Assembly seat opens up in Appleton

[undeterred]

APPLETON — A state Assembly member who's represented Appleton for 12 years will not seek re-election in fall. State Rep. Steve Wieckert, R-Appleton, said Friday his decision against seeking a seventh term was "a last resort," but a necessary one following the recent death of his father.

Wieckert plans to take over management of his family's real estate holdings and prepare properties for eventual sale. Wieckert said he wanted to announce his intentions early enough to give others time to consider running for the seat in the fall election.

"There was no decision in my life that was tougher than this one," said Wieckert, who represents the 57th Assembly District, which includes much of Appleton and a ward in Little Chute.

Wieckert's recent legislation included introduction of a statewide smoking ban bill, which died when the Assembly adjourned without taking a vote. He also has been working on legislation to create more regulations for dog breeders in effort to eliminate puppy mills.

Wieckert said he plans to use the remainder of his term to work with fellow legislators to ensure continuation of his priority policy efforts, including the smoking ban. He said he's confident the bill would either be revisited in special session or reintroduced once the new Assembly convenes in January.

State Rep. Roger Roth, R-Grand Chute, a first-term representative of the neighboring 56th Assembly District, was surprised by Wieckert's announcement. He said Wieckert has been an effective legislator and one who placed a priority on the residents of his district. "He's always put Appleton first in everything he does," Roth said.

Penny Bernard Schaber, who ran unsuccessfully for Wieckert's seat as a Democrat in 2006, already has announced her candidacy for the Assembly seat in fall.

Wieckert said his most important efforts during his six terms included passage of Cody's Law, which allowed state income tax deductions for organ donation. Similar bills have since been passed in 13 other states. Wieckert also cited his role in the creation of Wisconsin's Senior Care drug assistance program.

Wieckert said he'll seek public- or private-sector employment in the Fox Cities after the sale of his family's holdings. He said he'd eventually like to return to elected office should the right opportunities arise.

Wieckert called his Assembly service the best job he's ever had. "It's tough to leave. Every year, I felt I've been getting a little better at it."

http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080322/APC0101/803220514/1003/APCnews

Link to Democrat Penny Schaber's website: http://www.penny4assembly.com/

Dems, this is our year!

:kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick:

[sybylla]

1. Yea! AOBTD

Another one bites the dust!

[Broca]

2. Better for them to go now

before all the good excuses are taken.

The Appleton Post-Crescent March 14, 2008 has an article that says "Wieckert, R-Appleton, said Thursday he has tentative plans to seek a new term, but won't make a formal announcement before summer." Now he has flip flopped.

[undeterred]

3. He doesn't sound like one of the Republican crazies

based on the bills in the article, but the more of a Dem majority we can get, the better. And if its an open seat, that makes it easier for a Democrat to pick up.

[sybylla]

4. LOL - there are only so many good excuses to go around!

I bet the flip flop is coming from his cohorts in Madison. No doubt they're thinking if you announce too soon that you're not seeking a new term, it gives the opposition a chance to take away an open seat. More time to raise money and convince the electors you're a credible candidate. But if you wait until the last minute, the Republicans can secretly recruit a good candidate, have Weickert announce just before he needs to file non-candidacy papers and the hand-picked replacement will have the advantage.