GOP Primary Pick Em's: AD97

Not only is the primary for Wisconsin's Assembly District 97 exciting, it's the assembly district I have the pleasure of voting in.  Bill Kramer is not seeking reelection for the seat after allegations of sexual harassment surfaced.  While it is important to maintain that he is innocent until proven guilty, he made the smart decision to let someone else take the reigns, as liberals would be foaming at the mouth at a chance of a general election against Kramer.  With that said, the primary field in this particular district is quite large, so I will try and keep it short and to the point.  One more thing.  This is a reflection of my own personal opinions and are not official endorsements of any candidate.  Anything seemingly negative is not meant to sway you to or from another candidate.  They're all Republicans and for that, I will support any of them in the general election.  However this district is cut throat conservative; win the primary, win the election.  Quite literally a winner-take-all primary.  

Scott Allen

Scott Allen
 Scott Allen is a pious veteran native to the area, former Waukesha alderman, and long time Scott Walker supporter (since 1997).  He encompasses family values that fit well with Waukesha County residents.  He would represent the district well, but since his time as alderman, the city itself has changed (continued to improved really), name recognition would not be on his side.  However, with his private industry experience as well as former Waukesha government experience, Allen could be an ideal candidate for the district.  If he doesn't win this primary, I would hope he runs against gross croc-wearing slob and former mayor Larry Nelson for a county board position.  Scott Allen is definitely the type of candidate you would want representing you.  

Joe Banske

Joe Banske

 Joe Banske is a business owner of a franchise of a Freddie Mac/ Fannie Mae residential mortgage lender (red flag #1), former Town of Waukesha supervisor (lost to Jim Radke earlier this year, red flag #2), and known rabble-rouser (red flag #3).  Banske associates himself with the disgraced federal loan sharks who caused the economic depression.  He lost his town supervisor race because he wasn't properly representing constituents.  And every position he is elected to, there is drama.  His most notable drama is most certainly chasing a Walgreens/Aldi project out of building near the Fox Run Shopping Center at the intersection of St. Paul and Sunset.  In fact, the area had been cleared for the Walgreens/Aldi project, bringing yet more economic prosperity and job growth to the Sunset Drive area; that is until Banske, as town supervisor at the time, essentially chased them out with demanding restrictions and squabbles with the town's Chairman Joe Marek.  More recently, he disobeyed a city restriction on candidates promoting themselves in parades.  While other candidates gladly walked along the 4th of July parade route handing out literature and chatting with voters, Banske operatives rode bikes in the actual parade proudly showing campaign signs.  I mean, seriously.  If you chase away an economic powerhouse and job creator, show complete disregard for election rules, and have recently lost an election because of your complete disregard for constituents, why bother running for another office?  All I can say about Banske as a potential candidate is no thank you.

Kathleen Cummings

Kathleen Cummings
 Kathleen Cummings is a Waukesha leader well-known in the area.  To be honest, she has probably done more for the city of Waukesha than any of the other candidates.  Not only is she a former General Electric employee, but she serves the Girl Scouts, St. Mary's church, served on the Waukesha County Board, and has been elected to her district's alderman position 3 times!  Very impressive resume, and a strong, proven candidate.  Yet with such a history and show for electability comes a record.  James Widgerson perfectly described her as quirky, to say the least.  She has a history of squabbles with former Waukesha Mayor Jeff Scrima.  Despite this, she is a strong conservative candidate, but hasn't mustered up a whole lot of support, even within the city of Waukesha.  She must have realized her slipping status in this race, because I've recently been barraged with mailers (2-3 per day) and annoying robo-calls at all hours.  While advertising is important, it is important to target voters as well as to engage them, not overload them with the same fluff information every other candidate puts out.  Had she ran her campaign centered around voters (door-to-door, GOTV), she may have had a strong lead to the finish.  But I think her campaign is too far gone at this point.

