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Klemme, a Democrat, is seeking the seat held by Lee Nerison, R-Westby, a two-term incumbent who won the 2006 election by a 1 percent margin after a recount against Gail Frie, a Democrat from Viroqua.
Nerison said Friday morning he plans to seek a third term.
“I didn’t think I would have had to announce it so soon, but I do plan to run again, but just haven’t filed the paperwork yet,” Nerison said.
Klemme is the only Democrat running for the seat so far, and he said he has spoken to Frie about his bid.
According to the state elections board, Republican Hayden R. Gnewikow of Ontario also plans to seek the office.
Klemme made a public announcement Aug. 4 at the Crawford County Democratic Summer Bash held at Star Valley Flowers in rural Soldiers Grove, Wis.
Gnewikow has an unlisted phone number and couldn’t be reached for comment.
Klemme has lived in Prairie du Chien since 1977 and is married to the mayor, Cheryl Mader. The couple have three adult children.
“I think there is some frustration with how at both the state and federal level we fail to meet the needs of the people,” Klemme said about why he chose to run. “It’s frustrating when you see spending that lacks value. That’s one of my central themes.”
Klemme said he is campaigning on issues such as corrections reform, education reform and health care reform.
Matt Johnson is editor of the Vernon County Broadcaster.
