I am sorry to inform everyone that our quest to win the 49th Assembly seat was not successful. I want to thank everyone who worked on my campaign. The volunteers I had were oustanding and very hard working. Thank you so much.
I also want to thank everyone who voted for me.
Thank you everyone Dennis
Well, folks, this was the last full week of campaigning before the Primary Election on Tuesday, September 9th, and what a great week it was. I continued going door-to-door every day except Wednesday. I have tried to go to every village and town in the 49th District and knock on every door. I know I have missed some people, but I have been going back to many towns and revisiting folks I knew I missed the first time around.
I attended a parade in Benton on Monday and a parade in Platteville on Saturday. I got to eat chicken at Dickeyville on Monday and again on Sunday with the Volunteer Firemen in Muscoda. There was also a pancake breakfast in Lancaster on Sunday morning.
Wednesday, September 3rd – Spreading My Message on the Radio
Wednesday, I got up with the chickens at 5:00 am, appearing on the Farm Hour on WPVL in Platteville. Then at 8:30, I was on the fifteen-minute program called Food for Thought. They asked me why I was running for the Assembly, which gave me a chance to talk about my positions on the issues concerning voters in the District. I really appreciated the opportunity to talk on the radio.
After finishing with the radio programs, it was raining so I spent the day writing Thank You cards to contributors and to those supporters who have let me put signs on their property. All told, this was really a very busy week of campaign activities and a heckuva great way to go into Primary Election week.
THANK YOU to ALL Who Have Helped!
Campaign activities take a tremendous amount of dedicated, behind-the-scenes effort. Lately, for instance, volunteers have been making phone calls and talking to people on my behalf. The campaign has entertaining and informative advertisements on the radio. And we have a very powerful advertisement in The Reminder and The Roundup that I want everyone to see.
To the people who allowed me to put up my campaign signs in their yards and the 683 citizens who signed my nomination papers, I can’t thank you enough. Your support and encouragement propelled us to where we are today.
I want to especially thank my wife, Deb, for supporting me every step of the way; my children for all their help; Brett Speth, of Cuba City, a tireless volunteer who has truly been a godsend; and Bob Chenoweth, communications specialist from Marketing You, who has helped me spread my message throughout the District with campaign literature, advertisements and this blog.
I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has worked on or contributed to my campaign. It has been a very fulfilling and rewarding campaign season. So many people have worked so hard, for which I am grateful, lucky and blessed. I certainly could not have done this without each and every one of you.
And We’re Not Done Yet!
I feel confident we have done everything we could do to be successful. We will continue to work until the polls close on Tuesday night. Lundell for Assembly volunteers will be getting together Tuesday evening, September 9th, at The Cedar House in Lancaster, to watch the election returns and celebrate all we’ve accomplished so far. I invite everyone to come down and join me in the fun starting at 7:30 pm. If it is the will of the good citizens of the 49th District, and I prevail as the candidate of choice, then you’ll be a part of the first Lundell for Assembly Campaign Victory Party!
Countdown to Primary Election Day
This is it. By the time you read this, it will be time to cast your vote in the Primary Election. Once again, I want to thank everyone I met on the campaign trail this past week. It was nice to meet you and share views on the issues that concern you. Your comments are very much appreciated.
My motto is “Forward for the 49th” and that means I have done my best to hear from everyone so that we can all move forward with purpose. My #1 priority has been to meet each and every one of you during my campaign. If I’ve somehow missed you during my door-to-door canvassing, or you have an issue you’d like to discuss, please call me at (608) 732-8229 or e-mail me at lundell4assembly@mhtc.net. I look forward to hearing from you.
Don’t Forget and Please Vote on Tuesday, September 9th, 2008
NOTHING we do alone can equal what we can do together. So if my message makes sense to you, please, everyone, VOTE Lundell For Assembly on Tuesday, September 9th.
With your help, elected officials in Madison will no longer be able to ignore us.
With your help, the issues we care about will finally be addressed.
With your help, we will make a difference.
With your help, we will win.
Thank you for all your support. It has been a pleasure to share my views and the goings-on of my campaign with you. Again, with your help, beginning September 10th, I look forward to telling you more, as we begin the next phase of going Forward for the 49th and getting State government working for us again!
