Secretary Of State Race Could Face Debate Over Electoral Issues

For the first time in decades, the election for Wisconsin Secretary of State could involve debate over an issue. Republican candidate, State Representative Amy Loudenbeck would like the Legislature to restore elections oversight to the office.

“I think that I have a great relationship with the legislature, who would be the ones to decide if they want to transfer any duties or powers to the Secretary of State. And I don’t think those conversations are going to happen with Doug LaFollette still in office.”

Incumbent Democrat Doug LaFollette says that’s a bad idea

“In Wisconsin we’ve had a very good record, going back almost 50 years, of having an independent election board, or election commission, to keep politics out of the office.”

The Secretary of State has not had election oversight in Wisconsin since 1973 – a year before La Follette was first elected to the office. LaFollette says he’ll make a decision soon, on whether to seek another term.

A candidate running for Secretary of State says she hopes to use the office as a platform to restore faith in the election process.