Ashland, WI - As another sign that Wisconsin's 7th Congressional Race will be in the national spotlight this election season, the New York Times today placed it front and center.  In a story printed on the front page of Sunday's paper, Ashland County District Attorney Sean Duffy is described as "one of the most aggressive challengers to Mr. Obey since he went to Washington in 1969."

With a byline of Ashland, WI the story begins:
"Representative David R. Obey has won 21 straight races, easily prevailing through wars and economic crises that have spanned presidencies from Nixon's to Obama's. Yet the discontent with Washington surging through politics is now threatening not only his seat but also Democratic control of Congress." It's encouraging to see the national media picking up on our area voters' dissatisfaction with David Obey.  David Obey left his constituents a long time ago.  His votes and D.C. residence speak volumes about how out of touch he is," Duffy said.  "My campaign is offering real representation from someone who has been listening and understands first hand the concerns and needs of Wisconsin's families.  Voters want more of Wisconsin in Washington, not the other way around."

 

New York Times National Political Correspondent Jeff Zeleny was in Ashland this week to sit down with District Attorney Duffy and talk about a race that prior to this year was all but a foregone conclusion.  Due to Duffy's viability and Obey's vulnerability this district is considered competitive by many in political circles, including the Cook Political Report and Rothenberg Political Report.

 

"It isn't just a national mood that makes Obey vulnerable.  He has decided that he cares more about his ideological agenda and special interests than what is best for the economy and families of Wisconsin.  When that happens, it's time to retire," Duffy said.  "He wrote the failed stimulus bill.  He presided over the final vote of the health care takeover.  He has been a lock step liberal on many issues for many years.  When people say they are upset with Washington, David Obey is 'Mr. Washington.'"

 

The New York Times story adds to a list of national publications that have put Wisconsin's 7th Congressional seat in the spotlight.  Other features have been written by the Wall Street Journal, National Review, Time Magazine, Congressional Quarterly, and the Washington Independent.

 

To read the story, go to http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/25/us/politics/25campaign.html?hp

 

To learn more about Sean Duffy, go to www.duffyforcongress.com

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