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Editor of WisPolitics.com, JR Ross, interviewed Nathan Russell, a republican candidate for the 51st Assembly District on July 17, 2008 about his campaign. The interview was conducted in WisconsinEye’s Madison studio. The 51st Assembly District race is considered to be one of the most important in the state and could help decide which party controls a majority in the Assembly during the next legislative session.

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Paulette Garin, a democratic candidate for the 1st Congressional District, held a listening session at the Janesville Senior Center in Janesville on July 14, 2008. The 1st Congressional District is currently represented by U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Janesville.

U.S. Rep. Russ Feingold, D-Middleton, headlined the grand opening of the Winnebago County Democratic Party Campaign Headquarters in Oshkosh on July 13, 2008. While at the event WisconsinEye talked to a number of local party leaders and candidates for the state legislature including Jessica King, a candidate for the 18th Senate District. The 18th Senate district is considered to be one of the most important in the state because it could help decide which party has a majority in the Senate during the next legislative session.

The Chippewa County Democratic Party held their monthly meeting in Chippewa Falls on July 10th. Al Holle, interim chair of the county party explained about the county, and the party organization.  Special guests included Sen. Pat Kreitlow and Rep. Jeff Smith.  Members discussed options for getting the word out about voting for not only Senator Obama, but the local candidates as well.

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Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton was the featured speaker at the Brown County Democratic Party Open House event in Green Bay on July 9, 2008. Sen. David Hansen, D-Green Bay, the incumbent candidate for the 30th Senate District in the November 2008 elections also participated in the event. The 30th Senate District is considered to be one of the most important in the state and could help decide which party controls a majority in the Senate in the next legislative session. Brown County is also part of the 8th Congressional District, where the race for that seat is expected to be one of the most hotly contested in the nation in 2008.

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Editor of WisPolitics.com, JR Ross, interviewed Kristen Dexter, a democratic candidate for the 68th Assembly District on July 9, 2008 about her campaign. The interview was conducted in WisconsinEye’s Madison studio. The 68th Assembly District is considered to be one of the most important in the state and could help decide which party controls a majority in the Assembly during the next legislative session.

Editor of WisPolitics.com, JR Ross, interviewed Jo Egelhoff, a republican candidate for the 57th Assembly District on July 8, 2008 about her campaign. The interview was conducted in WisconsinEye’s Madison studio. The 57th Assembly District is considered to be one of the most important in the state and could help decide which party controls a majority in the Assembly during the next legislative session.

Editor of WisPolitics.com, JR Ross, interviewed Sen. Dan Kapanke, R-La Crosse, the incumbent candidate for the 32nd Senate District on July 8, 2008 about his campaign. The interview was conducted in WisconsinEye’s Madison studio. The 32nd Senate District is considered to be one of the most important in the state and could help decide which party controls a majority in the Senate during the next legislative session.

Editor of WisPolitics.com JR Ross interviewed Rep. Sheldon Wasserman, D-Milwaukee, a candidate for the 8th Senate District on July 8, 2008 about his campaign. The interview was conducted in WisconsinEye’s Madison studio. The 8th Senate District is considered to be one of the most important in the state and could help decide which party controls a majority in the Senate during the next legislative session.

Editor of WisPolitics.com JR Ross interviewed Tom Tiffany, a republican candidate for the 12th Senate District on July 8, 2008 about his campaign. The interview was conducted in WisconsinEye’s Madison studio. The 12th Senate District is considered to be one of the most important in the state and could help decide which party controls a majority in the Senate during the next legislative session.

Editor of WisPolitics.com JR Ross interviewed Randy Hopper a republican candidate for the 18th Senate District on July 8, 2008 about his campaign. The interview was conducted in WisconsinEye’s Madison studio. The 18th Senate District is considered to be one of the most important in the state and could help decide which party controls a majority in the Senate during the next legislative session.

Editor of WisPolitics.com JR Ross interviewed Chad Fradette, a republican candidate for the 30th Senate District on July 8, 2008 about his campaign. The interview was conducted in WisconsinEye’s Madison studio. The 30th Senate District is considered to be one of the most important in the state and could help decide which party controls a majority in the Senate during the next legislative session.

Editor of WisPolitics.com JR Ross interviewed Alison Page, a democratic candidate for the 10th Senate District on July 8, 2008 about her campaign. The interview was conducted in WisconsinEye’s Madison studio. The 10th Senate District is considered to be one of the most important in the state and could help decide which party controls a majority in the Senate during the next legislative session.

