Mark Honadel has yet to officially step down from his Assembly seat, but the search for candidates is in full swing.
The Wisconsin State Journal and Oak Creek Patch have stories, including this information …
But Jessie Rodriguez, who is making plans to run for an Assembly seat soon to be vacated by Rep. Mark Honadel, R-South Milwaukee, could represent a significant step forward in the state GOP’s attempts to diversify.
Rodriguez is an outreach coordinator for Hispanics for School Choice, a non-profit advocacy group that pushes for the expansion of private voucher schools. It has close links to several Republicans, such as former Department of Administration Secretary Jim Klauser, the group’s advisory chairman. The group is also tight with socially conservative Christian groups, as illustrated by the motto on the group’s website: “Faith, Family, Freedom.”
Rodriguez did not respond to emails seeking comment. So far, she appears to have registered a campaign website but the content, if any exists, is still not publicly accessible. She has a Facebook campaign page up which includes a short statement declaring her support for local government and school accountability.
The district, which includes South Milwaukee and Oak Creek, leans Republican but is competitive. Mitt Romney edged out President Obama in the district last year, 51-49. But in a low-turnout special election, the Republican advantage is typically greater, meaning Democrats have an uphill battle.
The district is only seven percent Hispanic but in a swing district, that bloc of voters is too sizable to ignore.
Joel Gratz, executive director of the Assembly Democratic Campaign Committee, says Democrats expect to have an announced candidate next week and hope to avoid a primary.
“It’s a very winnable seat so finding the best candidate and getting them a quick, strong start will be important to winning it,” he says.
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