I've got to admit it's nice to see Wisconsin getting it's fair share of ink on the front page. With kos writing about Tommy Thompson's bid for Heb Kohl's Senate Seat and Chris Bowers covering the Voter ID Law in the context of the Democratic challengers to the six recalled Republican State Senators with an Act Blue Link so we can donate it would seem Daily Kos has the state well covered.
The thing, though, is... There are not 6 but 9 State Senate Elections tentatively scheduled for July 12, 2011. I'm not about to let anyone forget that there's Jim Holperin in WI-SD-12, Bob Wirch in WI-SD-22, and Dave Hansen in WI-SD-30
Bob Wirch (my State Senator) is going to get another official challenger this evening...
Greenfield Reporter
MADISON, Wis. — One of the recall elections targeting a Democratic senator for fleeing the state in protest of an anti-union bill could have a primary.
Kenosha attorney Jonathan Steitz plans to formally announce his candidacy for Robert Wirch's Senate seat Wednesday.
That would likely mean a Republican primary between Steitz and Kenosha County Board Vice Chair Fred Ekornaas. If a recall election is held, the primary election would likely be July 12 and the general election August 9.
Three Democrats and six GOP senators are in line for recall because of their opposition to, or support for a bill that curtails collective bargaining rights for most public employees.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinal
Jonathan Steitz, 37, of Pleasant Prairie is an attorney with a Chicago-based law firm who previously ran an event and media production company, said his deputy campaign manager, Shawn Smith. Smith says Steitz specializes in mergers and acquisitions for the Chicago firm, Latham and Watkins, and formerly was stationed in London with them. He's lived in Kenosha since 2003, Smith said.
A news conference is scheduled for his formal announcement at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Smith said.
Fred Ekornaas, a Kenosha County supervisor who previously served as county sheriff, has already declared his candidacy. If both candidates stay in the race -- and if the state Government Accountability Board orders an election at its May 31 meeting -- a primary would be scheduled for July 12, with a final election between Wirch and the Republican winner on Aug. 9.
A Republican Primary is going to get a shitload of coverage in the local media. Our candidates need all the support they can get between now and August 9. This is an election of historic proportions which will affect democracy in Wisconsin for years to come.