A candidate for Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District is drawing scrutiny from Democrats.
Superior native Joe Reasbeck has announced plans to seek the Democratic nomination for the U.S. House seat left open by retiring Congressman Dave Obey (D-WI). The former college wrestler and author says he believes voters in the district deserve to have a choice of candidates, after Obey held the seat for so long.
However, Democratic Party 7th District Chairwoman Jan Kelton says there are some issues with Reasbeck’s political history that raise questions about his seriousness as a candidate. Kelton points to a 2006 race in Texas, where Reasbeck ran as a Republican in the 22nd Congressional District. As a write-in candidate, he received only 89 votes.
Also, Kelton says Reasbeck joined the Democratic Party of Wisconsin just days before declaring his plans to seek the nomination in the September Primary.
Kelton says Democrats have a serious candidate already in state Senator Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point). She says anyone is welcome to seek the nomination and they’re happy to have a competition in the primary, but she points out that Lassa has already built a strong base of support among Democrats throughout the district. She says Democrats want a candidate who will represent their interests, the way that Dave Obey has for several decades.
Two candidates are currently seeking the Republican nomination.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (1:12)
