(The Center Square) – Candidates for Wisconsin’s 61st assembly district have not substantially addressed what polling suggests are the voters’ top two concerns.
The district is considered a toss-up, and polls say important issues to Wisconsinites are the economy and immigration. Rep. Bob Donovan, R-Greenfield, and LuAnn Bird, D-Hales Corners, have each put more focus on public safety and education.
Donovan, drawn into the 7th Assembly District but opting to run in the 61st, faces challenger Martin Gomez of Greenfield in the Republican primary on Aug. 13. A campaign website for Gomez was not found, and his social media presence is on his personal page.
On both his website and social media, Donovan has focused on public safety issues, which he attributes to lack of police support. Bird also highlights public safety in her campaign, but with a focus on gun violence.
Donovan often bashes the Milwaukee public school system on social media for what he calls failed leadership and misuse of public funds. Bird, who served on school boards for 10 years, consistently praises the school system.
As for the economy and immigration, Donovan has mentioned the economy and the border on occasion. Bird has mentioned lowering costs for Wisconsinites briefly on her campaign page.
Bird is for abortion rights and recently endorsement by the Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin. According to polls, the third-most important issue for voters is abortion access. The district is heavily suburban.
Donovan represents District 84, where he ran against Bird in 2022 and narrowly won with 51% of the vote. Their rematch in District 61, which is 50.8% Republican, could help dictate which party wins majority of the state Assembly.
