Wisconsin
Over the years, Wisconsin has proved to be the ultimate swing state. It is a battleground state that must be protected as a progressive stronghold because of its history as a "laboratory of reform," which has historically tested new public policies and set examples for the nation.
| Wisconsin Legislature | ||
Democrats |
Republicans |
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| Senate | ||
| 2004 | 15 |
18 |
| 2006 | 14 |
19 |
| Today | 18 |
15 |
| House | ||
| 2004 | 41 |
58 |
| 2006 | 39 |
59 |
| Today | 47 |
52 |
Wisconsin is a state with progressive urban areas and politically diverse rural areas. Progressive Majority's state-based approach to candidate recruitment and development is well-suited to adapting to unique political environments such as this.
Progressive Majority Wisconsin believes values-centered campaigns are winning campaigns. That's how Progressive Majority succeeded in flipping control of the state senate in 2006. Kathleen Vinehout won because she thinks everyone deserves affordable health care. Jim Sullivan took a suburban Milwaukee district on the strength of his commitment to good public schools. John Lehman wants a government that cares about people instead of corporations - Racine agrees. Pat Kreitlow knows that people want and deserve a healthy environment. And Kim Hixson squeaked out a win, by focusing on the hopes of local voters. We will continue nurturing local candidates to build a deeply-rooted progressive coalition in the state. In addition, Wisconsin staff will focus on incumbent protection efforts for progressive candidates that will face tough re-election bids in 2008.
Click here to visit the Progressive Majority Wisconsin website for more information
Mike Giese
Candidate for Mayor of Onalaska (Open Seat)
Mike Giese served on the Onalaska City Council for six years before running for mayor unsuccessfully against a long-time incumbent. In his second attempt running for mayor in 2008, he was victorious by nine votes. Mike is a former owner of the Onalaska Community Life Newspaper, which he sold when he decided to seek public office. Mike made progressive issues, such as health care and the environment, the centerpiece of his campaign. With his election, now he can put those values into action.
Fred Clark
Candidate for State Assembly - District 42 (Challenger)
Baraboo
Fred Clark challenged 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.
Penny Bernard Schaber
Candidate for State Assembly - District 57 (Open Seat)
Appleton
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 was 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 won the endorsements of the local firefighters' union, United Steelworkers, the Sierra Club and progressive U.S. Senator Russ Feingold.
Kristen Dexter
Candidate for State Assembly - District 68 (Challenger)
Altoona, Eau Claire, Fall Creek
Kristen Dexter ran 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 ran 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.
Jim Holperin
Candidate for State Senate - District 12 (Open Seat)
Rhinelander, Tomahawk and Crandon
Jim Holperin was elected to an open seat in rural northeastern Wisconsin. The unexpected Democratic retirement this year left 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 kept this seat in Democratic hands and kept a progressive majority in the Senate.
Robert Wirch
Candidate for State Senate - District 22 (Incumbent)
Kenosha
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 faced Benjamin Bakke, a financial advisor whose solution to the health care crisis is expanding Health Savings Accounts and who was opposed to comprehensive health care reform.
Dave Hansen
Candidate for State Senate - District 30 (Incumbent)
Green Bay
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 faced 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.'
Ted Zigmunt
Candidate for State Assembly - District 2 (Challenger)
Manitowoc and Brown Counties
Ted Zigmunt was elected to the State Assembly. He challenged seven-term ultra-conservative incumbent Frank Lasee in rural Manitowoc and Brown counties. The incumbent has gained national attention for outlandish proposals such as permitting teachers to carry handguns in schools and cutting all state funding to UW Law School because lawyers are a ''plague of locusts.'' But the real reason the incumbent was vulnerable is because voters in his district are struggling to make ends meet and he has only exasperated the problem with his votes in favor of big business over workers and big oil over consumers. Ted's lead issue is economic justice; he is committed to putting working families first. He is a Manitowoc County Board Supervisor and President of the Village of Francis Creek.
Pedro Colon
Candidate for State Assembly - District 8 (Incumbent)
South Milwaukee
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 defeated 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.
Sandy Pasch
Candidate for State Assembly - District 22 (Open Seat)
Fox Point, River Hills, Glendale, Whitefish Bay, Shorewood
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.
Ann Hraychuck
Candidate for State Assembly - District 28 (Incumbent)
Balsam Lake
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.
Andy Jorgensen
Candidate for State Assembly - District 37 (Incumbent)
Fort Atkinson
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. 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.
Kim Hixson
Candidate for State Assembly - District 43 (Incumbent)
Whitewater
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, ran again for the seat this November.
Phil Garthwaite
Candidate for State Assembly - District 49 (Incumbent)
Fennimore
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. 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.
Steve Hilgenberg
Candidate for State Assembly - District 51 (Incumbent)
Dodgeville
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.
Gordon Hintz
Candidate for State Assembly - District 54 (Incumbent)
Oshkosh
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.
