How Da North Was Won

            Up in northwestern Wisconsin we don’t see a whole lot of media coverage for our local political battles, some of which are the fiercest of any I’ve seen. Here’s a rundown of a few races in the Rice Lake/Superior/Eau Claire area that deserve some attention:

Wisconsin 3^rd Congressional District

In this race, Democratic incumbent Ron Kind squared off against local businessman Dan Kapanke. The race was unusually close for Kind, who represents a relatively safe district. Kind was linked (as most Democrats were) to national politicians Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama, and was criticized for his vote on the health care bill. Kapanke was a formidable opponent, though he made a few mistakes particularly with the dispute over his somewhat questionable finances. Ultimately, it was Kind’s popularity and name notoriety which allowed him to overcome his challenger in a Republican year. Kapanke has been involved in local politics in the past, and after a hard-fought battle, may indulge in future battles for higher office.

Wisconsin 7^th Congressional District

            One of the most targeted House races in the country was located right in Wisconsin’s 7^th district. Winner of the race, Ashland district attorney Sean Duffy, was the first target of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which struck with a hard hitting ad condemning what they perceived as Duffy’s plan to privatize social security. His opponent, state senator Julie Lassa, ran a campaign as an independent Democrat, distancing herself from (and paradoxically embracing) long-term retiring Congressman Dave Obey, whose seat they sought to replace. Special interest ads poured into this tight race, as well as a few creative advertisements by Mr. Duffy. The Republican Sean Duffy proved to be the winner of the battle to reach voters, “winning” a series of debates and earning name recognition. A campaign which lasted one year and four months also contributed to Duffy’s win over a Democrat who campaigned for only six months prior to the election. Lassa returns to her state senate position, looking for future opportunities to serve her constituents and the 7^th Congressional District.

State Senate District 23

            This state senate slot was a major pick-up for Republicans, who took over control of both the Assembly and Senate in Wisconsin. Powerful Democrat Pat Kreitlow (president pro tempore of the Senate) was defeated handily by Republican Terry Moulton. Both gentlemen are popular in the area, with Kreitlow being involved in local media and Moulton on the business scene. Moulton rode the Republican wave into office in a seat Republicans needed to win to retake the Senate.

State Senate District 25

            In one of the closest races in recent history, Democrat Bob Jauch held his senate seat against Republican challenger Dane Deutsch. Jauch is a long-time representative with powerful Madison ties who was being faced by upstart political candidate and businessman Dane Deutsch. Jauch was able to use his name recognition and work on projects in the area to deflect a Republican challenge to the seat. Jauch also benefitted from strong Democratic roots in the city of Superior, WI, and rallied enough voters to return him to office once more.

State Senate District 31

            Incumbent Democrat Kathleen Vinehout presumably held off a challenge against Republican/Libertarian challenger Ed Thompson, who has recently requested a recount of ballots. Thompson benefitted from the Republican tide this year, as well as ties to popular former-Wisconsin governor Tommy Thompson. Vinehout was able to use the strong get out the vote team for the Democratic Party in the area to succeed in her battle for reelection.

Assembly District 68

            One of the state’s closest margins of victory placed Republican challenger Kathy Bernier over Democratic incumbent Kristen Dexter. The notoriously split district gave the win to Bernier by only 87 votes, which will be challenged in a recount by Dexter.

Assembly District 75

            Another race in the northwoods turned close this year when popular representative Mary Hubler announced her retirement in the 75^th district. Republican Roger Rivard managed to win against Hubler and Democratic-endorsed opponent Steve Perala. The race saw a surprisingly nasty turn in the final months, as special interests poured advertising money into the race and friendly opponents began attacking issue positions held by the other. The 51-49 split for the Republicans is sure to be a close race in the future, as Rivard seeks to establish himself as a representative for the area. He is strengthened by his close ties to local businesses and residents, but is bound to face challengers from the likes of Perala, who was a popular school teacher with ties to the teachers’ union.

Assembly District 93

            Recount seems to be a popular word in the races of northwestern Wisconsin, which faces another one in the 93^rd district. Popular sensation Warren Petryk, known for his work with a local band, was able to take the seat held by Democrat Jeff Smith. Smith was also popular in local media before taking his turn representing the people of the 93^rd.

Barron County Sheriff

            Incumbent Democrat Chris Fitzgerald (who recently received an award as Wisconsin’s “best elected official”) defeated Republican challenger Jay Olson, who ran a campaign on fiscal conservatism and emergency preparation plans. Fitzgerald, aside from name-recognition, also was advantaged for his work with the local community on (particularly) drug-related cases.

Highway Referendum

            Voters in all northwest Wisconsin counties with this ballot referendum approved language which would prevent the “raiding” of the transportation fund to pay for other services. Constitutional and policy referendums such as this one are generally a challenge when facing the voters, though groups organizing for this proposal may have profited from this year’s tea-party movement, which advocated changes to the way the government operates. Voters seemed to give the go-ahead for oversight on how the state government operates, and gave newly elected politicians something to work with in the new legislative session.

            To everybody in Wisconsin: I hope you enjoyed analysis of local races and their implications for the future of government in Wisconsin. To those outside Wisconsin: there were many races in the northwoods of Wisconsin which serve as important case studies on the views of the voters and the workings of the government. The overall mood in Wisconsin was one of the strongest conservative shifts in the nation, despite many key Democratic holds. The agenda of the new lawmakers and the stage set in this election could begin an interesting era in Wisconsin government and elections, and could have serious effects on the 2012 elections and beyond.