From The Capital Times, 5/29/08
It's still spring, but Wisconsin's fall political season officially opens Sunday, with the June 1 start of the period when candidates must gather petition signatures to qualify for ballot positions. Dane County will see at least one epic battle: the Democratic primary in the 81st Assembly District to replace retiring state Rep. Dave Travis. With six impressive candidates already running, this is going to be one of the most crowded local legislative contests in decades.
What's the starting line? Justin Sargent, an aide to Sen. Judy Robson, D-Beloit, who has deep roots in local Democratic politics, is running hard and smart. He's showing up everywhere in and around the district, which includes Madison's north side and neighboring villages and towns. Sargent's paying particular attention to union members, showing up for recent solidarity events with United Food and Commercial Workers Union activists at Woodman's.
Sargent's toughest competition at this point comes from Kelda Helen Roys, a lawyer who has worked as executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin. Roys announced early, she's working hard and she's got the backing of legislators Terese Berceau and Sondy Pope-Roberts, as well as Doyle administration stalwart Roberta Gassman. As the only woman in a race with five men, Roys enjoys a gender advantage -- not unlike the one that saw Spencer Black beat a pack of well-known women to win the 1984 Democratic nomination for his west Madison seat.
This race will evolve. Candidates Eric Englund and Peng Her are only getting started. But it is safe to say that as the formal politicking begins, Sargent and Roys have dominated the preseason.
John Nichols is associate editor of The Capital Times.
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