Democratic Congressman Steve Kagen has officially launched his campaign for the Eighth Congressional District. The two-term incumbent held a kickoff event Wednesday night the Radisson Paper Valley hotel in downtown Appleton. Kagen says he’s stood up to Wall Street and backed Main Street during his time in office. “I voted to make sure that we have jobs here in America, not overseas,” Kagen told WHBY. “I voted just several weeks ago to close the tax loopholes that these corporations use to ship our jobs overseas. Republicans voted against it.”
Kagen says he’ll continue to fight for his constituents if given the chance. “People have to answer the question, whose side is Doctor Kagen on? I will fight my heart out to prevent the privatization of Social Security and the destruction of Medicare, as some extreme Republicans have attempted to do and have said they will do, when and if they take over the House of Representatives.”
Kagen’s announcement capped a four-day, 50-city tour throughout northeast Wisconsin. Four Republicans are on the ballot in this month’s primary, with the winner facing Kagen in the November general election. There are four Republicans on the primary ballot this month: DePere roofing contractor Reid Ribble, Appleton state Representative Roger Roth, former state Representative Terri McCormick of Appleton. Marc Savard of Liberty Grove withdrew from the race last month and is endorsing Ribble, but his name will remain on the ballot. The winner will face Kagen in the November general election.
Mike Kemmeter, WHBY