Poll shows more Wisconsinites identifying with Republicans

LA CROSSE (WPR) At least three Democratically-held seats in southwestern Wisconsin are being contested for this year’s mid-term elections.  Meanwhile, a new study shows party support nationwide shifting to the right.

The Gallup findings say around 48 percent of 7,900 people surveyed in Wisconsin supported Democrats in 2009 while 36 percent favored Republicans.  That’s a six percentage point drop in Democratic support from 2008. 

Republican State Sen. Dan Kapanke of La Crosse says it’s a sign people are looking for change at the state and federal level.  He’s running against Democratic Congressman Ron Kind this fall.  He says people are frustrated Congress spent last year on healthcare reform, and that the priorities have to be addressing people’s needs and fiscal responsibility. 

Ed Thompson, a Republican running for Democratic State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout’s seat, agrees.  Thompson says it’s the economy, less taxes and more jobs.

However, Dems like Kind and State Rep. Mark Radcliffe -- who's also being challenged by Republicans this fall -- say they’ve been working on just that.  But, they say the parties aren't playing fair.  Kind hopes the policy of obstruction isn’t a short-term political strategy because a working partnership is needed.

Radcliffe is in his first term, and says he came into office “at a very difficult time” for the state of Wisconsin. He says blaming problems on who was in power is a waste of energy.

All agree there needs to be less bickering and more listening among state and federal lawmakers.

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Information from Wisconsin Public Radio, www.wpr.org