WisconsinEye followed several candidates on the campaign trail in Menomonee Falls on July 3, 2008 at the community’s Independence Day Parade. Jim Burkee, a republican candidate for the 5th Congressional District and Rep. Sheldon Wasserman, a democratic candidate for the 8th Senate District spoke with WisconsinEye about walking in the parade. Burkee’s republican primary opponent, incumbent U.S. Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner, and Wasserman’s opponent, incumbent Sen. Alberta Darling both walked with supporters in the parade.

John Gard, a republican candidate for the 8th Congressional District held a town hall meeting on gas prices at the Seymour City Hall on July 1, 2008. Gard is running against U.S. Rep. Steve Kagen, who beat Gard in a close race in 2006.

Editor of WisPolitics.com JR Ross interviewed Dennis Lundell, a republican candidate for the 49th Assembly District on June 24, 2008 about his campaign. The interview was conducted in WisconsinEye’s Madison studio. The 49th Senate District is considered to be one of the most important in the state and could help decide which party controls a majority in the Assembly during the next legislative session.

Editor of WisPolitics.com JR Ross interviewed Rep. Brett Davis, R-Oregon, the incumbent candidate for the 80th Assembly District on June 9, 2008 about his campaign. The interview was conducted in WisconsinEye’s Madison studio. The 80th Assembly District is considered to be one of the most important in the state and could help decide which party controls a majority in the Assembly during the next legislative session.

WisconsinEye caught up with several candidates for the 47th Assembly District at Columbia County’s June Dairy Month Moo Day Brunch, held at a farm in Lodi on June 21, 2008. Republican candidates Tim McCumber and Keith Ripp and independent candidate Dennis Hruby each discussed their campaigns. WisconsinEye was unable to talk to democratic candidate Trish O’Neil, who also attended the event, due to time constraints.

Senator Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) officially announce her candidacy for re-election to the State Senate and opened her campaign headquarters on Wednesday, June 4th in Germantown, WI. Senator Darling addressed supporters, acknowledged staff and volunteers as well as described some of the issues she will be running on, such as cutting taxes and spending, reforming health care and strengthening the economy as well as creating jobs.

U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Janesville, held a listening session in Paddock Lake on June 2, 2008. Ryan represents Wisconsin’s 1st Congressional District and is up for re-election in November 2008.

U.S. Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr., R-Menomonee Falls, held one of several town hall meetings in June at the Meqoun Public Safety Building in Meqoun on June 2, 2008. Sensenbrenner is up for re-election in November 2008.

The Brown County Democratic Party held a campaign kickoff event on June 1, 2008 at the Labor Temple in Green Bay, Wis. At the event Rep. Jim Soletski, who represents the 88th District, announced his candidacy for re-election this fall. Sen. Dave Hansen, who represents the 30th Senate District, who is also up for reelection in November attended the event. Both spoke with WisconsinEye about their reelection campaigns. The 88th Assembly District race and the 30th Senate District race are two races which could help decide which political party will have a majority in the Assembly and the Senate in the next session. Supports gathered at the event for free hotdogs, chips, beer and soda.

U.S. Rep Steve Kagen attended the Brown County June Dairy Month Breakfast at the Old Settlers Dairy in Denmark, Wis. on May 30, 2008. Kagen, who represents Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District, is up for reelection in November. Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District, which covers most of the northeast part of state, was the closet election two years ago when Kagen beat out former Wisconsin Assembly Speaker John Gard. Gard is running against Kagen again in 2008.

The Republican Party of Waukesha County held their 58th Annual Lincoln-Reagan Day Dinner in Pewaukee on May 31, 2008. The Dinner is named for President Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan. The Dinner's guest speakers included Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker. U.S Rep. James Sensenbrenner and U.S. Rep Paul Ryan also attended the event. James T. Harris, WTMJ Radio Talk Show Host, was the event's master of ceremonies. The dinner was held at the County Springs Hotel.

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Jason Maddux, editor of the Portage Daily Register, Columbia County’s Daily Newspaper discussed local politics in this interview with WisconsinEye on May 19, 2008. Maddux specifically discussed the 47th Assembly District race. The 47th Assembly District is located in Parts of Columbia, Sauk and Dane Counties and is one of the state legislative contests that could decide which party will have a majority in the State Assembly after November 2008.

La Crosse County Supervisor Tara Johnson announced her campaign to unseat freshman Republican Legislator Dan Kapanke, R-La Crosse, in the 32nd Senate District. Johnson made the announcement at the Lakeview Business Park in West Salem on May 12, 2008. The 32nd Senate District is one of the state legislative races that could decide who will have a majority in the State Senate following the November 2008 elections.

