Brownlow Holds Campaign Event

With a turnout of approximately two dozen people, Muskego resident Jim Brownlow, the Democratic candidate for state Assembly district 83, held a meet-and-greet event at the Muskego branch of Waukesha State Bank this morning from 10:00-12:00.

In a district that has traditionally been a Republican stronghold, Brownlow and campaign manager John Stoesser expressed optimism about the response the campaign has received from district residents.

Stoesser, who is serving as Brownlow’s campaign manager in a voluntary role, noted that the campaign collected 882 nomination signatures from district residents to place Brownlow on the ballot, well above the minimum of 200 valid signatures, with 400 being the maximum that the Board will accept.

“We are so thrilled by the response,” Stoesser said, adding, “A lot of neighbors came out and simply wanted to help. I think it shows that voters want to see a balance in Madison.”

Stoesser went on to say, “I believe in what he (Brownlow) stands for - I believe in him. His entire life has been spent serving others. As a teacher and librarian, he would work with approximately 1,000 students per year. He was a coach in soccer, baseball, and basketball. Since retirement, he’s been a volunteer for AARP, helping the elderly and indigent with tax issues. Now he wants to serve his neighbors in Madison.”

Speaking on the strong Republican makeup of the district, Stoesser noted that they’ve (the Brownlow campaign) encountered many people who have traditionally voted Republican but are upset by what has been taking place in Madison.

Brownlow said he simply wants to serve his neighbors. “I don’t just want the title of Representative of the 83^rd District. I want to do the job of representing the people. I’m not interested in building my resume. I’m interested in simply doing the job. I’ve already been helping people over the course of many years... and I’m ready for this.”

Dave Craig, the Republican running for the seat, said in an interview with Muskego Patch this afternoon that he is focusing more on quality one-on-one conversations with residents rather than larger-scale events. Speaking about voters, he said, “If they believe their values align well with mine, I invite them to support my campaign. If not, that’s fine, but I’m still going to work hard to represent them.”

Craig said voters want to see the state put on a sound fiscal path and that he’s running primarily for his children. “I want them (my kids) to live in a state they can be proud of,” he stated.

Craig concluded by noting that his positions on issues are candidly clear on his campaign Web site, and that he would like to know more about Jim Brownlow’s positions.

The winner of the May 3 special election succeeds Scott L. Gunderson, a Republican from Waterford who vacated the seat, which he had held since 1994, shortly after being reelected this past November to take a position in the state DNR.

Additional Resources:

Brownlow Campaign Web site: www.brownlowforassembly.com 

Craig Campaign Web site: www.votedavecraig.com