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The Independence educator joins a field that includes five Democrats and two Republicans.
Baecker, 59, is principal at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic School and previously taught at Independence Public School.
She has been involved in politics since 1968, when she campaigned for Sen. Eugene McCarthy in the Democratic presidential primary. A member of the Trempealeau County Democratic Party, she also has been party chairwoman, and secretary and executive committee member of the 3rd Congressional District. Baecker was appointed in 2004 by Gov. Jim Doyle to the Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission and was on the state legislative committee of the Wisconsin Education Association.
Baecker said rising fuel, food and health care prices; iniquities in school funding; and the loss of farm land are the primary problems facing the rural district, which includes all of Buffalo and Trempealeau counties and a town in Jackson County.
She touted her knowledge of the district, where she’s lived for 37 years, and her leadership skills as setting her apart from other candidates.
Arcadia Mayor John Kimmel announced his candidacy Wednesday. Other Democrats who have filed papers include Chris Danou of Trempealeau, James K. Kraft of Durand and Jeff Hauser of Whitehall.
Republicans Dave Heggenbarth of Galesville and David Anderson of Whitehall are actively campaigning in the district.
Gronemus, a Democrat who has represented the district since 1980, announced last July she will retire this year after 13 terms in office.