Dennis
This week I put a lot of effort into going door-to-door, meeting new voters and getting reacquainted with people I’d met before. I knocked on just over 900 doors this week, mostly in Boscobel. This was the second time I had been in Boscobel and many folks said they remembered me. It was certainly gratifying to be remembered, but there were also people who had not been home previously or had forgotten who I was. I went door-to-door every day this week.
It is very important to me that I get my message out, and the best way to do that is walking up to someone’s door, ringing the bell and talking to them. I’ve done the other, traditional things to spread my message, like sending out campaign literature and recording radio commercials, but there is nothing like the face-to-face interaction of listening to, learning from, and conversing with voters.
I enjoy the process of door-to-door canvassing so much because it’s so similar to the way I get things done as a public servant. That is, I meet with various people, listen to their proposals, and ask questions until I understand their position. I enjoy seeking information from others, building consensus and crafting solutions for the benefit of constituents. My record reflects that I’m good at it, and with your help, I will be engaging in just those activities soon in Madison.
I did take time out from my efforts of meeting people for a couple of important events. Wednesday night I went to an economic development meeting in Livingston at Rebel’s Northern Exposure. We toured the Rural Route One Popcorn Factory. Rural Route One is a prime example of economic development success that needs to be repeated with more places of employment. If we want to keep our young people here in southwest Wisconsin, we need to provide jobs that will support a family.
Sunday I went to a swiss steak dinner at the United Methodist Church in Bagley. What a fantastic meal. I talked to a lot of people that I have met this year and then I went door-to-door in town. This was my second time canvassing in Bagley and I know it has really made a difference.
Countdown to Primary Election Day
With just a little more than one week to go until the Primary Election, we are still running full-speed ahead. Once again, I say “thank you” to everyone I met this past week. It was nice to meet you and share views on the issues that concern you. Your comments are very much appreciated.
My motto is “Forward for the 49th” and that means I need to hear from everyone so that we can all move forward with purpose. That’s why I’m committed to meeting each and every one of you during my campaign. If I somehow miss you during my door-to-door canvassing, or you have an issue you’d like to discuss, please call me at (608) 732-8229 or e-mail me at lundell4assembly@mhtc.net. I look forward to hearing from you.
Don’t Forget … Vote Lundell for Assembly September 9th!
NOTHING we do alone can equal what we can do together. So if my message makes sense to you, please, everyone, VOTE Lundell For Assembly on Tuesday, September 9th.
With your help, elected officials in Madison will no longer be able to ignore us.
With your help, the issues we care about will finally be addressed.
With your help, we will make a difference.
With your help, we will win.
Thank you for all your support. Until next time,
Dennis
It was an invigorating week on the campaign trail. As we get closer to the Primary Election, there are many activities to accomplish. Regardless, I must admit it felt good to get back to knocking on doors and talking to voters this week. This is how I began this campaign and this is how I’ll see it through to the end. There’s no better way to learn about the issues that concern people, and it has been — and continues to be — gratifying to hear from, and earn the support of, the citizens of the 49th District.
Monday - Monday, August 18, 2008 – Farm Chores, Badger Camp Fundraiser & Door-To-Door in Lancaster
Monday started out with me grinding feed for my calves and doing a few other chores. I then went to a Tavern League golf outing at the Lancaster Country Club. Senator Dale Schultz was there and all the money raised went to Badger Camp, which gives people with developmental disabilities the opportunity to experience our great Wisconsin outdoors with camping and recreational experiences. Badger Camp had a record year this year, serving over 800 campers. After the golf outing, I went door-to-door in Lancaster.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 – County Board Meeting - Lancaster
Tuesday, I started out going door-to-door and finished the day at the County Board meeting in Lancaster. The Grant County Board gave an opportunity to all three candidates to introduce themselves.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008 – Radio Days & County Board Cookout - Lancaster
Wednesday, Brett Speth and I worked on various things for the campaign. We will be doing a radio advertisement soon and Brett and I brainstormed ideas. We worked on various details until late into the afternoon. Later, we went to the Grant County Republican cookout in the park at Lancaster. Paul Stark, the Republican candidate to replace Ron Kind was there. He gave a very good talk about his campaign and why he should be elected. Senator Dale Schultz gave a wrap-up of the legislative year. With brats, burgers, drinks and good friends, all had a great time.
