Supporters Say Randy Bryce is Working Guy for Working People

The primary reason Randy Bryce is running for the state Assembly is because he believes working people are not represented in Madison.

"And not just union employees," he said, "but all residents who felt like they had to take to the streets because they just weren't being heard."

He is running for the open seat in the 62nd Assembly District. The vacancy came about when, because of redistricting, Rep. Cory Mason (D-Racine) moved into the 66th District. Bryce will face fellow Democrat Melissa Lemke in the Aug. 14 partisan primary. The winner of that race will face off against Republican Tom Weatherston in November.

Bryce's campaign mentor (he doesn't like the term "manager") Jeff Van Koningsfeld said what it comes down to, really, is that Bryce will be a voice for fair, open and honest government.

"This was the point of the protests and the recalls but it was never articulated properly," Van Koningsfeld said. "Everyone should have a soapbox and that's what Randy brings to the table. He listens and that's something we haven't had in a long time, someone who listens."

Mark and Barbara Balwinski were there to support Bryce because they feel Weatherston will just be rubber stamp for Rep. Robin Vos (R-Rochester) who, they said, isn't a true representative of the people.

"No one is more tireless when fighting for a cause than Randy Bryce, and that's why I support him," said Barbara Balwinski.

Marcel Dandeneau, who represented the previous version of the 63rd District in the 1970s, said Bryce is a breath of fresh air.

"He's a fresh face and someone we need because he'll be for all of us," he said.

Shirley Dandeneau said that when Bryce came to her door, he answered every one of her questions directly.

"His demeanor was honest and sincere and he didn't shy away from answering any of my questions," she said. "There was no blah, blah or thin air with him. He was concise, and we need that."