Vos odd man out at forum with Flashinski, Mason

Republican Robin Vos was odd man out Tuesday at a candidate forum, sandwiched between his 63rd Assembly District opponent in November, Linda Flashinski, and Cory Mason, another Democrat, whose 62nd District opponent, Keith Deschler, did not attend.

Flashinski and Mason pretty much double-teamed Vos while answering the mostly fiscal questions posed by the Racine Taxpayers Association. "Yes" and "yes" said Flashinski and Mason, to Vos' "no." Or Vos said "yes," while Flashinski and Mason said "no." Topics ranged from Healthy Wisconsin, to school funding, from concealed carry to vouchers, from activist churches to Economics 101. The vote was two to one.

The consolation for Vos, however, is that his positions were undoubtedly more in line with the Taxpayers Association, which rarely has met a tax it likes, although the two dozen at the forum, held at the YMCA, were respectful of all the candidates.

Here's some of the Q&A:

Q: Why do you feel affordable health care is so important? (Answers quickly devolved to a discussion of Healthy Wisconsin, Gov. Doyle's failed effort to provide universal health care in the state.)

Vos: "This would have been the largest tax increase in the U.S.... run by nameless, faceless bureaucrats."
Mason: "Healthy Wisconsin was flawed and problematic for large employers. But I feel I deal with the nameless, faceless bureaucrats at my HMO."
Flashinski: "Other industrialized nations provide health care for all citizens at half the cost of the U.S....We need just three seats in the Assembly for health care reform to be addressed."

Q: Would you eliminate non-profit status for churches that engage in political activities?

Mason: "I'm not a lawyer, but there are certain guidelines. Non-profits should follow the law.
Flashinski" "It's important that churches not tell their members how to vote."
Vos: "They should get more involved, but not tell congregations how to vote."

Q: Do you believe Economics 101, which states that lower taxes improve the economy and higher taxes damage it? Would you reduce taxes?

Flashinski: "I believe what helps people is prosperity. Between 1948 and 1999, tax rates for the rich were cut 57% while yours has quadrupled. It's important to tax fairly and spend wisely. Other things are important, like creating jobs and transit."
Vos: "Yes, I believe in Eco 101. Raising taxes usually stifles economic growth. I pledge I will not vote to raise taxes. States with a low tax climate are growing."
Mason: "I would disagree with the premise that is Economics 101. There are two theories: Milton Friedman believes less government is better. John Maynard Keynes believed investing in job training and infrastructure like roads will lead to a better return on those tax dollars."

Q: Concealed carry.

Vos: "We're one of only two states without it. I was one of the co-sponsors. It died by a single vote in the Assembly, a Democrat. I am not afraid of people who have gone through the background check."
Flashinski: "I opposed it. People don't want to go to a restaurant thinking the person in the next booth might be armed. Robin Vos even opposed a bill to ban weapons on school playgrounds."
Mason: "If you live in a community with gun violence, your view is different than if you live in a rural area. I've yet to see the public policy benefit. I opposed it; my survey of 600 came up two-to-one opposed to it."

Q: School choice, vouchers.

Flashinski: "I'm very, very in favor of choice for people. The problem is that today "choice" is used for vouchers."
Vos: "Yes, I do support giving parents "scholarships" for send their children to the school they want. Imagine if there was just one restaurant, or one garage to take your car to. I believe in competition."
Mason: I do not support the voucher program nor its expansion. The program is a distraction and a disastrous one. The voucher program in Milwaukee has not closed the achievement gap."

Q. Do you support the Taxpayer Bill of Rights?

Vos: "Yes."
Mason: "No."
Flashinski: "No."

Q. Do you support the expansion of the QEO for all public employees?

Mason: "I'm in favor of repealing the QEO for teachers. I believe in collective bargaining. We need to move schools away from property taxes."
Flashinski: "The QEO is a very unfair thing, applied to just one group of workers. The QEO is not right."
Vos: "I do not support repealing the QEO."

