Elections Overview

Wisconsin Elections 2004 – An Overview

Andy Franken and Amy Boyer
The Hamilton Consulting Group

Updated September 2004

Introduction

State Senate Races

Wisconsin Congressional Races

State Assembly Races

Members of the Wisconsin State Assembly are elected to two-year terms. All 99 of the Assembly Representatives are up for re-election this fall. Republicans currently hold a 59-38 majority with two vacancies in the Assembly and are looking to increase that number or at least hold. Democrats have challengers running in all but 20 of Republican held seats. The breakdown of the Assembly seats by partisan makeup is as follows:

Open Competitive

36th Assembly District – vacancy created by Rep. Lorraine Seratti (R-Spread Eagle).
44th Assembly District – vacancy created by Rep. Wayne Wood (D-Janesville).
68th Assembly District – vacancy created by Rep. Larry Balow (D-Eau Claire).
80th Assembly District – vacancy created by Rep. Mike Powers (R-Albany).
85th Assembly District – vacancy created by Rep. Greg Huber (D-Wausau).
96th Assembly District – vacancy created by Rep. DuWayne Johnsrud (R-Eastman).

Republican Protect

5th Assembly District – Incumbent Becky Weber a Republican from Green Bay faces a challenge by Democrat Tom Nelson of Kaukauna.
28th Assembly District – Rep. Mark Pettis (R-Hertel) is being challenged by Democrat Charles Wolden.
43rd Assembly District – Incumbent Republican Debi Towns of Janesville is being challenged by Democrat Matt McIntyre.
47th Assembly District – Rep. Gene Hahn (R-Cambria) is being challenged by Democrat Meagan Yost..
49th Assembly District – Rep. Gabe Loeffelholz (R-Platteville) faces Arlene Siss in a repeat of a close match-up two years ago.
67th Assembly District – Rep. Jeff Wood (R-Chippewa Falls) is being challenged by Democrat Jeff Monette.
87th Assembly District – Rep. Mary Williams (R-Medford) will face Mary Satterwhite a Democrat from Phillips.
88th Assembly District – Incumbent Judy Krawczyk (R-Green Bay) will face Democrat Dan Aude.
90th Assembly District – Rep. Karl Van Roy (R-Green Bay) will face Democrat Helen Schaal.

Safe Republican

1st Assembly District – Rep. Gary Bies (R-Sister Bay)
2nd Assembly District – Rep. Frank Lasee (R-Green Bay)
3rd Assembly District – Rep. Al Ott (R-Forest Junction)
4th Assembly District – Rep. Phil Montgomery (R-Green Bay)
6th Assembly District – Rep. John Ainsworth (R-Shawano)
14th Assembly District – Rep. Leah Vukmir (R-Wauwatosa)
21st Assembly District – Rep. Mark Honadel (R-South Milwaukee)
23rd Assembly District – Rep. Curt Gielow (R-Mequon)
24th Assembly District – Rep. Sue Jeskewitz (R-Menomonee Falls)
27th Assembly District – Rep. Steve Kestell (R-Elkhart Lake)
30th Assembly District – Rep. Kitty Rhoades (R-Hudson)
31st Assembly District – Rep. Steve Nass (R-Palmyra)
32nd Assembly District – Rep. Tom Lothian (R-Williams Bay)
33rd Assembly District – Rep. Dan Vrakas (R-Hartland)
34th Assembly District – Rep. Dan Meyer (R-Eagle River)
35th Assembly District – Rep. Don Friske (R-Merrill)
37th Assembly District – Rep. David Ward (R-Fort Atkinson)
38th Assembly District – Open seat vacated by Rep. Mickey Foti
39th Assembly District – Rep. Jeff Fitzgerald (R-Beaver Dam)
40th Assembly District – Rep. Jean Hundertmark (R-Clintonville)
41st Assembly District – Open seat vacated by Rep. Luther Olsen and won by Joan Ballweg. There is no general election.
42nd Assembly District – Rep. J.A. “Doc” Hines (R-Oxford)
50th Assembly District – Rep. Sheryl Albers (R-Reedsburg)
51st Assembly District – Rep. Stephen Freese (R-Dodgeville)
52nd Assembly District – Rep. John Townsend (R-Fond du Lac)
53rd Assembly District – Rep. Carol Owens (R-Oshkosh)
54th Assembly District – Rep. Gregg Underheim (R-Oshkosh)
55th Assembly District – Rep. Dean Kaufert (R-Neenah)
56th Assembly District – Rep. Terri McCormick (R-Appleton)
57th Assembly District – Rep. Steve Wieckert (R-Appleton)
58th Assembly District – Open seat vacated by Glenn Grothman
59th Assembly District – Rep. Dan LeMahieu (R-Oostburg)
60th Assembly District – Rep. Mark Gottlieb (R-Port Washington)
63rd Assembly District – Open seat vacated by Bonnie Ladwig
66th Assembly District – Rep. Samantha Kerkman (R-Burlington)
69th Assembly District – Rep. Scott Suder (R-Abbotsford)
82nd Assembly District – Rep. Jeff Stone (R-Greendale)
83rd Assembly District – Rep. Scott Gunderson (R-Waterford)
84th Assembly District – Rep. Mark Gundrum (R-New Berlin)
86th Assembly District – Rep. Jerry Petrowski (R-Marathon)
89th Assembly District – Rep. John Gard (R-Peshtigo)
92nd Assembly District – Rep. Terry Musser (R-Black River Falls)
93rd Assembly District – Rep. Rob Kreibich (R-Eau Claire)
94th Assembly District – Rep. Mike Huebsch (R-West Salem)
97th Assembly District – Rep. Ann Nischke (R-Waukesha)
98th Assembly District – Rep. Scott Jensen (R-Waukesha)
99th Assembly District – Rep. Mickey Lehman (R-Hartford) was defeated in a Republican primary by Don Pridemore.