Nick Milroy
Candidate for State Assembly - District 73 (Open Seat)
Superior City
Superior City Councilor Nick Milroy was elected to an open seat being vacated by 11-term Democrat Frank Boyle in Assembly District 73. The outgoing incumbent and Nick approached Progressive Majority for support and advice soon after filing papers. 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 faced two opponents in the Democratic primary in September and then an Independent in the general election. Progressive Majority was in contact with Nick's campaign regularly, receiving updates on benchmarks and providing strategic advice.
Jim Soletski
Candidate for State Assembly - District 88 (Incumbent)
Green Bay
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 faced 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.
Chris Danou
Candidate for State Assembly - District 91 (Open Seat)
Buffalo, Jackson, Pepin, Pierce and Trempealeau Counties
Chris Danouwas elected to the State Assembly in an open seat recently vacated by a thirteen-term incumbent Democrat. Chris won a six-way partisan primary and faced a well funded conservative opponent. Chris is a police officer in the City of Onalaska and is President of the Onalaska Professional Police Association and member of the County Emergency Response Team (SWAT). In addition to his law enforcement training, Chris has dual Masters Degrees in International Affairs and Wildlife Biology. One of his core issues is the American Jobs Act - giving state contract preference to companies that don't send jobs overseas.
Mark Radcliffe
Candidate for State Assembly - District 92 (Open Seat)
Monroe and Jackson Counties
Mark Radcliffe was elected to the State Assembly in an open seat recently vacated by an 11-term incumbent Republican. Mark is a life-long resident of Black River Falls and a first time candidate. Mark is a lawyer in private practice and has worked to provide free legal service for local organizations, such as the shelter for battered women and the Boys and Girls Club. One of Mark's core issues is equal pay for equal work. Mark faced a tough battle against a well-funded conservative who is a former Juneau District Attorney.
Jeff Smith
Candidate for State Assembly - District 93 (Incumbent)
Eau Claire
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. 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.
Adam Warpinksi
Candidate for Brown County Board - District 1 (Incumbent)
Adam has been a member of our farm team since late 2005, and was first successfully fielded by Progressive Majority to the Brown County Board in 2006. At 25 years old, Adam is currently the youngest member of the board. He is an organizer for the League of Conservation Voters, a partner organization and member of our Advisory Council. Adam is a great champion for progressive values.
Jack Krueger
Candidate for Brown County Board - District 5 (Incumbent)
Jack is a retired AFSCME member who has been a leader on the Brown County Board, especially in the area of protecting workers and fair labor practices. After the 2006 election, Jack was one vote shy of becoming the Brown County Board Chairman, and has since worked tirelessly to recruit and help elect progressive candidates. Our work in 2008 has been tied closely to working with Jack and other progressive partners in Brown County. Four years ago, there was much doubt that progressives could make inroads into this historically conservative part of the state. Jack has been instrumental in helping shift that perception.
Carole Andrews
Candidate for Brown County Board - District 15 (Open Seat)
Carole Andrews has an extensive policy background and has worked on Democratic campaigns in Green Bay and Brown County for several election cycles. We know she will make a great addition to the Board.
Rob Zerban
Candidate for Kenosha County Board - District 5 (Open Seat)
Rob Zerban was elected a Kenosha County Supervisor in April of 2008. Rob is an enterpreneur who has started several food service companies in Illinois. He was recruited by our Kenosha County Task Force in July 2007 to run for this seat.
Jennifer Jackson
Candidate for Kenosha County Board - District 20 (Incumbent)
When Jennifer Jackson was elected to the Kenosha County Board, she was the most outspoken progressive, and the lone progressive woman. In 2008, she led our recruitment task force and worked with us to recruit new candidates to Kenosha local elected positions. Jenn is a stay-at-home mom and a leader in the environmental community.
Bill Brockmiller
Candidate for La Crosse County Board - District 13 (Open Seat)
Bill Brockmiller was a first-time candidate when he won his seat on the La Crosse County Board in 2008. Bill is active in his union as a Labor Market Analyst for AFSCME and a member of the bargaining unit.
Beverly Mach
Candidate for La Crosse County Board - District 15 (Challenger)
Beverly Mach was recruited to run for the La Crosse County Board by our regional task force in Spring of 2008, and she emerged victorious. Beverly has lived in her district for more than 39 years and has strong ties to the community. Prior to her retirement, Beverly was a career advisor at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
Tara Johnson
Candidate for La Crosse County Board - District 18 (Incumbent)
Tara Johnson was recruited to the Progressive Majority Farm Team in the fall of 2007. She is currently serving her fifth term on the La Crosse County Board. Tara is the former executive director of United Way and currently a stay-at-home mom. On the La Crosse County Board, she is the chair of Health and Human Services Committee and Second Vice-Chair of the board. Tara is well respected and admired for her ability to fight for progressive values while building consensus among her peers.
