Scott Walker Inauguration Information Announced

Scott Walker's new Inauguration Web Site is now up.  Visit it for details on all the inauguration festivities that will be happening shortly after New Year's. 

Walker Inauguration Web Site

Republican Women of the North, Northern WI, rwotnorth@gmail.com

Republican Reid Ribble unseats Democrat Steve Kagen in 8th Congressional District race

Ribble's Victory Speech - click here



Republican newcomer Reid Ribble faced a roaring crowd Tuesday night as the results of the midterm elections became clear — on a wave of anger with incumbents and the sluggish economy, the GOP took control of Congress and statewide offices in Wisconsin and across the country.

Like many winners in the 2010 midterm election, Ribble entered Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional race as someone new to politics and elections without any previous experience in elected office. The GOP backed a wave of unknown first-timers to help take the U.S. House, close the gap in the U.S. Senate and add more governorships to their ranks.

“I think there’s a message being sent to President (Barack) Obama, quite frankly, that (voters) felt the government overreached and now we want you not to reach so far,” said Ribble, who moved from Kaukauna to the town of Lawrence to run in the 8th Congressional District against incumbent Democrat Steve Kagen.

Ribble defeated two-time incumbent Kagen, D-Appleton, grabbing 55 percent of the vote. With all but one of 432 precincts counted, Ribble had 144,288 votes to 118,617 for Kagen (45 percent).

After voting Democrat in every presidential election since 1988, Wisconsin looked more red than blue on Tuesday. Voters ushered in a new group of Republicans into the governor’s mansion with the election of Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker. The party also picked up seats in the U.S. Senate and two Congressional seats.

Ribble joined Republican Ron Johnson, another fresh face with more experience in business than politics, in decisive wins Tuesday night.

Johnson, owner of a manufacturing company in Oshkosh, easily unseated Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Middleton, who will walk away from Washington after 18 years in the upper chamber with recent polls showing he’s still popular in Wisconsin. As of press time, Johnson had 54 percent of the statewide vote with 57 percent of precincts counted.

While Walker had considerable more political experience than Ribble and Johnson, he effectively tapped into the same “less taxes, smaller government” mantra that Republicans nationwide ran on to take the governor’s office being vacated by Democrat Jim Doyle.

Walker easily defeated Barrett with 52 percent of the vote and 69 percent of precincts reported thanks to a party that rallied following a contested primary. After Walker defeated Mark Neumann the two worked together to help bridge together areas where Neumann out performed Walker, including much of Northeast Wisconsin. Walker garnered 56 percent of the vote in Brown County on Tuesday.

But it wasn’t a clean sweep for the GOP. Though Republican Sean Duffy won the 7th Congressional seat long held by Democrat Dave Obey over Julie Lassa, Democrat Ron Kind staved off serious opposition from Republican Dan Kapanke to hold the 3rd District.

Still, the victory was decisive, and Republicans that threw darts from the outside for the past two years will now have significant leveraging power in Congress and state capitols nationwide.

“I do know this: this is going to be a pretty healthy mandate. If the house flips 45 or 50 seats, there’s a message that’s being sent to the other side, and that is we want something different,” Ribble said. “We want a government that will reach across the aisle. This type of rhetoric where the Republicans can sit in the back and all that kind of stuff, that stuff’s got to end.”


Link to article and additional information available at:  http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20101103/GPG0101/311030137/Republican-Ribble-unseats-Kagen-in-8th-Congressional-District-race


♦ Photos: Reid Ribble defeats Steve Kagen in 8th Congressional District race.
♦ Photos: Election Day in Northeastern Wisconsin.
♦ Photos: Voting across America.
♦ Photos: Ron Johnson votes in Oshkosh area.
♦ Campaign 2010 blog.
♦ Complete coverage of 2010 elections in Northeastern Wisconsin.


Republican Women of the North, Northern WI, rwotnorth@gmail.com

Congressional Candidate Reid Ribble in Eagle River, Friday October 22

We have 1 chance to get rid of Steve Kagen who votes 98% of the time with Nancy Pelosi.

That 1 chance is

 Reid Ribble

Republican Candidate for the
8th District US Congressional Seat

You can meet Reid this Friday evening at
Wild Eagle Lodge at 7:00pm
4443 Chain O Lakes Rd., Eagle River (map)

Meet Reid Ribble, share your concerns and hear for yourself just what this man will do for the citizens of Wisconsin's 8th district once he arrives in DC.