Democrat Protect

13th Assembly District – Rep. David Cullen will face Republican Matt Adamczyk.
29th Assembly District – Rep. Joe Plouff (D-Menomonie) will face Republican Andy Lamb.
74th Assembly District – Rep. Gary Sherman (D-Port Wing) faces Republican and former Democratic legislator Barb Linton.
79th Assembly District – Incumbent Sondy Pope-Roberts (D-Verona) faces Republican Keith Bakken.

Safe Democrat

7th Assembly District – Rep. Peggy Krusick (D-Milwaukee)
8th Assembly District – Rep. Pedro Colon (D-Milwaukee)
9th Assembly District – Rep. Josh Zepnick (D-Milwaukee)
10th Assembly District – Rep. Annette Polly Williams (D-Milwaukee)
11th Assembly District – Open seat vacated by Johnnie Morris
12th Assembly District – Open seat vacated by Shirley Krug
15th Assembly District – Rep. Tony Staskunas (D-West Allis)
16th Assembly District – Rep. Leon Young (D-Milwaukee)
17th Assembly District – Rep. Barbara Toles (D-Milwaukee)
18th Assembly District – Open seat vacated by Lena Taylor
19th Assembly District – Rep. Jon Richards (D-Milwaukee)
20th Assembly District – Rep. Christine Sinicki (D-Milwaukee)
22nd Assembly District – Rep. Sheldon Wasserman (D-Milwaukee)
25th Assembly District – Rep. Bob Ziegelbauer (D-Manitowoc)
26th Assembly District – Rep. Terry Van Akkeren (D-Sheboygan)
45th Assembly District – Open seat vacated by Dan Schooff
46th Assembly District – Open seat vacated by Tom Hebl
48th Assembly District – Open seat vacated by Mark Miller
61st Assembly District – Rep. Robert Turner (D-Racine)
62nd Assembly District – Rep. John Lehman (D-Racine)
64th Assembly District – Rep. Jim Kreuser (D-Kenosha)
65th Assembly District – Rep. John Steinbrink (D-Pleasant Prairie)
70th Assembly District – Rep. Amy Sue Vruwink (D-Milladore)
71st Assembly District – Rep. Louis Molepski (D-Stevens Point)
72nd Assembly District – Rep. Marlin Schneider (D-Wisconsin Rapids)
73rd Assembly District – Rep. Frank Boyle (D-Superior)
75th Assembly District – Rep. Mary Hubler (D-Rice Lake)
76th Assembly District – Rep. Terese Berceau (D-Madison)
77th Assembly District – Rep. Spencer Black (D-Madison)
78th Assembly District – Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Madison)
81st Assembly District – Rep. Dave Travis (D-Waunakee)
91st Assembly District – Rep. Barbara Gronemus (D-Whitehall)
95th Assembly District – Rep. Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse)

Open Competitive District

Assembly District 36

This seat was vacated upon the announced retirement of incumbent Lorraine Serrati (R-Spread Eagle).

Democrat James Crawford of Crandon, faces Republican Jeffrey Mursau of Crivitz.