Aaron Perry

Aaron Perry

 Aaron Perry is a recent transplant from Minnesota.  He works with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and has lived in Waukesha since 2009 where he and his wife have settled to raise their budding family.  With his children recently being born, Perry decided he wanted to be involved with the community to ensure his kids grew up in the best possible environment.  In 2013, he was elected to Waukesha Common Council to represent District 12.  In a short amount of time, Perry has made it his mission to further better the city of Waukesha, and has become a very popular and well known city leader.  Even while campaigning, it is obvious he does not neglect his position as alderman, taking time to respond to everyone who engages him.  My perception of Perry is one of a true leader, a family-oriented man who genuinely wants to engage with the community.  While he has been recently slammed for supporting background checks on guns by the NRA, as well as voting along with other council members to approve a pay raise, the issues arisen (probably by other candidates) aren't seeming to affect his growing campaign support.  That may be because he has a hard stance on some important issues, yet willing to compromise (to an extent) to get work done.  Additionally, Perry has detailed responses to issues, along with unique and innovative ideas on how to solve problems.  He certainly doesn't give voters a simple yet vague one-liner.  He has huge endorsements and whatever 'hit pieces' may arise only seem to add to his popularity.  I believe Perry, despite his short time in Waukesha, is probably the most genuine, can-do candidates, and he should perform well during the primary.  Should he win, I would have no doubt in his responsiveness to constituents and will to support bills for the greater good of the AD97.

Brandon Rosner

Brandon Rosner
 Brandon Rosner, another Waukesha newcomer, is what I like to call the politician-in-a-box, or the 'Ken-doll candidate.'  He is a young, good looking, religious man who works in the healthcare insurance and policy industry, married to a doctor with a lovely family, a sportsman, has worked under popular Republicans, is an avid sports guy (visited every MLB baseball stadium!), and knows how to run a campaign.  He is a leader of this pack of candidates.  The perfect guy to be elected, right?  Well wait, where have we seen this charming, seductive perfection before?  You got it, Barak Hussein Obama in 2008.  While Rosner may have a slight front-runner status, it is important to understand that he may just be good and letting the public know whatever details he wants them to know.  He has no concrete elected record.  He is newer to the Waukesha area and may not understand the constituency completely.  And a look at his issue stance seems to be the general run-of-the-mill vague answers one would expect to hear.  I'm not saying he can't be trusted.  Not at all.  I'm simply stating that we, as a constituency, really know nothing about him except what he prints on literature and posts on his site.  These candidates are more difficult to get to know on both a political and personal level.  Thus, I'm urging caution, because we have seen these Ken-doll candidates before.  There just isn't enough out there to cite.  

Vince Trovato

Vince Trovato

Vince Trovato, the dark horse candidate, is a third generation Waukesha native who has a love for public service.  He served on the executive board for the Waukesha County Republican Party, worked in various counties coordinating John McCain's presidential campaign in Wisconsin, and has served as a policy adviser for Wisconsin Republican legislators.  Trovato even has international affairs experience, as well as owns a company which focuses on increasing and improving relations between Wisconsin businesses and foreign entities across the globe.  He is one of the few candidates that I believe is highly qualified and has the experience to succeed as an assemblyman.  Unlike other candidates, Trovato also steers clear of controversies and political drama, and willing to sit down with the opposing side to tackle problems.  His only downfall may be his later entrance to the race.  With such a crowded field, Trovato may have gotten lost in the crowd, especially with the lack of print ads or literature.  In the spirit of transparancy, I must admit I may be a bit biased, as I attended high school with his brother and have had the pleasure to meet the Trovato family.  But that should only make my point of Vince being an ideal candidate for AD97 even more valid, as I can personally attest to his great work ethic, sense of responsibility, and humble upbringing.  And I give major points to any candidate who has lived in their district for more than 5 years, because they know the area as well as the people.  I have no doubt, even though Trovato is not a front runner per se, that this dark horse candidate has the greatest potential for success as the representative for the 97th assembly district.

MY PICK:
 Because of the number and quality of candidates in the AD97 primary, I couldn't simply suggest only one candidate over all of the others, so I chose two.  The two candidates I believe you should give the greatest consideration to at the polls....drum roll.....Aaron Perry -or- Vince Trovato.

Vince Trovato (left), Aaron Perry (right)

 Again, these are simply my own observations and opinions on the candidates, and are not an official endorsement.  While you can feel free to consider my picks at the polls, be sure to conduct your own research and vote for whomever you feel best represents your own beliefs.  Thanks for reading!

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GOP Primary Pick-Em's

  It is election season once again.  The primaries are a chance for party members to chose who will represent them in the general election.  In Wisconsin, there is no party registration, so anybody can vote in any primary, regardless of party affiliation.  Because the primaries are the major stepping stone to a general election faceoff, they can be heated, especially in a midterm year with a low expected turnout.  Primaries can often be confusing for a voter, and often voters who go to vote for one candidate in particular (governor, for example) simply rush through the rest of the list picking the names they simply recognize.  Not only is this uninformed voting, but can have a huge impact in the general election.  Recognition is not electability, and this is how important seats are won or lost by a party.

