Hi. My name is
Steve Herr, I am a Democrat, and I am the next congressman from
Wisconsin's 1st Congressional District.
No, really. I know people running for Congress are a dime a dozen around these parts, but let me tell you a little about who I am and the district I'm running in.
I am very pragmatic. I'm not one for political posturing, I want to
actually get things done. I know, it's a pretty radical concept to introduce to Washington D.C. I have worked for big business, I have worked for small business, I have been a farmer, I now own my own business, and I've raised three children in southern Wisconsin. Like every family in my district, I know that inaction will get us nowhere, but that is all we are getting from the Washington D.C. Republicans.
It is not acceptable that Congress is doing nothing to wean us off of oil, when doing so is essential for our economy, our environment, and our national security. We can not continue to allow our good paying manufacturing jobs to head overseas. It's not OK that 45 million Americans lack health insurance, and those who are insured are afraid they will lose their coverage. And of course, we can not maintain the status quo in Iraq - it disrespects our brave soldiers to have them risking their lives without a clear mission.
By now you are thinking, "Sounds good, but can he win?" Like I said, I am very pragmatic. I am not one to tilt at windmills. This district is not on the talking heads' list of vulnerable districts, and it's not even on the bloggers' lists, but it should be. Wisconsin's 1st district gave George W. Bush 51% of the vote in 2000, and no doubt would give him less than that today. It includes struggling rural areas, a manufacturing base in danger of losing jobs, and people in suburban areas fighting to keep up.
So why hasn't this race been in the top tier? There are two reasons: my Republican opponent hasn't had a strong challenger in the last three races and he has $1.5 million in the bank. You know, his campaign warchest really doesn't scare me. My opponent has enough cash to waste, but this race can't be won by outspending my opponent anyway. I'll certainly need to raise a lot of money to get my message out, but the way to win this race is on the ground. We need to work harder than they do and give voters a reason to change the leadership in Washington D.C. With the wind at our backs, 2006 is the year when this district can be won.
The Wisconsin Democrats believe this district is in play. They have hired a consultant to work on winning this district, and the county party organizations are pushing through an amendment to the bylaws so they can endorse a candidate early to attract atttention and keep the previous candidate from winning the primary again. Also, I have been talking with a major union, and they have pretty much come to the same conclusion, and they will be meeting in early April to finalize a process for early endorsement too.
This race won't be won on the blogs, but you sure can help. Those of you in the southeast Wisconsin area, please talk to your friends and neighbors and volunteer to help my campaign. Of course, if you are inclined you are welcome to donate in any amount, since I need to have strong fundraising this quarter to show institutional donors that I'm a serious candidate.
These days, Congress is all about serving the big donors, but everyone deserves a voice in their government. In that spirit, I'll stick around here to answer your questions on policy, politics, or even if you just want the sport of curling explained to you.
Thank you.