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Assembly candidate could serve in Iraq

Photo

Mike Hahn

Photo

Chuck Benedict

BELOIT — Assembly candidate Mike Hahn will be called to active duty two months before the November election but still plans to run for office.

Hahn, 25, is a guardsman with Beloit's 1158th Transportation Company. He is challenging incumbent democrat Chuck Benedict, 3639 Bee Lane, Beloit, to represent the 45th Assembly district, which includes the city of Beloit and Harmony, Johnstown, La Prairie, Bradford, Turtle, Clinton and Richmond townships.

Hahn, 430 Harrison Ave., Beloit, will be report for duty Sept. 7 and join a new unit, he said. He expects to serve overseas to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. He does not know when or for how long he will be deployed.

The election is Nov. 4, and the new Assembly will convene in January.

"I want to assure everyone that my campaign will continue," Hahn said. "I will come home and serve people in the 45th with same commitment I served my country overseas."

Hahn anticipates adding a blog to his Web site, www.mikehahnforassembly.com, to facilitate communication with his constituents. Advertisements and volunteers will continue to carry his message, he said.

"Just because I'm out of the country doesn't mean I won't be in touch with voters," Hahn said.

Hahn is interested in holding town hall-style meetings before he is called to duty, and hopes Benedict will join him. Benedict said he would make that decision when he gets more details.

Benedict does not expect Hahn's service to change his own campaign.

"A call up for deployment is never an easy situation for a soldier and his or her family," Benedict said. "I do thank Mr. Hahn for his past service and wish him a safe tour and safe return home from this deployment."

Hahn, a 2001 graduate of Clinton High School, served with the 1158th in Iraq from December 2004 to December 2005. He has a bachelor's degree from UW-Madison and has spent the last two summers working as a legislative intern.

Hahn thinks Wisconsin should treat businesses better and encourage them to locate in the state and employ local workers.

Benedict was elected to the Assembly in 2004 and again in 2006.

Benedict is a Connecticut native who practiced neurology at Beloit Memorial Hospital for 19 years. As a former physician, he sees affordable, accessible, quality health care as one priority, especially considering the lagging economy, he said.