Post Messenger Recorder -

Jacob Luginbuhl and Nathan Graewin are both running for Wisconsin's 80th Assembly seat, which is currently held by Rep. Sondy Pope (D-Mount Horeb). They will face off in the Republican Primary August 9. The winner will go on to face the Democratic challenger in November's General Election. Look for the Democrats in next week's edition.

Biography

Luginbuhl: I am a business owner from Verona, WI. I live on the corner of my original family's farm dating back 100+ years. I completed my education in Business at the University of WI-Platteville in 2013. Starting my own company was a key part of my Entrepreneurship minor, and it is still growing 8+ years later. I enjoy spending my weekends with my girlfriend, Maggie, and our dog, Birkie, hiking our state and county parks. When it's raining you can find me tinkering in the garage with my father on our many projects.

Graewin: I grew up in a large family on a dairy farm south of Tomah, Wisconsin. I attended and graduated Tomah High School and then attended and graduated WWTC (Western Wisconsin Technical College) for Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technician with Honor Cords. I have also completed classes at WWTC for Accounting and Bookkeeping, Business Management, and Grant Writing.

Prior to using my mechanical knowledge, I used my carpentry skills while in attending and during summer break during my High School years and a few years after going to college. My diesel mechanical skills were used at Fort McCoy for nine years, and then using my skills in the forestry areas for a few years before I got my current position at the Wolf Paving Plant as a Supervisor and head of maintenance. I also own and maintain several rental properties and hold the state position as the Conservation Director for the TBF.

Why are you running?

Luginbuhl: I am running to represent the 80th district because we are in trouble. The economy of our State is at stake. We need representatives in office that understand how money works and how government spending/regulations impact us, the citizens of Wisconsin.

Graewin: Seeing the rise in crime, our kids struggling in the schools, the loss of many small businesses, and the rural communities being hit with the high planting pricing, has made me step up and to be the voice for all these people that is going through all these struggling times.

If elected, what would be your top priorities?

Luginbuhl: Tackling inflation head on in our own state. Keeping communities safe. Prioritizing rural Wisconsin.

Graewin: My goals when I become the 80th Assemblyman is to provide a safe neighborhood and schools for our kids, along with helping out the entrepreneurs that have either been holding on to their business or have been trying to get their business back through these difficult times. These issues that I will be fighting for will not only be helping just the 80th District, but will help all the children, small businesses, and the agricultural communities throughout Wisconsin.

What are the most important issues the 80th district is currently facing?

Luginbuhl: The most important issues in my district are rent prices, food prices, gas prices, property tax increases, public safety, and education.

Graewin: No response.

What are the most important issues the State of Wisconsin is currently facing?

Luginbuhl: Wisconsin is hurting. The State is suffering at the hands of criminals, whether its destroying our cities or pillaging our vehicles in our driveways at night. Inflation of 9.1 percent, the highest in 40 years, is also at the top of the list.

Graewin: The issue that is troubling Wisconsin now is the rise in crime, kids struggling in our schools, cost of living (gas and groceries), and the entrepreneurs that got heavily impacted.

What is the state legislature currently doing well?

Luginbuhl: The legislature is doing its best at not increasing the burden on the taxpayers by eliminating the state property tax.

Graewin: Currently our State Government is having a difficult time with correcting the needs of the people due to the fact that Wisconsin may have a Governor, but it does not have a leader.

In what areas could it improve?

Luginbuhl: Rural broadband, road and bridge repair, public safety, and regulations holding back business are a few areas to start improving on in the next session.

Graewin: My vast knowledge will help me with discussing important matters with all political parties by discussing my actual life expertise and to peacefully look at facts and get past political party separation.

Which qualities, skills and/or experiences make you stand out as a candidate? Why would you be a good lawmaker?

Luginbuhl: My general business knowledge and common sense are my greatest strengths. My experiences are what will guide me to being a great lawmaker. I can relate with so many of my constituents on the issues we face at home. I have had to provide and care for a family member who lost her fight with cancer. When my employee and friend of four years was shot in a community park right here in Madison, our local government's COVID mandates prevented me from saying goodbye while dying in his hospital bed.

Graewin: No response.

Polls and public sentiment have long held that Wisconsin is a purple state, neither deeply blue nor deeply red. Can Democrats and Republicans find common ground in Wisconsin? If so, what steps need to be taken for them to create fruitful policies? Are you capable of showing kindness and compassion to people with whom you disagree on political issues?

Jacob Luginbuhl

Luginbuhl: We better. We all have to live here. Our lawmakers have to serve the people they represent. Compromises need to be made, period. I am a compassionate man, I can be kind to people that don't agree with me-I wish it were reciprocated.

Graewin: When government starts to put strong emphasis on the needs of the people first, then I believe it can bring Republicans and Democrats on common ground. This could only be done by someone that is not a career politician that may have separated themselves from real world situations. That is why that I, Nathan Graewin, am the best choice to help our kids now and to ensure them a safe and prosperous future as they move FORWARD just like our Wisconsin state flag says.