Aug. 14, 2012 Primary picks--it's still Eric Hovde, Rob Hutton, plus others
Listed below are my picks for the major races on today's Partisan Primary Ballot for the southern half of Brookfield. You can find your sample ballot, voting place, and status by filling out your information here, then click on your name, and then click on the View sample ballot link toward the bottom of the next page.
Since this is a partisan primary, a party preference must be declared. Crossover voting will not be allowed.
First race on the ballot and on everyone's mind is the US Senate race, so I will start there.
US SENATOR - REPUBLICAN - Eric Hovde
A month ago, I was pretty sure I was voting for Eric Hovde for U.S. Senate. Now it is the big day, and Eric Hovde still has my vote. If you still are undecided, the following is for your consideration. Not only is he the most likable of the 4 men running, I believe he is the best equipped to do the job in the US Senate and deal with the difficulties our nation faces. His strong business bent will compliment the Romney / Ryan ticket well.
A few days ago, I heard the first airing of Wisconsin State Senators Leah Vukmir and Glenn Grothman's radio ad endorsing Eric Hovde for U.S. Senate. I knew Vukmir was backing Hovde for months; Glenn Grothman's support was news to me. Since I consider Leah Vukmir and Glenn Grothman 2 of Wisconsin's leading conservative Senators in Madison, I value their opinions. Here is their radio ad:
Grothman also stated: "'I have gotten to know Eric Hovde quite a bit during the past eight months... His knowledge of the issues is amazing. His interest in small community banks gives him a special understanding of some of the bailouts of reckless and well-connected institutions. It also gives him knowledge of our monetary system that is probably unmatched in Congress. Simply put, we need Eric Hovde,' "
Vukmir and Hovde also made this ad. Listen as did State Senator Frank Lasee.
We need people who are well versed in banking and business practices in Washington. For example, Hovde has been criticized for not signing Grover Norquist's anti-tax "'Taxpayer Protection Pledge' which commits candidates to opposing any legislation that would result in any type of tax increase." The other 3 candidates have signed it. But when Hovde explained his reasons for not doing so, I realized just how complex this issue is and how right he was to reject it.
Here is Hovde's explanation to Green Bay conservative talk show host Jerry Bader:
"...Norquist’s pledge simply protects the status quo, in which politically connected corporations carve out giant loopholes in the tax code. When anybody attempts to close those loopholes, Norquist brands them as 'tax hikers.' ”
“Behind the story with Grover Norquist is he’s funded by giant corporations that have created loopholes in our tax system,' said Hovde. 'We need to lower the rates, but we also have to get rid of the corporate welfare. How is a small business going to compete if they’re trying to compete against General Electric, that in some years, pays nothing because they can buy off Washington politicians?' "
The thing that really made me shake my head in disgust was when Hovde cited this example: "...last year... Senate Republicans pushed to eliminate $6 billion in ethanol tax credits. ...but Norquist insisted that eliminating any type of tax credit amounted to a tax increase and thus opposed the measure."
WISN's Jay Weber interviewed Eric Hovde on his radio show last week. The interview was about 15 minutes long. Listen I think it will help voters gain a better sense of who Eric Hovde is, what he stands for, and how he is best suited for the job.
So by this time tomorrow, we should know who our candidate is for the November election against liberal Tammy Baldwin. The good news is that any one of the 4 Republicans running will be vastly better than Baldwin and than our current Senator Herb Kohl. But I hope Wisconsin doesn't just settle for the better when they could have the best.
Website: Eric Hovde U.S. Senate Issues page
Past Post: For me, it's Hovde, Fitzgerald, Neumann, Thompson, in that order
CONGRESSIONAL - DISTRICT 5 - REPUBLICAN - F. James Sensenbrenner Jr.
Jim Sensenbrenner is running unopposed, but he still gets my support!
ASSEMBLY - DISTRICT 13 - REPUBLICAN - Rob Hutton
This is an open seat due to redistricting. The district now includes southern Brookfield, Elm Grove, Wauwatosa, West Allis and Milwaukee. In Brookfield, it combined the southern half of the former 98th and former 14th Districts..
