Vos faces challenge in primary

By Jennifer Eisenbart

Editor

In an area known as a Republican stronghold, two primary races are being contended by Republicans.

While Jonathan Steitz vs. Van Wanggaard state Senate race has garnered much of the attention for the Aug. 12 runoff, District 63 State Assembly Representative Robin Vos is also facing a challenge – by political newcomer Bryn Biemeck of Mount Pleasant.

While both are conservative, there are definite differences in philosophy.

“I have identified myself as a true conservative,” said Biemeck, 28. “I’m a constitutional conservative.

“I want to get the government out of our daily lives as much as possible,” she added.

Vos, meanwhile, doesn’t see much of a comparison to the Wanggaard/Steitz race.

“I don’t think so,” he said. “I think there’s more of an argument to be had there, because there’s no incumbent.”

Here’s a look at the candidates in the race:

Robin Vos

Vos is in his fifth term as the 63rd District Representative, and is seeking his sixth. He has held some of the most powerful positions in the legislature, including serving as assembly speaker this past term.

“I’m proud of my record with Gov. Walker,” Vos said. “To turn Wisconsin around by reducing taxes, holding the line on spending, fighting fraud and creating an environment where the private sector creates job.”

Vos said he feels Biemeck is more of a libertarian, saying she supports gay marriage and legalization of marijuana, while Vos feels he’s closer to his community.

“I have owned and operated a small business, and been active in the community my whole life,” he added. “We just have a different background.”

Vos said his priority in the election is to make Wisconsin the best state it can be by creating private-sector jobs and reducing the tax burden.

“Those have been my priorities since I ran the first time, and those will be my priorities if I’m lucky enough to get elected in November,” he added.

He said two topics will likely dominate the discussion in the next session – education and transportation. With education, Vos wants to continue to fund the school system, but also make sure parents have more choices for their children, “to make the best decision for their kids.”

Vos said the transportation fund has a deficit going forward. With most jobs currently within four miles of a four-lane highway, Vos said not doing road projects would hurt the creation of jobs.

Vos said a good politician should “stand by their principles, but work together to solve problems.”

“I think I have a record of doing just that,” he added.

Bryn Biemeck

Biemeck said the competition in the primary races is good for the Republican Party.

“You need more competition in races,” she explained. “Competition makes everybody stronger.

“You have to go out and talk to more people.”

Biemeck agreed it is an uphill battle, saying she knew from the start it would be a difficult race.

“But the way the lines have been drawn … there aren’t many competitive districts,” she explained. She added that the conservatives should be competing against each other in these areas.

Biemeck said that the two have been running a clean campaign.

“It’s possible to run a clean race, and I think that’s how it should be,” Biemeck said.

Biemeck clarified that she isn’t necessarily in support of gay marriage – just that marriage should not be regulated by the government.

“It should be up to a private church to who they want to marry and who they don’t want to marry,” she added.

She does want to see marijuana decriminalized.

“I don’t feel it’s the government’s job to tell us what we can put in our body,” said Biemeck, adding that Colorado has had a drop in crime rate.

“I think the right way to go is to give people the information about it … and let them make an informed decision,” she added, saying legalization would hopefully result in a drop in prisoners.

Both issues, she says, fall under her stance of more individual freedom.

The top issue Biemeck said the state is facing is the Common Core educational standards.

“It’s not up to the federal government to say what we are teaching our children,” she said.

She also said that police are too involved, and that civil liberties are being violated.

“If they slowly roll it out…then we’re going to accept it,” Biemeck said of what she felt was a continued militarization of the police.