As U.S. Rep. Mark Green, R-Green Bay, continues to put up a fight for the Capitol, the race for the 8th Congressional District seat he abdicated may be leaning a different way.
Republican John Gard, hand-picked by Green to run for the 8th District seat, is four-to-eight percentage points behind challenger Democrat Steve Kagen in several recent polls conducted by Maslin Maulin and Associates and the Mellman Group.
Kagen spokesperson Stephanie Lundberg said the polls convey her district's desire for a change in party representation. Though typically represented by Republicans, Lundberg said voters want change and Kagen provides an alternative option.
""As [Kagen] says, ‘It's time for a doctor to clean up the house,'"" Lundberg said.
According to a statement by wispolitics.com, Republican pollster Gene Ulm said Gard will face difficulties in the traditionally conservative 8th Congressional District, partly because of Bush's lack of popularity.
Strategic Vision, a public relations agency, conducted interviews with 800 Wisconsin residents, asking several questions regarding Bush's policies. The poll results from these interviews could be problematic for Gard and the Republicans.
Fifty-six percent of those interviewed disapprove of Bush's performance, 60 percent disapprove of Bush's economic policies, and more than two-thirds of those interviewed disapprove of Bush's handling of the war in Iraq.
Gard spokesperson Christine Mangi admitted her campaign faces obstacles.
""The bottom line is we know it's a tough race, we know we have to fight for every vote and we don't take anything for granted,"" Mangi said.
However, Gard's campaign still feels their message resonates with the district.
""We feel very good about this race,"" Mangi said.
On a national level, the race between Gard and Kagen has the potential to decide which party holds a majority in the house.
Lundberg said her campaign understands the implications of this election.
""The Republicans currently hold majority, but there is a real opportunity for Democrats to take back the house, and this is one of those races that fits into that plan,"" Lundberg said.
Similarly, Mangi said the 8th District race is important on several levels.
""Clearly this election will have a significant impact on the future direction of the country and the state,"" Mangi said.
