WTBA Members:

I wanted to brief you on the results of yesterday’s state legislative election and request your assistance as we prepare for a tough state budget battle in the new year.

Assembly Democrats picked up five seats to gain control of that chamber for the first time in 14 years.  Democratic challengers knocked off three incumbents – Frank Lasee in the 2nd District (Manitowoc & Brown counties), Doc Hines in the 42nd District (Adams, Columbia, Marquette & Sauk counties) and Terry Moulton in the 68th District (City of Eau Claire and surrounding areas) – while picking up two seats vacated by Republicans, Steve Wieckert in the 57th District (Appleton) and Terry Musser in the 92nd District (Clark, Jackson & Monroe counties).

Democrats now control the Assembly 52-46.  Rep. Jeff Wood (67th District in Chippewa and Dunn counties) left the Republican Party earlier this year and was re-elected yesterday as an Independent.  He has said he will caucus with the Democrats.

In the state Senate, some names have changed but the balance of power remains the same.  Democrats hold the same 18-15 edge they held going into yesterday’s election.  Democrat Jim Holperin of Eagle River defeated Republican Tom Tiffany of Hazelhurst to continue Democratic control of the 12th Senate District, while Republican Randy Hopper of Fond du Lac defeated Democrat Jessica King to succeed Republican Carol Roessler in the 18th Senate District.  GOP Sen. Alberta Darling held off a challenge from Rep. Sheldon Wasserman in the 8th District.

This is the first time Democrats have controlled all three branches of state government since 1985.  WTBA was successful in forging relationships with legislative leadership then and I’m confident we will be able to do so again.

I want to again encourage you and your employees to register with the Voter Voice grassroots action system we have deployed to mobilize the industry as we begin to focus on the upcoming state biennial budget process and federal surface transportation reauthorization bill.  The key to registering with the system is entering your home address so we can accurately identify your legislator as we communicate with you at key points in the budget process.

Click here to register with Voter Voice:

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Pat Goss
WTBA Executive Director