WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/10/2010) - State Senator Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point) has entered the race for the Congressional seat that Dave Obey is giving up after more than 40 years. Last week Obey announced he will retire from the Wisconsin 7th Congressional Seat in the U.S. House of Representatives at the end of his current term. Republican Party of Wisconsin Chairman Reince Priebus says Lassa has apparently emerged as the hand-picked successor to Dave Obey. Priebus added the usual opposing party rhetoric, indicating Lassa won't necessarily have an easy campaign.

"Voters should expect more Obey-style spending without abandon from liberal Democrat Senator Lassa, who has proven to serve as a rubber stamp for the policies of leftist leaders in Madison," Republican Party of Wisconsin (RPW) Chairman Reince Priebus said when learning about Lassa's decision to run for Obey's seat.

Wisconsin State Senator has been dedicated to working for families and small businesses in the state. She was raised on her family's dairy farm in northern Portage County.

“The hard working men and women of our area deserve a representative who will keep fighting to turn our economy around, even when it means standing up to big special interests," Lassa said.

"I know firsthand the challenges facing so many of Wisconsin families, small business owners, and family farmers in our community," Lassa added.

Preibus claims Julie Lassa has not been good for employment in Wisconsin, alleging that tax increases Lassa voted for are a problem for businesses in the state.

"Wisconsin has lost 178,666 jobs since Lassa took over the Senate Economic Development Committee in January 2007 — yet Lassa voted for billions in job-killing tax hikes and an unpopular budget this session," RPW Chair Priebus said.

State Senator Lassa disputes the claims made by Republican Party Chairman Reince Priebus:

"I have a track record of working to create good paying, family-supporting jobs,” Julie Lassa pointed out.

“I have been a tireless advocate for our small businesses, taxpayers, and children, and in Congress I will follow the same common sense principles to deliver real results for Wisconsin,” Lassa asserted.

Dedicated to making her community a better place for families and business, Julie Lassa is a staunch advocate for quality education, more accountable and efficient use of tax dollars, greater economic development, and good paying jobs for the hard working men and women of this state.

A Democrat, she was elected to the State Assembly in 1998 and the State Senate in 2003, where she currently chairs the Senate Committee on Economic Development.

Julie grew up on a dairy farm in Portage County. She graduated from Stevens Point Area Senior High and UW-Stevens Point and is married with two children.

Julie Lassa and her family live in Stevens Point. She is a member of the Heart of Wisconsin Business & Economic Alliance, Portage County Business Council and the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

It is unclear at this time whether Lassa will have a Democratic Primary battle with other Democrats who may also want to take advantage of the opportunity to represent the Wisconsin 7th Conressional District in the House. But, it's certain that at least one Republican is looking to own the seat.

Ashland County District Attorney and Congressional Candidate Sean Duffy (Republican) today welcomed state Senator Julie Lassa to the race to replace retiring Representative David Obey (D-Wausau).

Duffy said the voters of the 7th Congressional District will benefit from a robust campaign focused on the issues facing Northern Wisconsin.

"I'm running for Congress to empower families and support Main Street job creators by reining in government and not expanding it. The voters deserve a fresh start, a new direction, and a Congressman who will work hard to bring real Wisconsin values like hard work and personal responsibility to Washington," Duffy said.

Sean Duffy was first elected as Ashland County District Attorney in 2002 and has served in that role for seven years. Duffy says, as District Attorney, he has compiled a 90 percent conviction rate. His campaign also shines a light on Duffy being a three-time World Champion Lumberjack athlete, ESPN Outdoor Games analyst and former MTV Real World cast member.

The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, National Review Online, and Time Magazine have highlighted the Duffy campaign and the Washington Independent named him the #3 conservative to watch in 2010. The Duffy for Congress campaign has raised more than $500,000 and has roughly $400,000 cash-on-hand.