Flyer Attached - Click Here

Print and pass on to neighbors and friends

Get involved, know your choices in the candidates and just what matters to the citizens of the 8th.

Wisconsin is counting
on YOU !

 

Kim Simac, President - Republican Women of the North

I Love America...Pass it on!

Local Political Information for Conservatives:

Northwoods Patriots * Republican Women of the North  *  Vilas GOP 

Republican Women of the North, Northern WI, rwotnorth@gmail.com

Republican Women's Clubs Hold Joint Meeting Oct 14

The Lakeland Area Republican Women's Club along with the Republican Women of the North held a joint meeting today in St. Germain at the Bear's Den of Black Bear Lodge. Ron Johnson's daughters Carey and Jenna were attendance and spoke to us about their dad's campaign, recent debates, and thanked us all for our support and efforts to get out the vote for Johnson this Nov 2. Dan Meyer's wife Karen along with their daughter Amanda were also in attendance and spoke about all Dan's campaigning efforts and thanked our clubs for supporting Dan Meyer's campaign. Jim Knuth also shared some comments about 8th Congressional District candidate Reid Ribble and urged all of us to support his campaign as well.

Our members gathered with special guests from the Ron Johnson and Dan Meyer campaigns:

Campaign signs, literature, bumper stickers were made available for GOP candidates at the meeting plus we have a wide array of GOP clothing and campaign materials available at the Vilas County GOP Headquarters in Eagle River at 155 S Railroad St., Eagle River. We urge you to stop in and see how you can help promote Republican candidates and encourage high GOP turnout on election day.

Upcoming opportunities to volunteer begin October 22 so email us if you are interested in helping to get out the conservative vote!

Next Vilas GOP Meeting is Monday, Oct 18 at the GOP HQ in Eagle River starting at 6:30pm. That night we will work on compiling materials for our first Vilas County blitz Oct 22. Hope you can join us!

Republican Women of the North, Northern WI, rwotnorth@gmail.com

WI-08 District Congressional Candidate McCormick visits Northwoods

Terri McCormick was a guest on Northwoods Patriot Talk Radio on Saturday, July 31, during her visit to the Eagle River area.  Click here to listen to McCormick's radio interview:  Radio Interview

McCormick also made campaign visits around town to local businesses, lunch at the Riverstone Restaurant, and stopped at the Conservative HQ to spend time with Eagle River area voters and unveil her new TV ad:

McCormick also shared the newest 8th district polling results which place her above incumbent Dr. Steve Kagen and ahead of all other Republican candidates for the Congressional Seat. 

Next stop was a local horse show at Simac's Great Northern Riding Club, then a delicious dinner at the Wicked Grill in Eagle River with her campaign staff.  Photo highlights from the day:

 

Republican Women of the North, Northern WI, rwotnorth@gmail.com

Terri McCormick in Eagle River today - July 31

Terri McCormick, US Congressional Candidate WI-08, will be in Eagle River this Saturday (July 31). She'll be around town so plan to catch up with her when and where you can:


10 - 11am Northwoods Patriots Talk Radio: Listen to Terri McCormick's interview on the Steve and Kim's Show - WERL 950AM - Freedom Talk Radio - and call in with questions. More info and LISTEN LIVE link at: streaming radio program on internet. Your calls taken at 715-479-4451 during the program.

11am - 12:30pm Walking Tour of Eagle River

12:30 - 1:30pm Lunch at Donna's Cafe, 4356 E Wall Street

2 - 3pm Conservative HQ at 155 S Railroad Street: Terri will stop by our local Headquarters and share results of the most recent polling information for the 8th Congressional District Race and she'll display her new TV ad that will be coming out soon to promote her campaign. All members and friends of the Northwoods Patriots, Republican Women and Vilas GOP are invited to attend and meet with McCormick during her visit.

More information about Terri McCormick can be found on her website and you can follow her on Facebook and Twitter. If you'd to set up a time to meet directly with Terri, please email and we'll do our best to make that happen.



Republican Women of the North, Northern WI, rwotnorth@gmail.com

GRAND OPENING OF CONSERVATIVE HEADQUARTERS JULY 19

Republican Women of the North, Vilas County Republicans and Northwoods Patriots

Eagle River, Vilas County, Wisconsin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 16, 2010

Contacts:
Jim Knuth: Vilas County Republicans 715-686-7746
Kim Simac: Republican Women and Northwoods Patriots 715-479-8784
Email: Jim knuth@centurytel.net , Kim northwoodspatriots@gmail.com

GRAND OPENING OF

CONSERVATIVE HEADQUARTERS JULY 19

Vilas County Republicans, Northwoods Patriots and Republican Women of the North jointly open new Eagle River office to promote conservatism as mid-term elections approach.

