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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Justin Sargent
220-2342
sargentforassembly@sbcglobal.net
www.sargentforassembly.org

Justin Sargent Accepts Law Enforcement Endorsement

Madison, Wisconsin (September 4, 2008)

Today Democrat Assembly Candidate Justin Sargent received the endorsement of the Wisconsin County Police Association in his bid to replace retiring Representative Dave Travis.

Accepting this endorsement, Sargent said, “I appreciate the support and endorsement from the law enforcement men and women in the Wisconsin County Police Association. Everyday these brave men and women go to work to make our communities safer places to live and work, I’m honored that they support electing me as part of that mission.”

The Wisconsin County Police Association joins the International Painters and Allied Trades, United Steel Workers, United Auto Workers, and the United Transportation Union, in supporting Justin Sargent for State Assembly.

“This primary election is about electing a person who can get things done,” Sargent added. “the men, women, and families of the these groups understand that Wisconsin is at a crossroads and that we need to roll up our sleeves and get to work making Wisconsin a State of opportunity once again. I have listened to the hopes and concerns of my neighbors about education funding, the healthcare crisis, and frustration with partisan gridlock. These concerns are echoed from Madison to Mazomanie. I’m absolutely committed to tackling these tough issues.”

Sargent is also endorsed by the League of Conservation Voters and Clean Wisconsin Action Fund as well as local elected officials from throughout the 81st Assembly District. A more complete list is available on his website at: www.sargentforassembly.org.

Justin Sargent is running to replace retiring Representative David Travis, in the 81st District that includes portions of Madison’s North and East sides, Waunakee, Westport, Cross Plains, Black Earth, and Mazomanie. He and his wife, Melissa, live on the north side of Madison with their three sons. To learn more about Justin Sargent go to: www.sargentforassembly.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Justin Sargent
220-2342
sargentforassembly@sbcglobal.net
www.sargentforassembly.org

Justin Sargent Accepts Labor Endorsement

Madison, Wisconsin (August 29, 2008)

On Eve of Labor Day, Sargent campaign notified of new labor endorsement.

Today the United Steel Workers informed The Sargent Campaign of their endorsement of him in 81st State Assembly primary.

Accepting this endorsement, Justin said, “I greatly appreciate this endorsement, especially as we begin Labor Day weekend, a time to celebrate the ingenuity, determination, and hard work of the men and women that have struggled to make our state and nation great. I believe that this weekend is also an important time to reflect on how we will foster the growth of innovative new technologies and business to create new family supporting jobs.”

In addition to being supported by community leaders such as Sheriff Mahoney, County Board Supervisors Dorothy Wheeler, Elaine DeSmidt, Barbara Vedder and Jeff Kostelic, former Madison Mayor Paul Soglin, and Alder Michael Schumacher, Justin Sargent is supported by the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters, Clean Wisconsin Action Fund, UAW Local 95 and State Committee, United Transportation Union, and the International Painters & Allied Trades.

Sargent added, “The United Steelworkers understand the importance this primary has to moving Wisconsin forward. The men and women of the United Steel Workers have been on the front line of preserving jobs in Wisconsin and I’m eager to continue my efforts in the Assembly to make sure that Wisconsin is a State of opportunity with good jobs and healthy businesses in our emerging economy.

Justin Sargent is running to replace retiring Representative David Travis in the 81st District that includes portions of Madison’s North and East sides, Waunakee, Westport, Cross Plains, Black Earth, and Mazomanie. He and his wife, Melissa, live on the north side of Madison with their three sons. To learn more about Justin Sargent go to:
www.sargentforassembly.org.

Authorized and Paid for by Justin Sargent for Assembly, Dayna Dalton Treasurer

"Six Democrats are seeking open seat in 81st Assembly District"
TUE., AUG 26, 2008 - 11:03 AM
Wisconsin State Journal

EXCERPTS

Six candidates are seeking the Democratic nomination to succeed incumbent Rep. Dave Travis, who is not running for re-election, in the 81st Assembly District. Barring a successful write-in campaign, the winner of the Sept. 9 primary will win the general election in November, since no Republicans are running for the seat.

Name: Justin Sargent

Age: 39

Address: 1638 Mayfield Lane, Madison.

Current job: On leave of absence as chief of staff for Sen. Judy Robson.

Political experience: Served as Sen. Robson's chief of staff and director of outreach and development for her when she was majority leader.

Other public service: Committee member, Council on State Governments; Committee on Suggested State Legislation; board member, Vera Court Board. Also member of Troy Gardens, Gompers Elementary PTO, UW Alumni Foundation, River Alliance of Wisconsin, The Nature Conservancy, Midwest Shiba Inu Rescue and 4 Lakes SCUBA Club.

Education: Bachelor's degree in political science, UW-Madison.

