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| 10/28/2008 10:22:00 AM | Email this article • Print this article | Our Endorsement: Russell would best serve 51st District
Statewide stories about the fight for control of the Wisconsin Assembly don't often include the 51st District as a battleground. That's too bad, because district residents have two good choices.
The Republicans are offering a young upstart with a lot of political promise, Nathan Russell. The Democrats have Rep. Steve Hilgenberg, a thoughtful incumbent fresh off a 2006 upset of longtime lawmaker Steve Freese.
Both understand the uphill climb of representing a rural district and its interests in Madison. But because Russell would be the more aggressive promoter of those interests, he earns our endorsement.
Frankly, Hilgenberg seems a bit dispirited by the proceedings in Madison. That's understandable, given the partisanship there the past two years, particularly during the budgeting process. Hilgenberg is right that processes in the Capitol must change to better serve the people. We're not sure he has the will, or the demeanor, to lead that fight.
Russell, on the other hand, is enthusiastic and well-versed on the issues facing his district and the state. He presents his opinions clearly and convincingly, and vows to begin offering bills right away. Yes, Russell would be very young for an Assemblyman - he's a 1997 graduate of Shullsburg High School - but he possesses an intellectual vigor that would serve 51st District residents well.
Russell considers himself a social moderate and a fiscal conservative in the mold of former Congressman Scott Klug, R-Madison. He said he would vote for benefits for domestic partners, and will not be championing any social issues.
Russell's professional background, though brief, positions himself nicely to deal with issues critical to his district. He taught agricultural education to urban students in the Minneapolis area. He led the Agricultural and Food Science Academy's FFA chapter, and served on its school board. When he moved his family back to southwestern Wisconsin, Russell became an agriculture/commercial lender with a local credit union, assisting farmers and small businesses.
Farmers and rural school districts are the key constituents in the 51st District, which includes all of Iowa County, most of Lafayette County and part of Sauk County. Russell said he would have voted against the 2007-09 budget because of the school funding shift that hurt rural school districts.
Russell has an open mind to any changes to the school funding formula as long as they don't come at the expense of rural schools. He prefers encouraging smaller schools to consolidate costs of operations and services before merging as districts. And he correctly believes revenue caps are necessary on schools but must be brought more in line with the QEO. He supports tax credits for teachers who spend their own money for classroom materials, saying he's been there and knows that teachers spend a lot more money than they'll admit.
Hilgenberg has by no means served his district poorly. His most notable efforts have been in promoting judicial elections free of special interest dollars. It's a cause all legislators ought to take up.
But Hilgenberg simply hasn't been forceful enough on district issues during his first two years in office, and we lack confidence that will change in a second term.
Russell will be a more vigorous advocate for the 51st District. He deserves an opportunity to serve.
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Reader Comments
Posted: Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Article comment by:
Jeff Ditzenberger
I know Nathan a bit through Farm Bureau and he is a very well spoken very thought invoking individual who would serve his area well. Good Luck Nathan!!!!!
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