It is only a matter of time before thousands and thousands of dollars are raised and spent, bombarding our yards and airwaves with political pleas for support from our local 54th Assembly candidates. Incumbent Greg Underheim's choice to not run makes this race all the more exciting and intriguing.

To date, we have Democratic Challenger Gordon Hintz who never really stopped running after his defeat in 04 (see his website here) and Julie Pung Leschke (see her website here).




Gordon

Some argue he had a good showing with a welcomed message in 2004, and would have won had there been no 3rd party challengers. I would suggest that Gordon received the vote only of straight ticket voters, friends of his dad Stephen, and others who feel that a third party is still too fringe.

Give Gordon credit though, he matured greatly (other than election day...) and will likely be a far more polished and prepared candidate. And whether Gordon decides to offer a watered-down, empty platform or one that takes a firm stand on issues and suggests real, concrete solutions, he will have the campaign war chest to proclaim it.

Other significant Gordo info: Hintz is currently in the Air-Guitar Hall of Fame for his 2003 performance as "Krye Tuff" - see photo here; Gordon's views are extensively outlined on the Oshkosh News Pages Here; the ABV believe he is a very nice guy.

In the end, Gordon will offer a campaign that appeals to the Big Money Dems with a touch of progressive intuition.




Julie

I do not know Julie, so my comments are based on her internet presence and the party she aligns herself with. For starters, congratulations to Julie on surviving through 4 children so close in age (15,18,19,20)!!! We at least know she can handle stress.

Julie's campaign website doesn't really say anything (but apparently she may be updating it soon). Tony Palmeri's Commentary website awarded Julie a Winnebago Whiner award, saying that she "continually whine(s) about abuses in Winnebago County government, but never come(s) up with any successful remedies to change whatever (she is) whining about." Then again, she is also called "one of Commentary's most popular guests."

James Fitzhenry of the Northwestern states that, "Leschke is articulate, was among a group of supervisors fighting for change on the Winnebago County Board and she's got impeccable family and GOP connections".

Other significant Julio info: She is the daughter of Bob Pung; according to a Fitzhenry, Julie has a fortune that even dwarfs the Hintz family fortune. According to Blogger Polly, Julie is also a little overwhelming on the religious side, campaigning "door to door carrying what she said was the two most influential documents to her, the King James' Bible and Russ Limbaugh's treaty on Liberals."

In the end, her campaign will likely be based on the Gods, Gays, and Guns buffoonery of the Republican Party that eludes any of the important issues facing Oshkosh and Wisconsin.

Others?

Of course there is a great chance that there will be a third party candidate, regardless of James Genisio's foolish thinking that Democracy means only two parties are allowed to run. Even the thought of a third party on the right or left will push the candidates to actually think outside of the party box.

Additional News Coverage:

Oshkosh Northwestern - Tower won't Run in 54th Assembly

Jim Fitzhenry - Rating the 54th District Candidates

Gordon's Campaign Announcement to the WI Dems

Bloechl May Run In 54th--As a Democrat

Palmeri Election Spoiled By Politics As Usual