Compiled by Kim McDarison
City of Fort Atkinson voters heading to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 8, will find the following statewide and countywide races on the ballot.
Polling places in Wisconsin are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters arriving at the polls are required to show a photo ID, such as a drivers license, state ID or U.S. passport.
U.S. Senator
Incumbent Republican Party candidate Ronald Johnson is running against Democratic challenger Mandela Barnes.
Attorney General of Wisconsin
Incumbent Democratic Party candidate Josh Kaul is running against Republican challenger Eric Toney.
Governor of Wisconsin
Incumbent Democratic Party candidate Tony Evers is running against Republican challenger Tim Michels. Independent Party candidate Joan Ellis Beglinger’s name also will appear on the ballot, however the candidate has withdrawn from the race.
Wisconsin Secretary of State
Incumbent Democratic Party candidate Douglas J. La Follette will be running against Republican challenger Amy Loudenbeck, Green Party challenger Sharyl McFarland, and Libertarian Party candidate Neil Harmon.
Congress: U.S. House Wisconsin District 5
Incumbent Republican Party candidate Scott Fitzgerald is running against Democratic Party challenger Mike Van Someren.
Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin
Democratic Party candidate Sara Rodriguez will be running against Republican Party candidate Roger Roth.
Wisconsin Treasurer
Democratic Party candidate Aaron Richardson will be running against Republican candidate John Leiber and Constitution Party candidate Andrew Zuelke.
Wisconsin State Senate District 11
Incumbent Republican Party candidate Stephen Nass will be running against Democratic challenger Steven Doelder.
Wisconsin State Assembly District 33
Democratic Party candidate Don Vruwink will be running against Republican Party candidate Scott Johnson.
Jefferson County Clerk of Circuit Court
Republican Party candidate Cindy Hamre Incha is running unopposed.
Jefferson County Sheriff
Republican Party candidate Paul Milbrath is running unopposed.
School District of Fort Atkinson Referendum questions
The School District of Fort Atkinson is bringing before its voters two referendum questions.
The first is a two-part question seeking funds above the state-imposed revenue cap to cover the district’s operational costs, with one part seeking increases over each of three school years, beginning in the 2023-24 school year, and a second part seeking increases beginning next school year and into perpetuity.
The two-part question appearing before voters is worded as follows:
A second question seeks approval from voters to issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $22 million. Would voters approve the referendum, the funds would be used to pay for costs associated with secure entry sequencing improvements, maintenance and mechanical projects in all of the district’s school buildings, and traffic flow improvements at the high school.
The question appearing before voters is worded as follows:
An earlier story about the school district’s two referendum questions, including associated tax levy and mill rate scenarios would the referendums pass or fail, is here: https://fortatkinsononline.com/fort-school-district-shares-budget-four-referendum-outcomes/.
An earlier story including a presentation about the district’s needs and development of the referendum questions is here: https://fortatkinsononline.com/fort-school-board-learns-details-regarding-proposed-november-ballot-referendums/.
About the candidates
Running for U.S. Senator
Ron Johnson
The senior U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, Ron Johnson assumed office in 2011, after defeating then-incumbent Russ Feingold. He has since served for two terms, winning a second election in 2016, beating Feingold in a race for the seat a second time. After pledging not to run for a third term, Johnson reconsidered, announcing his candidacy in January. Johnson is 67, married, and the couple has three children. According to his Wikipedia profile, Johnson was born in Mankato, Minn., and attended the University of Minnesota earning a degree in business and accounting. In 1979, he moved to Oshkosh and worked at a plastics company owned by his wife’s family. Described in his profile as a “staunch ally” of Donald Trump, Johnson voted for Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2017, supported Trump’s decision to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), launched investigations into his political opponents and promoted false claims of fraud in relation to Trump’s defeat in the 2020 presidential election. He has rejected the scientific consensus on climate change. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Johnson resisted stay at home orders, used his chairmanship of the Senate Homeland Security Committee to invite witnesses to push fringe theories about COVID-19, and spread misinformation about COVID-19 vaccinations, according to his Wikipedia profile. His full Wikipedia profile is here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Johnson_(Wisconsin_politician). Information supplied by Ballotpedia about the candidate is here: https://ballotpedia.org/Ron_Johnson_(Wisconsin).
