Our Candidates

• Wisconsin attorney general hopefuls Brad Schimel and Susan Happ have agreed to a debate next month. Schimel, a Republican, and Happ, a Democrat, agreed to a debate sponsored by Wisconsin Public Television, Wisconsin Public Radio and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in Madison on Oct. 24.

Schimel, who serves as Waukesha County district attorney, and Happ, who serves as Jefferson County district attorney, are set to square off in the Nov. 4 election. The winner will replace incumbent Republican J.B. Van Hollen, who isn’t seeking re-election. A Marquette University Law School poll released Sept. 17 shows Schimel and Happ are about even in the race, although roughly 20 percent of registered voters still say they don’t know enough about either candidate to have an opinion about them.

• Wisconsin remains dead last among 10 Midwestern states in private-sector job growth, according to the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) figures released by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics on Sept. 18. This has become a common theme during the past three years of Republican leadership in Wisconsin. “The jobs numbers released today are a clear indication that the policies supported by Wisconsin Republicans are simply not working for our middle-class, working families,” Joe Majeski, candidate for the 1st Assembly District, said. “We cannot afford to double down on the policies supported by my opponent and our current Republican legislature. I will make job creation a primary focus as a member of the state Assembly. To curb the lagging job creation in our state, I will fight for investment in our job training programs and work to encourage partnerships between education and businesses, like the recent successful initiatives in the Algoma School District’s technology department. It is time for a new direction and new leadership in Madison.”

• Dean DeBroux, Democratic candidate for Wisconsin’s 1st State Senate District, is pleased to announce the support of many of the organizations representing the working people of Northeast Wisconsin. He has been endorsed by AFSCME People – Council 40; Greater Green Bay Labor Council; IBEW Local 159; Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin; WEAC; Wisconsin Laborer’s District Council; Wisconsin Social Workers; Wisconsin State AFL-CIO; UAW – Region 4. “The endorsement of so many of the organizations representing the working families recognizes my strong commitment to improving the standard and quality of life of the people and communities of Northeast Wisconsin. I will work hard to help our state and region generate family supporting jobs and will support legislation guaranteeing equal pay for equal work. The people of Senate District 1 deserve a state Senator who will fight tirelessly for them when it comes to getting a fair shake in the world of work. As someone who has worked in a factory, in my own small business, and for 20 years as an educator, I am very familiar with the issues and concerns working families share and I will fight for their interests in Madison.”