WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/28/2009) - Expressing concern that state government is hampering job creation and failing to protect seniors in a down economy, Ed Thompson (R-Tomah) has announced he will run as a Republican against incumbent Kathleen Vinehout for the 31st State Senate district. Vinehout (D-Alma) says she welcomes Thompson into the race to represent Trempeauleau, Buffalo, Jackson and Pepin counties and parts of Monroe, Pierce, Dunn, Eau Claire, and Clark Counties.

“I cannot sit idly by while Madison turns this state’s economy upside down. People are losing their jobs and struggling to get by, while the response from Madison has been to raise our taxes,” said Thompson.

“The economy is already bad, but Madison is making things worse. The solution is clear; government must get out of the way of progress by reducing taxes on working families and the people who provide jobs,” Thompson added.

Senator Kathleen Vinehout, (D-Alma), is welcoming the entry of former Libertarian and now Republican Ed Thompson into the race for the state senate.

“I am sure we will have vigorous debates about how to fix the important problems facing those of us who live in the 31st District: access to health care, school funding, jobs, the economy," Vinhout said.

"I hope that Ed will be able to move past the familiar talking points provided by the leaders of the Republican party and Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce and engage in a serious discussion about specific solutions,” Vinehout said.

“The voters of our district expect and deserve nothing less," the current 31st District State Senator said.

Some of the things bothering Republicans these days, include Wisconsin dropping five spots to become the third worst state in the nation in which to do business according to Forbes Magazine, demonstrating Wisconsin’s worsening job climate. Meanwhile the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance analysis shows that, due to recent tax increases, Wisconsin may rise to the sixth highest-taxed state in the nation, up from 11th highest.

Thompson is concerned that Wisconsin also has the ninth highest property taxes, making it difficult for struggling families and seniors on a fixed income to stay in their homes. He points out that this year alone the Legislature passed over $5 billion in new taxes and fees on families and businesses to pay for a 6.8% increase in government spending.

"Taxpayers will pay more for property taxes, phone taxes, garbage taxes, health care taxes, capital gains taxes, income taxes, and car insurance. Massive new taxes on Wisconsin employers are forcing them to cut costs and jobs," according to 31st State Senate District candidate Ed Thompson.

“My priorities will be to make Wisconsin a welcoming place for job creation, to stop tax increases in their tracks, to improve our rural economy and to ensure seniors can retire without the fear of financial ruin,” said Thompson.

“I pledge to be an independent, common-sense legislator who will fight for smaller, more responsible government that works for the people, not a big-spending government that taxes people out of their jobs, businesses, and homes,” Thompson said.

Ed Thompson is the mayor of Tomah and owner of Mr. Ed’s Tee-Pee Supper Club. In his first term as mayor, Thompson says he cut city expenses by 13 percent, eliminated a 4 million dollar debt without raising taxes and improved services to the community.

Known for his fierce independence and maverick style, Thompson ran for Governor as a Libertarian in 2002. Thompson has four children, eight grandchildren, and is a veteran of the U.S. Navy.