U.S. Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin’s recent decision to join the U.S. Senate race has opened the door for two Wisconsin Democratic representatives to run for her soon-to-be-vacant seat in Congress.

Assembly Democratic Caucus Chair Kelda Roys, D-Madison, and Assembly member Mark Pocan, D-Madison, each announced plans to run for the Madison-encompassing district of Congress. They will compete against each other for their party’s nomination of the second congressional district seat currently held by Baldwin.

It became evident the congresswoman’s seat would be vacant after she announced she would run in the election to fill Sen. Herb Kohl’s U.S. Senate seat in an email to supporters.

Following three terms in county office, Pocan has spent 12-and-a-half years in the Wisconsin State Senate. During his tenure he has served as co-chair of the Joint Finance Committee.

In addition to representing the 81st District in the Assembly for the past two years, Roys was the executive director of National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws Pro-Choice Wisconsin, a role she said provided her the opportunity to promote stronger health care rights for women.

Pocan said his passion for effecting public policy and representing constituents motivated him to run for federal office. He said the main focus for every member of the campaign should be what they would bring to Congress that assists them in improving the economy and creating jobs.

Pocan said his experiences as a former co-chair of JFC and as the current owner of Budget Signs and Specialties, a Madison based company, would be beneficial in a time when with dire economy solutions are necessary.

“I’ve spent half my life as the owner of a small business,” Pocan said. “I’ve learned a lot in that time about jobs and how to create them, and I believe that’s crucial at a time like this.”

The Bush tax cuts, he said, would be one of his main targets if elected to Congress. He said he is strongly against the inability of Congress to raise taxes on the highest percent of wage earners in the United States.

Roys said she has worked on legislation with both Republicans and Democrats in the Assembly, but said her record of progressive legislation demonstrates the boldness she would bring to Congress.

If elected to Congress, Roys said she would also work to end the Bush tax cuts. She said Congress must rejuvenate their faith in education and their desire to compete financially in the 21st century.

“It’s been unprecedented how much education funding has been cut around the country, but also how the very people providing this education have become demonized,” Roys said. “Funding education is a long term solution for job creation and economy recovery.”

If elected, Roys said she would bring the same boldness and energy to Congress she gave as a leader of progressive policies within the state. She said Congress needs more young progressive voices at a time when the majority of young congressmen are conservatives.