Beloit Daily News - Local Democrats kick off campaign

Local Democrats kick off campaign
By Clint Wolf
News Editor

Candidates running for U.S. Congress, Wisconsin State Senate and the State Assembly gathered in downtown Beloit Friday to officially open the Democratic Campaign Headquarters.

U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison, was the first speaker as she rallied supporters at the office at 430 E. Grand Ave. She said as she looks at what has happened in the nation since her last election, she felt it is clear there is need for change.

"You probably heard the president when he said, ‘I am the decider.' We need to show him it is the people who are the deciders," Baldwin said.

She said she will continue to fight for equal rights, for health care and for an end to the Iraq war.

"And I hope you will decide for a state constitution that is free of discriminatory language," she said, referring to an upcoming referendum question in Wisconsin concerning a definition of marriage in the state.

Baldwin said after her speech that she hopes to debate her opponent, David Magnum, in Beloit if possible.

"There has been no formal communication between our campaigns about debate," she said.

She said she does not know yet when Congress will recess, allowing her more time for debates, but as that is made clear, she hopes to schedule some debates. But, she said she hopes Beloit will be one of the sites for a debate.

"Ever since Beloit became part of the Second Congressional District, we have had a debate here and I hope to do so again," Baldwin said.

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Baldwin urged people to volunteer to support Democratic campaigns. She said it takes a lot of hard work to run these campaigns and no one can take any votes for granted.

"We can't just assume people will show up and vote. We have to be involved in the asking for their votes," she said.

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