Republicans have controlled the state Assembly since 1994, but Democrats are looking to upset the balance in November to take control of both houses in the state Legislature.
In the upcoming election, all 99 seats in the Assembly are up for re-election, with only a third of the seats holding primaries. The Democrats are looking to gain the three seats needed to take control and earn the ability to set the legislative agenda, while the Republicans are trying to maintain their slim majority.
“During the course of the 14-year majority, we’ve had more narrow majorities,” said Mark Jefferson, executive director of the Republican Party of Wisconsin. “This is not a new scenario. The trick has been to get the best candidates as possible in key districts … [and to] pick up seats with strong incumbents.”
According to Jim Smith, Assembly Democratic Campaign Committee spokesperson, the three open seats left by Republican retirees are good opportunities for either side to pick up or maintain legislative seats.
The three open seats are being emptied by Rep. Eugene Hahn, R-Cambria; Rep. Steve Wieckert, R-Appleton; and Rep. Terry Musser, R-Melrose.
Other opportunities for Democrats to pick up seats are in the districts that include University of Wisconsin campuses, especially in Stout and River Falls.
“The excitement is there,” Smith said. “Students are going to come out and vote, and it’s become especially localized where campuses are now a very powerful voting bloc.”
In 2006, the Democratic candidate in Stout County lost with 48 percent of the vote, and in River Falls, the candidate was underfunded and unable to compete as effectively. This year, however, the Democrats have hopes of winning both of those seats, according to Smith.
Republicans are also hoping to win in the district where Rep. Barbara Gronemus, D-Whitehall, is not running for another term. However, they will have stiff competition as their two primary candidates face six Democratic primary candidates who, “will be working hard to defend the 91st seat,” Smith said.
While the Democrats’ focus is primarily on winning seats, the Republicans are more focused on keeping seats by learning from mistakes made in the 2006 election.
“We lost six seats in 2006 because candidates took their foot off the gas,” Jefferson said. “This time, those up for reelection know what 2006 was like and have worked hard up until Election Day by going door-to-door.”
Overall, both parties are looking to champion over the slim margin of majority in the Assembly. Some Democrats have said their strong candidates and resonance with students will help them pull through and take the majority, while Republicans are placing faith in their principles.
“Our message is one that resonates with people more than the Democrats’ — reforming health care, controlling taxes and reforming jobs,” Jefferson said. “Put it all together — we’ve got a winning formula.”
Also in November, 16 of the state Senate seats will be up for re-election with only one primary expected and three uncontested seats.
