A dozen state legislators and challengers participated in regional legislative candidate forums at MATC’s Portage, Reedsburg and South Madison campuses October 26, 27 and 30. In the past, all candidates were asked to attend a single forum at Truax. Because MATC serves such a large area, and because most of the contested races this year are outside of Madison, we decided to host a series of forums throughout our district. Unfortunately, events could not be held in Watertown and Fort Atkinson due to schedule conflicts or lack of response from the candidates.

Not only did the regional forums offer local voters a chance to interact with their candidates; they also made the candidates more aware of how state issues affect MATC. The following candidates participated:

Thursday, Oct. 26 MATC South Madison Community Campus

48th Assembly District
Rep. Joe Parisi, Democratic candidate

80th Assembly District
Rep. Brett Davis, Republican candidate
Janis Ringhand, Democratic candidate

Friday, Oct. 27 MATC-Reedsburg

17th Senate District
Sen. Dale Schultz, Republican candidate
John Simonson, Democratic candidate

Friday, Oct. 27 MATC-Portage

42nd Assembly District
Tim Henney, Democratic candidate
Rep. “Doc” Hines, Republican candidate

47th Assembly District
Rep. Eugene Hahn, Republican candidate
Meagan Yost, Democratic candidate

Monday, Oct. 30 MATC-Reedsburg

50th Assembly District
Rep. Sheryl Albers, Republican candidate
Will Buros, Democratic candidate

51st Assembly District
Steve Hilgenberg, Democratic candidate

MATC-Portage students, staff and local citizens packed the house to hear candidates in the 42 and 47th Assembly Districts.

North campus manager Diane Jetzer, MATC President Bettsey Barhorst and student moderator Sharilyn Forbes pose with candidates Rep. Gene Hahn (R), Meagan Yost (D), Rep. "Doc" Hines (R) and Tim Henney (D).

80th Assembly District candidates Rep. Brett Davis (R) and Janis Ringhand (D) and 48th District Rep. Joe Parisi (D) listen to a question at the South Madison forum.

South Madison moderator Mariah Clark addresses the candidates as President Barhorst and Assoc. Vice President for Diversity Maria Banuelos listen.

50th Assembly District candidates Will Buros (D) and Rep. Sheryl Albers (R) at Monday's Reedsburg forum.

Also participating in the Reedsburg event was 51st Assembly District candidate Steve Hilgenberg (D). An earlier Reedsburg forum featured Sen. Dale Schultz (R) and his opponent, John Simonson (D) from the 17th Senate District.

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