Marina Dimitrijevic
Candidate for Milwaukee County Board - District 4 (Incumbent)
Marina was first elected in 2004 as the youngest-ever person (then 22) elected to the Milwaukee County Board. In her first two terms as Supervisor, she held over 50 town hall meetings, served on more than 30 community organizations and worked to promote progressive legislation including a GreenPrint Plan that she authored and passed in 2007. Marina is a rising star in Milwaukee politics and is committed to building a movement of young progressives.
Chris Larson
Candidate for Milwaukee County Board - District 14 (Open Seat)
Chris Larson was recruited by Progressive Majority to run for a then-open seat on the Milwaukee County Board in 2008. He is committed to protecting the county parks and fixing the public transit system and will be an important voice on the Milwaukee County Board.
Diane Lange
Candidate for Racine County Board - District 6 (Incumbent)
Diane Lange is active in the Racine women's progressive movement, is an SEIU member working as a public nurse and a vocal challenger to conservative mismanagement in her county government. Diane is an active community member, serving on the Board of Directors for Youth Connections, a member of the Hispanic Roundtable, and State Board Member for her SEIU Local.
Ken Hall
Candidate for Racine County Board - District 15 (Incumbent)
Ken Hall has been a member of our farm team since 2005 and was first elected to the Racine County Board in 2006. Since then, he has been working to recruit and train other progressive candidates for various local offices in his community. Ken and his wife, Debra, are building a progressive movement in Racine; Debra chairs the newly formed Racine Progressive Women's Network, a group of 200 women working for political accountability and positive change in southeastern Wisconsin. Ken has a history of community service and activism and has been strongly supported by labor.
Katie Kuznacic
Candidate for Rock County Board - District 29 (Challenger)
Katie Kuznacic is an elected member of the Rock County Board. She works as a legislative assistant to progressive Assembly Representative Michael Sheridan and specializes in constituent relationships. Katie is supported by United Auto Workers and the local Labor Council.
Celestine Jeffreys
Candidate for Green Bay City Council - District 7 (Incumbent)
Celestine is currently one of Wisconsin's rising political stars. She was elected to the Green Bay City Council and is currently the only woman and only person of color on the council. Progressive Majority recruited her in 2006, when she successfully won her first election. In her first term as Councilwoman, Celestine stood for the separation of church and state against a controversial ordinance that allowed a nativity scene to be placed a top City Hall. We need more progressive champions like Celestine in Green Bay and all across Wisconsin.
Michael Orth
Candidate for Kenosha City Council - District 15 (Challenger)
Michael is a lifelong Kenosha resident whose election to the Kenosha City Council was his first race. Michael and his wife have two small children and are active members of the community. Both he and his wife are teachers in the Kenosha public schools - Michael teaches history and is very active in the local teachers' union, as well as Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC), the Wisconsin chapter of the NEA. Michael is a great elected official and we see him as a rising star in the progressive movement.
Anthony Kennedy
Candidate for Kenosha City Council - District 10 (Open Seat)
We first met Anthony Kennedy in January 2007, and convinced him to run for local office. As a community member, Anthony has been involved with the NAACP, the local Democratic Party, and is a former AFSCME member and campaign manager for other local candidates. In 2008, Anthony successfully won a seat on the Kenosha City Council.
Gilbert Ostman
Candidate for Kenosha Unified School Board - At Large (Incumbent)
Gilbert Ostman is a member of the Kenosha School Board. He has been a leader and teacher in the Kenosha School District for more than 30 years. He retired from teaching social studies and driver's education in 1999. In addition to his many hours in the classroom, Gilbert has worked in the community. He has coached soccer, served on the Mayor's Youth Commission, helped found the Youth Memorial in one of Kenosha's parks, and is a lifetime member of the NEA and KEA (Kenosha Education Association). His knowledge and experience with issues important to both educators and students makes him a critical member of the school board.
Pamala Handrow
Candidate for Racine School Board - At Large (Challenger)
Pam Handrow was a founding member of the Racine Women's Progressive Network and has been an agent of change in Racine County for years. Currently Pam teaches adult education and labor law. Pam started her professional career as a social worker, which later prompted her to attend law school. She also has a master's degree in library science. Pam has assisted countless children and families in attaining important social services and has worked as a mediator. Her education and her life experience instilled in her a deep dedication to improving the lives of children.
Melvin Hargrove
Candidate for Racine School Board - At Large (Incumbent)
Melvin Hargrove was first appointed to serve on the Racine School Board in December 2007, and won his first election to the post in 2008. A lifelong resident of Racine and founding pastor of Zoe Outreach Ministries, Melvin sees first-hand how education is critical to the Racine community. Melvin plans to improve area schools by working with state legislators to address Wisconsin's school funding crisis. Melvin is the only African American serving on the Racine School Board.
Dennis Wiser
Candidate for Racine School Board - At Large (Challenger)
Dennis Wiser is a retired math teacher from Case High School, where he spent over 30 years in the classroom and working for the teachers' union. We recruited Dennis to run through our network of women in the Racine Women's Progressive Network, and he won election to the School Board in April, 2008.