Democratic Candidate for the 47th Assembly District Trish O’Neil spoke with WisconsinEye on May 8, 2008 in Merrimac, Wis. The 47th Assembly District, located in parts of Columbia, Dane and Sauk Counties, is considered to be the home to one of the state legislative contests that could swing the balance of control in the State Assembly. Republicans currently have control of the Assembly and the 47th Assembly District. That post is held by Rep. Eugene Hahn, R-Cambria, who is retiring. O’Neil was in Merrimac to hold a district listening session.

Rep. Andy Jorgensen, D-Fort Atkinson, was one of two featured speakers at a recent meeting of Oconomowoc Democrats. The other was Jim Smith, director of the Assembly Democratic Campaign Committee. Jorgensen, who represents the 37th Assembly District, discussed his candidacy and how he first won an election in an area known for electing Republicans. In 2006, Jorgensen became the first Democrat elected in the district, covering parts of Dane and Jefferson Counties, in 60 years. In 2008, the district could be one of the state legislative contests that could decide who controls the State Assembly. During his remarks at the gathering, Smith discussed the efforts the party is making across the state to recruit Assembly candidates. A number of candidates from surrounding districts also made remarks at the event, which was held at the Main Street Depot Restaurant in Oconomowoc on May 3, 2008.

Raymond Frey, chair of the Columbia County Democratic Party, spoke with WisconsinEye on May 2, 2008 about Columbia County, the county party and the important state legislative races in the area. Columbia County contains parts of the 42nd, 47th and 38th Assembly Districts. The race for the 47th Assembly District, located in parts of Columbia, Dane and Sauk Counties, is considered to be one of the state legislative contests that could swing the balance of control in the State Assembly. Republicans currently have control of the Assembly and the 47th Assembly District. That post is held by Rep. Eugene Hahn, R-Cambria, who is retiring.

The Jefferson County Democratic Party held an Open House to celebrate the opening of their new campaign office in Jefferson on May 1. Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton as well as Rep. Andy Jorgensen, D-Fort Atkinson, delivered remarks at the event. The 37th Assembly District, located in parts of Dane and Jefferson Counties, could be one of the state legislative contests that decides who will control the State Assembly. Jorgensen, who represents that district, was first elected to the seat in 2006, when he became the first Democrat elected there in 60 years.

Paul Fisk, the former Mayor of Lodi and candidate for the 47th Assembly District, spoke to WisconsinEye at campaign kick-off event at a bar in Lodi on May 1, 2008. The 47th Assembly District race, located in parts of Columbia, Dane and Sauk Counties, is considered to be one of the state legislative contests that could swing the balance of control in the State Assembly. Republicans currently have control of the Assembly and the 47th Assembly District. That post is held by Rep. Eugene Hahn, R-Cambria, who is retiring. Sen. Mark Miller, D-Monona, who represents the area, also attended the event.

Former Assembly Speaker John Gard, a republican, announced his second run for Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District seat at two events in Green Bay and Appleton on April 27, 2008. Gard hopes to unseat U.S. Rep. Steve Kagen, D-Appleton, who defeated Gard in the 2006 midterm elections. After holding an event at Bay Beach Park in Green Bay, WisconsinEye caught up with Gard at Pierce Park in Appleton.

Washington County Democratic Party Chair Michael Schlotfeldt spoke with WisconsinEye about Washington County politics and the state legislative races which Washington County voters will help decide. One of those districts, the 8th Senate District is considered a swing district and could help decide who will control the State Senate. The seat is currently held by Sen. Alberta Darling, R-River Falls. It is being challenged by Rep. Sheldon Wasserman, D-Milwaukee.

U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold was the main draw at the Green County Democratic Party’s Spring Fundraiser on April 20, 2008. Feingold talked national and state politics at the event held in Monroe, Wis., located in Green County. Green County is located within Wisconsin’s 80th Assembly District, one of the state legislative contests that could swing the balance of control in the State Assembly. The Republicans currently have control of the Assembly and the 80th Assembly District. That post is held by Republican lawmaker Rep. Brett Davis of Oregon.