Thursday, August 21, 2008 – Door-To-Door in Lancaster
Thursday, I went door-to-door in Lancaster.
Friday, August 22, 2008 – Candidate Breakfast – Platteville & Hog Roast in Bloomington
Friday, I was invited by the Platteville Chamber of Commerce and the Optimist Club to breakfast at the Pioneer Center, UW-Platteville. All the candidates were there and we were given the opportunity for an opening statement and then we were asked questions. I thought my answers were very good, but I’m sure the other candidates thought they handled themselves well. I then went door-to-door in Lancaster in the afternoon until early evening. I then attended a hog roast at the Sportsmen’s Club in Bloomington.
Saturday, August 23, 2008 – A Packed Day (and Evening)
Saturday was a big day, with me starting out at the town of Woodman’s Big Days. The Wayne Brothers Band played some great music. And, of course, they had a food stand and a pie tent.
I left about 12:30 pm to attend a surprise party for Zack Hake. He was a volunteer fireman for Livingston who went to Madison and graduated from Firefighters School on Friday. Zack starts his new job as a Madison firefighter this Tuesday.
My next stop was Platteville for a benefit for E.J. and Kathy Scaife. They are two friends of mine who were in a motorcycle accident. I could not stay long because I needed to get to Hazel Green. The Lions Club was manning a food stand for a slow-pitch softball tournament. Brett Speth and I had a hot dog and soda and then decided to go door-to-door. Afterwards, I attended the American Legion Steak Feed in Potosi. What great way to end the day – eating steak!
Sunday, August 24, 2008 – Church & Door-To-Door
Sunday was a quiet day. Deb and I went to Church and Sunday school. After diner I went back to Lancaster and finished going door-to-door.
Countdown to Primary Election Day
With a little more than two weeks to go until the Primary Election, we are still running full-speed ahead. Once again, I say “thank you” to everyone I met this past week. It was nice to meet you and share views on the issues that concern you. Your comments are very much appreciated.
My motto is “Forward for the 49th” and that means I need to hear from everyone so that we can all move forward with purpose. That’s why I’m committed to meeting each and every one of you during my campaign. If I somehow miss you during my door-to-door canvassing, or you have an issue you’d like to discuss, please call me at (608) 732-8229 or e-mail me at lundell4assembly@mhtc.net. I look forward to hearing from you.
Don’t Forget …
NOTHING we do alone can equal what we can do together. So if my message makes sense to you, please, everyone, VOTE Lundell For Assembly on Tuesday, September 9th.
With your help, elected officials in Madison will no longer be able to ignore us.
With your help, the issues we care about will finally be addressed.
With your help, we will make a difference.
With your help, we will win.
Thank you for all your support. Until next time,
Dennis
We had a really great week on the campaign trail. I am getting more enthusiastic the closer the election gets. This is an exciting time in the campaign and we have many things planned and in the works. So stay tuned.
Monday - Wednesday, August 11 - 13, 2008 – Door-to-Door in Lancaster
Because of various campaign activities, I only went door-to-door on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday – and all of that was in Lancaster.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008 – Board of Supervisors Meeting – Livingston
Wednesday night I attended the town of Clifton Board of Supervisors meeting at the Livingston/Clifton Firehouse in Livingston. Our town chairman, Wayne Cordts, reported we would be getting money from FEMA for all of the damages that occurred due to the flooding this spring. These funds will be of tremendous benefit to our citizens who lost so much.
I put up more of my 4’x4’ campaign road signs on Wednesday and Thursday mornings.
Thursday - Saturday, August 14 - 16, 2008 – The Grant County Fair – Lancaster
Thursday, Friday and Saturday, I attended the Grant County Fair in Lancaster. The Republican Party had a booth and I displayed my yard signs, brochures and stickers. Paul Stark, who is running for the 3rd congressional district seat, was there for one day. We had a great talk and he was very encouraged at the reception he had from people who stopped by.
