Some of the first shots have been fired in the race for the 18th State Senate District. Winnebago County's Democratic Party issued a press release critical of the donations that Republican Fond du Lac businessman Randy Hopper has received. Jeff Mann, who chairs that party in Winnebago County, claims the majority of Democratic candidate Jessica King's contributions have been for under $100 while the opposite is true of Hopper. Mann says "I guess we have to assume that candidate Hopper is going to follow the big money line of the Republican Senate."
Senate Minority Leader Scott Fitzgerald says Hopper is developing a grass roots following while the Oshkosh City Councilwoman's party isn't talking about the fact that over half of her contributions are from out of state. He calls this "alarming," and a sign that she will not be "representative of the district."
Hopper entered the race about a month ago while Republicans claim King has been an announced candidate for about a year.
The winner of the seat will succeed Senator Carol Roessler.
(Contributed by Bob Nelson – KFIZ)