Crawford is employed by the Potawatami Tribe as ordinance consultant, 10-12 years Northwood Recreation Center in Crandon (nonprofit organization). He is married and has three children and five grandchildren.

Jeffrey Mursau is married with four children and attended UW-Oshkosh. He is the Crivitz Village President and a small business owner – owning both Baker’s Kitchen and J&T Electric.

Assembly District 44

This seat was vacated upon the announced retirement of incumbent Wayne Wood (D-Janesville).

Democrat Mike Sheridan is president of United Auto Workers Local 95.

Republican Ty Bollerud, a foundation and chimney contractor, will run as a Republican. He ran as an Independent for governor in 2002.

Running as Independents are Steve Trueblood and Charles Knipp. Tureblood is a former Legislative aide to Tim Weeden. He is an ordained minister and is currently unemployed.

Charles Knipp is a former City of Janesville Assessor, currently unemployed.

Assembly District 68

This seat was vacated upon the announced retirement of incumbent Larry Balow (D-Eau Claire).

The Republican candidate is Terry Moulton of Chippewa Falls. Moulton came within a few hundred votes of winning a seat in the state Assembly in 2002. The Democratic candidate is Joe Bee Ziong of Eau Claire. He is a member of the Eau Claire City Council, a Vietnam veteran and police reserve officer.

Robert Hayes Jr. of Eau Claire is running on the Libertarian ticket.

Assembly District 80

This seat was vacated upon the announced retirement of incumbent Mike Powers (R-Albany).

Republican candidate Brett Davis lives with his wife and newborn son in Oregon. A native of Monroe, Brett graduated from Monroe High School and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from UW-Oshkosh. Since then, Davis has worked for former Gov. Tommy G. Thompson, Rep. Mike Powers and, most recently, as Chief of Staff for Sen. Joe Leibham.

Gof Thomson has been a community banker for 22 years. He is married and has two grown sons and two grandchildren.

Also in the race is independent candidate Patrick O'Brien of New Glarus.

Assembly District 85

This seat was vacated due to the election of incumbent Greg Huber (D-Wausau) as circuit judge in Marathon County.

Republican Sarah Kamke of Schofield is the former Mayor of Schofield and has served on the Marathon County Board of Supervisors.

Democrat Donna Seidel of Wausau is the Marathon County Clerk of Courts.

Assembly District 96

This seat was vacated due to the retirement of DuWayne Johnsrud (R-Eastman).

Republican Lee A. Nerison of Westby is married with three children and has been a dairy farmer his entire life.

Democrat Gail Frie of Viroqua is the Vernon County Solid Waste and Recycling Manager and is currently serving as the chair of the finance committee for the City of Viroqua.

Republican Protect

Assembly District 5

Incumbent Becky Weber (R-Green Bay) was born in Green Bay, Sept. 24, 1954. She is a graduate of Bay Port H.S. (Howard) 1972 and attended UW-Green Bay; NWTC; and, U. of Oklahoma Retail Lending School. She is a self-employed restaurant development and insurance agent, former business owner, printing and office supply store owner, and bank officer. Weber was first elected to the Assembly in 2002. She is married and has two children.

Weber is being challenged by Democrat Tom Nelson of Kaukauna. Nelson, 28, is finishing up graduate work at Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. Nelson is a 1994 graduate of Little Chute High School and a 1998 graduate of Carleton College, Northfield, Minn. He previously worked for a Washington, D.C., public policy organization called the Committee for Economic Development.

Assembly District 28

Incumbent Mark Pettis (R-Hertel) was born in Osceola, Dec. 18, 1950. He is married and has two children and four grandchildren. Pettis is a graduate of Osceola H.S. and attended U.S. Navy school and Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College. He is a former small business owner and salesman, Vietnam Era veteran, and served in U.S. Navy. Pettis was first elected to the Assembly in 1998 and now chairs the Tourism Committee.

Pettis is being challenged by Charlie Wolden of Frederic in a rematch of the 2002 race. Pettis defeated Wolden by 53 to 47 percent. Wolden is married and has four children and two grandchildren. He is the co-owner of Counseling Associates, Inc. He received a Masters Degree in Education from UW-Superior. He is a Vietnam Veteran, with combat duty as a Marine Corps infantryman. Combat medals received include the Purple Heart, Air Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, Presidential Unit Citation and Vietnam Service Medal w/ 4 Bronze Stars. U.S. Marine Corps - 1967-1971; Air Force ROTC - 1972-1974; U.S. Air Force - 1974-1988.

