By Kathleen Foody

Republican congressional candidate Sean Duffy blasted Republicans and Democrats alike for representing parties rather than people and said Monday that he wants to have "an adult conversation" on Social Security reform, economic recovery legislation and other contentious issues.

"I think the American people will speak (this fall) and say, 'Stop representing your parties and start representing us,'" Duffy said.

Duffy, the former district attorney for Ashland County, met with the Wausau Daily Herald's Editorial Board Monday afternoon. He faces Rudolph farmer Dan Mielke in the Republican primary for the 7th U.S. Congressional District.

Four candidates are seeking to replace retiring longtime Rep. Dave Obey, D-Wausau. State Sen. Julie Lassa of Stevens Point and Superior real estate agent Don Raihala are seeking the Democratic nomination.

With three weeks remaining before the primary, Duffy was short on policy specifics and acknowledged during his meeting with the Editorial Board that he is sticking to broad themes during this part of his campaign.

He said he prefers open discussion on the best strategies for spurring economic growth, curbing illegal immigration and trimming federal spending.

Asked how a freshman lawmaker could manage to work with the opposing party without retribution from other Republicans, Duffy said he doesn't plan to toe a party line.

"I'm running as a Republican, but I'm running to represent the people here," he said. "If I have hell to pay here, that's one thing. I don't care if I've got hell to pay from the party."

Duffy stopped short of suggesting his preferred reforms for Social Security, except to say he does not support privatizing the system.

"One component I don't think is part of the equation is privatizing Social Security," Duffy said. "Privatizing is not an option."

Lassa's campaign fired off an e-mailed news release shortly after the Editorial Board meeting ended, accusing Duffy of "hiding his reckless support to privatize Social Security."

Her campaign has hit Duffy hard on Social Security, pointing to previous statements he made in support of Rep. Paul Ryan's "Roadmap for America's Future" and a large fundraiser for his campaign featuring former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich in July.

"I've said I'll talk about it, I'll put everything on the table," Duffy said. "And because I've said that, Julie Lassa has thrown bombs at me. I'm acknowledging there's a problem."

The primary is Sept. 14. The general election is Nov. 2.