The 21st state Senate District candidates debated in Racine last night, with incumbent Van Wanggaard and Democratic challenger John Lehman sparring over numerous issues and their records.
On the subject of inner city unemployment, Lehman said Wanggaard supported tax incentives that don’t address the problem directly. He accused Wanggaard of not supporting public schools and technical colleges.
Wanggaard cited a bi-partisan bill, he co-authored, that helps high schoolers gain trade experience and transition into technical colleges.
On last session’s bill to streamline mining permitting, Senator Wanggaard said he felt there were environmental protections, but Democrats led to the bill’s demise. He said the bill would’ve led to jobs, not only at the proposed Northern Wisconsin mine, but also with supporting industries in the Racine area.
Lehman said the bill didn’t have the same environmental protections as the Flambeau mine in Ladysmith and he would’ve opposed last session’s legislation.
Wanggaard asked his opponent, if he would have left the state like 14 Democrats did in spring of 2011 or “stayed and done his job?”
AUDIO: Lehman then Wanggard on Dems leaving Wisconsin (:50)
The race is a rematch of the 2010 election when Wanggaard beat then-incumbent Lehman for the senate seat.
Tom Karkow-WRJN
