The Notable Nine: Freshmen Democrats to Watch

One of the best outcomes of the 2004 election in Wisconsin was the Freshmen class of Democrats elected to the Assembly. To the person, you have a group of committed Democrats who want to move Wisconsin forward and are anxious to work hard to get it done. I wish every legislator had their energy level. If they did, we would be in charge.

Let me introduce this notable class:

State Rep. Chuck Benedict – District 45: A retired physican, Benedict knows the health care system well, and he supports single payer coverage. Talk about an expert witness! He’s a very likeable, smart legislator who serves the Beloit area very well.

State Rep. Jason Fields – District 11: Fields works diligently on behalf of women, minorities and veteran owned businesses to ensure equal opportunity to economic development for all. He knows what he’s talking about; he’s a licensed securities broker and investment-banking associate. Not many Republicans can match that experience.

State Rep. Tamara Grigsby – District 18: As a former social worker and adjunct professor, Grigsby knows families and family law like no other. Add an outspoken attitude about her progressive values, and you have a legislator to be reckoned with in the future. Milwaukee is well served by a true advocate who knows how to get things done.

State Rep. Gary Hebl – District 46: Hebl has become a name associated with genuine likeability in the State Capitol. Gary is no exception. A private practice attorney recognized multiple times for his ability, Hebl makes a great addition to the caucus and well represents his district. Watch for him on the floor. Republicans, watch out for him on the floor.

State Rep. Fred Kessler – District 12: Calling Kessler a “Freshman” is a bit of a misnomer. Actually, Fred was elected to the legislature at the age of 20 in 1960 and served five terms. Then he went on to be a County and Circuit court judge for a span of two decades. A dedicated progressive, Kessler knows what he talks about and gets things done.

State Rep. Thomas Nelson – District 5: Nelson won the upset election of 2004, defeating a Republican incumbent. He’s smart, energetic, hard-working and a rising star. You can get tired just watching him in action. Keep it up Tom!

State Rep. Joe Parisi – District 48: As a former Dane County Clerk, Parisi knows election law better than just about anyone. No, he knows it more than anyone, period. Joe is a truly committed progressive who represents Dane County in the fine tradition of Sen. Mark Miller. Watch Parisi go far in this business.

State Rep. Donna Seidel – District 85: Seidel was the Clerk of Courts in Marathon County for 16 years prior to being elected to the legislature. Prior to that, she was a police officer with the Wausau Police department and an investigator for the District Attorney’s office. Talk about law enforcement credentials! Best part, she’s smart on crime, not just tough on it. Go Donna!

State Rep. Mike Sheridan – District 44: Janesville did a very smart thing when it sent Sheridan to the legislature. Mike is the President of his United Auto Workers local. Sheridan is committed to economic justice in the very best sense. He’s also smart and outgoing. His expertise will help working families across the state. Thank him.

That’s the group. They’re impressive. Watch for them as the session continues. They make me hopeful as a progressive, and I hope they make you hopeful too.