Eagle River, Wis. - Area conservative groups, including the local Tea Party group known as the Northwoods Patriots and Republican organizations including the Vilas County Republicans and Republican Women of the North, announce the grand opening of their new headquarters at 155 S Railroad Street in Eagle River. All citizens are invited to an Open House to celebrate the opening of the new headquarters on Monday, July 19, at 6:30pm.

Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Candidate Dave Ross, the current Mayor of Superior, will be the guest speaker who will share his values, accomplishments and conservative vision for our state.

Various campaign literature and yard signs will be available as the groups work to promote conservative candidates in the upcoming primary September 14 and general election November 2. Candidates who are members of the Northwoods Patriots or Republican Party are invited to provide their literature for display. An array of Northwoods Patriot and Republican clothing will also be available.

While the three groups maintain separate memberships, meeting schedules and initiatives, they share common goals of conservatism and adherence to our US Constitution. The new Conservative Headquarters will be the host location to future meetings for each of the three groups and has separate membership literature to promote their unique positions and initiatives. All are invited to attend and bring friends and neighbors who would like to get involved in the conservative movement.

The convenient downtown headquarters is situated between D&S Mobil and Alexander’s Pizza, with plenty of free parking right across the street. Public is invited; free hot dogs and cold beverages will be served at the Grand Opening Monday evening.

Republican Women of the North

http://www.republicanwomenofthenorth.blogspot.com/  *  rwotnorth@gmail.com

Vilas County Republican Party

http://www.vilas.wisgop.info/  *  knuth@centurytel.net

Northwoods Patriots

http://www.northwoodspatriots.blogspot.com/  *  northwoodspatriots@gmail.com

MegaVote for Wisconsin's 8th Congressional District - June 29

June 28, 2010 In this MegaVote for Wisconsin's 8th Congressional District: Recent Congressional Votes Senate: Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act Senate: Motion to Invoke Cloture on Reid Amendment; American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010 House: Democracy is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending in Elections (DISCLOSE) Act House: Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act Upcoming Congressional Bills Senate: Small Business Lending Fund Act of 2010 House: Dodd-Frank Act of 2010 House: Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2010

Recent Senate Votes

Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act - Vote Passed (99-0, 1 Not Voting) On Thursday, the Senate unanimously approved the conference report to this bill that would impose new sanctions on companies doing business with Iran. The House voted on the conference report later that day. Sen. Herbert Kohl voted YES......send e-mail or see bio Sen. Russ Feingold voted YES......send e-mail or see bio Motion to Invoke Cloture on Reid Amendment; American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010 - Vote Rejected (57-41, 2 Not Voting) The Senate rejected the motion to end debate on this latest version of a bill to extend several expired tax provisions and unemployment benefits due to concerns about the federal deficit. After failing to agree on how to pay for the bill, Senate Democratic leaders have decided to move on to other legislation, and the bill’s future is unclear. Sen. Herbert Kohl voted YES......send e-mail or see bio Sen. Russ Feingold voted YES......send e-mail or see bio

Recent House Votes

Democracy is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending in Elections (DISCLOSE) Act - Vote Passed (219-206, 8 Not Voting) The House passed this bill that would establish new reporting requirements for corporations, unions and other interest groups for campaign-related activities. The bill now goes to the Senate. Rep. Steve Kagen voted YES......send e-mail or see bio Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act - Vote Passed (408-8, 1 Present, 16 Not Voting) The House approved the conference report to this legislation that would impose new sanctions on companies doing business with Iran, sending it to the White House. The president is expected to sign the bill. Rep. Steve Kagen voted YES......send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes

Small Business Lending Fund Act of 2010 - H.R.5297 The Senate will start work on this bill that would establish a lending fund administered by the Treasury Department to invest in financial institutions with the intention of expanding the availability of credit to small businesses. Dodd-Frank Act of 2010 - H.R.4173 The House is scheduled to vote on the conference report of this financial regulation reform bill. The Senate may also vote on it later this week. Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2010 - H.R.4899 The House is likely to vote on this legislation funding the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and providing for additional funding for foreign aid and disaster assistance.

Register here for Mega-Vote email notices direct to your inbox. 

Republican Women of the North, Northern WI, rwotnorth@gmail.com 

Meyers to host Roger Roth - You're invited

There will be a fundraiser / meet and greet for ROGER ROTH:

Tuesday, June 29
at Dan and Karen Meyers' Residence
1013 Walnut St., Eagle River

6:30pm.

