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9/13/2010
Walker, Kleefisch, Johnson, Ribble, Litjens, Lasee
It’s quite a year. Tons of candidates. I attended a training at City Hall last week for election workers – same thing we’re required to attend prior to every election. Appleton City Clerk Cindi Hesse showed off an unusually oversized ballot. Complex too, because of Wisconsin’s Open Primary. (Choose any party you like – but don’t vote for candidates in more than one party - we’re going to see lots of rejected and re-done ballots Tuesday. And we’ll be around long after 8:00 doing the complex tallying. Not looking forward to that.)
It was an interesting sidelight that the folded ballots barely fit into an absentee voter return envelope – so election day workers were trained in the best way to open the envelope without slicing through the ballot.
Not a sidelight – but rather the highlight of the election is all those candidates (from several parties) that make for an extra long ballot. If you’ve done any campaigning in the last 6 months, you’ve heard tea party slogans come to life in the average Joe’s living room. Pretty cool.
Walker. I like these two guys; Neumann and Walker are both highly qualified – bright, skilled. And really nice guys. Walker’s political skills and experience managing the huge rough-and-tumble world of Milwaukee County are what can beat Mayor Barrett, but more importantly, are what Wisconsin needs in 2011.
Kleefisch. What a field of Lt. Gov. candidates. Lots of skill there for a job that does – what? Dave Ross is my second choice – but I don’t get two ballots – eek! Both true conservatives.
Johnson. This guy is the real deal. I like him. He’s all we’ve been asking for in a ‘non-politician.’ And he’s getting attention. And yes, he has money. Dave Westlake is the real deal too; a very nice, kind informed guy that didn’t get the traction he needed – and won’t, against Feingold.
Ribble in the 8th Congressional District. I really like this guy – and am actively working in his campaign. Again, a great field of candidates. McCormick and Roth speak to the issues as capably as Ribble does. But Reid has the bevy of life’s experiences he needs – and given his age and that experience, is the guy to beat Steve Kagen this time around. A fellow campaigner reminded me the other day of a quote Reid shares that comes from his father: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” That’s Reid. A servant leader. He will do an excellent job for us in D.C.
Frank Lasee in the 1st Senate District. I’ve been a long-time fan of Frank’s never-changing and well-informed conservative principles and views. A bit eccentric once in a while, but this guy is a fighter. For your constitutional rights and for mine.
Michelle Litjens in the 56th. Far and away the most qualified and capable – and conservative – candidate in the 3-way race for the GOP nomination in this district being vacated by Roger Roth. Sharp lady. I know all the candidates well – nice, good people. Michelle’s a leader – she will make change come to the legislature. For sure.
Many other races I could comment on and have opinions on, but don’t feel close enough (or in one case, feel too close!) to the situation to make a public call. All good people running. Great people. I love it all.
Jo Egelhoff, FoxPolitics.net
COMMENTS
I realize this is Fox Politics, not state politics, but a good number of us downstaters read here. Let me add another good candidate to the list:
Dan Sebring, CD 4, (Milwaukee and a few of the Burbs) Dan is a small businessman, former Navy intelligence officer, a believer in constitutionally limited government. Not to disparage the efforts of primary opponent Lipinski, but Dan is a more well rounded candidate, better grounded on all the issues. And yes, I am working almost full time on Dan's campaign.
Ken Van Doren (Mon Sep 13 07:34:39 2010)
Thanks Ken; appreciate your input.
Jo (Mon Sep 13 07:43:43 2010)
I disagree with you on the 56th. Jim Pleuss has paid his dues on the local level - not just the party. He has proven he will stand up in the face of adversity and work for his constituents - not be bought by special interests, party politics or because he needs to get reelected! Your bias for the party person in this race is flagrant Jo and I am disappointed as are many others I have spoken to.
mary pleuss (Mon Sep 13 08:12:31 2010)
Oh my Mary. My brief comments about Michelle - and your husband - were kind and heart-felt. Please, disagree, but disagree constructively. My choice centers around leadership ability, as I stated. All of the candidates have been active in the party - why does my choice demonstrate party bias? Much less "flagrant?" Oh my. Back to kindness, Mary.