Mandela Barnes
The 45th lieutenant governor of Wisconsin, Mandela Barnes assumed office in 2019. He was preceded by Rebecca Kleefisch. Prior to holding his current position, he was a state representative serving the 11th district, holding that seat from 2013 to 2017. According to his Wikipedia profile, Barnes is the first African American to assume Wisconsin’s lieutenant governorship. Barnes in 35 years old. He was born in Milwaukee and holds a bachelor’s degree from Alabama A&M University. Additionally, his profile notes information under a heading of “2018 Tax Delinquencies,” stating that in that year, Barnes did not pay his city of Milwaukee tax bill, owing $2,225.43 with interest and penalties as of mid-June 2019. He also was found guilty by a Milwaukee municipal judge for not paying three parking tickets and was fined $108. Under a heading of “College Degree Credibility Issues,” the website states, that Barnes did not graduate from Alabama A&M in the year that he had previously stated, but did receive his diploma in 2020. Professionally, Barnes worked for various political campaigns and in the office of Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, eventually becoming an organizer for M.I.C.A.H., a Milwaukee-based interfaith coalition that advocates social justice. Barnes served as the deputy director of strategic engagement for State Innovation Exchange, a national progressive public policy organization based in Madison. His full Wikipedia profile is here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandela_Barnes. Information supplied by Ballotpedia about the candidate is here: https://ballotpedia.org/Mandela_Barnes.
Running for Attorney General
Josh Kaul
The 45th Attorney General of Wisconsin, Josh Kaul assumed office in 2019. His predecessor was Brad Schimel. Kaul, 41, according to his Wikipedia profile, is the son of Peg Lautenschlager, an attorney and politician, and Raj Kaul. His stepfather, Bill Rippl, served as a police officer. He was raised in Oshkosh and Fond du Lac. Kaul graduated from Yale University double majoring in history and economics, and earned his law degree from Stanford Law School. Over the course of his career, Kaul clerked for Michael Boudin in the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. From 2007 through 2010, he worked for the law firm Jenner & Block, and worked as a federal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney‘s office in Baltimore through 2014. He next moved back to Wisconsin and joined the law firm Perkins Coie‘s Madison office. In 2018, Kaul won his bid for attorney general. He is married, and the couple has two children. Information provided by Ballotpedia about the candidate is here: https://ballotpedia.org/Josh_Kaul.
Eric Toney
Eric Toney does not currently have a Wikipedia profile. According to his campaign page, Toney was first elected as Fond du Lac County district attorney in 2012. Since then, he has successfully prosecuted crimes as varied as homicide, sexual assault, domestic violence, drug trafficking, financial crimes, and racketeering. Additionally, the page states, Toney helped establish a drug treatment court in Fond du Lac County and recognizes that the state needs to take an “all of the above” approach toward dealing with the ongoing methamphetamine and opioid epidemics that have raged in Wisconsin. Toney earned his undergraduate degree from St. Norbert College in De Pere, with a double major in history and political science. He graduated from law school at Hamline University where he focused on criminal law and received a certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution. While in school, Toney served during summer months as an intern with the Fond du Lac District Attorney’s Office where he was inspired to spend his career in criminal law. Toney enjoys spending time with his family and his dog, “Patton.” Information provided by Ballotpedia about the candidate is here: https://ballotpedia.org/Eric_Toney.
Running for Governor
Tony Evers
The 46th governor of Wisconsin, Tony Evers assumed office in 2019 after defeating two-term Gov. Scott Walker. Prior to his election as governor, Evers served as the Wisconsin superintendent of public schools from 2009 to 2019. He is 70 years old, married, and the couple has three children.
According to his Wikipedia profile, Evers was born and raised in Plymouth, Wis., and was educated at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, were he received a Ph.D. He worked as a schoolteacher for several years, then as a school administrator, a principal and, later, district superintendent. Evers first ran for superintendent of public instruction in 1993 and again in 2001, losing both elections. Evers was instead appointed deputy superintendent, serving in that position from 2001 to 2009. In 2009, he ran for superintendent of public instruction again, this time winning. He was reelected twice, in 2013 and 2017. Evers’ full wikipedia profile is here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Evers. Information supplied by Ballotpedia about this candidate is here: https://ballotpedia.org/Tony_Evers.
Tim Michels
According to his Wikipedia profile, Tim Michels is an American politician and businessman from Brownsville. He co-owns and co-manages Michels Corporation, a family-owned and operated construction company. He is 59, married, and the couple has three children. He graduated from Lomira High School in 1980, and obtained a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1984 from St. Norbert College. He received an MBA from the University of Chicago in 1997 and an MPA from the Illinois Institute of Technology the same year. Additionally, he served as an Airborne Ranger Infantry officer in the U.S. Army for 12 years, earning the rank of major. He is a member of the American Legion and VFW. Michels ran for a state Senate seat in 1998, losing that race to then-Sen. Scott Fitzgerald, who was succeeded by Sen. Devin LeMahieu. Michels’ full Wikipedia profile is here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Michels. Information supplied by Ballotpedia about this candidate is here: https://ballotpedia.org/Tim_Michels.
