Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com
Published - Monday, July 21, 2008
Time to replace Mike Huebsch
Recently, as a consequence of strongly adverse reactions by their Assembly Republican colleagues to their voting decisions, two moderate state Assembly Republicans did something very rare in Wisconsin politics.
Terry Musser chose to retire because of severe criticism for voting for a compassionate-care bill for rape victims. Jeff Wood was blackballed for voting as his constituents wanted rather than following the Republican Party line. He will run for the Assembly as an Independent instead.
These are among many adverse consequences of the extreme right-wing political agenda followed by many Assembly Republicans led by Michael Huebsch. His unusually partisan leadership also led to last year’s very protracted and disconcerting budget deadlock among many Assembly failures.
Other than depleting the ranks of the Assembly of moderate Republicans and advancing the low tax interests of the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce — few of whom reside in the 94th District, Mr. Huebsch has done little for his district constituents.
At the state level, his extreme stance on many issues has worked against the interests not only of Democrats but frequently of more moderate Republicans as well — a combined group that makes up the majority of Wisconsin citizens.
In contrast, his opponent, Cheryl Hancock, would bring a much more moderate political voice to the Assembly Her major focus will be on the issues and problems of primary concern to a majority of local and state citizens, not just a limited few. Nor is she guided by a rigid partisan agenda or an extreme political ideology.
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