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| 1/7/2008 11:30:00 AM | Email this article • Print this article | Wisnefske resumes her run for Assembly
Husbands health had forced change of focus
Jim Winter
MONROE - In September 2007, Kris Wisnefske made a difficult decision to file candidacy papers to run as a Democrat against Rep. Brett Davis, R-Oregon, for the 80th District of the state Assembly.
One month later, she faced another decision, this one even tougher.
On Oct. 6, Wisnefske's husband Dave called her while driving his truck. Wisnefske could barely recognize the slurred voice on the other end.
"Who is this?" she said.
"Dave," he said.
"What's wrong, I can barely understand you," Wisnefske said.
"Stroke," Dave said.
"Where are you?" Wisnefske asked.
"Truck, Pleasant View."
With her 32 years as a nurse leading the way, Wisnefske made it to Pleasant View, where Dave was able to drive the truck safely onto the roadside.
An ambulance transported him to Monroe Clinic, where he was taken by helicopter to University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison.
All the while, Wisnefske's focus was on her husband. Thoughts of a legislative race against Davis were few and short. She put the idea of running on hold for about a month.
Dave spent that month at UW Hospital. He came home Nov. 9, but still does physical and occupational therapy at Monroe Clinic.
His progress has allowed Wisnefske to refocus on what she started in September, trying to wrangle away a targeted seat from a Monroe native who was re-elected in 2006 by a narrow margin.
"I've had people in the district ask me if I'm still going to run for election," Wisnefske said. "Yes. I remain committed to improving the quality of life in the district. Security for working individuals and families remain all-important."
Wisnefske will be ready come the November 2008 election. And with what could be a heated presidential election headlining the ballot, turnout could be at near-record levels.
"I've talked with Dave about this, and he's very supportive of me," Wisnefske said. "He wants me to continue on."
There's plenty of work to be done before November. Wisnefske's campaign has started fundraising. There's been a mailing, and Wisnefske said other events are being planned.
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