Running for Secretary of State
Doug La Follette
Doug La Follette, according to his Ballotpedia profile, has held the position of Secretary of State since 1983. According to his Wikipedia profile, he has served under six governors including Tony Earl, Tommy Thompson, Scott McCallum, Jim Doyle, Scott Walker and Tony Evers. Ballotpedia reports that La Follette ran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor in 1978.
La Follette unsuccessfully ran for Wisconsin Governor in the 2012 recall election against incumbent Gov. Scott Walker, losing in the primary. An issue in the recall election was Wisconsin Act 10, which involved collective bargaining rights. Following its passage, La Follette delayed the bill’s publication. Subsequently, a bill was passed in 2013 to strip the secretary of state of the power to delay the publication of new laws. La Follette served in the Wisconsin State Senate representing Kenosha County for one term, from 1972 to 1974. He ran for the United States Senate in 1988 and for Wisconsin’s 1st Congressional District in 1970 and 1996, losing in the primary each time. La Follette holds several degrees, including a bachelor’s degree from Marietta College earned in 1963 in business, a master’s degree from Stanford University earned in 1964 in chemistry, and a doctoral degree from Columbia University earned in 1967 in organic chemistry. He began his career as an assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. La Follette is 82. Information provided about the candidate by Ballotpedia is here: https://ballotpedia.org/Douglas_La_Follette.
Amy Loudenbeck
A member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, Amy Loudenbeck represents constituents in District 31. She has held her Assembly seat since 2011, according to her Ballotpedia profile. Loudenbeck graduated in 1991 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with two bachelor’s degrees, one in political science and a second in international relations. Loudenbeck is a former supervisor for the town of Clinton. Professionally, she has been self-employed as a business coach, compliance consultant and landlord of a mobile home park, and served as vice president of Stateline World Trade Association Board of Directors. Loudenbeck is 52 and married. According to her campaign page, Loudenbeck and her husband live in Rock County. The couple met when they were serving on a volunteer fire department and living in Walworth County. Loudenbeck’s campaign page can be found online. Information provided about the candidate by Ballotpedia is here: https://ballotpedia.org/Amy_Loudenbeck.
Sheryl McFarland
According to her campaign website, Sharyl McFarland, a member of the Green Party, “is a Milwaukee organizer working for social justice and human rights.” Among issues for which she advocates to correct are voter suppression, racial inequalities, mass incarceration, homelessness, rights for immigrants, poverty, lack of adequate transportation, and healthcare.
Information outlining the candidate’s platform is here: https://www.wisconsingreenparty.org/sharylforwi.
Neil Harmon
Libertarian Party candidate Neil Harmon offers information about his campaign through a Facebook page. Among his comments, he writes: “First off, I am a family guy and my kids are the most important aspect of my life. My wife and I have been married for over 15 years and continue to thrive. I currently have zero credit card debt so handling financials is a forte. My current job is very rewarding as I help people, through non profits, to lower prescription costs. No government involvement. I enjoy playing volleyball and traveling. I have been an advocate against blanket mandates. One of my goals if elected is to see if our money is being served well by the state. As proof in running, there is a lot of secrecy within our government and media. This is also a main reason I am running as a third party to expose the duopoly.” More information about the candidate is here: https://www.facebook.com/HarmonforSecretaryofState/.
Running for U.S. House Wisconsin District 5
Scott Fitzgerald
According to his official website, Scott Fitzgerald was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2020. Prior to his election to Congress, he served in the Wisconsin State Senate representing the 13th District from 1995 to 2021. Fitzgerald joined the U.S. Army Reserve in 1981 and was commissioned as a lieutenant in the Armor Branch in 1985. He completed the Army Command and General Staff College and served in a number of assignments during his 27 years of service, including Battalion Commander. In 2009, he retired from service at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Born in Chicago, he moved to Wisconsin, graduated from Hustisford High School, and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 1985. He is a former owner of the Dodge County Independent News in Juneau and the Watertown Daily Times. His father, Stephen Fitzgerald, was sheriff of Dodge County for 14 years, served as the U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Wisconsin and most recently served as the superintendent of the Wisconsin State Patrol until his retirement in 2016. His brother, Jeff, was an Assembly Representative from Dodge County who served as the Assembly Speaker for the 2011-2012 legislative session. Scott and his wife live in Clyman. The couple has three children. Fitzgerald’s official website can be found online. His Ballotpedia profile is here: https://ballotpedia.org/Scott_Fitzgerald.
