Brad Pfau and Derrick Van Orden square ou for the seat held by Ron Kind in Wisconsin’s Third Congressional District since 1996.

Kind, a moderate Democrat, announced his intention not to seek re-election on Aug.

10, 2021. Pfau, who received Kind’s endorsement, emerged the winner of the Democratic ticket after the August primary narrowed the field. Van Orden is a retired Navy Seal who currently resides in Prairie du Chien. He did not respond to the Journal’s re- quest to fill out a question naire.

Brad Pfa (D) Age: 54 Education: Master’s in Public Education – George Mason University; Bachelor of Science – University of Wisconsin-Green Bay; Melrose- Mindoro High School Occupation/employment experience: State Senator Political experience: I’m a current state Senator where I serve on the Agriculture Committee, Transportation Committee, Economic Development and Workforce Development Committee, and the Committee on Higher Education. Before that, I was the Secretary of Agriculture of the State of Wisconsin. From 2009 to 2017, I served in senior leadership roles at the US Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency; including as Wisconsin state director.

Community service: Mindoro Lutheran Church council member, member of Downtown La Crosse Rotary Club, former member of La Crosse County Board of Supervisors Family: My family has been here in western Wisconsin since the 1800s. I was born and raised on my family dairy farm in northern La Crosse County. I met my wife Betty at a 4-H luncheon here in western Wisconsin. And we have two college aged children, Lizzie and Andrew, who attend UW-Madison. Betty and I live with our dog, Pablo, in Onalaska.

Why are you running for this position? What value would you bring to the table for constituents?

I’m running to bring western Wisconsin values to Washington. I have deep roots in this district. I was born here, met my wife here, and raised my family here as well. Now, more than ever in Washington, we need more of our values present in the halls of Congress. Values that prioritize hard work over partisanship and getting things done over showmanship. So that’s why I’m running. To make western Wisconsin the best place to live, work, and raise a family and to always prioritize people over poli-

tics.

What do you feel is the most important issue to your constituents?

First and foremost, it’s addressing the rising costs that have impacted our country today. Whether it be at the gas pump or the grocery chcckout line, too many hardworking Wisconsinites are living paycheck to paycheck. I’m the only candidate in this race that has developed a plan to begin to right those wrongs. A plan that strengthens our supply chains, brings back our manufacturing jobs and that works to make more things here in Wisconsin and America again.

How do you propose to address funding for public education? Local districts are claiming they arc facing a “financial cliff' due to being forced to use ESSER funds for operational costs.

The state has to step up to fully fund public education. In rural Wisconsin, in particular, we rely on public schools to educate our kids. But recently our public school system has been undermined, attacked, and mistreated. Let me be clear, not a single tax dollar should be diverted into private education programs. In the richest country on earth, it’s unacceptable we’re complacent in sending our children to underfunded schools. If politicians say they support our children and students, then we need to put our money where our mouth is.

Tell us how you would address inflation concerns and bring economic prosperity to your constituents.

In the last 30 years, both Republicans and Democrats have become reliant on an economy that ships our manufacturing jobs overseas. As a result, we don’t make things in America anymore. We rely on foreign countries and workers. We’re now reaping the consequences of an economic policy that rewards that type of outsourcing. 1 believe in order to fix our supply chain and bring down costs we need to be investing in manufacturing jobs here in America and I’ve developed a plan to do just that; a plan that lowers costs by bringing jobs overseas, holds China accountable for its manipulative practices on the world stage, and provides tax incentives for companies who re-locate back to America.

Where do you stand on the abortion issue? Why?

I believe that women should make their own healthcare decisions. When my wife Betty had a complicated pregnancy, the decisions we had to make were up to us and us alone. The room was small enough for our doctor, Betty, and me. There wasn’t room for politicians or Supreme Court justices.

How will you work with colleagues of the opposite party for the good of your constituents? How can compromises be made so legislation that helps Wisconsinites can move forward?

For 40 years this district has been represented by moderates (one Republican and one Democrat). I believe it’s that type of representation that this district is used to and it’s the model I’ll use in Congress. Growing up on a farm, it didn’t matter what political affiliation your neighbor was – if they needed help, you helped them out. I’m the only person in this race who will prioritize that kind of leadership and bipartisanship.

Where do you stand on gun control/Second Amendment rights?

I believe that if you are a responsible gun owner, your rights to own a gun shouldn't be infringed upon. But if you pose to be a danger to yourself or others then you shouldn’t have access to a gun. I also believe in sensible legislation that gun owners, alike, agree with: like universal background checks, banning ghost guns (which have the support of most police departments), and closing the Charleston loophole. For loo long gun rights have been politicized to a point where it’s hard to get anything done – when the reality is most gun owners agree, there are sensible solutions that both protect our rights, but keep us all safe.

What is your favorite thing about Wisconsin?

Aside from this being the place where 1 was born. raised, and raised my own family, I love the beautiful topography of the 3rd Congressional District. Western Wisconsin is unique to any place in the state. Its rolling hills, coulees, and valleys arc remarkable, especially this time of year as the fall colors light up the countryside. We’re very lucky to be living in a place as beautiful as this.

Is there anything else voters should know about you that would help in their decision- making process?

Voters in Wisconsin face a stark choice this election. Derrick Van Orden has proven to not be fit for Congress. He’s currently on probation for trying to take a loaded gun onto an airplane. He has a recorded history of verbal and sexual harassment of women. And he participated in the armed insurrection on Jan. 6 that left Capitol Police officers dead. Wisconsin doesn’t need somebody going to Washington with the intent of burning it down. They need somebody who is focused on the kitchen table issues impacting them. And that’s why I believe I’m the best choice on your ballot this November. I humbly ask for your vote.

Derrick Van Orden (R)

Did not respond

Derrick Van Orden