Please tell your friends and bring your questions for Roger.

Republican Women of the North, Northern WI, rwotnorth@gmail.com

Dr Trager bowed out of Congressional Race, endorses Rep. Roger Roth

The only Doctor (candidate) to oppose Dr. Kagen has just dropped out of the Congressional race and is endorsing Roger Roth.  Click on media outlets below for details:

Green Bay Press Gazette  |  Milwaukee Journal/ Sentinel Online  

Republican Women of the North, Northern WI, rwotnorth@gmail.com

Local residents hosting Roger Roth at Polecat and Lace, Minocqua, Monday

 Joe Handrick and other local residents are hosting a meet-the-candidate reception/fundraiser for Roger Roth:

Polecat and Lace
Monday May 17th
from 5-7pm

Stop out and say hello!

Roger is one of 5 GOP candidates vying to run as GOP candidate against Steve Kagen for the US House of Representatives WI-8 seat.

Republican Women of the North, Northern WI, rwotnorth@gmail.com

Terrence Wall to debate Dave Westlake May 8, Leinenkugel has declined invite

Great Debate of the North will now include Terrence Wall who will debate Dave Westlake, Republican challengers for U.S. Senate race.  Newly announced candidate, Dick Leinenkugel, is unable to attend. 

Full information, schedule and event poster can be foound at:  http://republicanwomenofthenorth.blogspot.com/p/great-debate.html

Republican Women of the North, Northern WI, rwotnorth@gmail.com

Terri McCormick in national spotlight, The Judge interviews her

Terri McCormick is interviewed by Judge Napolitano regarding her congressional race.

McCormick was just in our area meeting with Republican Women of the North and the Northwoods Patriots and she is one of numerous candidates who will be here to participate in the Great Debate of the North on May 8.

Republican Women of the North, Northern WI, rwotnorth@gmail.com

Great Debate of the North - May 8, 2010 - Vilas County - Press Release and Poster

Great Debate Event Poster

Press Release - Great Debate of the North

Plans continue to move forward for the Great Debate of the North to be held May 8 in St. Germain.  All invited candidates except one are able to participate and we are looking forward to an insightful day of meaningful debate.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Republican Women of the North
Diane Misina  715-891-0048
Kim Simac  715-479-8784
Email:  rwotnorth@gmail.com

GREAT DEBATE OF THE NORTH TO BE HELD IN ST. GERMAIN
Republican Candidates to Debate May 8

ST GERMAIN Wis - Republican candidates in three key primary races will hold a first-of-its-kind debate in the Northwoods on Saturday May 8 at the St. Germain Community Center on Hwy 155, beginning at 10:00 am. The debate, sponsored by the Republican Women of the North, is free and open to the public.

The Great Debate of the North will provide an opportunity for residents of Northern Wisconsin to hear directly from these candidates about their positions on a variety of challenges facing our state and nation.  Republican candidates seeking their party’s nomination in races for the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, and Lieutenant Governor will debate the issues and discuss their political philosophies.

The Republican Women of the North will welcome attendees and candidates at 10:00 am. They will then award a scholarship to the winning student who best described “What Being a Woman in America Means” in an essay contest recently held.

At 10:15 am, Dave Westlake, candidate for the U.S. Senate, will be introduced. His Republican challenger, Terrence Wall, is unable to attend. Westlake will participate and face questions from the moderators.

Beginning at 11:00 am, candidates for Lieutenant Governor will face off. These candidates will include Ben Collins, Brett Davis, Rebecca Kleefisch and Dave Ross.

Food and refreshments will be available at noon, during which time Secretary of State candidate David King and Vilas County Sheriff candidate James Maillette will address the audience.

At approximately 12:45 pm, all five Republican candidates in Wisconsin’s 8th congressional district race for the U.S. House of Representatives will debate. Candidates in this race include Terri McCormick, Reid Ribble, Roger Roth, Marc Savard, and Marc Trager.

Republican Women of the North recognize the instrumental contributions of time and talents by the Northwoods Patriots, Jerry Burkett for his sound system, and to the Town of St. Germain for the Community Center venue.

###

For further information about the debate and to schedule interviews with any of the candidates or event organizers, please contact Diane Misina at 715-891-0048 or Kim Simac at 715-479-8784.

