MADISON - We had a big week here and we have great news to share. Diane Odeen declared for the 10th Senate District this week. This district is currently held by Senator Shelia Harsdorf and is critical to taking back the majority in the State Senate. Diane is a River Falls City Council Member, an attorney, and long-time community leader. We need three seats to win a majority in the State Senate and with County Executive Mark Harris announcing earlier this year for the 18th Senate District, we are off to a great start.

We were very disappointed when the State Senate passed a bill to dismantle the GAB and another one to rewrite Wisconsin campaign finance laws to allow more secrecy and corporate money to flow to campaigns for the first time in state history. The State Assembly will take those bills up on Monday and then they will be sent to the governor for his signature.

Our legislators should be working to strengthen the economy, ensure our kids have an opportunity to succeed and get the road repairs we all know we desperately need done, but instead they have an extraordinary session to pass bills with selfish goals. The people of Wisconsin expect transparency in their government and we will hold everyone who voted for these bills accountable in the next election.

The Democratic presidential debate last night was another substance-filled event with candidates focused on issues that voters care about. We are really looking forward to the debate here in Wisconsin next February. There is no new information yet on where it will be held or how tickets will be distributed, but we will update you as soon as we find out.

Thank you for all you do for us.