative to the Head Start Policy Council for three years. He was also a volunteer coach for the Dodgeville High School softball team for 10 years and a basketball referee for more than 20 years. During his first term in office, Steve has worked to address the health care crisis in Wisconsin and authored the Veterans Interim Health Care Bill, which would create a health care insurance program for veterans who do not qualify for any state or federal VA programs and who do not have access to employer-based insurance.

Click here to support and learn more about Steve.

Gordon Hintz

With Progressive Majority's help, State Rep. Gordon Hintz was first elected to the Assembly in 2006. He was the first Democrat elected to this seat in 24 years. Since his election, Gordon has been a lead advocate for higher education funding and campaign finance reform. Gordon was one of only nine legislators given the highest distinction, ''Democracy Defender'' by the non-partisan Wisconsin Democracy Campaign for his work in promoting clean and open government.

Click here to support and learn more about Gordon.

Mark Westphal

Mark Westphal is running for office in the Fox Valley. Mark has been president of the Fox Valley Labor Council for the past 10 years, and serves on the Fox Valley Workforce Development Board, United Way Board and Winnebago County W-2 Steering Committee. He is an electrician and member of IBEW. Mark ran a campaign in 2006 and garnered 48% against an entrenched incumbent. Mark is a good fit for his district and if elected will work hard to bring more jobs to an area of the state where industry continues to decline.

Click here to support and learn more about Mark.

Penny Bernard Schaber

Penny was a Progressive Majority endorsed candidate in 2006, when she received 46.8% of the vote against a 10-year incumbent who had never faced a challenger. With the incumbent's unexpected retirement earlier this year, Penny is well positioned to win election to the State Assembly, District 57. Penny works as a physical therapist and has practiced in hospitals, private homes, nursing homes, and currently works in the local schools (an NEA member). Penny is also a former chair of the John Muir Chapter of Sierra Club, where she has worked on conservation issues for more than 20 years. Since the 2006 election, Penny has remained active and has continued to grow the 200-person volunteer army that she built in her first campaign. Penny has completed further campaign training, including graduating from Emerge Wisconsin. Penny already has won the endorsements of the local firefighters' union, United Steelworkers, the Sierra Club and progressive U.S. Senator Russ Feingold.

Click here to support and learn more about Penny.

Linda Flashinski

Linda has a long history as an advocate for children and public education. She was most recently the communications director for the Racine Unified School District and previously served as associate director of Family Service of Racine, adjunct instructor at Gateway Technical College, and teacher at Parkside's College for Kids. For more than six years, Linda has been a radio host for ''Education Matters'' and ''Community Matters'' on WGTD 91.1 FM. She is also the former president of the local school board. Linda decided to run after she was approached by a network of women locally that have worked with Progressive Majority in recent years. If elected, she will work hard as an advocate for education in the state Assembly.

Click here to support and learn more about Linda.

Nick Milroy

Superior City Councilor Nick Milroy is running in an open seat being vacated by an 11-term Democrat. Nick is a 34 year-old fisheries biologist who was awarded the Southwest Asia Service Medal and a Letter of Commendation for his service in the Navy. Nick serves as an international representative to the Lake Superior Binational Forum, a partnership of government, industry, universities, native organizations, and environmental groups from both Canada and the U.S. dedicated to the restoration and protection of the Lake Superior Basin. Nick faces three opponents in the Democratic primary in September and then goes on to face an independent in the general election.

Click here to support and learn more about Nick.

Kris Wisnefske

Kris is running for State Assembly District 80 in a Democratic primary this September, and will face two-term conservative incumbent Brett Davis in November. Kris has been a registered nurse for the past 32 years. Making health care affordable to every Wisconsinite is what inspired her to run for state Assembly. This district voted for John Kerry with 57% of the vote in 2004. The conservative incumbent is completely out of touch with the values and priorities of the voters in the district and Kris is ready to truly represent the 80th district in Madison.

Click here to support and learn more about Kris.

Nate Myszka

Nate Myszka is challenging a five-term incumbent, Jerry Petrowski, for State Assembly, District 86. Nate has worked for Congressman David Obey in Washington, DC to secure funding to reduce methamphetamine abuse in the district. He later moved back home to work in Congressman Obey's district office. At 30 years old, Nate already has experience in local government, having served as a member of the Marathon School Board where his peers elected him Vice President. Nate is a member of several local community organizations including the Everest Area Optimist Club, Friends of Rib Mountain, St. Mark's Catholic Church and Friends of Mountain Bay Trail. As state Representative, he will be a true voice for working families, fighting for affordable health care that is always there and to keep family supporting jobs in his district.