The Food Report at the Fair
If you’ve been regularly reading my Notes from the Campaign Trail, you know that I do like food. And one thing The Grant County Fair had was a lot of different kinds of food. I had fried cheese curds, cream puffs, hamburgers, brats, funnel cakes, and steak sandwiches – but NOT all in one day! Remember, I was at the fair for three days and managed to pace myself well.
The Lundell Campaign Report at the Fair
I talked to a lot of people, and I was very encouraged by the number of people who remembered me from meeting them at their doors. I do believe that one of the reasons I’ll do well in the primary election is because of the time I’ve taken at people’s doors to talk to them about the issues that concern them. Numerous people thanked me and said they were grateful for a candidate who actually cared about their opinions.
Sunday, August 17, 2008 – Chicken Soup, Rolls, & the Blue River Parade
Sunday we went to the Castle Rock Church Chicken Noodle Soup and Ham dinner. I have to admit, I’m not a big fan of chicken noodle soup, but they make poppy seed rolls that are out of this world. I love those rolls.
We then went to Blue River for the parade. Blue River is a town right on the Wisconsin River between Muscoda and Boscobel. What a great parade. Once again, a great many people recognized me and remembered who I was because I had gone door-to-door there previously. I believe my campaign has laid the foundation for a successful election night on September 9th because of going door-to-door, introducing myself and what I stand for, and inviting the voters of the 49th District to discuss the issues with me. It has been – and continues to be – quite a rewarding activity.
Countdown to Primary Election Day
With a little more than three weeks to go until the Primary Election, there is still much to do. Once again I want to thank everyone I met this past week, as well as the countless number of people at the Grant County Fair and the Blue River parade who shook my hand and told me they remembered me. Your comments are very much appreciated.
My motto is “Forward for the 49th” and that means I need to hear from everyone so that we can all move forward purposefully. That’s why I’m committed to meeting each and every one of you during my campaign. If I somehow miss you during my door-to-door canvassing, or you have an issue you’d like to discuss, please call me at (608) 732-8229 or e-mail me at lundell4assembly@mhtc.net. I look forward to hearing from you.
As Primary Election day draws near, I leave you with this thought: Nothing we do alone can equal what we can do together. So if my message makes sense to you, please, everyone, VOTE Lundell For Assembly on Tuesday, September 9th.
With your help, elected officials in Madison will no longer be able to ignore us.
With your help, the issues we care about will finally be addressed.
With your help, we will make a difference.
With your help, we will win.
Thanks for reading. Until next time,
Dennis
Wow, has this week gone by fast! I don’t know how time can go by so quickly. I went door-to-door four days this week in Platteville, Lancaster, Potosi and Tennyson. However, various campaign activities kept me from putting in the hours I would have liked to.
Monday & Tuesday, August 4-5, 2008 – Spreading the Word and Wisconsin Way
Monday, I did get a good day in going door-to-door in Platteville. My message continues to resonate with voters as I make my way up and down the streets of the District’s communities. Most people tell me they are glad to be able to talk to a candidate who actively seeks their opinions about the issues.
On Tuesday, I went door-to-door in Lancaster and then went to the home of my mother, Elna Lundell, to have coffee with the people of Livingston. I have been involved with a group called Wisconsin Way who has been holding forums in various locations around the state.
They want input from ordinary citizens on the problems we face and what we think the solutions could be. There was a very good discussion and they promised a follow-up later this winter.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008 – Grant County Republican Women Candidate Forum
Wednesday I went door-to-door in Potosi and Tennyson, and then attended the Candidate Forum put on by the Grant County Republican Women. While my two opponents gave good answers to the questions, I believe my experience and knowledge helped me answer the questions much more completely, and with ideas that work.
Thursday, August 7, 2008 – Platteville Senior Center & Meet & Greet in Benton
Thursday I talked to the senior citizens at the Platteville Senior Center. Our older citizens have so much to offer if we take the time to listen. I really enjoy talking to them about the issues. When we show them the respect and attention they deserve, there is so much we can learn from our elders. Remember, these are members of what Tom Browkaw called “America’s Greatest Generation.” Appreciate them. Listen to them. Their opinions and solutions have been shaped by lives long lived – through some of the toughest times our nation has ever known. I feel the same way about our elderly citizens as I do about our military personnel and veterans: they deserve our respect and gratitude, and if elected, I would be honored to vigorously represent them and their interests in Madison.
