Republican Dale Schultz won't seek re-election in Senate

[Jimbo S]

State Sen. Dale Schultz, a moderate Republican who voted with Democrats on occasion, has announced he will not run for re-election this year.

In an extensive interview with WISC-TV (Channel 3000), Schultz, a Republican from Richland Center, said the decision came after "listening to my constituents, and a lot of contemplation and thought with my wife and my family, that I'm not going to stand for re-election this year."

If Schultz had run for re-election, he would have faced state Rep. Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) in a primary election.Ernie Wittwer, former state transportation budget director, is running for the seat as a Democrat.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/republican-dale-schultz-wont-seek-re-election-in-senate-b99192350z1-242203711.html
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I know this is DU. But, either this is a seat we gain or else goes Tea Party.

[ewagner]

1. I think....(as if my opinion matters)

that Schultz was going to get hammered for being reasonable...that area is pretty red, so I'm pretty sure it will elect a tea-bagger.

[Jimbo S]

2. My understanding that SW Wisconsin is purple

and that Senate district went Obama twice, IIRC.

[ewagner]

3. You're right!

Just checked the district and election results...

The county results were:

Grant Co Obama 56.6%
Iowa Co Obama 67.7%
Juneau Co Obama 52.9%
Richland Co Obama 57.5%

Maybe we do have a chance....

Thanks for keeping me from being lazy!

[strikeforce]

4. dale has 600,000 $

in his campaign fund.what happens to that i wonder ?

he is one of the last straight shooters here in wisconsin.

it is a sad day for wisconsin today.

i don't know if ernie is the best chance we got at winning this seat.

i live in platteville,grant county. iowa county has a stronger democratic party than we do.

[AllyCat]

5. He keeps it.

[dembotoz]

6. and they say xmas comes but once a year....