Click here to support and learn more about Nate.

Judy Reas

Judy Reas is challenging a three-term incumbent Mary Williams for State Assembly, District 87. Judy was a home health care worker for more than 20 years at the local hospital and currently works at a local credit union. Judy has served on the Park Falls City Council and was a candidate for this seat in 2006. Progressive Majority endorsed Judy in 2006 in a contested Democratic primary race and despite a hard-fought campaign, Judy lost that race by 32 votes. Her primary opponent went on to lose the general election with 49.5% of the vote, coming within 220 votes of the incumbent. Judy understands that with rising gas prices, massive job loss and out of control health care costs, voters in her district are struggling to make ends meet. As state Representative, Judy will work to bring the district back in the right direction.

Click here to support and learn more about Judy.

Jim Soletski

State Representative Jim Soletski was elected to the State Assembly, District 88 in 2006, defeating a three-term incumbent. Jim was born and raised in the Green Bay area and worked in the electrical power industry for more than 33 years before running for office. He is also active with JOSHUA, a faith-based social justice group. In 2006, we worked closely with Jim, endorsing him in the primary, and providing assistance on his message development, fundraising and campaign strategy. This November he will face Tony Theisen, a long-time Green Bay City Alderman and Brown County Supervisor. During his first term in office, Jim worked to expand access to higher education and authored legislation to extend tuition remission for children of fallen firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical staff and correctional officers.

Click here to support and learn more about Jim.

Lou Ann Weix

Lou Ann Weix is challenging a three-term incumbent, Karl Van Roy for State Assembly District 90. The district includes part of Green Bay and several surrounding townships. Lou Ann has been a nurse for over 30 years and was appointed by Governor Doyle to the Wisconsin Board of Nursing. Lou Ann has seen the health care crisis first-hand and she will work to make sure everyone in her district has access to the same kind of high quality health care that state legislators have had for years.

Click here to support and learn more about Lou Ann.

Jeff Smith

With the help of Progressive Majority, State Rep. Jeff Smith was first elected in 2006, when he defeated a six-term incumbent. A small business owner, Jeff runs the oldest locally owned family business in Eau Claire, Bob Smith Window Cleaning. He has served as chair of the town of Brunswick for the last six years. Jeff also founded the Eau Claire Area School District's parent advisory committee, Parents Advocating on Behalf of Children. In 2006 we worked closely with Jeff on his message development, fundraising and campaign strategy. This November he will face the winner of the Republican primary, which takes place in September. During his first term in office Jeff authored a bill to close corporate tax loop holes and invest that money in a renewable energy grant and loan program and technical college student grants.

Click here to support and learn more about Jeff.

Cheryl Hancock

Cheryl Hancock is challenging Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch in District 94. Her opponent has been the lead advocate for the conservative agenda in the Wisconsin Legislature. Cheryl has been a member of the school board in Holmen for seven years and currently serves as its president. In addition, Cheryl is the Executive Director of the Red Cross and has been nominated twice for Person of the Year by the La Crosse Tribune. Cheryl is a committed candidate who will work hard in this district.

Click here to support and learn more about Cheryl.

Dale Klemme

Dale Klemme is running for the 96th Assembly District seat - a top target for us in 2008. We identified and recruited Dale to run in the Spring of 2007. Dale is working to unseat Lee Nerison, a conservative Assembly member who has consistently voted along party lines. Dale is a community development planner who has lived in the district for 30 years, and his wife is the Mayor of Prarie du Chien. He is an active member of the Praire du Chien community, participating in the Praire du Chien Chamber and School Board. He is also a Vietnam veteran.

Click here to support and learn more about Dale.

Ruth Page Jones

Ruth Page Jones faces a Democratic primary opponent in September and will then go on to challenge a conservative Republican incumbent in November. Progressive Majority began working with Ruth when she was still making the decision on whether to run. Ruth is a former IT executive and currently is the Executive Director of Christmas Clearinghouse, a non-profit that provides Christmas donations to families in need. She is also President of Wisconsin Alliance of Excellent Schools, a state-wide organization committed to quality public education.

Click here to support and learn more about Ruth.