We held a Meet & Greet in Benton Thursday night. The weather was perfect. The crowd was not as large as we would have liked, but we still had a fun discussing issues and just having some great overall conversation. The Weber hot dogs were cooked to perfection courtesy of the chef, my wife, Deb. I’d like to thank Deb, Brett Speth, Jason Marsh, and everyone who came out to join us Thursday night.
Friday & Saturday, August 8-9, 2008 – When the Going Gets Tough… Campaign Signs
My big campaign road signs are 4’ X 4’ square and this is the point in the campaign when they need to be up and on display. Earlier in the week, an accident at the factory where the signs were being made was going to delay their shipment to me. I simply could not afford such an untimely delay. So Deb and her sister, Betty, drove all the way to Kansas City, Mo. to pick them up for me. They left at 1:00 AM and got back at 7:30 PM. I am so blessed to have a wife and family who are willing to give me that kind of extraordinary support. Life on the Campaign Trail ain’t all parades and eatin’ BBQ chicken! Thank you Deb and Betty – you two are the greatest!
I spent all day Friday and Saturday putting up 30 of my 4’ X 4’ signs. I’m sure glad I had them to put up.
Sunday, August 7, 2008 – Eatin’ Catfish in Potosi
Speaking of parades, Sunday we went to the Catfish Festival at Potosi. The parade started at 10 AM. My granddaughter, Evie, was dressed as Lady Forward. Roger Sedgwick provided the tractor to pull our Lundell For Assembly float. What a great day – perfect parade and festival weather. Afterwards, we went to the fire station for catfish. I was told they would serve over a ton of catfish on Sunday. Since I didn’t knock on as many doors this week as I usually do, I limited myself to just two helpings…
Thanks for reading. Until next time,
Dennis
Once again I want to thank everyone I met this past week. Your comments are appreciated. My motto is “Forward for the 49th” and that means I need to hear from everyone so that we can all move forward purposefully. That’s why I’m committed to meeting each and every one of you during my campaign. If I somehow miss you during my door-to-door canvassing, or you have an issue you’d like to discuss, please call me at (608) 732-8229 or e-mail me at lundell4assembly@mhtc.net. I look forward to hearing from you.
What a busy week. I believe all the candidates are starting to see the end of the primary season and are working very hard. I went door-to-door in Platteville Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and in Lancaster on Thursday.
Monday July 28, 2008 - Candidate Forum - Dickeyville
Monday night the Grant County Republicans held a forum at Sunset Lanes in Dickeyville. This was the first debate we had that was just among the Republican candidates. I love the give and take between the candidates and I believe I did very well.
Tuesday July 29, 2008 - Meet & Greet – Cuba City
Tuesday night we held a Meet and Greet in the park in Cuba City. Weber hot dogs, soda and chips were the feast we provided. Our guests provided the dialogue and conversation. It was another interesting opportunity to talk to local voters about issues that concern them. My message made sense to a lot of the people in attendance, and I’m grateful for their support.
Our next Meet and Greet will be in Benton on Thursday, August 7th from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Come on out for a hot dog and a coke, and talk about the issues one-on-one with me. I look forward to seeing you there.
Wednesday, July 30 & Thursday, July 31, 2008 - Yard Signs
It’s that time of the campaign season. Wednesday and Thursday night I started putting out our Lundell for Assembly yard signs. If you would like to show your support for me by displaying a Lundell for Assembly sign in your yard, please contact me. Showing your support means a lot to me.
Friday, August 1, 2008 – Fish Fry in Kieler
Friday I concentrated on contacting supporters and getting permission for signs. On Friday night, Deb and I went to a Fish Fry at Jamestown Park in Kieler. I believe most of the fish was donated. They had blue gills, crappies and catfish. The number of people who will get together, have a good time and help their local communities always impresses me – and this event was no exception.
Saturday, August 2, 2008 – Fishin’, Fun Fest & Fennimore
Saturday I went fishing with my son Brad on the Mississippi River. He caught a 5-pound bass and I caught some sheepshead. He is a much better fisherman than I am. In the late afternoon, we attended the Fun Fest in Fennimore. The parade started at 6:30pm and Dale Vogel let us use one of his antique Oliver tractors to pull the float. Bill Biefer drove the tractor for us. After the parade, we went back to the Fun Fest for burgers and drinks.