Jo (Mon Sep 13 08:43:43 2010)
Thanks Jo! I am excited that this is the first election I've been able to participate in where I can vote FOR someone instead of merely AGAINST someone else.
On Walker and Neumann - the thing that concerns me about Walker is his strong ties to the party establishment. Neumann's got principles he'll stick to, political consequences be darned. Put simply, Neumann is far less likely to bend to the will of the party establishment, and THAT's what Wisconsin needs. He also has a clear understanding and practice of the "citizen representative" that was intended by the Founding Fathers.
Like you said - both good men. But party politics has a way of breaking good men, and I believe Mark Neumann is, in that context, the far stronger candidate. He's also got a clear, specific, and detailed plan which anyone and everyone can read. As far as I can tell, Walker has a good string of conservative platitudes. Here's a good article I suggest for everyone:
http://www.lakelandtimes.com/main.asp?SectionID=9&SubSectionID=9&ArticleID=11869
Finally, attending one of Neumann's Town Hall Meetings, I had the good fortune to ask him whether he'd mind if I asked him publicly, at the meeting, whether he would not only support, but actively and adamantly promote an initiative for a personhood amendment to the WI Constitution, defining a person from fertilization to natural death, thereby protecting ALL human life regardless of age, circumstance, how/where concieved, health, etc., and he invited me to please do ask that question (the answer of course being a resounding YES!). The man is unabashaedly pro-life - and won't have the party establishment reigning him in on this issue for political reasons. Its an ugly subject with ugly political consequences, and that doesn't stop the man. I am deeply concerned about Walker in this regard, especially where the party establishment is concerned.
Neumann's got my vote.
May God's will be done, and may the best man win.
I wish I could vote for some of the others. As it is I'm stuck with Tom Petri in Congress, Dean Kaufert in the State Assembly, and Michael Ellis in the State Senate.
We agree on Ron Johnson. He's my man for US Senate.
Andrew Ellis (Mon Sep 13 08:49:53 2010)
I worry about Johnson, all i hear is he's not a career politician, never really touches on the serious issues.
My other concern, is when the Republicans were deciding who to back, they said "Do you want Johnson or Feingold?" That worries me because they never gave Westlake a chance and funneled all the Republicans cash to Johnson. I don't trust the Republicans or Democrats. Westlake is a concervative who lets you know where he stands, He gets my vote! When asked about his stance on the 2nd Amendment, Johnson answered, i am not sure where i stand on that. WHAT? come on...
joe (Mon Sep 13 09:46:24 2010)
In the 57th Assembly, I think Howard Miller is the best choice. What really differentiates him from the other candidates is his many years of experience in the manufacturing industry. At a time like this with manufacturing jobs leaving our state, I think we could use someone with his experience in the legislature.
Ben (Mon Sep 13 09:48:34 2010)
Isn't it time to Reclaim Wisconsin. Not words but deeds also. I am the only candidate that HAS NOT received money from outside of Wisconsin.
The Tavern League has given $500 to one of my opponents! what do they expect for the $500, lowered drinking age? smoking everywhere? A career politician in the making. WOW I hope not. Wisconsin is about to become the shining state of the midwest it once was! Tax cuts, constitutionally amended spending. Gone are the days of Political happy talk.
Jay Schroeder (Mon Sep 13 09:57:12 2010)
I have to disagree with you, Jo. And in doing so, know that our friendship can withstand policial disagreement. First, Mark Neumann is a "career candidate" and not suited to be governor. Are you sure why he is even running? He is getting a lot of support from dems, hoping he will win the primary, because they know he is beatable in November. And they will go to the polls to try to accomplish that goal. Scott Walker really DESERVES to be governor. He has the most "hands on" knowledge with his stellar accomplishments as Milwaukee County Executive. Mark Neumann has run a nasty campaign, stating over an over again, that Scott is a "career politician" How many career politicians do you know who return a great portion of their salary? I think "public servant" would be more appropriate in describing Walker.
