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LEGISLATIVE UPDATEBy C.J. Smith,Summer AdministrativeAssistantA Lot at Stake this NovemberWe are told, every twoyears, how important it isto get out and vote comeNovember. We have all heard,in recent months, how the newpresident—whoever it maybe—will add a new dimensionto our great nation. But whenwas the last time you took aminute to examine theimportance of elections in ourcorner of the world?It is important that everyone inour industry, from owners tobaggers to distribution centeremployees, realize thatWondering who the WGA has endorsed to runin your area?Check out the Legislative Report Card; it has all theinformation you need to make an informed decision.You should have received your Legislative Report Card in themail. If you missed it, contact Michelle at mkussow@wisconsingrocers.com for a new one.If you are interested incontributing to the WGA’sPAC/Conduit fund, thewindow is always open.The fund lets the WGAgive support to thosecandidates who needsupport the most, unless you specify a candidate. Tocontribute, use the form below and send a personalcheck to Michelle at our office address.The best thing forWisconsin grocersto do is look at eachproposal and seehow they will affectyour business.Wisconsin’s legislature couldface a sea change if we don’tstand up and vote. TheAssembly Democrats currentlyhold a 17–15 majority in theSenate, and the Republicansonly enjoy a 52–47 majority inthe Assembly. If the AssemblyDemocrats can turn the tideand pick up three seats whilethe Senate Dems hold on totheir majority, we would havean all-Democratic government.With six Assembly Republicansforgoing their reelectionbids, Democrats see “lots ofopportunity” for grabbing thereins of power, according toMark Pocan, D-Madison, wholeads the campaign for theAssembly Dems. Pocan saysDemocrats are puttingcandidates in all 99 districts,forcing Republicans to spreadtheir resources thin instead offocusing them on the mostcontested races.Assembly Speaker MikeHuebsch, R-West Salem, seesthings differently. Huebsch isconcentrating forces onprotecting newly-incumbentRepublicans while attacking theover half dozen first-termDemocrats who “hold seatsthey shouldn’t have.” Byoverlooking Democratic-ladenareas like Madison andMilwaukee, the Republicans areable to focus more attention onthe highly contested races.Here, Huebsch plans to swingvotes by having bettercampaigns, issues, andcandidates. In Wisconsin,Huebsch says, “all politics islocal…people still vote forindividuals.”On the Senate side,Republicans see theappointment of RogerBreske, D-Eland, to RailroadCommissioner, and thesubsequent vacant seat, as anopportunity to regain control ofthe Senate. Republican SenatorScott Fitzgerald from Juneaunotes that Democrats will needto spend more money in thatrace at the expense of others.This way, they will not be ableto fight other vulnerableWISCONSIN GROCERS POLITICAL SUPPORT PROGRAMI want to join the Wisconsin Grocers Political Support Programto support political candidates and the food industry.Please make checks payable to: Wisconsin Grocers Political Support Program$500 $250 $150 $100 Other $______Name __________________________________________________________________Title________________________________________________Company Address __________________________________________________________________________________________________________City ______________________________________________State ________________Zip ____________________Phone ________________PERSONAL CHECKS ONLY! THE LAW DOES NOT PERMIT CORPORATE CONTRIBUTIONS.Send to: WGA One South Pinckney St., Ste. 504; Madison, WI 53703Phone: 888-342-594210 WISCONSIN GROCER www.wisconsingrocers.com