Flashinski reports campaign endorsements

Linda Flashinski, the Democratic challenger to Rep. Robin Vos, R-Caledonia, in the 63rd Assembly District, reports the following endorsements of her candidacy:

The Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters has endorsed Linda based on her “strong support of conservation” and her “commitment to Wisconsin’s natural resources.” The Progressive Majority of Wisconsin has endorsed Linda based on her “strong support of a multi-issue progressive agenda” and “the commitment (she) has demonstrated to (her) campaign.” The Wisconsin Social Workers PAC of the National Association of Social Workers has endorsed Linda for sharing the concerns “that affect human well-being.” The Executive Board of the Retired Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin has also endorsed Linda as have numerous labor organizations including the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO, the Racine County Labor Council AFL-CIO, the Racine Labor Coalition, AFSCME Local 67 and 67A, AFSCME Sub Chapter 133, CWA 4611, IBEW 430 and, Teamsters Local 43.

”It is a true honor to be endorsed by these groups,” said Linda. “I have been an advocate for the concerns that matter most to the people of Wisconsin, and these groups reflect the issues that we must move forward. When I am elected, I will work for health care reform, an improved economy, strong public education, an energy policy based on conservation and renewable energy sources, and vigorous protection of Wisconsin’s lakes, farmlands, air, and water. I understand the need for focusing our limited resources on those things that will most improve the quality of life for the people of Wisconsin now and in the future.”

Rep. Vos raises $83K for re-election

State Rep. Robin Vos is off to a nice start in his bid for re-election. He's raised $83,538 for the fall race against Linda Flashinksi. It's hard to say how much money Vos will need to hold the seat. It's a Republican-leaning district and Vos is formidable. But Flashinski has some name recognition from her time with Unified and no doubt Democrats will be gunning for Vos, who is already one of the party's top leaders. In a political year that seems to be leaning Democrat (though there's a long way to go) Vos will need every penny to hold on to his seat. It could get real rough if business money in favor of KRM gets in the mix

Flashinski reported Monday that she's collected $12,956, and has spent $2,608.

Here's Vos' statement:

VOS FINANCE REPORT SHOWS OUTSANDING LOCAL SUPPORT

RACINE - A campaign finance report filed yesterday with Wisconsin's Government Accountability Board revealed that Rep. Robin Vos (R-Caledonia) was successful in raising $83,538 to aid him in his bid for reelection to the State Assembly this fall.

"I'm thankful for the overwhelming support I've received from the people in Racine County," said Vos. "Representing their interests in Madison is the best part of my job."

Rep. Vos noted the importance of gathering the majority of his support from those who vote for him. A Racine Journal Times article reported earlier this year that, compared to all other Racine County state representatives and senators, Robin raises the least amount in out-of-state contributions.

He remarked: "I've always made it a point to run a very grassroots campaign. In 2006, we knocked on every door. This year, alone, we've knocked on more than 5000 doors, and it's our intent to visit every house again before the general election."

Robin explained that during the month of June, as he was collecting enough signatures to have his name placed on the fall ballot, over 100 people volunteered to help him circulate his nomination papers. These volunteers were successful in collecting over 1500 signatures, reportedly the most collected by anyone in the state.

Rep. Vos also prides himself on his accessibility. He calls most constituents back personally to better understand the issues that are of concern to them. In the last legislative session, Vos made more than 3,000 phone calls his constituents. He said it makes no difference if they call, email, or write, he calls them back to assure his constituents that their communications to his office are heard.

"My accessibility is a key component in my ability to gather the support of the community," said Vos. "Because I go door to door, and spend hours on the phone with constituents, I know what the most important issues are to them."

Vos indicated the most frequently-heard concerns right now relate to people's uneasiness about the lagging economy. He also hears complaints every day about Wisconsin's high tax burden, the need to create more high-paying jobs, concerns about accessibility to quality, affordable health care, and the need to have a strong education system in Racine.

The fall election is scheduled for November 4th. Vos is being challenged by Linda Flashinski, the former president of the Racine Unified School Board, and a Caledonia democrat.

Vos makes it official

State Rep. Robin Vos is having so much fun in Madison, he'd like to go back this fall. The Caledonia rep put the cherry on the sundae of the news that he's seek re-election with a press release Wednesday.

Before we get to the release, we'll note that Vos is having a remarkable impact on the Assembly. Though relatively young and inexperienced, he's already one of the top Republican politicians in the state. If Paul Ryan ever leaves the First Congressional District, I'd be surprised if Vos didn't make a run for Washington.