Assembly District 43

Incumbent Debi Towns (R-Janesville) was born in Sycamore, Illinois on Feb. 12, 1956. She is married and has four children. A graduate of Edgerton H.S. in 1974, she received her B.S.B.A. from Cardinal Stritch Coll. (Milwaukee) in 1996 and M.S.E. UW-Whitewater in 1999. She attended UW-Oshkosh and UW-Madison. Towns is the owner of family dairy farm, is a former business manager for Brodhead schools, and is a financial consultant for the Dept. of Public Instruction. She was first elected to the Assembly in 2002.

Towns is being challenged by Democrat Matt McIntyre of Edgerton. McIntyre won his fifth term as mayor of Edgerton in April. He ran for an Assembly seat two years ago but was defeated in the Democratic primary.

Assembly District 47

Incumbent Gene Hahn (R-Cambria) was born in Milwaukee, July 21, 1929. He is married and has four children. Hahn is a graduate of Cambria H.S. and attended UW College of Agriculture in 1947-48. He is a farmer and was first elected to the Assembly in 1990.

Democrat Meagan Yost of Poynette created and operated a wholesale/retail gift business with wholesale accounts nationwide and retail shops in Sun Prairie and Madison and is the sole proprietor of small house cleaning business. She also has served on the Lowville Town Board and is a founding member of 1000 Friends of Wisconsin.

Independent Bill Landgraf of DeForest is also running. Landgraf, age 45, is married and has two children. He graduated from Madison West High School in 1977.

Assembly District 49

Incumbent Gabe Loeffelholz (R- Platteville) was born in the Town of Paris, Grant County, on Nov. 11, 1940, and graduated from Platteville H.S. He is married and has two children and three grandchildren. Loefellholz is a farmer and veteran, having served in the U.S. Army and the Wisconsin National Guard from 1959-64. He was first elected to the Assembly in 2000.

Democrat Arlene Siss of Platteville ran for the seat in 2000 and 2002. She was defeated by a 54-46 percent margin in 2002.

Assembly District 67

Incumbent Jeffrey Wood (R-Chippewa Falls) was born in Juneau County on Sept. 12, 1969. He is married and has one child. Wood is a graduate of Chippewa Falls Senior H.S. in 1987 and attended UW-Eau Claire. He is a former small business owner and local government reporter. He served in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Naval Reserve, 1986-94, and was first elected to the Assembly in 2002. Wood is vice chair of the Ways & Means Committee and a lead author of the Taxpayers Bill of Rights or TABOR.

Wood is being challenged by Democrat Jeff Monette of Chippewa Falls.

Independent Jan Morrow of Cornell is also challenging Wood.

Assembly District 87

Incumbent Mary Williams (R-Medford) was born in Phillips, July 8, 1949. She is married and has three children and two grandchildren. Williams is a graduate of Phillips H.S. in 1967 and received her associate degree at Taylor County Teachers College in 1969 and B.S. in Elementary Ed at UW-Stevens Point in 1974. She is a restaurant owner and former elementary teacher for the Medford Area School District. She was first elected to the Assembly in 2002.

Williams is being challenged by Democrat Mary Satterwhite of Phillips. Satterwhite is currently a member of the Phillips Common Council and Price County Board, to which she was elected four times. She has served continuously on the board of health since 1989 and was chairman from 1989-1998. She also has been president of the Counseling and Development Center in Phillips, president of the Wis. Counties Assn. Public Health Affiliate and president of the Pleasant View Nursing Home Auxiliary. Satterwhite is married and has three children.

Assembly District 88

Incumbent Judy Krawczyk (R- Green Bay) was born in Green Bay, January 24, 1939. She is married and has three children and seven grandchildren. She is a graduate of St. Joseph's Academy H.S. in 1957. She is a supper club owner and was first elected to the Assembly in 2000.

Krawczyk is being challenged by Democrat Dan Aude of Green Bay. He is a hair salon and spa owner and a former Brown County Board Supervisor.

Assembly District 90

Incumbent Karl Van Roy (R-Green Bay) was born in Green Bay, December 1, 1938. He is a graduate of Premontre H.S. (Green Bay) 1957 and received his B.A. in Economics at St. Norbert College (De Pere) 1961. He is a former restaurateur. He served in the U.S. Army from 1962-64 and was first elected to the Assembly in 2002.

Van Roy is being challenged by Democrat Helen Schaal of Green Bay. She is the former president of the Green Bay Education Association.