Sunday, August 3, 2008 – Muskets & Memories - Boscobel
Sunday I went to Muskets and Memories, the Civil War reenactment that takes place every year in Boscobel. The part I liked best was when they showed how wounded soldiers’ injuries were treated in the field hospitals after doing battle. Doctors did the best they could with the limited medical supplies they had, but the procedures were barbaric compared with what can be done today.
Watching the battle reenactment made me think about the sacrifices our predecessors made to preserve the Union and help shape this great country we have today. Only by remembering that so many brave men and women have sacrificed – and continue to sacrifice – so much, can we appreciate what we have in these United States.
I’ve said this before, and it bears repeating: Freedom is not free. Not then. Not now. We’d all do well to remember that.
Thanks for reading. Until next time,
Dennis
Once again I want to thank everyone I met this past week. I also want to thank everyone who is displaying one of my yard signs. Your support is greatly appreciated, as are your comments. My motto is “Forward for the 49th” and that means I need to hear from everyone so that we can all move forward purposefully. That’s why I’m committed to meeting each and every one of you during my campaign. If I somehow miss you during my door-to-door canvassing, or you have an issue you’d like to discuss, please call me at (608) 732-8229 or e-mail me at lundell4assembly@mhtc.net. I look forward to hearing from you.
Another week on the campaign trail has come and gone. Knocking on doors, meeting new friends, listening to voters’ concerns and getting the chance to explain my positions continues to be rewarding, and it’s the best way I know of to stay in touch with what’s on people’s minds.
One of the other candidates has stated that voters he’s talked to are not discussing specific issues. I have to wonder WHO he is talking to and HOW OFTEN, because I’m certainly not finding that to be the case. The voters I’m talking to are quite concerned about high energy prices, the conditions of our roads, economic development, taxes, State spending and school funding. They are more than willing to let me know how they feel and how much they want a candidate like me with a proven record of municipal government experience, knowledge and action to represent them as their State Assembly Representative for the 49th District. I’m working each day to oblige them - and you - and the voters I’ve yet to meet.
Did You Know…
After today, there are only six weeks left until the primary election. The effort I have put into this campaign has been non-stop and people in all parts of the District have gotten to know me. I’m enjoying a tremendous amount of support, and want to continue building on that momentum right on up to and through, the primary election. And that means I’m not putting away my walking shoes just yet. So if I’ve not met you on the campaign trail yet, don’t worry. I’m on my way.
I went door-to-door in Lancaster, Platteville and Bloomington on Monday Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. I never think I get to as many doors or meet as many people as I want to, but I have to remember that there are only so many hours in a day!
Tuesday July 22, 2008 – Platteville Strawberry Festival
I attended the Strawberry Festival in Platteville. What a great crowd. I spoke with the Grant County Special Forces team. They showed me the new SWAT Team vehicle and described the training they’ve been going to. They related that funds are low for this type of training, but they take advantage of any training opportunities that become available. I also spoke with the team that flew in the Madison Med Flight helicopter. It was quite an experience.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 – League of Women Voters Debate - Platteville
I spent much of Wednesday meeting with campaign volunteers and preparing for the League of Women Voters Candidate Forum held in Platteville. I’d like to especially thank my wife, Deb, Jason Marsh, Brett Speth and Bill Biefer for getting me in “debate-ready” shape.
Dennis Lundell flanked by Jason Marsh and Brett Speth
Please read my thoughts on the debate in a separate, special post that follows this one.
Thursday July 24, 2008 – Seeing Joseph at UW-Platteville
Thursday, my wife Deb and I went with our Pastor and his wife, Greg and Cindy Marsh, and our daughter Sara, to see the Heartland Festival Production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. It was put on in the UW-Platteville Center for the Arts. I really enjoyed it and it was a great change of pace.
Friday July 25, 2008 – Eatin’ Catfish in Burton
Friday, I went to Burton to attend a fish fry put on by the Burton Lutheran Church. They had fried catfish, which is not usually my favorite type of fish. I tried a little bit and then went back for more. Even the bones were good.