Mike Van Someren
According to his campaign page, Mike Van Someren is the son of an over-the-road truck driver. He is a former public school basketball and football player, and played football in college at UW-Madison and UW-River Falls. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history. He holds a law degree from Marquette Law School. Van Someren began his law career in Waukesha, focusing on real estate law. He serves on the board of Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha County and the Veterans Community Foundation. He has also served as a board member of ArtWorks for Milwaukee. Van Someren is married and the couple has two children. The family lives in Delafield. His campaign page can be found online. His Ballotpedia profile is here: https://ballotpedia.org/Mike_Van_Someren.
Running for Lieutenant Governor
Sara Rodriguez
Serving in the Wisconsin Assembly representing district 13, Sara Rodriquez assumed office in 2021. District 13 includes constituents living in Brookfield, Elm Grove, and western Wauwatosa. Rodriguez, according to her Wikipedia profile, is a registered nurse. She is 47, and the parent of two children. She was born and raised in Milwaukee and holds a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience from Illinois Wesleyan University. After college, she volunteered with the Peace Corps and served for two years in Samoa. She has also volunteered with the World Health Organization. After returning to the U.S., she continued her education earning a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in nursing from John Hopkins University. Professionally, she has worked as an ER nurse at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, and at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in its Epidemic Intelligence Service from 2004 to 2006. In 2011, she returned to Wisconsin and was employed as vice president of Clinical and Analytical Services at The Benefit Services Group, Inc., until 2014. She then worked three years as vice president of Clinical Services at Honeywell Life Care Solutions. From 2017 until her campaign for the Assembly in 2020, she was vice president for Population Health and Integrated Care Management at Advocate Aurora Health. Information about the candidate as provided by Ballotpedia is here: https://ballotpedia.org/Sara_Rodriguez.
Roger Roth
President of the Wisconsin State Senate, Roger Roth has served in that body, representing constituents in the 19th district, since 2015. Prior to winning his Senate seat, he served in the Assemble, representing district 56, between 2007 and 2011, according to his Wikipedia profile. The 19th State Senate District includes northern Winnebago County and southwest Outagamie County, along with Appleton, Menasha and Neenah. Roth is 44. He was born in Appleton. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Prior to entering politics, he worked for his family’s homebuilding business and served in the Wisconsin Air National Guard, joining in 2003. He served four tours of duty during the Iraq War. During the course of his political career, according to his profile, he supported a resolution backing a Republican lawsuit challenging the Affordable Care Act, the federal health care reform legislation signed into law by President Barack Obama. Information about the candidate provided by Ballotpedia is here: https://ballotpedia.org/Roger_Roth.
Running for Wisconsin Treasurer
Aaron Richardson
Aaron Richardson does not currently have a Wikipedia profile. According to his Ballotpedia profile, Richardson was born in Madison. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay in 2000 and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2012. Richardson’s career experience includes serving as the mayor of Fitchburg and working in tech support within the Oregon School District. According to his campaign page, he is the fifth generation of his family to live in Fitchburg. Before taking his position with the Oregon School District, he worked for 16 years in marketing at various companies. He also serves as a youth basketball coach. Richardson’s campaign page can be found online. Information provided about the candidate by Ballotpedia is here: https://ballotpedia.org/Aaron_Richardson_(Wisconsin).
John Leiber
John Leiber does not currently have a Wikipedia profile. According to his Ballotpedia profile, Leiber ran for a seat in the Wisconsin State Assembly District 62. He lost that bid during the primary held in 2018. According to his campaign page, Leiber’s hometown is Racine, where, the page states, his ties go back four generations. He has served as the president of his local parks and recreation commission and as a commissioner for his local housing authority. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and earned his law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School. He is married, and the couple has three adult children. Leiber lives in Cottage Grove. His campaign page can be found online. Information provided about the candidate by Ballotpedia is here: https://ballotpedia.org/John_Leiber.
Andrew Zuelke
Constitution Party candidate Andrew Zuelke offers a blog, titled: “Wisconsin Treasurer Defender,” through which voters can learn about his political positions. Many posts are radio interviews and letters to the editor written to various newspapers across the state. In a letter he titles: “My final letter to the editor before Nov. 8th — Inflation,” he writes: “Once again, Democrat and Republican candidates are declaring that they care about us ‘more than their opponent,’ and they alone understand our issues and struggles.Why are they asking any of us for money during an inflationary cycle? They are bombarding us with text messages and mailings we didn’t ask for and hitting us up for campaign contributions we can’t afford to give. Many solicitations are from out-of-state candidates we couldn’t vote for anyway. I haven’t solicited campaign contributions from anyone. People need every penny now to buy food, gas, and other staples.” A link to the candidate’s blog is here: https://wisconsintreasurerdefender.wordpress.com.