 It is important for voters to conduct research prior to heading to the polls.  On occasion, people take a shortcut and simply ask their more informed friends.  Word of mouth is huge, more important in getting out the vote for a candidate than one probably realizes.  I took a look into several metro Milwaukee races, researched primary candidates, and have organized a list with bits of information and my own personal primary picks.  Because I will personally be voting in the Republican primary races, I am focusing on those races. 

These are not necessarily endorsements of any kind, rather my own personal picks for the most interesting and contested primary elections.  I list the elected position, those running, my feeling about the race in general, and end each with my pick of who I believe would be the best primary victor.  Feel free to reference as you may my personal take about each race as you conduct your own research into the candidates.

 For a quick glance at my primary picks, scroll down to see the summary list. 

Governor: Scott Walker

Lieutenant Governor: Rebecca Kleefisch

Attorney General: Brad Schimel
 There is only one Republican on the primary ballot for Republicans, and that is Waukesha District Attorney Brad Schimel.  While Mr. Schimel may breeze through the primary, he will have a tough Democratic competitor.  I would not be surprised if his Democrat opponent after the primaries will be Susan Happ, Jefferson County District Attorney.  She however faces tough competition from Jon Richards, the frontrunner attorney, and Ismael Ozanne, Dane County District Attorney.  While Happ is not the 'frontrunner,' she is a liberal in a red county, she is a woman, and the only one I have personally seen commercials for here in Waukesha County.  She obviously is pushing her campaign statewide, while others may only be focusing on GOTV efforts more locally.  This may be a huge upset in the Democrat primary.  Her commercials portray her making statements assumingly against Brad Schimel and Scott Walker, as if she is already the Democrat pick (much like Mary Burke is doing).  This gives the perception of her being the front-runner, thus garnering the progressive vote who, as low information as they already are, may go with name recognition.  Very smart campaign tactic, but I think if she were to tone down the partisanship, she might actually have a chance in her primary, appealing to the moderate Democrats.  Either way, Brad Schimel is likely to be elected, assuming he doesn't let up on his GOVT efforts in the suburban Milwaukee areas.  But if Democrats choose Susan Happ, the race will be much more of an uncomfortable margin of victory for Brad Schimel.  However, Brad Schimel must focus on the law.  Act 10 is the law.  Voter ID is the law.  And he should focus his efforts on making sure voters know he will follow the letter of the law, not politicize the law as his potential Democrat opponents already have. 
     My Pick: Brad Schimel

Brad Schimel

Secretary of State: Julian Bradley, Garey Bies
 Of all the lesser known candidates of the lesser publicized races, this was probably the easiest choice I could make.  Garey Bies is a Republican state representative from Sister Bay.  He is a Navy veteran, and had a huge role in shaping criminal justice legislation during his time at the capitol.  Julian Bradley is a self-described 'reformed Democrat.'  Conversations with his liberal mother led him to conduct research until he had an epiphany; he was a black Republican.  Bradley is a rising star within the party, and conduct grassroots efforts to break stereotypes about the GOP.  At the convention, the Wisconsin GOP overwhelmingly supported him, with 65% of the convention delegates voting to endorse his campaign for Wisconsin Secretary of State.  While Bies is an honorable man who accomplished a lot, Bradley represents the future of the party.  A simple google search brings up much more information on Bradley than Bies, leading me to believe Bies may not have a large social media/online presence.  Online presence in politics today is a huge factor, especially for the youth vote.  The recent struggle the GOP has seen has been with forward movement; how do we take the party forward, the country forward.  I think Julian Bradley, as a young black Republican and grassroots activist, may just be the key the Republican Party has been searching for. 
     My Pick: Julian Bradley

