The Badger Herald: News: UW alumni to face off for congressional seat

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UW alumni to face off for congressional seat

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By Alex Brousseau
Wednesday, August 6, 2008 12:00 a.m.

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A longtime Democratic congresswoman from Madison faces a new Republican challenger leading up to Election Day in November.

After winning five straight congressional elections, U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison, squares off against Republican Peter Theron, a political newcomer.

Baldwin, who was raised in Madison and graduated from the UW Law School, became the first woman elected to Congress from Wisconsin in 1998 and is also one of two openly gay members of Congress.

Theron, a graduate and former professor from UW, never ran for Congress in the past.

“He is a newcomer to the scene, and he’s running on several platforms: decreasing dependence on foreign oil and energy, the need to be more self-sufficient, not raising taxes to stimulate the economy and stimulating jobs in economy,” said Mark Jefferson, executive director of the Republican Party of Wisconsin.

One of Baldwin’s highest priorities is creating a universal health care system, according to Baldwin spokesperson Jerilyn Goodwan.

“She has always been committed to national health care — health care for all,” said Goodman said. “It’s what brought her in, and what’s going keeps her there. I think she feels more hopeful about that happening in the next session than ever before.”

Goodman said Baldwin also commits herself to, in her opinion, restoring accountability to the executive branch, bringing troops home from Iraq and redirecting military efforts toward the perpetrators of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

“She feels that the Bush administration has done serious damage to the U.S. in every area: economy, stature in world, relationship with other countries and readiness of military,” Goodman said. “I think she sees us facing problems in every area, but she feels that since the last election with the Democratic majority we’re taking positive steps in the right direction.”

Theron’s late arrival into the race will likely prove challenging for him. Not only is he a newcomer to the political scene, but he also has a monetary disadvantage, as Baldwin continually raises money while still in Congress.

According to the Federal Election Committee, as of July 24, Theron raised about $5,000 while Baldwin raised over $1 million.

“We know it’s a challenge, but he fits the district well as a longtime professor and an overall quality guy,” Jefferson said. “Going against an incumbent is never easy and getting a late start doesn’t help, but he’ll work hard and give voters an alternative.”

As Theron looks to give the district a new, Republican alternative, Baldwin remains optimistic that her constituents will pull through and help her back into Congress this November.

“She’s proud of her record as a member representing the second district in terms of legislation and the kinds of constituent services that she’s been able to provide,” Goodman said. “She is confident that she will run on a very strong record and hopes that people will judge her on that more than anything.”

Republican Dave Magnum challenged Baldwin in 2004 and 2006.

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