Dave Ross has a wealth of knowledge that is gained through life experiences. He would carry that knowledge to step into the role of Governor, if that would become necessary. He, as Mayor of Superior, has what it takes to deal with the many municipal situations that mirror the office of governor. He has accomplished many great things as Mayor of Superior.
Rebecca is a nice, cute gal, but be realistic...as governor? I don't think so. And, after all, that is why we are voting for a Lt. Governor, one who can step into the shoes of Governor. Since you are supporting Ribble for some of the same reasons,(life experiences, etc.) then I think you would place your support with Dave Ross. (I know, you put him second). In his message today, he lists all the endorsements WITHOUT asking for money. He has run a very high road campaign, is current on all the issues and can tell you in a NY minute where he stands.
About Michelle, She is a nice person, no doubt about that. I really do not to know much else since she is not in my district. But I do know she has a lot of money to run her campaign so it is likely that she will win. I cannot agree whether or not she is the best candidate, that remains to be seen. More signs seems to vote these days, something you have disagreed with in the past. I am just so curious as to why so much money has been spent on this assembly campaign. It seems to me that she has formidable opponents, and with little money,they have forged on with a lot of stamina and determination. That seat is not hard to win in November, it has typically voted Republican. And, I do not know if there is a "democrat" opponent
So, whatever happens tomorrow, we must keep our "eyes on the prize" and wholeheartedly with vigor support the emerging candidates for victory in November.
Babs (Mon Sep 13 10:12:23 2010)
Jo,
Love ya, but everyone knows that you have been active in the Ribble before either Terri or Roger announced.
If the only difference you can come up with is age, not good enough. My fear with Ribble is this...how many more times will he change his position in the next two months? The way that I look at people is that past actions give you a pretty good indication of how someone will act in the future.
Inconsistent is the word I think of when I hear Ribble....
Dale (Mon Sep 13 10:35:45 2010)
Babs, Jo favored Walker, not Neumann. I favor Neumann.
Also, if the dems favor Neumann, it's because he crossed the good ol' boys club that is the Republican Party Establishment, and they are relying on the R establishment to be so thick-skulled as to offer him no support should he win the primary. In other words, if they favor him, it's playing the game of politics. If the R-Party has an ounce of convicted principle, they'll support Neumann if we wins the primary. The dems are counting the R's to play the game instead.
Walker's done a fine job in Milwaukee. I like him. But I TRUST Neumann. For the reasons I stated above.
My prayers are with everyone going out to the polls tomorrow. God's will be done.
Andrew Ellis (Mon Sep 13 10:56:19 2010)
What about Mark Davies? Anyone have any info on him?
Judy K (Mon Sep 13 11:56:05 2010)
oops, I meant Bret Davies
Judy K (Mon Sep 13 11:56:59 2010)
I also like Howard Miller for the 57th Assembly. He is the "non-politician" candidate, with common sense business experience. His website clearly states his position on the issues. Voters are not left wondering. He also lists his personal cell phone number on his literature and talks with every person who calls it. How better to listen to the people of your district.
Howard has lived in the district for 26 years and his faith guides him in everything he does. I can't think of a better person to represent Appleton.
Leanna (Mon Sep 13 12:49:15 2010)
Hi Jo
I like Miller in the 57th. Your thoughts please.
Regards, Rich
Richard Thompson (Mon Sep 13 13:05:49 2010)
Re: long ballot and envelope size. Unprofessional at best. Ballot is confusing. Just your comment that ballots will be destroyed casts a shadow on the election.
Jo, you mentioned leadership in response to a post. Leadership is one of those words loosely tossed about. I am not sure I want leaders as some would define the word.
I still harbor concerns about Ribble. Even though I voted for him I have reservations. If he wins tomorrow I will contact him.
David (Mon Sep 13 13:34:51 2010)
You will like him David.
Jo (Mon Sep 13 19:44:45 2010)
I was all set to vote Neumann, but switched to Walker at the last minute, because per Neumann's own answer to a question, he is NOT strong on 2nd amendment rights.
emily matthews (Tue Sep 14 18:34:26 2010)
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