Web site: www.sargentforassembly.org

Why are you running for office?

Justin Sargent: I'm running because I believe that we must move past the partisan deadlock that has stalled our Legislature and get back to the business of moving Wisconsin forward. Wisconsin faces a fiscal crisis in our education system, our tradition of conservation is threatened, and everyone is suffering from skyrocketing health-care costs. We can do better and we must do better.

The uncertain economy could mean trouble for the next state budget. What services would you cut, or what taxes or fees would you raise?

Justin Sargent: Even given the budget uncertainty, we must end the policy of using segregated fees to pay for unrelated budget priorities. I would be interested in revisiting the hospital assessment in order to capture federal funds and closing corporate loopholes to restore tax fairness for homeowners and small businesses. We must continue to invest in educational opportunities for our residents.

What can the state do to expand access to health care while keeping it affordable?

Justin Sargent: I believe that we must revisit the Healthy Wisconsin proposal that opens up state benefits to all Wisconsin residents. The new version will need to address the concerns of small business. I also strongly believe that Wisconsin should be pushing the federal government to allow medication price bargaining. I support requiring coverage for the early treatment of autism.

Are state revenue limits on schools and levy limits on municipalities too tight, too loose or just right?

All candidates: Too tight

Statewide smoking ban: Yes or no?

All candidates: Yes

Repeal minimum markup law: Yes or no?

Justin Sargent: No

View the original story HERE.

From The Capital Times, 8/20/2008, 8:08 am

When the Democratic candidates for the open 81st District Assembly seat debated last week, a pair of the contenders took opposing positions on a fundamental democracy issue.

Tim Kiefer, an assistant district attorney, proposed to deny the voters of Wisconsin a say in choosing Supreme Court justices. Kiefer supports so-called "merit selection" of judges -- a system that would have an elite panel appointed by the governor select "a list of candidates" from which the governor would then name justices.

This is a recipe for old-fashioned cronyism being advanced by insiders who have no taste for honest reform. After two messy Supreme Court elections, the insiders say the cure for what ails the process is to do away with democracy.

A better approach came from Justin Sargent, who highlighted his support for the proposed Impartial Justice Act. That plan would clean up court contests by establishing a system of full public financing of state Supreme Court elections. Sargent is the right kind of reformer -- instead of responding to special-interest meddling in elections by proposing as Kiefer does to diminish democracy, he seeks to make the changes that will renew democracy.

John Nichols is associate editor of The Capital Times.

View the original story HERE.

John "Sly" Sylvester interviews Justin Sargent on "Lunch Pail Logic" August 9, 2008. Lunch Pail Logic is "The Voice of Wisconsin's Working Families"

Download the audio file here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Justin Sargent
220-2342
sargentforassembly@sbcglobal.net
www.sargentforassembly.org

Another Conservation Group Endorses Justin Sargent for Assembly

Madison, Wisconsin (August 6, 2008)

Sargent adds Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters to overwhelming list of endorsements.

The Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters endorsed Justin Sargent, Democrat for State Assembly running in the 81st District. The League works to advance conservation issues and supports numerous candidates that are willing to commit to preserving Wisconsin's natural resources.

"I welcome the support of the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters as another group that has endorsed my leadership on environmental issues," said Sargent. "I also think it is great that through their dual endorsement process the League can encourage candidates that promise to work on environmental and conservation issues. Its important that we continue to cultivate environmental advocacy.”

Sargent added, “Wisconsin is at an environmental crossroad where our natural resources and outdoor heritage are threatened. Together we must promote renewable energy, address global climate change, and protect Wisconsin’s sensitive wild areas and waters. This will ensure that we all have the opportunity to enjoy an environment that makes Wisconsin great.”

Sargent has been endorsed by Environmental and Conservation leaders across the state including Tia Nelson, George and Jayne Meyer, Jon Becker, Scott Froelke, Dorothy Wheeler, Jim Addis, John Hutchinson, Denny Caneff, and Don Hammes. Justin is also the only candidate to receive the endorsement of the Clean Wisconsin Action Fund, a group dedicated to promoting clean air, water and renewable energy. Sargent recently launched a new website listing more endorsements, including elected and appointed leaders, than any other candidate in the 81st primary. Recent campaign reports also indicate that Sargent leads in overall campaign funds raised and has a greater than 2 to 1 lead over any of his opponents for donations from the district.

Justin Sargent is running to replace retiring Representative David Travis in the 81st District that includes portions of Madison’s North and East sides, Waunakee, Westport, Cross Plains, Black Earth, and Mazomanie. He and his wife, Melissa, live on the north side of Madison with their three sons. To learn more about Justin Sargent go to: www.sargentforassembly.org.