Safe Republican

Assembly District 1

Incumbent Gary Bies (R- Sister Bay) was born in Manitowoc on Oct. 26, 1946. He is married and has four children. He received an Associate Degree from Northeastern Technical College in 1982. He is a former chief deputy sheriff and a deputy sheriff in Door County for 30 years. Bies was elected to the Assembly in 2000 and currently chairs the Assembly Corrections and Courts Committee.

Bies is opposed by Democrat Tom Hermann of Egg Harbor. Hermann ran for the 1st Assembly seat in 2002. He was defeated by Bies by a 66 to 34 percent margin. Hermann is the chair of the Democratic Party of Door County. Mr. Hermann has worked a variety of jobs including working at two of Door County's shipyards. He is married.

Assembly District 2

Incumbent Frank Lasee (R-Green Bay) is unopposed. Lasee was born in Oceanside, California on Dec. 11, 1961. He has two children. He received his B.A. from the UW-Green Bay in 1986. He was elected to the Assembly in 1994. Rep. Lasee currently chairs the Committee on Government Operations and Spending Limitations and is a lead author of the Taxpayers Bill of Rights or TABOR.

Assembly District 3

Incumbent Al Ott (R- Forest Junction) was born in Green Bay, June 19, 1949. He is married and has four children. He is a graduate of Brillion H.S and the UW-Madison Farm and Industry Short Course, 1968. Rep. Ott is a former agri-business salesman, owner/operator of independent agri-business, tenant dairy farmer, and cash crop farmer. Ott was elected to the Assembly in 1986. Rep. Ott currently serves as chair of the Committee on Agriculture.

Ott is opposed by Democrat Brad Fischer of Appleton. Fischer is married and has three children. He is a graduate of Little Chute H.S. He received an A.A. from UW-Fox Valley and a B.A. from UW-Oshkosh. Fischer is employed as a machinist at Perfect Patterns, Inc., Appleton.

Assembly District 4

Incumbent Phil Montgomery (R-Green Bay) was born in Hammond, Indiana on July 7, 1957. He is married and has two children. He is a graduate of T.F. North H.S. and earned a B.S. in Business and Commerce from the U. of Houston-Downtown, Houston, Texas in 1988. Montgomery is a former systems engineer. He was elected to the Assembly in 1998 and currently serves as chair of the Financial Institutions Committee.

Montgomery is opposed by Democrat Tracey Vandeveer of Green Bay. Vandeveer intended on seeking election to the 8^th Congressional District, held by Republican Mark Green. She changed her mind in mid-June saying she didn’t want to split the ticket. She was born in Allouez, Oct. 17^th, 1961. She and her partner, Peggy A. Vandeveer, have one child. She is a graduate of Preble High, 1982, and UW- Green Bay with a Bachelor's Degree in Humanities.

Assembly District 6

Incumbent John Ainsworth (R-Shawano) was born in Shawano County on Sept. 21, 1940. He is married and has four children and seven grandchildren. He is a graduate of Shawano H.S. Ainsworth is a dairy farmer. He was elected to the Assembly in 1990 and currently serves as chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee. Ainsworth is unopposed in the general election.

Assembly District 14

Incumbent Leah Vukmir (R- Wauwatosa) is unopposed. She was born in Milwaukee on April 26, 1958. She is married and has two children. Vukmir is a graduate of Brookfield East H.S., 1976, received a B.S. in nursing from Marquette in 1980 and a M.S. in nursing from UW-Madison 1983. She is a registered nurse at St. Mary's Medical Center in Milwaukee and a nationally certified pediatric nurse practitioner. Vukmir was first elected to the Assembly in 2002.

Assembly District 21

Incumbent Mark Honadel (R-South Milwaukee) is unopposed. He was born in Milwaukee on March 29, 1956. He is married and has three children. Honadel is a graduate of Oak Creek H.S. and attended Milwaukee Area Technical College and Marquette University. He is the owner of a lawn and garden center and a former professional metal fabricator, welding instructor, and industrial manager. Honadel was first elected to Assembly in a July 2003 special election.

Assembly District 23

Incumbent Curt Gielow (R-Mequon) is unopposed. He was born in Evansville, Indiana on March 18, 1945. He is married and has two sons. Gielow is a graduate of Red Bud (Illinois) H.S., received a B.S. in pharmacy from St. Louis College of Pharmacy (St. Louis) in 1968 and a M.H.A. from Washington U. (St. Louis) in 1973. Gielow is an executive search consultant and businessman. He was first elected to the Assembly in 2002 and is vice chair of the Committee on Health.

