Towns wants Assembly seat back
Photo 
Debra L. Towns
This fall’s race for the 43rd Assembly District is shaping up to be a rematch of the 2006 election.
Republican Debi Towns announced Tuesday she will seek to reclaim her old seat from Democrat Kim Hixson, who defeated Towns by a mere 38 votes in November 2006.
“I think I could do a better job,” Towns said. “I think I did a better job.”
Towns said she proved herself to be an active lawmaker in her two terms in the state Assembly, while she hasn’t heard of any legislation Hixson has passed in his first year in the legislature.
But Hixson said he’s focused on issues voters care about, sponsoring bills to offer tax credits to homeowners and college graduates who stay in Wisconsin. He also lobbied the federal government as part of a bipartisan effort to extend SeniorCare, Wisconsin’s prescription drug plan, he said.
“I think what voters are looking for is really someone to represent their interests and not represent just a political party,” Hixson said.
Towns, a dairy farmer and educator, said she will focus on job growth, maintaining good schools, access to higher education and the high cost of health care in her campaign.
She said she supports making health care less expensive but not government-run health care. She criticized Hixson for supporting Healthy Wisconsin, a plan introduced by the Democrats in 2007 to provide mandated universal health care. The plan did not survive the state budget process.
She also criticized Hixson for supporting what she called “massive tax increases” in the Democrats’ version of the 2007-09 budget.
Hixson said he was proud to obtain funding in the state budget for several local projects, including a new assistant district attorney for Rock County, a highway study in Porter Township and a multi-purpose trail in Whitewater.
The 43rd district covers parts of Rock, Walworth, Dane and Jefferson counties, including Whitewater, Milton, Footville and Orfordville.
Jun 30, 2008 at 3:08 p.m.
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No..by rising star I meant getting things done for her district,..and passing bills. Something Mr. Hixson didn't do during his lackluster term.
Jan 14, 2008 at 1:48 p.m.
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Hixson, being from Whitewater, is logically going to be less visible in areas of the district that are a bit further from home. I'd be willing to bet that they people in Whitewater felt that Towns was never out working for them. Try calling Hixson's office to set up a meeting and then try telling me he isn't willing to meet with people.
Hixson is a freshman legislator of the minority party, it's pretty hard to get legislation that he personally drafts passed by the Assembly Republicans, especially in his first year at the capitol. He has co-sponsored many good bills including Robson's health coverage for children with autism and introduced legislation to protect PIN information when using your ATM card at stores. Seems like he's got the right idea and could do some great things for the region if the Democrats take back the Assembly.
Jan 11, 2008 at 10:13 p.m.
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If by rising star you mean big money fund-raiser then yes Towns was a rising star. She raised more cash in 2002 than the combined total of her democratic opponents. Money comes with strings and Towns has gotten a lot of it.
Jan 11, 2008 at 12:43 p.m.
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Rock County had a rising star within the Capitol in Towns. Now it's represented by the truly irrevelant Hixson. The guy has never even had a bill passed out of committee. Anything he got in the budget was because he (as a vulnerable seat) passed a note to his party boss. What is he doing other than riding Robson's skirt-tails?
Jan 10, 2008 at 10:59 p.m.
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One was and one is in the legislature. Different years, same problems. Just say no to both.
Jan 10, 2008 at 10:51 p.m.
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I am very sure that I met him and talked to him about local issues. I mean no disrespect for Towns, I am just reporting my personal experience. I can assure you that I am not, nor have ever been a doorman at the Capitol, but if they are hiring, I may be inclined to look into it. I appreciate a good sense of humor. I don't trust people who take everything too seriously. Life is too short and we should be able to enjoy ourselves and still get things done.
Jan 10, 2008 at 10:35 p.m.
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Thats just it, Hixson stays close to home and Towns was actually working for her constituants. I have never met, nor have I seen Hixson since the campain. And that was only one parade. If you met him two times,( and your not real sure about that), then you must be the doorman at the Capitol.
Jan 10, 2008 at 8:18 p.m.
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I have met with Kim Hixson at least two times since he was elected. I never met Debbie Towns when she was in office. I think that Kim is working more closely with his constituents.
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