Randy Bryce Will Battle Bryan Steil For Old Paul Ryan Seat

MOUNT PLEASANT, WI — Voters in Wisconsin's First Congressional District will have two choices this November: Steil, or the Iron Stache. Democratic candidate Randy Bryce has defeated fellow democrat Cathy Myers to advance to the Nov. general election to face Republican Bryan Steil.

It only took four minutes, but it's already ugly: “You’d need a Boeing 747 to fit all of the baggage Randy Bryce is carrying into November. The only thing longer than his rap sheet is the number of ridiculously out of touch liberal policies he supports.” That's a comment from National Republican Congressional Committee Spokesperson Chris Martin.

Meanwhile, the Bryce campaign had this to say: "Lyin' Bryan pretends to care about working people, but his support of tax cuts for the wealthy -- paid for by cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security -- proves he has no idea what people in this district need. I do understand--I know what it's like to fall on hard times. Bottom line-- we need to build a bigger table for everyone. And I will work every day for the next three months to make sure the people in this district get the respect and representation they deserve."

In Wisconsin, Ryan appeared to be a heavy favorite to retain his Wisconsin 1st District seat for an 11th consecutive term. In fact, Ryan has never lost an election except as the Republican vice presidential candidate in 2012. Ryan has never received less than 54 percent of the vote when he has won, according to ABC News.

The Candidates

Name: Randy Bryce

Age: 53
Hometown: Caledonia
Occupation: Ironworker

Please characterize where you fall on the political spectrum (liberal/moderate/conservative, etc.):
One of the problems with our current politics is seeing things through the lens of liberal or conservative. Elected officials at all levels of government need to weigh decisions based on what’s best for our working people. How do we help to raise people up from poverty?

How do we expand the middle class? How do we best protect individual freedoms and civil rights? Those are the questions that I will ask myself when deciding how to vote for any piece of legislation. I'm here to fight to make the lives of working families in Wisconsin better.

Please describe your relevant political experience:
I have served for several years as the Political Coordinator for Ironworkers Local 8. In that position I was able to help bridge the gap between labor and outside movements/organizations. For example, when Voces De La Frontera was forming, I helped to bring in support from the labor movement to assist in their efforts. In 2011 when Scott Walker and the Republicans in Madison proposed Act 10, I helped to organize private sector unions to join in support of public sector unions.

Please talk about the top 1 or 2 leading issues in your campaign and how you plan to approach them if elected:

I believe we need Medicare For All because our current healthcare system does not work for middle-class families. With healthcare tied to employment, families can face sudden loss of care if the head of the household loses their job, doubling their economic crisis. And even when families do have insurance, the industry’s for-profit model means families are often faced with inexplicably high drug and test costs. Medicare for All would lower costs for families and businesses by giving the government greater negotiating power with health insurance companies and untying health insurance from employment.

I also support the Butch-Lewis Act because pensions that hardworking union members have paid into their entire careers are in grave jeopardy. Many retirees have already seen their monthly payments cut by a third or more. The Butch Lewis Act would provide a responsible solution so that the hardworking men and women who responsibly paid into their pension are not forced into poverty.

Name: Bryan Steil

Age: 37

Hometown: Janesville

Occupation: Charter NEX Films, a plastics manufacturer in Milton, WI

Please characterize where you fall on the political spectrum (liberal/moderate/conservative, etc.):

I am a conservative problem solver. I have worked for Rock County manufacturers for the last nine years solving problems and moving products in and out of the door every day. I currently serve on the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, where I voted to maintain a tuition freeze so that students across Wisconsin have access to affordable and high-quality education.

Please describe your relevant political experience:

Outside of sixth grade student council, this is my first run for public office.

Please talk about the top 1 or 2 leading issues in your campaign and how you plan to approach them if elected:

In Congress, I will use my background working for Wisconsin manufacturers to fight for legislation that cuts needless government regulations and creates high-wage jobs. We also need to prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow.

I’ll use my experience serving on the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, where I voted to maintain a tuition freeze, to support quality education in high schools and affordable, effective technical schools and universities.

Lastly, I’ll work to lower the cost of healthcare by putting individuals and doctors in control while protecting coverage for pre-existing conditions.

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