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Dear Editor;
More than usual is at stake in the 17th State Senate District race. Why? Because control of the State Senate may very well depend on the outcome of this race! If the Democrats hold on to their current seats and can flip two Republican seats, they will have a majority in the Senate.
The incumbent is Republican Howard Marklein, an accountant and a strong supporter of Governor Walker's policies. Unfortunately, under Walker's watch, rural areas have suffered from underfunded schools, deteriorating roads, environmental degradation, lack of broadband internet service, and weakening of local control.
Marklein is being challenged by Kriss Marion, a popular progressive Democrat who runs an organic family farm/bed and breakfast and serves on the Lafayette County Board. Marion is and has been a passionate advocate for small towns, family farms, Main Streets and natural resources. Her spirited campaign has gained a lot of local as well as statewide support. Her many endorsements include
Wisconsin AFL/CIO, Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters, Sierra Club, WEAC (Wisconsin Education Association Council), and Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin.
Because of the importance of this race, and Kriss Marion's strong showing, the Republican party has made funding Marklein's campaign a priority. Those of us who want a brighter future for rural southwestern Wisconsin now need to make support of Kriss Marion our priority. Yes, she needs your vote, but just as important, she needs your volunteer help, needs you to reach out to friends and neighbors on her behalf, needs to see you at one of her campaign events, needs your financial contribution. Reclaiming our democracy is going to require more of us than merely voting.
Recognizing the importance of this race, SWWAP (Southwestern Wisconsin Area Progressives) and The Progressive Trolls of Mount Horeb are sponsoring a "Take Back the Senate" benefit concert on Saturday, October 6, 7:30 pm, at the old District #1 School House, 110 N. Second St. in Mt Horeb. Proceeds from this fun event will go to Kriss Marion's campaign. Music by the Lakeview Ramblers. Hear from the candidate and other speakers. Refreshments will be served.

Allen and Judy Pincus
Barneveld, WI