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When Curtis Miller was asked to run for state assembly by several in attendance where he spoke at a health care forum in 2006, he did it. For Miller, health care was a major issue, and he wanted to be a voice for the people free of political incentives.

He has decided to run again in 2008 after a loss to 92nd District Representative Terry Musser in 2006. Miller brought his campaign to Tomah on Wednesday, where he said that his campaign is the continuation in an on-going effort.

“This is not a new campaign,” Miller said. “It is part of my continuing work to find solutions to health care problems.”

Miller, a Democrat, is a hospital chaplain at Franciscan Skemp in Sparta and a former minister in the United Church of Christ. Miller and his wife, Andrea Hansen, have two daughters, Chloe and Sara. If elected, he said that he hopes to be part of a solution to problems he sees in Madison.

“The State Assembly under (House Speaker Mike) Huebsch has been a do-nothing Assembly,” Miller said. “They met only 27 times this session, and have left so many things undone. That has motivated me, and I am running to say that people need to come first before political positioning.”

Miller also said that he is worried about Wisconsin families. Along with health care, Miller also hopes to address and find solutions in the area of jobs and the economy.

“Health care is one of the top issues, I believe,” Miller said. “Another is jobs and the economy. We all have to buy gas, and families are increasingly struggling financially. It is important for the legislature to work for jobs that pay a living wage.

Health care remains a top issue for Miller, as it was in 2006. He feels that affordable health care would benefit the people of Wisconsin, as well as the economy.

“There are two bottom lines here,” Miller said of the issue of affordable health care. “Making health care accessible to everyone would decrease average costs by $1,300 per average family. If we save money, it will make it more affordable for every body and help stimulate the economy. The second bottom line is that it is the right thing to do.”

Miller will face Mark Radcliffe of Black River Falls in the Democratic Primary Sept. 9. Musser, a Republican, has announced that he will not seek re-election. Former Monroe County District Attorney and former 3rd District GOP Chairman Dan Hellman will run for assembly this fall.

Miller, who holds a degree in Public Administration and has served as assistant City Manager of Rawlins, Wyoming, said that he had no idea that Musser would not seek re-election when he announced his candidacy. Miller also said that the fact that Musser is not seeking re-election is a signal for change.

“I thought it was interesting that (Musser) pointed to his own Republican caucus as his source not to run,” Miller said. “They refused to let him be an independent voice. That cries out for a change, and I would be that strong individual voice for the district.”