Ryan is running, Thomas isn't in 1st District
JANESVILLE — The race for Wisconsin’s 1st Congressional District seat will be different this year because of who is not running.
After seven unsuccessful campaigns, Democrat Jeff Thomas of Janesville is not seeking his party’s nomination to try to unseat Republican incumbent Paul Ryan, also a Janesville resident.
“I just decided not to run this year,” Thomas, 68, said this morning. “There are some good people running this year. I probably will run again. I hope to.”
Thomas defeated four fellow Democrats in a 2006 primary but lost for the fourth time to Ryan.
Ryan announced Monday that he is seeking re-election to a sixth term.
Thomas said he is supporting Mike Hebert, one of his primary opponents in 2006 and one of four Democratic candidates registered this year with the Elections Division of the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board.
The Democratic primary to pick Ryan’s challenger will be Tuesday, Sept. 9.
“He works real hard,” Thomas said of Hebert, a former factory worker from Kenosha. “I think he’ll do well against Paul Ryan. Ryan’s almost impossible to beat, but nothing’s impossible.”
The other Democrats running are:
-- Paulette Garin, Kenosha, a piano teacher, certified public accountant and newcomer to congressional politics. She has scheduled a listening session for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday at the Janesville Senior Center.
-- Marge Krupp, Pleasant Prairie, a former manager with Abbott Laboratories of North Chicago, Ill. She already has raised more than $100,000 in campaign funds.
-- John Mogk, Kenosha, a recent entrant to the race who has been active in the Democratic Party in Kenosha and Racine counties.
Also running is Libertarian Joseph Kexel of Kenosha, a self-employed information technology consultant.
Meanwhile in the 2nd Congressional District, incumbent Democrat Tammy Baldwin faces challenges from both a Republican and a Democrat.
Daniel Peter Theron of Madison, a math professor and software designer, is the GOP challenger.
Dave St. Amant of Madison is challenging Baldwin for the Democrats’ nomination. He could not be reached for comment, but press reports indicate he believes Baldwin has not been outspoken enough on a number of issues, including impeachment of the president and support for Barack Obama.
David Redick of Madison had filed a campaign finance report to run as a Republican against Baldwin, but he didn’t register to be on the ballot by Tuesday’s deadline.
Jul 12, 2008 at 7:15 p.m.
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Thomas never really ran for the office. I wonder if Ryan paid him off? Anyway Ryan is not popular with me. He is the worst Representative this District has ever had. I ask you what has he done for you??? My answer is nothing but line his pocket with Pharmacy money. He calls out of work people lazy. If you have been laid off or have lost your job to out sourcing he thinks you have been to lazy to find a new job. He voted NO to extending workmen comp. because your lazy. He voted No to the new GI College Bill cause people making over 500 thousand a year would have their taxes raised. Do the GIs deserve a GI Bill, Ryan says No. Ryan wants to continue this Illegal War. He supports Bush on every move. Does that mean he is getting cuts from the Army Profiters? Read a book this past week called "Torture Team" by Philipii James, it will open your eyes about the man Ryan has supported these past seven years. There are several cases now about Torture in the Courts sueing BUsh, Rumsfeld, and Gates. France and Germany have Cases of Torture against Rumsfeld. Ryan has never spoken out against these atrocities. Go to www.ccrjustice .org Find out for yourself. He has been a rubber Stamp for Bush and his Party. Its time to say STOP. Anyone would be better than Ryan.
Jul 10, 2008 at 4:49 p.m.
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It's not a secret that Thomas always won the primary because of GOP primary cross-over voting so Ryan wouldn't have a viable opponent in the election. Good luck to the Dems this year! We truly need someone in Congress who will listen to learn and to represent the PEOPLE instead of only following the party line to advance his own agenda. Real patriotism and democracy means more than just voting. I encourage everyone - regardless of whom they support - to participate, TAKE ACTION and get involved for the candidate of your choice.
Jul 9, 2008 at 11:27 p.m.
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I'm glad that Thomas finally isn't running. I general vote Democratic....but not once have I voted for him...nor would I.
Jul 9, 2008 at 1:44 p.m.
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glad Thomas have finally given up, what a joke.
Jul 9, 2008 at 12:24 p.m.
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This is good news for Democrats. Ryan may be a well-liked incumbent, but at least we'll have a real candidate to go against him this year, and that means the Republicans will be forced to spend money in his district -- money they will be unable to spend anywhere else.
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I've never understood how Thomas keeps winning in Janesville unless it's pure name recognition. This is not the first year that more credible candidates have been running, but the people from the Racine and Kenosha end of the district can never seem to win Rock and Walworth.
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