As I wrote before, I was not too pleased when I was redistricted out of the 14th Assembly District, because that meant I lost my Rep. Dale Kooyenga. But Conservative Rob Hutton seems to be a very worthy replacement. He is in fact endorsed by Representative Kooyenga, as well as former State Senator Ted Kanavas. And like Dale Kooyenga, Hutton is getting to know the residents in this newly drawn district by going door to door. Hutton has visited over 7,000 homes, because he believes that "The times we live in are difficult and people are weary of negative television and radio ads [and repetitive Robo-calls]. Physically talking to people and really listening to what are their top-of-mind issues brings our whole system into perspective."
For constituents who live outside of Brookfield and don't know much about Hutton's more prominent opponent, Tom Schellinger, let me just say he is Brookfield's perennial candidate, often running for multiple races--sometimes 3 at a time! In 2005, his antics captured the attention of Journal Sentinel columnist Laurel Walker. She poked fun at his efforts in a piece titled, If at first you don't succeed, run again. She referred to Schellinger as "Waukesha County's own Harold Stassen."
Things haven't changed over the years. This year he ran unopposed for Waukesha County Supervisor and Brookfield Alderman. Though there was little chance he would regain his twice lost Alderman seat, I believed if he won, the dual role would be a conflict of interest. So I wrote: Conflict of interest? Schellinger for County Supervisor & Brookfield
I believe being my County Supervisor AND Wisconsin Assembly Representative would also create a conflict of interest. Plus, what kind of person would run unopposed for County Supervisor, knowing he would win that race, and run for Alderman in that same spring election, while planning all along to also run for the Wisconsin Assembly?
Then there is the issue of his campaign style: Schellinger sinks to new low with misleading campaign literature (Includes many links to past posts)
But conflict of interest and misleading campaign literature aside, just what kind of Assembly Representative would Schellinger make? Perhaps his failed 2010 bid for Mayor of Brookfield might give you some insights. (He again was running for multiple races that year.) The Candidate Forum consisted of the 4 men in the race and questions were put to each one. I remember it became almost laughable when Schellinger answered many times that his idea, his solution to whatever the question was to study the issue.
For example, when the question was whether a high speed rail stop in Brookfield would have a positive or negative impact on our city, he answered, "'I think this is going to be a very interesting debate for the community.' He says he'd like to appoint a task force with voices from across the community to look at the positives and negatives.'" He couldn't give his opinion. Knowing what our Republican legislators went through in Madison this past term, the death threats, the occupation, the tension, I cannot imagine Schellinger being a good fit for the task.
Rob Hutton Website: Conservative Republican for Wisconsin State Assembly 13th District
Facebook: Rob Hutton
Past Post: Rob Hutton for Wisconsin Assembly District 13, Vote Aug. 14, 2012
ASSEMBLY - DISTRICT 14 - REPUBLICAN - Dale Kooyenga
Dale Kooyenga was my former representative in Madison prior to the recent redistricting. He represents northern Brookfield and Wauwautosa
Past Post: Sept. 7, 2010 "I have decided on Dale Kooyenga. Rarely have I ever seen a candidate campaign as energetically and effectively as Kooyenga has, which hopefully will translate into how hard he will work for us in Madison! It isn't just his energy though, it is his platform and endorsements that resonate with me..."
Representative Dale Kooyenga Home Page
ASSEMBLY - DISTRICT 22 - REPUBLICAN - Don Pridemore
Don Pridmore is a solid conservative: pro-life, pro-family, fiscally responsible and stood with Gov. Walker during the Act 10 ordeal. He represents the Menomonee Falls/Lisbon/Richfield area. Pridemore is endorsed by the Menomonee Falls Taxpayer Association MFTax.org
Don Pridemore for Assembly
WAUKESHA COUNTY CLERK - REPUBLICAN - Gina Kozlik
Gina Kozlik is endorsed by the Menomonee Falls Taxpayer Association MFTax.org
GINA KOZLIK The Right Choice
REGISTER OF DEEDS - REPUBLICAN - Michael Starich
Michael Starich is endorsed by the Menomonee Falls Taxpayer Association MFTax.org
There are a number of other races on the ballot unopposed. With little exception, I usually leave them blank unless I know who they are and support their candidacy.
