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1/12/2010
Rahmlow: Savard, Bies frontrunners for State Senate
Alan Lasee (R-De Pere) announced his retirement from the State Senate this week saying, “After a great deal of thought and consideration, I’ve decided not to seek another term.”
Lasee’s departure from that institution is likely to be noticed when the next Senate convenes in 2011. In fact, the void that will need to be filled will be about as deep as a ten-gallon hat. The conservative De Pere Republican has called for a freeze in state government spending, supported a freeze in property taxes and authored an advisory referendum on the death penalty that Wisconsin voters approved in 2006.
“It’s difficult to do this job without the understanding of your family. I cannot thank my wife Jan, our children, and the rest of the family enough for all their support and patience throughout the years. They sacrificed a great deal to allow me to do a job that I absolutely love,” Lasee said in a press release. No doubt his run for county executive a couple years ago reflected his desire to continue serving while also being closer to his family.
The open Senate seat enhances the prospects for Democratic challenger Dr. Monk Elmer, who may well be a formidable contender. With Lasee in the seat, the district has been reliably Republican. The GOP should be able to hold the seat as long as fiscal issues and jobs stay at the forefront. However, Door County has been known to swing both ways politically making it important for Republicans to choose the right candidate.
Marc Savard could be formidable. A Door County Supervisor, Savard has been steadily raising his profile among the Tea Party crowd as he runs for Congress. However, Savard’s ability to win the Congressional primary against better-funded primary opponents is unlikely. This writer would encourage Savard to bow out, and begin to focus on the State Senate instead. Savard knows how to wage successful local grassroots races, and this contest should be on his radar.
There is also an outside chance two members of the State Assembly may be looking at this race. The first is Assembly Rep. Garey Bies (R-Sister Bay). Bies is well respected in his district that encompasses Door County. Bay Shipping, a major manufacturer in the 1st Assembly, secured $9.2 million from the state with Bies help. Bies is also a fiscal conservative interested in responsible budgets and lower taxes.
“Apparently the Democrats aren’t just about increasing taxes and spending, but seeing how much damage they can do to small businesses,” Bies said of the governor’s budget proposal in 2007. While Bies has been an ardent supporter of campaign finance reform to the chagrin of fellow Republicans, he also can raise the money necessary to compete for a State Senate seat.
Finally, Al Ott (R-Forest Junction) is an unlikely candidate, but would also be a strong choice to replace Lasee. Ott knows how to put together grassroots campaigns; his ability to connect with voters one-on-one or walking a parade route through a small community is unmatched. While it’s more likely Ott will stay put, he should be on the State Party’s speed dial.
Indeed, State Party Executive Mark Jefferson needs to start dialing numbers to find a candidate that can fill the shoes of retiring Sen. Lasee. Recommended job description: Full-time State Senator. Responsibilities include: cutting taxes, balancing budgets and creating jobs. Requirements: Ability to raise money and knock on doors. Former ranchers and cowboys a plus.
Update: Former State Rep. Dave Hutchison (R-Dyckesville) announced today that he will run to succeed Sen. Alan Lasee. Hutchison is another top-tier candidate having worked to pass the largest property and income tax cuts in Wisconsin. Hutchison decided against running for Lt. Governor in 2006, and presumably was enjoying the quiet life away from politics. As mentioned earlier, in order to keep Lasee's district Republican, a candidate hailing from Door County certainly improves those chances.
Rahmlow is a former field director for Tim Michels 2004 U.S. Senate campaign and briefly served as Terri McCormick’s campaign manager during her Congressional run.
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| 2009 |
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