Meet Democrat Cathy Myers: The Anti-Randy Bryce For Congress

RACINE, WI — It's a rainy Thursday afternoon in mid-June and Cathy Myers, a Democratic candidate for Wisconsin's First Congressional District, is making the rounds, greeting people at Wilson's Coffee and Tea at 3306 Washington Ave.

The coffee shop is a regular hangout for many of the area's Democratic and Progressive thinkers and has hosted its share of meet-and-greet events with candidates over the years.

Myers is running against fellow Democratic candidate Randy Bryce for the seat, with the winner taking on a Republican slate of candidates thrown together following the announcement that Republican Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-Janesville) was not seeking re-election. Ryan has gone on record endorsing his former aide and presumptive Paul Ryan lookalike contest winner, Bryan Steil.

Milwaukee Regional Editor Scott Anderson was working out of Wilson's on that morning and invited Myers over to his table for an interview with Patch.com.

Here are 5 questions for Cathy Myers.

1) How Would You Describe Yourself.

I am a High School English teacher who just finished her 24th year teaching in the Hononegah High School District. I've been a School Board member in Janesville and was re-elected to a second term in 2016.

I am the single mother of two children and am a union president. At the Hononegah High School District, I led a three-week strike in 2003 against the district taking away a preparation period from our teachers. We won that strike.

2) What Got You Into Politics?

Like a lot of people after Trump was elected, I wondered what should I do. I anticipated Hillary being President, just like a lot of people.

I re-ignited an Indivisible-style group, and an Organizing for Action group, and started talking about the issues.

One thing after another at the national level confirmed my decision to run. Once Betsy DeVos was named Education Secretary, that's when I started to think that I needed to step up my game and make people understand what public education is and that the funding stays there for it. Paul Ryan's healthcare plan was an attack on preexisting conditions. 49,000 people would have lost their coverage in this area.

3) How Would You Represent The First District Differently Than Paul Ryan?

The way I am running this campaign is an indicator of how I will serve: to be present, and out in the community. Since announcing my campaign one year ago, I've made approximately 30,000 phone calls. I want to know what's going on in the community. Unlike Paul Ryan, I am going to keep the conversation going and be present in the district.

I was raised on the idea of community service, and want to make sure that my district offices emphasize service.

4) How Would Approach The $10 Billion Foxconn Plant That's Planned For Racine County?

I would bring some needed common sense to that development. The fact that it was fast-tracked should be a concern for us for all: quality development takes time and planning. We need to be concerned with what will be impacted most: the quality of air and water in this area.

As part of this, I want to make sure that we stop the assault on the EPA. It's going to be a big fight and take at least 2 years. Environmental standards are clearly not where they should be. With Foxconn and others, we need to make sure that companies have a record of promising the jobs that they say.

The investment into Foxconn by the state is astronomical and it's been one-sided: people have been giving so much, and return is not going to be there. At the federal level, we need to work in partnership with companies that want to come to our area. I think we can be a good partner with corporate America, but we don't need to be corporate America's welfare system.

5) How Do You Differ From Your Primary Opponent, Randy Bryce?

With Paul Ryan's retirement, this is the best opportunity we have to take this seat in 20 years. If Bryan Steil wins, he will be there for another 20 years. He's a lifer.

Unlike my opponent, I have won two elections. He's lost the last three. He's talked tough about Paul Ryan in the past, but he hasn't been willing to stand up to me in a debate during the first year of my campaign.

With Randy, I feel he is weaker on the environment because he treats it like a job issue. I support a woman's right to control her own body and have a choice. He has supported parental consent in the past. While I would want my students to talk to their parents, I realize that is sometimes not possible. I do not agree with parental choice. It's another hurdle for a young woman to get the healthcare they might need.

Patch Photo By Scott Anderson