I am curious what voter turnout will be compared to our spring primary. Polls close at 8pm., we will know soon after that.
Since this is a partisan primary, a party preference must be declared. Crossover voting will not be allowed.
First race on the ballot and on everyone's mind is the US Senate race, so I will start there.
US SENATOR - REPUBLICAN - Eric Hovde
A month ago, I was pretty sure I was voting for Eric Hovde for U.S. Senate. Now it is the big day, and Eric Hovde still has my vote. If you still are undecided, the following is for your consideration. Not only is he the most likable of the 4 men running, I believe he is the best equipped to do the job in the US Senate and deal with the difficulties our nation faces. His strong business bent will compliment the Romney / Ryan ticket well.
A few days ago, I heard the first airing of Wisconsin State Senators Leah Vukmir and Glenn Grothman's radio ad endorsing Eric Hovde for U.S. Senate. I knew Vukmir was backing Hovde for months; Glenn Grothman's support was news to me. Since I consider Leah Vukmir and Glenn Grothman 2 of Wisconsin's leading conservative Senators in Madison, I value their opinions. Here is their radio ad:
Grothman also stated: "'I have gotten to know Eric Hovde quite a bit during the past eight months... His knowledge of the issues is amazing. His interest in small community banks gives him a special understanding of some of the bailouts of reckless and well-connected institutions. It also gives him knowledge of our monetary system that is probably unmatched in Congress. Simply put, we need Eric Hovde,' "
Vukmir and Hovde also made this ad. Listen as did State Senator Frank Lasee.
We need people who are well versed in banking and business practices in Washington. For example, Hovde has been criticized for not signing Grover Norquist's anti-tax "'Taxpayer Protection Pledge' which commits candidates to opposing any legislation that would result in any type of tax increase." The other 3 candidates have signed it. But when Hovde explained his reasons for not doing so, I realized just how complex this issue is and how right he was to reject it.
Here is Hovde's explanation to Green Bay conservative talk show host Jerry Bader:
"...Norquist’s pledge simply protects the status quo, in which politically connected corporations carve out giant loopholes in the tax code. When anybody attempts to close those loopholes, Norquist brands them as 'tax hikers.' ”
“Behind the story with Grover Norquist is he’s funded by giant corporations that have created loopholes in our tax system,' said Hovde. 'We need to lower the rates, but we also have to get rid of the corporate welfare. How is a small business going to compete if they’re trying to compete against General Electric, that in some years, pays nothing because they can buy off Washington politicians?' "
The thing that really made me shake my head in disgust was when Hovde cited this example: "...last year... Senate Republicans pushed to eliminate $6 billion in ethanol tax credits. ...but Norquist insisted that eliminating any type of tax credit amounted to a tax increase and thus opposed the measure."
WISN's Jay Weber interviewed Eric Hovde on his radio show last week. The interview was about 15 minutes long. Listen I think it will help voters gain a better sense of who Eric Hovde is, what he stands for, and how he is best suited for the job.
So by this time tomorrow, we should know who our candidate is for the November election against liberal Tammy Baldwin. The good news is that any one of the 4 Republicans running will be vastly better than Baldwin and than our current Senator Herb Kohl. But I hope Wisconsin doesn't just settle for the better when they could have the best.
Website: Eric Hovde U.S. Senate Issues page
Past Post: For me, it's Hovde, Fitzgerald, Neumann, Thompson, in that order
CONGRESSIONAL - DISTRICT 5 - REPUBLICAN - F. James Sensenbrenner Jr.
Jim Sensenbrenner is running unopposed, but he still gets my support!
ASSEMBLY - DISTRICT 13 - REPUBLICAN - Rob Hutton
This is an open seat due to redistricting. The district now includes southern Brookfield, Elm Grove, Wauwatosa, West Allis and Milwaukee. In Brookfield, it combined the southern half of the former 98th and former 14th Districts..
As I wrote before, I was not too pleased when I was redistricted out of the 14th Assembly District, because that meant I lost my Rep. Dale Kooyenga. But Conservative Rob Hutton seems to be a very worthy replacement. He is in fact endorsed by Representative Kooyenga, as well as former State Senator Ted Kanavas. And like Dale Kooyenga, Hutton is getting to know the residents in this newly drawn district by going door to door. Hutton has visited over 7,000 homes, because he believes that "The times we live in are difficult and people are weary of negative television and radio ads [and repetitive Robo-calls]. Physically talking to people and really listening to what are their top-of-mind issues brings our whole system into perspective."