Authorized and Paid for by Justin Sargent for Assembly, Dayna Dalton Treasurer.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Justin Sargent
220-2342
sargentforassembly@sbcglobal.net www.sargentforassembly.org

Madison, Wisconsin (August 6, 2008)

Continuing a strong grass roots campaign, today Justin Sargent announced a series of listening sessions and availability throughout the 81st District. The Sargent campaign has visited over 30,000 doors and met thousands of neighbors in the 81st Assembly district.

Assembly Democratic candidate Sargent said "I believe that elected officials must be available to the people they serve. I've always been inspired by Sen. Feingold's efforts to reach out and discuss the issues of the day with the people he represents." Justin added, "My neighbors in the 81st can be assured that as their Representative, I will continue to participate in community events and will be available for to listen to and discuss their thoughts and concerns for Wisconsin."

Sargent has hand delivered a legislative survey across the district as well as posting it on his website. As part of the listening sessions, Sargent will be reviewing the results and comments he has received thus far. “My survey has been a great opportunity as I visit from doorsteps in Mazomanie to driveways in Madison. I believe that an effective Representative carries with them the voices, values, and concerns that they gather as they listen to friends, neighbors, and voters”, said Sargent.

Sargent announced the following locations for candidate Meet and Greets:

Saturday Aug 9 4pm Tailgate and Talk with Justin at the Mallards - Warner Park parking lot - South East Corner

Monday Aug 11 11am Lemonade Meet and Greet - Black Earth Veterans Memorial Park Pavilion

Tuesday Aug 12 7:30am Coffee with the Candidate Coffee Gallery - 1865 Northport Dr, Madison WI

Thursday Aug 14 5:30pm Ice Cream Social at The Sargent Home - 1638 Mayfield Lane, Madison WI

Friday Aug 15 8am Coffee at Main Street Diner - Main Street Diner, Waunakee WI

Sunday Aug 17 4pm Meet n Greet hosted by the 81+ Women for Justin Sargent - 4922 N. Sherman Ave, Madison WI

Tuesday Aug 19 7:30am Coffee at Crossroads Cafe - Crossroads Café, Cross Plains WI

Wednesday Aug 20 7:30am Coffee at Starbucks – Starbucks, 6709 Frank Lloyd Wright #100 Middleton WI

Thursday Aug 21 7:30am Coffee with the Candidate - Einstein's Bagel Store, 3904 E. Washington Ave Madison WI

Friday Aug 22 8:30am Coffee with the Candidate - Whistlestop, Mazomanie WI

Monday Aug 25 5pm Lemonade Meet and Greet - Black Earth Veterans Memorial Park Pavilion

Tuesday Aug 26 5pm Iced Tea at the Home of Jeanette Paulson & Gayle Ihlenfeld, 1205 Burning Wood Way, Madison WI

Thursday Aug 28 8am Coffee at Main Street Diner - Main Street Diner, Waunakee WI

Friday Aug 29 7:30am Coffee at the Crossroads Cafe - Crossroads Café, Cross Plains WI

Wednesday Sep 3 7:30am Coffee with the Candidate - Coffee Gallery 1865 Northport Dr, Madison WI

Tuesday Sep 9 VOTE – Sargent for Assembly

Each listening session is scheduled for one hour, with possible extensions based on scheduling commitments.

Justin is also available for scheduled meetings, if these times are not convenient and can be reached at 608-220-2342 or at sargentforasembly@sbcglobal.net.

Justin Sargent is running to replace retiring Representative David Travis, in the 81st District that includes portions of Madison’s North and East sides, Waunakee, Westport, Cross Plains, Black Earth, and Mazomanie. He and his wife, Melissa, live on the north side of Madison with their three sons. To learn more about Justin Sargent go to: www.sargentforassembly.org.

From The Capital Times, 7/22/2008, 5:22 am

On the same day that the League of Conservation Voters made a high-profile endorsement of Democrat Barack Obama for the presidency, a key Wisconsin environmental advocacy group swung its support behind Justin Sargent in the crowded Democratic primary for Dane County's open 81st Assembly District seat.

Obama's endorsement Monday from the LCV was expected, especially after Republican John McCain took stands on oil drilling and other issues that were at odds with the environmental group's agenda.

Sargent's endorsement from the Clean Wisconsin Action Fund came as more of a surprise, since a number of the candidates in the 81st District contest are promoting themselves as green contenders.

For Sargent, who has secured several important labor endorsements, the Clean Wisconsin Action Fund backing represents a significant boost.

And it came with an enthusiastic statement from Gary Goyke, a former legislator who serves on the fund's board.

"Justin Sargent's passion for the environment and commitment to building a strong environmentally responsible economy in Wisconsin parallels Clean Wisconsin Action Fund's dedication to ensuring future generations enjoy clean air, clean water and clean energy," said Goyke, who added, "We need strong leaders who understand the importance of protecting Wisconsin's environment in order to ensure our children and grandchildren inherit an environment as clean and healthy as the one we know and love. Justin Sargent is such a leader."