Susan Kinast-Porter, Green County Democratic Party Chair, spoke with WisconsinEye about Green County and the 80th State Assembly District on April 20, 2008. Green County is located within Wisconsin’s 80th Assembly District, one of the state legislative contests that could swing the balance of control in the State Assembly. The Republicans currently have control of the Assembly and the 80th Assembly District. That post is held by Republican lawmaker Rep. Brett Davis of Oregon. Kinast-Porter was interviewed during the Green County Democratic Party’s Spring Fundraiser in Monroe, Wis.

John Waelti, a democratic candidate for the 80th Assembly District, discussed his candidacy with WisconsinEye on April 20, 2008. Green County is located within Wisconsin’s 80th Assembly District, one of the state legislative contests that could swing the balance of control in the State Assembly. The Republicans currently have control of the Assembly and the 80th Assembly District. That post is held by Republican lawmaker Rep. Brett Davis of Oregon. Waelti was interviewed during the Green County Democratic Party’s Spring Fundraiser in Monroe, Wis.

Kristin Ann Wisnefske, a democratic candidate for the 80th Assembly District, discussed her candidacy with WisconsinEye on April 20, 2008. Green County is located within Wisconsin’s 80th Assembly District, one of the state legislative contests that could swing the balance of control in the State Assembly. The Republicans currently have control of the Assembly and the 80th Assembly District. That post is held by Republican lawmaker Rep. Brett Davis of Oregon. Wisnefske was interviewed during the Green County Democratic Party’s Spring Fundraiser in Monroe, Wis.

Editor of WisPolitics.com JR Ross interviewed Kevin Kennedy, director and legal counsel of the Government Accountability Board, and Andrea Kaminiski, executive director of the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin about the Wisconsin election process from WisconsinEye's Madison Studio on April 10. Kennedy and Kaminiski reviewed the spring election on April 1, new procedures and equipment used in voting and the role of the Government Accountability Board in future elections.

Filling in for host Steve Walters, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Stacy Forster, led a panel of reporters in a discussion of the week's major news stories in state politics. This week’s program focused on the State Supreme Court race. Featured guests included WisPolitics.com's JR Ross, WISC-TV's Jessica Arp, Shawn Johnson of Wisconsin Public Radio and Patrick Marley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Justice Louis Butler addressed supporters and the press Wednesday, April 2, 2008 at the Milwaukee County Courthouse to speak on the Supreme Court race election results. Butler stated how honored he feels to have served Wisconsin as a Supreme Court Justice, and that he acknowledges that the voters have now made a new choice to sit on the court.

Justice Louis Butler's Campaign for re-election to the Wisconsin Supreme Court held an election night results party at Riverfront Pizzeria in Milwaukee on Tuesday night, April 1, 2008. Supporters enjoyed pizza while watching results come in on several televisions placed throughout the party. Butler made a short statement thanking his supporters while results were pouring in. The party ended before official final results were reported.

Michael Gableman's campaign gathered in Milwaukee to watch the polls on election night, April 1, 2008, for the Supreme Court Justice seat. Gableman is declared the winner moments before midnight.

Andrea Kaminski, Executive Director for the League for Women Voters of Wisconsin spoke with WisconsinEye contributor John Powell about the efforts the organization makes to education the public about the elections process. Kaminiski also spoke about the group’s advocacy efforts. The interview took place in WisconsinEye’s Madison studio on March 27, 2008.

Judge Gableman was the invited guest for the March 26th Madison Rotary meeting at the Inn on the Park in Madison.

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The Milwaukee Bar Association (MBA) was host to a candidates forum for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Wisconsin Court of Appeals and Milwaukee County Circuit Court seats. This moderated forum was open to MBA members and the general public, where questions of the candidates by those attending were submitted to the moderator. “These forums fall in line with the MBA’s 150 year old mission of increasing public awareness of the crucial roll that the law plays in the lives of the people of Milwaukee”, says James Temmer, Executive Director of the MBA. “These provide our members and the residents of Milwaukee County the opportunity to learn more about the people who will enforce the laws of Wisconsin before they cast their vote.”

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Supreme Court Justice Louis Butler and the Hon. Michael Gableman, candidates for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, participated in a debate at the Concourse Hotel in Madison Wisconsin. Hosted by the Dane County Bar Association, the candidates made opening and closing statements as well as answered questions offered by the audience. Justice Butler is being challenged by Burnett County Circuit Judge Michael Gableman. The winner in the April 1 election will serve a 10-year term.

Prior to a speech by Republican Presidential Candidate U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, Burnett County Circuit Court Judge Michael Gableman, a candidate for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, gave a speech and shook hands at the Milwaukee County Reagan Day Dinner on February 28 in Milwaukee.