Assembly District 24

Incumbent Sue Jeskewitz (R-Menomonee Falls) is unopposed. She was born in Galesville on Feb. 21, 1942. She is married and has two children and two grandchildren. She is a graduate of Gale-Ettrick H.S. (Galesville) and received her B.A. from UW-La Crosse in 1964. She is a former bank public relations representative, teacher, YMCA director, associate director of Menomonee Falls Chamber of Commerce and real estate broker. She was first elected to the Assembly in 1996 and is the current chair of the Audit Committee.

Assembly District 27

Incumbent Steve Kestell (R-Elkhart Lake) was born in the Town of Lyndon on June 15, 1955. He is married and has three children. He is a graduate of Plymouth H.S. Kestell is a former hardware store manager and regional sales manager. He was first elected to the Assembly in 1998.

Assembly District 30

Incumbent Kitty Rhoades (R-Hudson) was born in St. Paul, Minn., on April 7, 1951. She is married and has three children. Rhoades is a graduate of Hudson H.S. and received a B.S. degree from UW-River Falls in 1973 and a M.A. degree from Illinois State U. in 1978. She is a consultant and former educator, small business owner, and Hudson Chamber of Commerce president. She was first elected to the Assembly in 1998 and serves on the Joint Committee on Finance.

Rhoades is being challenged by Democrat Tom Parent of River Falls.

Assembly District 31

Incumbent Steve Nass (R-Palmyra) was born in Whitewater on Oct. 7, 1952. He is single. Nass is a graduate of Whitewater H.S.and received a B.S. degree from UW-Whitewater in 1978 and a M.S. Ed. in school business management from UW-Whitewater in 1990. He is a former payroll benefits analyst and information analyst/negotiator. Nass is a member of Wis. Air National Guard, served in Middle East in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He was first elected to the Assembly in 1990 and currently serves as chair of the Labor Committee.

Nass is being challenged by Democrat Scott Woods of Delavan. Woods ran unsuccessfully for the 11^th Senate District in 2002 garnering 30 percent of the vote. Wisconsin Green Party candidate Bruce Hinkforth of Oconomowoc is also in the race.

Assembly District 32

Incumbent Thomas Lothian (R-Williams Bay) was born in Cleveland, Ohio, December 14, 1928. He is married and has two sons. Lothian is a graduate of Cleveland Heights H.S. 1947 and received a B.A. in education from Ohio State U. 1953 and M.A. in chemistry Illinois Institute of Technology. He is a former assistant professor and administrator, U. of Illinois-Chicago. He was first elected to the Assembly in 2002.

Democrat Ryan Schroeder of Delavan is seeking a rematch of the 2002 election. He was defeated by Lothian by a margin of 56% to 44%.

Assembly District 33

Incumbent Dan Vrakas (R- Hartland) was born in Waukesha on October 31, 1955. He is a graduate of Waukesha H.S. and received a B.S. degree from UW-Stevens Point in 1979. Vrakas is a former restaurant owner. He was first elected to the Assembly in 1990. He has served as the majority caucus chairperson since 1999.

Vrakas is being challenged by Democrat Patrick Byrne of Delafield. Byrne was born in 1949 in Ireland and raised in Chicago. He holds degrees from DePaul University and Northwestern University. He is currently a music teacher in the Hartland-Lakeside School District and the choral director for North Shore Middle School. He owns his own photography studio. He is married with four children.

Assembly District 34

Incumbent Dan Meyer (R-Eagle River) was born in Neenah, Jan. 1, 1949. He is married and has two children. Meyer is a graduate of Neenah H.S. and received his B.B.A. from UW-Oshkosh 1978. He is the former executive director of Eagle River Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center. A Vietnam Era veteran, he served in U.S. Army. He was first elected to the Assembly in 2000. Meyer is currently a member of the Joint Committee on Finance.

Meyer is being challenged Democat Mary Kinnunen of Rhinelander.

Assembly District 35

Incumbent Don Friske (R- Merrill) was born in Tomahawk on Nov. 9, 1961. He is married and has three children. Friske is a graduate of Tomahawk H.S. He is a former deputy sheriff and served in Army from 1979 to 1985. He was first elected to the Assembly in 2000.