M. Julian Bradley

State Treasurer: Matt Adamczyk, Randall Melchert
 Matt Adamczyk is a man with private sector experience who has worked in government under some of Leah Vukmir and Tyler August.  Melchert is an attorney, former radio station owner, and has huge media connections.  Melchert is running to work with other states' treasurers in getting hundreds of millions of Wisconsin dollars back from the federal government, to make how taxpayer money is spent more transparent, and to promote Governor Scott Walker's 'Wisconsin is open for business' campaign.  Adamczyk, however, is running so he can work with the legislature to...drum roll please...eliminate the State Treasurer position.  Ok.  I'm not kidding.  He's running so he can fire himself.  Adamczyk believes the position is antiquated and the state can save taxpayer money by eliminating the position.  While this may or may not be true (and I do believe many of the state's conservatives believe it is unnecessary), and while the fight to end wasteful spending is admirable, he proposes no good ideas to modernize the position.  Melchert, on the other hand, seems to want to streamline the job, support Gov. Walker's efforts to grow businesses, and bring the state treasurer position into the 21st century.  So ask yourselves, do you want to vote for someone who will be paid by the taxpayer dollars he calls wasteful to do nothing but eliminate the position, or someone who brings ideas to the table to modernize the department? 
     My Pick: Randall Melchert

Randy Melchert

US Congress District 1: Paul Ryan, Jeremy Ryan
 Ok.  Seriously?  Jeremy Ryan is a progressive socialist, borderline communist, who according to a 2011 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article, was arrested 9 times and fined 15 times for a total of about $3605, which he had not paid a cent of at the date of the article's printing.  He is only running to confuse GOP voters, hoping Paul Ryan supporters will mistakenly vote for the wrong Ryan.  Newsflash: Jeremy Ryan is a joke.  If you are reading this and even have to question who will be my political pick for this one, you should probably just vote in the Democrat primary. 
     My Pick: Paul Ryan

Paul Ryan

US Congress District 4: David King, Dan Sebring
 This is an interesting Republican primary because the district mostly encompasses the city of Milwaukee.  Additionally, depending on who wins the primary, if a tough enough fight is put up, one of these men could actually unseat Gwen Moore.  David King is not only a staunch black conservative, but serves his call to God as a pastor.  King, growing up in Milwaukee, served as a neighborhood security aid.  He is also a businessman, as he managed multiple restaurants.  King also is the founder of the Milwaukee God Squad which seeks to help improve the community with the interests of volunteers.  Dan Sebring is a Navy veteran, worked at the Pentagon under the Reagan administration, and is the current Milwaukee County Republican Party Chairman.  These two men both bring something unique to the table.  King is a community activist, and as a man serving God, could do wonders for the community as a Congressman.  He has the right ideas of how to stem violence in the city, and his ideas closely match those of Milwaukee Sheriff David Clarke.  Sebring has a multitude of experience in both the private and public sector, and may really know how to get something done in Congress for Milwaukee constituents.
 
 On his site, Sebring states, "I have a better chance of unseating Gwen Moore than I ever had in the past….and I have a better chance of unseating Gwen Moore than anyone else has today."  Yet he has run against Gwen Moore in the primaries before, receiving 25% of the vote in 2012, and 29% of the vote in 2010 (a year where Republicans saw a landslide of victories or improvements in polling numbers in blue districts).  Not to mention, Gwen Moore faces a tough primary against Gary George, a felon recently released from prison, yet wildly popular within the district.  Moore may not even win the primary, thus this district needs someone who can beat any Democrat opponent in November.  While I think Sebring may be a more qualified candidate, as the Milwaukee County GOP Chairman, he has failed time and time again to flip the city itself, even when he is on the ballot himself.  One must wonder about his electability.  I think the main problem may stem from the GOP's recent inability to put up candidates that closely match the demographics of constituents, and no where is this problem more prevalent than in the inner city.  I would suggest Dan Sebring gracefully bow out, allow David King the nomination, and work tirelessly to convert minority voters in the city.  Not only would this benefit the minority standing within the GOP, but start to build a Republican voter base within a heavily blue district. 

