Hoping to cement his position as frontrunner and pad his war chest for a probable general election, state Assembly Speaker John Gard, R-Peshtigo, welcomed Vice President Dick Cheney to his district for a congress campaign fundraiser last Monday. Cheney's presence at the $500-per-plate fundraiser in Lawrence, Wis., Gard hailed the polarizing political figure.Cheney's visit widened his fundraising edge over primary opponent state Rep. Terri McCormick, R-Appleton.The event sought to solidify a pivotal race in the fight for control of the U.S. House of Representatives in the upcoming elections. According to recent Federal Election Commission filings, the 8th Congressional District is one of the top 10 most expensive races for both parties, signaling its importance in the next election cycle.The seat moved from safely Republican to a competitive race when U.S. Rep. Mark Green, R-Green Bay, announced his candidacy for governor. For the Democrats, a competitive primary is expected between Dr. Steve Kagan, former Brown County Executive Nancy Nussbaum and business consultant Jamie Wall. The visit has already drawn strong reactions from Democrats.In a statement released March 13, Democrats blasted Gard's association with Cheney. Party chair Joe Wineke said, Gard's decision to accept campaign cash raised by a Vice President referred to as the ‘Velcro Veep' because of his central role in most of the Bush Administration's scandals, shows how out of touch Gard is with the values and priorities of Wisconsin's working families.\ Brian Schactman, chair of the UW-Madison College Democrats said Gard's possible election could be detrimental to the state of Wisconsin.""John Gard's agenda is defined by misplaced priorities and is counterproductive to Wisconsin voters,"" Schactman said. ""At a time when public confidence in the assembly is at an all time low with Gard at the helm, it is no surprise that his campaign has turned to such a polarizing figure to energize his base."" Republicans had a different take on the visit and see the Veep's presence as a positive for the Gard campaign. ""Dick Cheney came to shore up the base. The 8th district is a Republican district and we expect to retain control of it in November,"" said Jordan Smith, chair of the UW-Madison College Republicans. ""Gard has been positive for the Assembly, and I believe that he will make a great Congressman.""
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