NEWS
GOP Senate hopefuls vie for nomination in September
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Also by Ryan Masse:
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- Poll shows Feingold has majority of state support (April 9, 2004)
- Darrow tells College Republicans he is the right man for the job (April 21, 2004)
- Republican contenders target Feingold (April 23, 2004)
- Republicans stand together (February 10, 2004)
- FEC rules in favor of Darrow (September 10, 2004)
by Ryan Masse
Wednesday, September 1, 2004
Four Republicans are vying to challenge Wisconsin politician Russ Feingold for his senate seat. The foursome will meet each other Sept. 14 in a primary election that will determine who will face off against the incumbent in November’s general election.
The candidates bring varied backgrounds to the race, but each claims he is the man best equipped to oust Feingold. Polls have shown a comfortable lead for Feingold, so the candidate to emerge from the primary will face an uphill battle.
The candidates outline their stances as they relate to students below.
Russ Darrow
Darrow brings name recognition to the race as the chairman of the Russ Darrow Group, a company owning 20 auto dealerships throughout the state. The self-proclaimed “Right Russ” has pointed to his experience in making business decisions to show why he is capable of defeating Feingold, who he says is out of step with the people of Wisconsin.
Why students should vote for Darrow:
“He is someone who will best look out for [students’] future by voting for lower taxes, for a stronger national defense, and making sure that there is affordable health care. By doing those things it would work to create jobs here in Wisconsin that would help students after graduation stay here in the state.”
—Eric Schutt, campaign spokesman
Tim Michels
Like Darrow, Michels owns a Wisconsin-based company, the Michels Corporation, a construction company based out of Brownsville, Wis. He previously served 12 years of active duty in the U.S. Army as an Airborne Ranger Infantry Officer, attaining the rank of major. Michels has reserved particularly strong criticism for Feingold’s vote against the USA Patriot Act.
Why students should vote for Michels:
“Service is an important part of the fabric of our society. When I was a senior at St. Norbert’s College, I decided to make a commitment to the country and chose to serve in the Army. I understand service and the importance of young people taking initiative and being involved. That’s why your support is so crucial and so valuable to me. I want to go to Washington and represent all of Wisconsin voters, but especially those voters who represent the future or our country. I believe the single most important thing I can do for you as your U.S. Senator is help shape an environment where the economy flourishes, businesses grow and you can go to work when you graduate.
“You are the leaders of the next generation and your enthusiasm and excitement motivate me in ways far beyond what you can imagine … Vote for me and I’ll make a commitment to invest my time and energy into the issues that affect you the most.”
—Tim Michels, via e-mail
Bob Welch
Welch is the political veteran in the race, having served in the state Senate for the last nine years and in the state Assembly for 10 years prior to that. In a recent debate, Welch questioned contributions Michels and Darrow have made in the past to liberal candidates, including contributions Darrow gave to Feingold. The contributions have drawn the ire of several state Republican lawmakers.
Why students should vote for Welch:
“I’m running for the U.S. Senate because I want to be an advocate for Wisconsin jobs, so that when our college students graduate there are good-paying jobs available to them in Wisconsin. We’ve never had a U.S. Senator who made it his job to wake up every day and make bringing jobs to Wisconsin his No. 1 job. Russ Feingold may not think that’s part of the job description of a U.S. Senator, but I do.
“We also need to make sure that health care is more accessible, more affordable, and gives patients more control and more information. When you graduate and enter the workforce, you should have a variety of insurance options and the ability to pick a plan that works best for you, not what a government bureaucrat thinks you should have. I am the only candidate in this race with a comprehensive health-care plan; check it out at www.votewelch.com.
“I want to be a senator who does more than just show up for a town-hall meeting once a year. I want to be a champion for Wisconsin and make it a place where you’ll not only want to go to school, but will want to stay, go to work and raise a family. I hope I can count on your support.”
—Bob Welch, via e-mail
Robert Gerald Lorge
Attorney Robert Lorge is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and of Marquette Law School. Largely a political unknown, Lorge has been absent from the Republicans’ most recent debate. He does not carry significant name recognition in the state.
Why students should vote for Lorge:
“I propose a ‘Free-fee tuition tax credit plan:’ whether a student goes to the university of their choice, or a technical college, every student will be able to get 100 percent of their tuition money back. This is not just a handout, students will have to finish their education and be gainfully employed. For the first time in American history, everyone will be able to afford college.
“No other candidate understands education — two candidates don’t even have a college degree. It is very important that we send someone to Washington who values education, someone who is highly educated. My focus is on Wisconsin’s hard-working families. This plan is the only way families can afford the rising costs of higher education.”
—Robert Lorge