He'll have a fight on his hands this fall. Dem challenger Linda Flashinski has name recognition, and I'm sure the state party would love to take out Vos. Vos will have some opposition from pro-KRM voters, but should run very strong west of Highway 32. The district leans Republican, and Vos is probably safe. The only wild card: business interests pushing for commuter rail dump a ton of money into the race.

Alright, enough armchair politicking ... here's Vos' announcement:

REP. VOS EARNS RIGHT TO BE PLACED ON FALL BALLOT

Nomination paper circulators collect 1,506 signatures

Racine - Robin Vos (R-Caledonia) announced today – one day after the state filing deadline for all candidates running in November's election – that 1,506 signatures have been gathered in support of his re-election effort to the Wisconsin State Assembly. This is over seven times the amount needed to be placed on the ballot and officials at the Government Accountability Board believe that this is the most signatures collected by any candidate for the Assembly this election cycle.

"I am extremely pleased with the overwhelming support I have received from every part of the district," said Vos. "This outpouring of support for my campaign indicates that Racine County residents are in favor of our message of lower taxes, improving the economy, better schools, and stronger families."

In April, Vos launched his door-to-door campaign to ask his constituents what the most important issues are to them. So far, almost 5,000 homes have been visited, and Vos hopes to knock on every door in the district at least once before the November election.

"Door after door, I hear the same thing," explained Vos. "Families are extremely concerned about the current state of our economy and want us to work on fixing it by lowering taxes, making health care more affordable, and reducing government waste."

Vos said he is not only thankful for the support of those that signed his nomination papers, but also to those that circulated them. Ninety six supporters of Vos personally circulated his nomination papers, collecting signatures from every part of the district, to assist in his reelection effort. Additionally, Robin has the endorsement of almost every town and village official in the 63rd Assembly District.

"One of the most enjoyable parts of my job is talking with the residents of my district," said Vos. "I look forward to having more important conversations as the summer goes on, and also, I look forward to continuing to take these concerns back to Madison to fight for solutions to make Racine County an even better place to live, work, and retire."

Vos officially turned in 400 signatures to the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board (GAB) – the maximum allowed by law.

Vos will be opposed by Linda Flashinski, who also earned the right to be placed on the ballot, after submitting 219 signatures – collected only in Caledonia and Mount Pleasant.

The election will be held on November 4.

Flashinski to challenge Vos for 63rd district seat

It's now official: Linda Flashinski, best known, perhaps, as a former president of the Racine Unified School Board, and later as the district's spokesperson, will run against Robin Vos, R-Caledonia, the 63rd Assembly District's two-term representative.

Here's her announcement:

"Today I am announcing my candidacy for Representative of the 63rd Assembly District because of my belief that this is a time for a new vision for the 63rd. We need a vision that focuses on the needs of those who are struggling in a weakened economy. We need reform in health care delivery so that all people receive the services they deserve at costs that are affordable. We need the increased economic development which KRM could bring to this area. We need more jobs that pay a living wage, and enough work so that young people have hope for the future. We need public education systems that are supported financially and that honor the work of our committed educators. We need protection of the Great Lakes and all of the natural resources in our beautiful state. We need all of this and so much more.

"My goal is to be a voice for the people of the 63rd Assembly District and the state of Wisconsin as we work for needed reform, and for the values that Wisconsinites hold dear. Should I be the one honored to represent the 63rd Assembly District as State Representative, I will listen to constituents, act on their behalf, and represent them well at the state level. I care about Wisconsin, and I commit to working very hard to make a difference."

Her campaign biography lists the following:

B.S. degree from UW-Madison in English Education. Moved to Racine with her husband, Stan, in 1976. She was President of Gifford Elementary PTA, and Co-President of PTA Council. a member of the RUSD Board of Education from 1993-99, and Board President from 1996-99. Some groups she's served: the Racine Heritage Museum, AAUW, PDK, the Festival of Trees, the Root-Pike Watershed Initiative, the Literacy Council, the Kids First Fund, the Wisconsin Legislative Committee for At Risk Children.

Over the years, she has worked as Director of Communication for Racine Unified, Associate Director of Family Service of Racine, Adjunct Instructor in Writing at Gateway Technical College, and teacher at Parkside’s College for Kids. For six years, she has hosted “Education Matters” and “Community Matters” on WGTD.