For constituents who live outside of Brookfield and don't know much about Hutton's more prominent opponent, Tom Schellinger, let me just say he is Brookfield's perennial candidate, often running for multiple races--sometimes 3 at a time! In 2005, his antics captured the attention of Journal Sentinel columnist Laurel Walker. She poked fun at his efforts in a piece titled, If at first you don't succeed, run again. She referred to Schellinger as "Waukesha County's own Harold Stassen."
Things haven't changed over the years. This year he ran unopposed for Waukesha County Supervisor and Brookfield Alderman. Though there was little chance he would regain his twice lost Alderman seat, I believed if he won, the dual role would be a conflict of interest. So I wrote: Conflict of interest? Schellinger for County Supervisor & Brookfield
I believe being my County Supervisor AND Wisconsin Assembly Representative would also create a conflict of interest. Plus, what kind of person would run unopposed for County Supervisor, knowing he would win that race, and run for Alderman in that same spring election, while planning all along to also run for the Wisconsin Assembly?
Then there is the issue of his campaign style: Schellinger sinks to new low with misleading campaign literature (Includes many links to past posts)
But conflict of interest and misleading campaign literature aside, just what kind of Assembly Representative would Schellinger make? Perhaps his failed 2010 bid for Mayor of Brookfield might give you some insights. (He again was running for multiple races that year.) The Candidate Forum consisted of the 4 men in the race and questions were put to each one. I remember it became almost laughable when Schellinger answered many times that his idea, his solution to whatever the question was to study the issue.
For example, when the question was whether a high speed rail stop in Brookfield would have a positive or negative impact on our city, he answered, "'I think this is going to be a very interesting debate for the community.' He says he'd like to appoint a task force with voices from across the community to look at the positives and negatives.'" He couldn't give his opinion. Knowing what our Republican legislators went through in Madison this past term, the death threats, the occupation, the tension, I cannot imagine Schellinger being a good fit for the task.
Rob Hutton Website: Conservative Republican for Wisconsin State Assembly 13th District
Facebook: Rob Hutton
Past Post: Rob Hutton for Wisconsin Assembly District 13, Vote Aug. 14, 2012
ASSEMBLY - DISTRICT 14 - REPUBLICAN - Dale Kooyenga
Dale Kooyenga was my former representative in Madison prior to the recent redistricting. He represents northern Brookfield and Wauwautosa
Past Post: Sept. 7, 2010 "I have decided on Dale Kooyenga. Rarely have I ever seen a candidate campaign as energetically and effectively as Kooyenga has, which hopefully will translate into how hard he will work for us in Madison! It isn't just his energy though, it is his platform and endorsements that resonate with me..."
Representative Dale Kooyenga Home Page
ASSEMBLY - DISTRICT 22 - REPUBLICAN - Don Pridemore
Don Pridmore is a solid conservative: pro-life, pro-family, fiscally responsible and stood with Gov. Walker during the Act 10 ordeal. He represents the Menomonee Falls/Lisbon/Richfield area. Pridemore is endorsed by the Menomonee Falls Taxpayer Association MFTax.org
Don Pridemore for Assembly
WAUKESHA COUNTY CLERK - REPUBLICAN - Gina Kozlik
Gina Kozlik is endorsed by the Menomonee Falls Taxpayer Association MFTax.org
GINA KOZLIK The Right Choice
REGISTER OF DEEDS - REPUBLICAN - Michael Starich
Michael Starich is endorsed by the Menomonee Falls Taxpayer Association MFTax.org
There are a number of other races on the ballot unopposed. With little exception, I usually leave them blank unless I know who they are and support their candidacy.
I am curious what voter turnout will be compared to our spring primary. Polls close at 8pm., we will know soon after that.
Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, WisPolitics Quorum Call, Wisconsin Reporter, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation
Labels: 2012 Election, Congress, Conservatives, United States, Wisconsin
posted by KYLE PRAST | 9:12 AM
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