Republican Women of the North * PO Box 961 * 3860 Kula Vista Drive * Eagle River, WI 54521

www.republicanwomenofthenorth.blogspot.com * rwotnorth@gmail.com

Republican Women of the North, Northern WI, rwotnorth@gmail.com

Terri McCormick's Meet & Greet Last Wednesday - Enlightening!

We had a terrific visit with Terri McCormick last Wednesday, April 14 in St. Germain, WI.  For introduction, she talked about her background, family's heritage, how her family influenced her growing up and still impacts how she approaches challenges today.  We then had a great discussion about her campaign and a number of issues currently facing our country and Wisconsin. 

The need for independent thinkers, free-market problem solvers, and liberty-minded candidates has never been more evident.  Terri represents the Libertarian-leaning Republican in Wisconsin's 8th District with a strong will to uphold our Constitution.  Take time to listen to her speech and follow-up discussion at the Northwoods Patriots Meeting that was held April 13: Click here to listen

In doing our research, we found McCormick is ranked quite high among Liberty Candidates around the country for dedication to core principles (LibertySlate website - candidate ranking):

LibertySlate 2010 ranks non-incumbent candidates based on five fundamental issues in regards to spending, debt/economy, foreign policy, civil liberties, and entitlement programs. Additionally, we consider both website quality and chance of winning as factors in the ranking of the non-incumbent LibertySlate 2010 candidates.   

We encourage you to explore Terri's website and become familiar with her experiences in private and public sectors and her strong educational background.  She has given speeches to college students as part of the Campaign for Liberty and most recently attended and spoke at the Wisconsin Campaign for Liberty Conference (click for video).  She is also active in the Republican Liberty Caucus, an organization working to reform the Republican Party from within and restore our country's adherence to the Rule of Law and our Constitution.  

She will be back in our area May 8 - for our Great Debate Day of the North so please plan to attend - where you will hear from all candidates in Wisconsin's 8th Congressional District.     

Republican Women of the North, Northern WI, rwotnorth@gmail.com

WI-8 District GOP Candidate Forum at UW-Fox Valley

Three candidates running for the 8th Congressional District gathered for a candidate forum April 12.

For more information on the three candidates at the forum:

Terri McCormick | Roger Roth | Marc Trager

Republican Women of the North, Northern WI, rwotnorth@gmail.com

Republican Women's Meeting - April 14 - featuring McCormick

Terri McCormick to speak at our Meeting:

Wednesday, April 14, 9am

At Rustic Manor Motor Lodge

St. Germain, WI

More Meeting Info - Click Here
Republican Women of the North, Northern WI, rwotnorth@gmail.com

Roger Roth spoke at Republican Women's Meeting Today

US Congressional Candidate, Roger Roth, spoke at today's Republican Women of the North meeting.  At our 9am Meet & Greet, attendees enjoyed coffee, rolls and face time with Roger Roth who is competing for the Republican nomination to run against Kagen in November.

Roth took a number of questions from the group including a discussion of his life experiences that helped define his character, need for education and government reform, and he also fielded questions about the need for adequate and appropriate support for our military. 

After the Roth Meet & Greet, Republican Women held a planning meeting for our upcoming event:  The Great Debate in the North, which is being held May 8 in St. Germain.  Kim Simac also spoke of her experience attending the 8th District Caucus last weekend.   March 12-13 Simac will be attending and speaking at the National Federation of Republican Women's Spring Board Meetings about 'Reclaiming America's Principles from the Bottom Up."  (more info about NFRW Spring Meetings)    

Republican Women of the North, Northern WI, rwotnorth@gmail.com

Savard Announces District Wide Media Tour

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Dana VanDen Heuvel, The MarketingSavant Group

(920) 853-6272

Savard Announces District Wide Media Tour

The Savard campaign bus will visit media outlets throughout the 8th district starting February 24th.

Green Bay, WI – Republican Candidate Marc Savard has set a kickoff date for his district-wide media tour, starting off in Green Bay at 11am on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at the offices of Midwest Communications. The media tour then will make stops at each of the Green Bay area media outlets on the hour during the day.

Savard’s first district media tour is unique in that Marc will be visiting each of the media locations with the recently finished campaign bus, a 32 foot motor home wrapped in a depiction of the U.S. constitution, which is the centerpiece of Marc’s campaign and the message the Tea Party Movement is bringing to the American people. “The campaign bus is a strong showing of the investment of volunteer time and effort to help me bring my message to the folks in all corners of the 8th district.”

“We put our energy into the motor home to add another dimension of accessibility to the campaign. The Savard for Congress RV harkens back to an era before mass media when the candidates would take the train or campaign bus from town to town meeting with folks, in person.”

