In what may be the least best kept secret, we can expect Chris Lufter of the Waukesha Taxpayers League to announce she is running for the state assembly in the 97th district. I think it's exciting news for a couple of reasons.
One, I think Lufter will make an outstanding candidate. She has a high amount of name recognition, and for all the right reasons. Under her leadership, the Waukesha Taxpayers League successfully stopped a property tax increase in a school referendum in 2005, and this year pushed the Waukesha County Board to reduce its size. She has experience, having held elective office before. She's pro-life. And she is committed to fighting tax increases, which was certainly evident when she testified in favor of the strong version of the Taxpayer Protection Amendment at a public hearing.
Two, I like primaries. I think they help determine the direction of the party and they allow real activists to push a conservative agenda. Given the disappointing performance of the Republicans in Madison, I think we need more primaries - not less.
I want to add that my enthusiasm for Lufter's candidacy is not a reflection on County Supervisor Kramer. I think the county supervisor would have made a fine candidate. I will say it will be interesting to see how his record as a county supervisor holds up under scrutiny, but then that's what primaries are all about.