Saturday July 26, 2008 – Pro-Life Wisconsin Interview & Boscobel Fly-In
Saturday, I had an interview with Pro-Life Wisconsin. I have been endorsed by Wisconsin Right to Life and I’m actively seeking to be endorsed by Pro Life Wisconsin.
I went to the Fly-in at the Boscobel Airport. It was put on by the Maple Ridge Church and featured many exhibits about flying Missionaries to their different stations in South America. Deb and I left Saturday afternoon to attend Blake’s Prairie Fair in Bloomington. We had a good time looking at the livestock and visiting with people in the food stand. The highlight of the evening was the combine demolition derby, with twelve combines. I loved the demolition derby. They also had singers during the breaks and fireworks at the end.
Sunday July 27, 2008 – Pancakes, Fun Fest, Parade & Pie
Sunday we went to St. Clements Church in Lancaster for a pancake breakfast. The fundraiser was for Alzheimer’s research. We left for St. Lawrence O’Toole’s Catholic Church Fun Fest. It’s a country church located a few miles north of Mt. Hope. We then went back to Bloomington for Blake’s Prairie Fair Parade and also attend the pie auction put on by the Senior Citizens Center. Whew! I hope these weekends don’t get any busier.
This Week in Food
Regular readers of my blog probably noticed that I didn’t mention eating my favorite campaign food, BBQ chicken, this week. Try as I might, chicken just wasn’t on the menu. However… I did manage to have ice cream during a campaign activity this week.
Thanks for reading. Until next time,
Dennis
Once again I want to thank everyone I met this past week. Your comments are appreciated. My motto is “Forward for the 49th” and that means I need to hear from everyone so that we can all move forward purposefully. That’s why I’m committed to meeting each and every one of you during my campaign. If I somehow miss you during my door-to-door canvassing, or you have an issue you’d like to discuss, please call me at (608) 732-8229 or e-mail me at lundell4assembly@mhtc.net. I look forward to hearing from you.
I participated in the League of Women Voters Candidate Forum this past Wednesday night, July 23, 2008. The League did a fantastic job of putting on the event and John Rink was a great moderator. Voters packed the Platteville council chambers eager to ask questions and hear the responses.
All of the 49th District Assembly candidates were there, as well as the incumbent Assemblyman, as we each had the opportunity to present our positions on a variety of topics. Excellent questions from the League, John Rink and audience members covered issues such as infrastructure and fixing our roads, energy alternatives, mass transit options, economic development, prison reform and school funding.
Space does not permit me to describe and compare each participant’s responses. Wisconsin Eye (http://wisconsineye.com/) videotaped the event and I encourage everyone to watch the video and make his or her own judgments as soon as it is made available on their site.
Here is what I believe are the key points to take away from this debate:
· Blaming our Governor, State government and the Federal government for our current circumstances is simply empty rhetoric. It doesn’t do a thing to help solve the problems we face in the 49th District. I prefer talking with legislators and government officials on both sides of the aisle to see what is possible and what can be done, then taking actions to begin putting solutions in place.
· Saying you’ll bring “common sense” to Madison is not a solution. “Common sense” is a relative term subject to many interpretations. The plain truth is, common sense won’t necessarily solve today’s problems. In fact, “uncommon sense” or “unconventional wisdom” – the ability to look beyond the expected, easy quick-fixes is more likely what’s needed now.
· The next 49th District Representative must be open-minded and receptive, willing to look at and seek out any and all options in any area of need. Extreme viewpoints and offering up the same old “solutions” won’t get us over today’s hurdles. I have been listening to alternatives and have continually sought expert advice on all the major issues facing our District. Based on such advice, I’ve proposed my own solutions for certain issues.
· With the challenges we have in the 49th District today, this isn’t a job for anyone who hasn’t had previous government experience in a leadership position. The difficult tasks that lie ahead of us demand a veteran public servant, with the knowledge and experience of how government works, and the negotiating and consensus-building skills to spur action and make government serve our needs.
Fellow constituents of the 49th District, I believe I am that candidate with the right mix of abilities and expertise to consciously assess our problems and earnestly act to solve them efficiently and equitably. My public service experience, qualifications, credentials, skills and desire make me your best choice to represent you and your concerns in the Wisconsin State Assembly.
