Story originally printed in the Tomah Journal or online at www.tomahjournal.com
Published - Sunday, May 18, 2008
Challengers emerge in 92nd Assembly District
BLACK RIVER FALLS — The race for the 92nd Assembly seat in November looks like it could be an active one.
At least two Democratic challengers to Republican incumbent Terry Musser have declared their intention to run, and there also may be a Republican challenger as well.
Black River Falls attorney and small business owner Mark Radcliffe said he will seek the Democratic nomination, along with Curtis Miller of Sparta, a pastor who unsuccessfully challenged Musser in 2006.
Musser did not return a phone call and e-mail seeking comment about whether he intends to seek the seat he has held since 1984. But he may have a challenger. Former Monroe County District Attorney and former 3rd District GOP Chairman Dan Hellman has registered with the Wisconsin Elections Board as a candidate. Hellman also could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
Radcliffe, who has opened up a campaign headquarters in downtown Black River Falls, said increasing gas prices, health care costs and rising taxes are overburdening people of the 92nd district.
“If there ever was a time for change, for a fresh look at how we serve people of Wisconsin, that time is now,” Radcliffe, 36, said.
Third District Republican Chairwoman Maripat Krueger of Menomonie said Monday she was not sure who would seek the Republican nomination in the 92nd.
“There’s lots of movement all over the place, all of the time,” Krueger said.
Candidates have until July 8 to file nomination papers. The deadline for declaring noncandidacy is June 27.
Musser is perhaps vulnerable politically after he announced last year that he had misstated his service record and was not a former Green Beret, which was listed on his official biography in the state Blue Book.
Hellman also served on the State Elections Board after being appointed by Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch.
He is the human resources director for Hellman Distributors in Sparta.
The 92nd District includes most of Jackson County and Monroe County, with small sections of Clark and Eau Claire counties.
All stories copyright 2006 Tomah Journal and other attributed sources.