Running for Wisconsin Senate District 11
Stephen Nass
According to his Ballotpedia profile, Stephen Nass has served in his position as State Senator for seven years, assuming office in 2015. Prior to serving in that role, he served in the State Assembly from 1990 to 2015. From 1978 to 1981, he served on the Whitewater Common Council. Nass is a graduate of Whitewater High School and holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and a master’s degree in school business management. He has served professionally as a negotiator/payroll benefits analyst. He is a member of the Wisconsin Air National Guard, and served in the Middle East in operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He also is a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Mukwonago Business Breakfast Club and Jefferson County Agribusiness Club. His official website can be found online. His Ballotpedia profile is here: https://ballotpedia.org/Stephen_Nass.
Steven Doelder
According to his Ballotpedia profile, Steven J. Doelder was born in Sheboygan. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and a graduate degree from Carthage College. According to his campaign page, Doelder also holds an associate degree from Gateway Technical College. He completed his certification in teaching chemistry awarded through UW-Madison, and has served professionally as a lifelong teacher. He has served as president of the Racine Education Association. He also has written columns for the Racine Labor paper and the Lake Geneva Regional News. Doelder is the father of two grown children. His campaign page can be found online. His Ballotpedia profile is here: https://ballotpedia.org/Steven_Doelder.
Running for Wisconsin Assembly District 33
Don Vruwink
According to his Ballotpedia profile, Don Vruwink assumed office representing the state’s 43rd Assembly District in 2017. He continues to represent the district. After legislative redistricting earlier this year, he resides and is now running for a seat in the 33rd district. According to his campaign page, Vruwink grew up on a dairy farm in central Wisconsin. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and a master’s degree in social studies from UW-Whitewater. Now retired, he spent 42 years as a school teacher, serving, since 1979, as a history teacher at Milton High School. He also served as a coach for more than 90 high school teams. After retiring in 2011, Vruwink served on the Milton City Council and the Milton School Board. He has earned a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Milton Area Chamber of Commerce. Vruwink is married and the couple has one child. Vruwink’ campaign page can be found online. His Ballotpedia profile is here: https://ballotpedia.org/Don_Vruwink.
Scott Johnson
According to his Ballotpedia profile, Scott Johnson is a Republican candidate whose name will appear on the ballot. The candidate is a resident of Jefferson. According to his Linkedin profile, Johnson has served as a consultant for Johnson Enterprises for 38 years. The company provides farm and financial management and debt restructuring services. Johnson is a former member of the Fort Atkinson School Board, serving from 1999 to 2014. During that time, he writes, “I initiated and led the process of educating the school board, administration, staff, and public on the value of utilizing Geo-Thermal Energy Technology to retrofit four of our schools; replacing old inefficient conventional HVAC systems.” Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is a graduate of the leadership program offered through the University of Wisconsin-Extension. He holds a master’s degree earned at UW-Whitewater in school business management. Johnson is a graduate of the Milton High School. His Linkedin profile can be found online. His Ballotpedia profile is here: https://ballotpedia.org/Scott_Johnson_(Wisconsin).
Running for Jefferson County Clerk of Circuit Court
Cindy Hamre Incha
Cindy Hamre Incha, Republican, is the county’s clerk. Information on Ballotpedia.org notes the following: “Cindy Hamre Incha is running for reelection to the Jefferson County Clerk of Circuit Court in Wisconsin. Incha is on the ballot in the general election on November 8, 2022.” No other information is presented about the candidate. According to her Linkedin.com profile, she is the “lead clerk” in Jefferson County.
Running for Jefferson County Sheriff
Paul Milbrath
Paul Milbrath, Republican, is the Jefferson County Sheriff. Information on Ballotpedia.org notes the following: “Paul Milbrath is running for reelection to the Jefferson County Sheriff in Wisconsin. Milbrath is on the ballot in the general election on November 8, 2022.” No other information is presented about the candidate.
Richard and Margaret Saur of Fort Atkinson sign in with pollworker Arlene Strunk at the Fort Atkinson Municipal Building during the spring general election. Voters will head to the polls again Tuesday to vote in the fall general election. File photo/Chris Spangler.
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