Friske is opposed by Democrat Bill Brandt of Antigo. Brandt, an Antigo native, is currently serving as chief of the Antigo Police department. Born and raised in Antigo, Brandt graduated from Antigo High School and attended the University of Wisconsin for four years where he played football for the Badgers. He is a former owner and operator of Brandt’s Bar and Grill.

Assembly District 37

Incumbent David Ward (R-Fort Atkinson) was born in Fort Atkinson on April 29, 1953. He is married and has one child. Ward is a graduate of Fort Atkinson H.S. and received a B.S. degree in agricultural economics at UW-Platteville in 1976. He is the president of a family farm corporation. Ward was first elected to the Assembly in 1992 and is a member of the Joint Committee on Finance.

Ward is being challenged by Democrat Gary Rattmann of Cambridge. Rattmann is the Chairman of the Town of Christiana.

Assembly District 38

This seat was vacated upon the announced retirement of incumbent Majority Leader Mickey Foti.

Republican Joel Kleefisch of Oconomowoc defeated two others in the primary to move to the November election. Kleefisch worked as an award-winning investigative TV journalist and lives in Oconomowoc with his wife and child. Kleefisch graduated with a B.A. from Pepperdine University and worked in television news for nearly a decade. He served as a legislative aide to Majority Leader Foti.

Democrat Pam Johnson of Oconomowoc is registered nurse at Children's Hospital. Johnson is a member of the Oconomowoc Area School District Parents Advisory Council.

Assembly District 39

Incumbent Jeff Fitzgerald (R- Horicon) was born in Chicago on Oct. 12, 1966. He has one son. Fitzgerald is a graduate of Hustisford H.S. and received a B.S. degree from UW-Oshkosh. He is a small business owner. He was first elected to the Assembly in 2000 and currently serves as chair of the State Affairs Committee.

Fitzgerald is being challenged by Democrat Vic Spadaro of Beaver Dam.

Assembly District 40

Incumbent Jean Hundertmark (R-Clintonville) was born in Milwaukee on Feb. 25, 1954. She is married and has two daughters. She is a graduate of West Allis Central H.S. and Bryant and Stratton College, Milwaukee in 1973. Hundertmark is a restaurant owner. She was first elected to the Assembly in 1998 and has been reelected since. She has served as assistant majority leader since 2003.

Democrat Cornelius Van Handel of New London is also in the race.

Assembly District 41

This seat was vacated upon incumbent Luther Olsen’s bid for the 14^th Senate District. There was a nine-way Republican primary with no Democratic challenge.

Joan Ballweg , 52, is a Waupun businesswoman from Markesan, served as mayor of Markesan from 1991 to 1997, and owns and operates Ballweg Implement Co. along with her husband Tom. She was born in Milwaukee, March 16, 1952. She is a graduate of Nathan Hale High School, West Allis and UW-Stevens Point, Elementary Education. She is married and has three children.

Constitution Party candidate James Tostenson of Fremont is also in the race

Assembly District 42

Incumbent J.A. "Doc" Hines (R-Oxford) was born in West Salem, Ohio on May 1, 1927. He is married and has five children. Hines is a graduate of Homer Rural School, Homerville, Ohio and received his D.V.M. at Ohio State University 1953. Hines is a veterinarian, beef farmer and bed and breakfast owner/operator. Hines is a World War II veteran, serving in the Army from 1945-1947. Hines was first elected to the Assembly in a November 2001 special election. Hines is currently chair of the Public Health Committee.

Hines is being challenged by Democrat Tim Henney of Portage. Henney challenged Hines in the 2001 special election, receiving 43 percent of the vote.

Assembly District 50

Incumbent Sheryl Albers (R-Reedsburg) was born in Baraboo, Sept. 9, 1954. She has one son. She is a graduate of Baraboo Senior H.S. and attended Carroll College 1972-74. She received her B.A. from Ripon College, and her J.D. from UW-Madison in 2004. She is a former Assembly Republican Caucus Policy Analyst. First elected to the Assembly in a December 1991 special election, Albers currently serves as chair of the Property Rights and Land Management Committee.

Albers’ Democratic opponent is Will Buros of Cazenovia.

Libertarian Tom Kuester of Rock Springs is also running. The son of Wisconsin farmers, Tom Kuester was born on Christmas Eve 1940 in Clark County. He is a graduate of Thorp High School. Tom is married and has three children and six grandchildren. Tom has served on several town boards and as Planning Commissioner and Sanitary Commissioner for the town of Baraboo.

