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The Green County Democratic Party will host a candidate forum on Thursday, July 14, 2022 for candidates running for the State Assembly from the 80th District. The district, which is currently represented by Rep. Sondy Pope, Mount Horeb, includes the Village of New Glarus and the Townships of New Glarus and York.

Three of the five Democratic candidates have confirmed their appearance at the forum:

Mike Bare, a former aide to Senator Russ Feingold who currently represents District 32 (City and Town of Verona) on the Dane County Board.

Anna Halverson, who works with people with disabilities and their families, helping them access the services they need to live full lives in the community through Wisconsin’s Long Term Care program called IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self Direct).

Belleville Village Board President Dale Yurs.

Other candidates invited, but not confirmed, include Chad Kemp, the Verona City Council President, and former corrections officer Doug Steinberg, of Oregon.

The candidate forum will be at the Blackbird Pie Bar (formerly Cow and Quince), located at 407 2nd Street, New Glarus. There will be a social hour starting at 5:00 p.m. The candidates will speak at 6:00 p.m. All are welcome.

“The Wisconsin Legislature makes a tremendous impact on the quality of life in Wisconsin,” said Sandy Rindy, Chair of the Green County Democratic Party. “If you care about issues like reproductive rights, gun safety, economic inequality or climate change, this is a great opportunity to meet the candidates in a small gathering and ask them the questions that matter to you.”

The five candidates will compete in the August 9, 2022, primary to be the Democratic candidate for the 80th District. The winner will face the winner of a two-person Republican primary in the November general election.