“This race is about experience; this race is about courage,” said Jo Egelhoff, 57, who announced her candidacy late Thursday. She will face Peter Stueck, an Appleton Alderman and Outagamie County supervisor, in a Sept. 9 primary. The general election is Nov. 4.
Democrat Penny Bernard Schaber, of Appleton, also is seeking the seat, which has been held by Republican Steve Wieckert since 1996. Wieckert recently announced that he is not running for re-election.
Egelhoff is no stranger to politics and government, she served on the Appleton Common Council from 1993-2003. She has been a member of the Outagamie County Republican party and has served as county chairwoman and has worked on many campaigns, including helping Wieckert win election.
And here is Jo's press release:
Jo Egelhoff Announces Intent to Run For Wisconsin Assembly District 57
Appleton, WI - "With the cost of everyday living going up as never before, jobs being lost on a daily basis, and health care and drug prices almost out of control, many of our politicians continue to spend our tax monies as if there is no problem. Well there is a problem, a serious problem, and the only way it can be solved is by having citizens step forward and run for political office and apply common sense fiscal responsibility to government spending. It really comes down to people keeping what's left of their paychecks – or continuing to turn their hard-earned dollars over to government with increased taxes, fees and assessments. One of my top priorities will be to stop the insane raiding of our pocketbooks. That's why I'm running – to represent the people and the pocketbooks of the 57th District in the Wisconsin Assembly." So said Jo Egelhoff in announcing her intention to run for the seat that will be vacated by Rep. Steve Wieckert.
Egelhoff is the owner and operator of FoxPolitics.net, a policy and politics news site for the Fox Valley and Wisconsin. She is a graduate of Iowa State University and holds a Masters degree in Finance from Claremont Graduate School. She spent 10 years on the Appleton Common Council where she spearheaded tax levy controls in Appleton - the only Wisconsin municipality to have such a spending control.
Egelhoff has served a wide variety of community groups, and currently serves on the Greater Fox Cities Habitat for Humanity and USA Youth boards.
Politically, Egelhoff has worked on many campaigns over the years, including Rep. Wieckert’s campaigns; she is considered by Wieckert to be a competent advisor and he appreciates her excellent grasp of the issues. The newly-announced candidate was a former Chairperson of the Outagamie County Republican Party and has been a member for 15 years.
Egelhoff’s husband is a Portfolio Manager with Associated Bank. They live in Appleton and have two children.
Good luck to Jo. She's a very informed and capable individual, and Appleton would do very well to pick her to represent them in Madison.
Update! Just received a note from Jo Egelhoff concerning her residency in the district:
Dave and I are now empty nesters; we moved recently to a smaller place that is closer to his work in Green Bay. And indeed, it's in the 57th.
The lesson is to ask before jumping to conclusions.
I really would have hated to bring out the moving van cartoons again.
Update 2!Blog post questioning