The scheduled media stops are as follows:

• Midwest Communications/WTAQ at 11:00 AM
• The Green Bay Press-Gazette at NOON
• WBAY at 1:00 PM
• WFRV at 2:00 PM
• WLUK at 3:00 PM
• WGBA at 4:00 PM 

Marc Savard was the first Republican to announce his candidacy for the 8th Congressional District election in 2010. He is known as the Tea Party Candidate and organized the State’s first Tea Party in Green Bay where more than 1,000 concerned voters attended. Marc has called for a second Green Bay Tea Party on March 20th, 2010. For more information about Marc Savard, go to http://www.savardforcongress.com/ or contact Dana VanDen Heuvel at (920) 853-6272.

Republican Women of the North, Northern WI, rwotnorth@gmail.com

Republican candidates for 8th Congressional District make their early pitches at Appleton forum

By J.E. Espino
Post-Crescent staff writer

APPLETON — The 2010 election is drawing Republican candidates eager to flex their conservative muscle in northeastern Wisconsin's 8th Congressional District primary runoff.

In a spirited Tuesday forum, three of four declared candidates concerned about the nation's grim economic picture outlined their visions to restore fiscal soundness and adhere to the U.S. Constitution.

About 150 people attended the two-hour forum at the Grand Meridian.

Reid Ribble, 53, a Kaukauna roofing contractor, and Marc Savard, 47, and Andy Williams, 41, county board supervisors from Door and Brown counties, respectively, are competing to unseat two-term Democrat Steve Kagen of Appleton. Their first joint appearance comes a full year before the midterm elections.

A fourth GOP candidate, Kerry Thomas, 44, of Sayner in Vilas County, did not attend the event.
The primary is in September.

The Fox Valley Initiative, a nonpartisan coalition that promotes limited government, lower taxes and a free economy, sponsored the event to kick off the campaign season and give its members a chance to meet the candidates.

"It's going to be that if something doesn't change soon, we're going to have problems like this country has not seen in a very long time," said Jim Steineke, chairman of the Outagamie County Town of Vandenbroek. Steineke is the Fox Valley Initiative's founder and served as moderator for the forum.

Candidates expressed concern about the ballooning national debt and the stimulus packages and what it may mean for future generations. They agreed businesses that make bad decisions should be allowed to fail.

"What's happening in Washington — it's not wrong; it's immoral," Ribble said.
The candidates for the most part found a receptive audience that wanted answers to tough questions, as Steineke had predicted. "It's not going to be softball questions."

Participants wanted to know how they could be expected to remain true to the voters when so many others in Washington, D.C., they feel, have broken their promises.

They wanted to know how they would apply the constitution to their role. When is it acceptable to risk American lives? How are they different from politicians when they too accept campaign contributions from outside groups?

Ribble, who leads by having raised more than $130,000 in the race and the GOP has identified as a potential "Young Gun," said any candidate who is serious about winning next November has to raise enough cash to take on Kagen, who virtually self-financed his 2006 bid.

Williams, a lawyer, pointed out that businesses sometimes need to be allowed to fail. He said he wants to go to Washington to get the country back on the right track and when he is done, to turn over the job to someone who is like-minded.

Savard, an organic farmer, said he knew he wanted to run for office as soon as he saw the results of the 2008 elections, which Democrats dominated. He said the country is headed for dark times. He said he was energized by public involvement in the so-called tea parties conducted by groups like Steineke's, and voters have one full year to get power back from the Democrats.
Following the forum, David Stertz, a Clintonville resident and mechanical engineer, said he was still in search of his candidate.

"I just wish I could have seen more of a firm understanding of the principles of liberty," he said.
The forum's turnout indicated to Debbie Gates of Seymour that voters have real concerns and are determined to put up a fight in the midterm elections.

"They're seeing that the change (they got with President Barack Obama, a Democrat) is not what they wanted to see," she said.

Savard said he wants to be the candidate that reforms the GOP from within.

Williams and Ribble suggested auditing the Federal Reserve.

Steineke would not be drawn to say who would be the best candidate to take on the Democrats next fall.

"I'm reserving judgment. I'm interested to see how they respond," he said.

Additional Facts
On the Web

Democratic incumbent Steve Kagen: http://www.kagen4congress.com/
Republican candidates -
Reid Ribble: http://www.ribbleforcongress.com/
Marc Savard: http://www.savardforcongress.com/
Andy Williams: http://www.williamsforcongress.us/

Appleton Post Crescent Article