Assembly District 51

Incumbent Stephen Freese (R-Dodgeville) was born in Dubuque, Iowa, March 16, 1960. He is married and has two children. He is a graduate Southwestern Community H.S. (Hazel Green) and received his B.S. in political science from UW-Platteville in 1982. He is a farm manager. Freese was first elected to the Assembly in 1990 and has served as Speaker Pro Tempore 2003, 2001, 1999, 1997, 1995.

Freese is being challenged by Democrat Todd Miller of Spring Green.

Assembly District 52

Incumbent John Townsend (R- Fond du Lac) was born in St. Louis, Missouri on May 23, 1938. He is married and has two children. He is a graduate of Madison H.S. (Madison Heights, Mich.) and received his B.S. from Wayne State U. in 1960, and M.B.A. Wayne State U. 1967. He is a former partner in a small business and a corporate executive. A Vietnam veteran, he served in the U.S. Navy, U.S. Naval Reserves, and is a retired Captain, U.S. Naval Reserves. He was first elected to the Assembly in 1998.

Townsend is being challenged by Democrat Eric Schultz of North Fond du Lac.

Assembly District 53

Incumbent Carol Owens (R-Oshkosh) was born in Wabeno on Aug. 8, 1931. She is married and has four children. Owens is a graduate of Wabeno H.S. and attended Fox Valley and Moraine Park Technical Colleges. She is a former dairy farmer. She was first elected to the Assembly in 1992.

Democrat LuAnn Bird of Oshkosh is the former executive director for the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin. Bird is a former sanitary district commissioner and was twice elected to the school board, and served as president. Bird is married and has two children.

Assembly District 54

Incumbent Gregg Underheim (R-Oshkosh) was born in La Crosse on Aug. 22, 1950. He is single. Underheim is a graduate of La Crosse Central H.S. and received a B.S. degree from UW-La Crosse in 1972. He is a former high school English teacher, congressional aide to Congressman Thomas Petri, and small business owner. He was first elected to the Assembly in a June 1987 special election. Rep. Underheim is the chair of the Health Committee.

Underheim is being challenged by Democrat Gordon Hintz of Oshkosh, Independent Dan Carpenter of Oshkosh, and Wisconsin Green Party candidate Tony Palmeri of Oshkosh.

Hintz was born and raised in Oshkosh. He is a graduate of Oshkosh North High School. Hintz received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Hamline University. Hintz worked for U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl and former U.S. Rep. Jay Johnson as a Legislative Staff Assistant in Washington, DC. In 2001, he earned a master’s degree in public affairs at the U.W.-Madison. Hintz currently is an associate with Public Administration Associates LLC, a municipal consulting firm in Oshkosh.

Palmeri was born on July 1, 1961 in Brooklyn, New York. He graduated from Archbishop Molloy High School in 1979. He attended St. John's University in New York and earned his Bachelor's degree in "Rhetoric and Public Address" in 1983. At Central Michigan University he received an M.A. degree in Communication Studies in 1984. From 1984 - 1987 he attended Wayne State University in Detroit, earning his Ph.D in Rhetoric and Communication studies.

Assembly District 55

Incumbent Dean Kaufert (R-Neenah) is unopposed. He was born in Outagamie County, May 23, 1957. He is married and has two children. Kaufert is a graduate of Neenah H.S. and is the owner of a trophy and awards store. He was first elected to the Assembly in 1990. Rep. Kaufert currently serves as co-chair of the Joint Committee on Finance.

Assembly District 56

Incumbent Terri McCormick (R-Appleton) is unopposed. She was born in Waupun and has three children. McCormick is a graduate of Lowell P. Goodrich H.S. (Fond du Lac) and received her Assoc. Arts at UW-Fond du Lac in 1976 and a B.S. degree magna cum laude from UW-Oshkosh 1980; She did post graduate work at U. of Windsor 1982; Education Certificate Lawrence U. 1993; M.A. in Educational Administration, Marian College (Fond du Lac) 2000. She is a former education consultant. She was first elected to the Assembly in 2000 and currently serves as chair of the Economic Development Committee.

Assembly District 57

Incumbent Steve Wieckert (R- Appleton) is unopposed. He was born in Appleton on Oct. 26, 1954. He is married. Wieckert is a graduate of Appleton West H.S. and attended Philips Exeter Academy. He received his B.A. in political science and M.A. in public administration from American University, Washington, D.C. 1978, 1981. He is the CEO of Wieckert Real Estate. He is a former legislative assistant for Congressman Tom Petri. Wieckert was first elected to the Assembly in 1996 and currently serves as chair of the Housing Committee.