On Monday, Sargent also released a list of "81 Women of the 81st Assembly District" who are supporting his candidacy.

Sargent's specific focus on support from women represents a clear challenge to the only woman, veteran pro-choice advocate Kelda Helen Roys, who is running against five men -- Sargent, Waunakee Village President John Laubmeier, Madison restaurant owner Peng Her, former lobbyist Eric Englund and Dane County Assistant District Attorney Tim Kiefer.

Roys has been endorsed by Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk -- a proven vote-getter in the county who historically has worked hard for the candidates she backs -- along with Dane County legislators Terese Berceau and Sondy Pope-Roberts. A number of other area women with long histories in Democratic politics have also endorsed the former executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin.

The 81st District includes the northeast side of Madison, Waunakee, Westport, Cross Plains, Black Earth and Mazomanie, as well as rural areas surrounding those communities. The district leans Democratic -- so much so that the Republicans are not running a candidate. That means that the Sept. 9 Democratic primary becomes a definitional vote. And, in a relatively low turnout primary, endorsements could matter a good deal -- although candidate Englund wisely notes that face-to-face contact with voters, something he and the other candidates are focusing hard on, will undoubtedly matter most of all.

John Nichols is associate editor of The Capital Times.

View the original story HERE.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sargent Accepts Environmental Endorsement

Contact: Justin Sargent
220-2342
sargentforassembly@sbcglobal.net www.sargentforassembly.org

Madison, Wisconsin (July 23, 2008)

Today Justin Sargent accepted the endorsement of Clean Wisconsin Action Fund. Clean Wisconsin Action Fund is the political sister organization to Clean Wisconsin. The Action Fund is an environmental advocacy organization dedicated to protecting Wisconsin’s clean water and air, and advocating for clean energy.

“Clean water, breathable air, and unpolluted soils are vital to our health and livelihood. In the legislature, I will work to encourage economic opportunity in renewable , sustainable energy that will bring Wisconsin prosperity and a secure energy future,” said Sargent.

Accepting the endorsement, Sargent said “I appreciate the Clean Wisconsin Action Fund endorsement. This endorsement acknowledges that in a crowded primary, my commitment to, and experience with environmental and conservation issues makes me the candidate of choice for those who value our environment. I am committed to safeguarding our remaining wild places, improving the health and quality of our lakes, rivers, and streams, developing a regional approach to air quality that holds out-of-state polluters accountable, and protecting our ground water.”

Sargent has been endorsed by Environmental and Conservation leaders across the state including Tia Nelson, George and Jayne Meyer, Scott Froelke, John Hutchinson, Denny Caneff, and Don Hammes.

Justin Sargent is running to replace retiring Representative David Travis in the 81st District that includes portions of Madison’s North and East sides, Waunakee, Westport, Cross Plains, Black Earth, and Mazomanie. He and his wife, Melissa, live on the north side of Madison with their three sons. To learn more about Justin Sargent go to: www.sargentforassembly.org.

Authorized and Paid for by Justin Sargent for Assembly, Dayna Dalton Treasurer

Clean Wisconsin Action Fund
Your environmental voice since 1970.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 21, 2008

Contact: Sam Weis
Media Specialist
608.251.7020 ext. 22
608.239.7553 (cell)

Clean Wisconsin Action Fund Endorses Justin Sargent for State Assembly

Madison, Wis – Clean Wisconsin Action Fund proudly announced its endorsement of Justin Sargent for State Assembly today. Sargent is running to replace retiring Representative David Travis in Wisconsin’s 81st District.

“Justin Sargent’s passion for the environment and commitment to building a strong environmentally-responsible economy in Wisconsin parallels Clean Wisconsin Action Fund’s dedication to ensuring future generations enjoy clean air, clean water and clean energy,” said Gary Goyke, board member of the Clean Wisconsin Action Fund.

“We need strong leaders who understand the importance of protecting Wisconsin’s environment in order to ensure our children and grandchildren inherit an environment as clean and healthy as the one we know and love. Justin Sargent is such a leader,” Goyke said.

The 81st District seat Sargent is running to represent includes Madison’s North and East sides, Waunakee, Westport, Cross Plains, Black Earth and Mazomanie. Justin and his wife, Melissa, live on the north side of Madison where their school-aged children attend public schools.

Clean Wisconsin Action Fund is an environmental advocacy organization that protects Wisconsin’s clean water and air and advocates for clean energy by being an effective voice in the state legislature and by holding elected officials accountable. The Action Fund endorses candidates who support a pro-environment agenda. Phone: 608-251-7020, extension 11; Fax: 608-251-1655; Email: beweber@cwactionfund.org, Website: www.cwactionfund.org.