 The reason Republicans lose inner city areas is simple.  We don't campaign as heavily there.  While the suburban areas are fantastic for the GOP, to have a black GOP candidate running to represent a demographic Republicans fail to even engage would be a huge success.  Lyndon B. Johnson once said after the progressive liberal Great Society speech that he would "have those n*****s voting Democratic for the next 200 years."  So far, as bigoted and ignorant as LBJ was, he has succeeded.  Republicans simply need to recruit better candidates who can open up the GOP to the minority community in the inner city.  While Dan Sebring is an outstanding and highly qualified individual, my pick would be David King.  King can better relate to the minority community, engage inner city voters, and still fit the more conservative beliefs of the outlying areas of the 4th Congressional District.  I think that with David King as the candidate, and Dan Sebring campaigning tirelessly behind him with the full force of the Milwaukee County Republican Party, the GOP may actually have a chance to flip this urban district. 
     My Pick: David King

David King

Assembly District 97: Scott Allen, Joe Banske, Kathleen Cummings, Aaron Perry, Brandon Rosner, Vince Trovato
  Due to the large field, it's interesting dynamics, and, well, because it's my district so I find it most interesting, I have written out a completely separate opinion post on each candidate.  For the full explanation of my opinions, please see that post. 
     My Pick: Aaron Perry -OR- Vince Trovato

Trovato (left), Perry (right)

Waukesha County Sheriff: Tom Alioto, Eric Severson
 Tom Alioto is a self-described businessman, who has owned various businesses throughout the years in addition to serving the police force of the Town of Lisbon.  He was a sergeant as well as an interim police chief while there.  He plugs transparency, accountability, and a tough stance on drug crime.  Eric Severson is a long-time Waukesha resident, enforcer of the law, and has specialized training with various departments.  He has spent many years with the Waukesha County Sheriff's department and is familiar with the faces and culture.  He, like Alioto, also wants transparency, accountability, and takes a hard stance on drug crime.  However, unlike Alioto, he actually demonstrates the leadership and genuine concern for Waukesha County law enforcement.  Severson has actually received the Republican Party's endorsement.  Tom Alioto, however, claims he is a whistle-blower for Town of Lisbon wrongdoing, when in fact, he filed a complaint on a colleague's pay.  After his claim was dismissed, he appealed, allowing him to restate his frivolous claim.  Not only did this cost taxpayers over $100,000, but Alioto also felt it necessary to sue for $5 million in lost wages for a 'hostile work environment,' contributing to the dissolution of the small police force in favor of contracting with the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department for law enforcement.  If Alioto can't handle a hostile work environment, why is he in the law enforcement industry.  This is a no brainer.  If you want someone who has demonstrated ability, someone who already has respect amongst the men and women who protect and serve, and someone who uses good judgment to enforce the law with transparency and accountability, chose Severson.  If you want a cry-baby cop who essentially sues the taxpayers he is supposed to protect and serve, choose 'I'll Sue You' Alioto.
     My Pick: Eric Severson  

Eric Severson

State Senate District 21: Jonathan Steitz, Van Wanggaard
 This is an interesting race as well.  Van Wanggaard is a former state senator of the same district wants his old job back.  There's just one problem.  He was recalled.  And lost.  To the Democrat.  The Racine/Kenosha area is a blue-trending district, but with a proper and engaging conservative, can easily sway it red.  While Van Wanggaard was a swing vote much of the time for Republicans, having a lone swing vote meant an uneasy opposition for Governor Walker's agenda.  Time and time again he went up against Republicans, seemingly as often as he was with them.  I don't use this term very much, nor do I like it in any way shape or form, but if there ever was a RINO, Van Wanggaard is it.  He's iffy, at best.  Unreliability in this volatile political environment is simply something that is unwelcomed among a victorious but vulnerable GOP held state senate.  The 21st district is a newly drawn one, going from less than half conservative to almost 60% conservative.  Moderate, wishy-washy candidates no longer represent these constituents best.  Jonathan Steitz is a family man and has private industry experience in finance and law.  He fully understands the need for a united GOP state senate to ensure passage of crucial bills from the governor's desk.  This is an easy one.  Jonathan Steitz.
     My Pick: Jonathan Steitz

Jonathan Steitz & Supporters

Overview: Political Primary Picks:

• Governor - Scott Walker
• Lieutenant Governor - Rebecca Kleefisch
• Attorney General - Brad Schimel
• Secretary of State - Julian Bradley
• State Treasurer - Randall Melchert
• Congressional District 1 - Paul Ryan
• Congressional District 4 - David King
• Congressional District 5 - James Sensenbrenner
• Assembly District 97 - Aaron Perry -OR- Vince Trovato
• Waukesha County Sheriff - Eric Severson
• State Senate District 21 - Jonathan Steitz

As stated, these are my own personal opinions of a few of the many primaries to be held Tuesday, August 12, 2014.  Feel free to reference this list when voting, but be sure to do your own research and vote for the candidate that best fits your beliefs!  Happy voting!

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