With your support, we can make a difference.
With your support we can make government start working for us again.
And with your support, we can go Forward for the 49th!
With temperatures in the high 80s and the humidity high, I lost more than shoe leather going door-to-door this week. If you’ve been wondering how I stay in shape with all the steak feeds, bar-be-ques and ice cream socials I attend, now you know. Yes, it was hot but I knocked on about 1000 doors this week.
I went door-to-door in Platteville on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and in Lancaster on Tuesday and Thursday. I attended other events, as you can read below.
Monday, July 14th – Fennimore & The Lions Club
Monday morning I met with a family in Fennimore. Monday night I went to my Lions Club meeting. We supplied the man and woman power in the food stand at the Rewey fireworks on Saturday night.
Tuesday, July 15th – Local Government in Action
Tuesday evening I went to the Grant County board meeting. The referendum passed in April mandated that the County Board be reduced from 31 to 17 board members. Two different plans to achieve that goal were discussed and one was passed. This is one more example of local government at its finest. The people of Grant County decided their County Board was too big and the Board passed a measure to make sure the will of the people was carried out. Our State Legislature should follow suit. There is no reason for it to be so unresponsive to our citizens.
Wednesday, July 16th – Brett Speth & Chicken in Montfort
Wednesday I met with Brett in Cuba City to discuss several of the projects we are working on together. He is such good help to me. The United Methodist Church in Montfort had a chicken dinner in the evening. Montfort is only four miles from my hometown of Livingston and I know so many people there. Good food. Good people. Good talk. What a great time it was.
Thursday, July 17th – Night on the Square in Lancaster
Thursday night was the Night on the Square in Lancaster. The Kids from Wisconsin were scheduled to sing, and various organizations had all kinds of booths set up on the courthouse lawn. I got there about 5:00 pm and talked politics with a lot of people. Unfortunately, about 6:30pm it started to cloud up and the rain soon followed. I decided to call it a day and went home. I think, later that night the Kids from Wisconsin did get to perform.
Friday, July 18th – Steak Sandwiches at the Livingston State Bank
Friday, the Grant County Cattlemen served steak sandwiches in the Livingston State Bank parking lot. Kristen Schier, who is running against Linda Gebhard for the Grant County Clerks Office was there. They are both very good candidates.
Saturday, July 19th – Happy Birthday to Evie & Fireworks
Saturday morning I had a meeting with some technical people in Prairie du Chien. My granddaughter, Evie Whitaker had her 3rd birthday party at noon and I made it back to help her celebrate. We had a great party. My wife Deb and I then went to Rewey to work in the concession stand. The Rewey fireworks are the best in the area. Ted Kastner, a local resident, puts on area firework shows. He has been putting on an end-of-the- season show in Rewey, for years. He recently sold his business, so this was his last fireworks show. He will be missed. Thousands of people show up in a town of 200 to 300 people and the Iowa Grant Lions Club helps by working the food stand to support the show.
Sunday, July 20th – Seeing Double: Cassville’s Twin-O-Rama
Sunday was the Twin-O-Rama in Cassville. The parade was at 10:30 am and I was surprised at the number of people they had along the parade route. A lot of them looked exactly like each other… Only kidding! We went to the park and had barbeque chicken (my favorite!) with some friends of ours that were also there for the parade. It was great to have a beautiful day for socializing and watching the barges go down the Mississippi River. I hated to leave, but there was an ice cream social at the Mitchell Rountree Stone Cottage and I had to do my part to celebrate National Ice Cream Day. Yes, sometimes it’s rough out here on the campaign trail…
There is so much history in this part of the state. We need to do everything we can to make sure folks know and appreciate the people who have made this state what it is today.
Thanks for reading. Until next time,
Dennis
Once again I want to thank everyone I met this past week. Your comments are appreciated. My motto is “Forward for the 49th” and that means I need to hear from everyone so that we can all move forward purposefully. That’s why I’m committed to meeting each and every one of you during my campaign. If I somehow miss you during my door-to-door canvassing, or you have an issue you’d like to discuss, please call me at (608) 732-8229 or e-mail me at lundell4assembly@mhtc.net. I look forward to hearing from you.
