WISCONSIN
Population (1994): 5,082,000 (up 3.9% from 1990), 2% of U.S. total
Voting-age population: 3,777,000; 1994 turnout, 41%
Median age: 32.9 years
Median household income: $35,388 ($3,124 above U.S. median)
Unemployment: 3.7% (1.9% below U.S. average, March 1996)
Last presidential election: Clinton (D): 41% Bush (R): 37% Perot (I): 22%
Congressional delegation: Five Democrats, six Republicans
The first state of the old Midwest, Wisconsin has long been on the forefront of political change. The G.O.P. has roots to the progressive politics of 19th century German settlers, and the state's welfare system served as a model for the 1996 national welfare-reform bill. In a state known for harsh winters and short summers, favorite pastimes include watching hockey and the Green Bay Packers with their devoted "Cheesehead" fans. The Badger State has nine House seats, and with two being vacated by the G.O.P. and another held by a freshman, the Republicans need an escape act similar to native son Harry Houdini's to continue their 2-1 House majority.
MARK NEUMANN (R) District 1 (Southeast--Racine; Kenosha)
BORN: Feb. 27, 1954, East Troy EDUCATION: U of Wisconsin at Whitewater, B.S., 1975; U of Wisconsin at River Falls, M.S., 1977 FAMILY: Wife, Sue; three children RELIGION: Lutheran MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Home builder; real estate broker; teacher POLITICAL CAREER: U.S. House, 1994- ADDRESS: 17 South River Street, Suite 253, Janesville 53545. Tel.: 608-756-3776
Neumann won by only 1,120 votes in 1994, when voters everywhere kicked Democrats out of Congress. This year, with the Republicans up for a turn at vilification, Neumann may have a close race on his hands. He hopes to continue his efforts at balancing the budget: in his freshman term, he proposed "Operation Clean Sweep" and "America's Contract with Our Children," both designed to attack spending while preserving entitlements.
THE ISSUES Budget NR Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NR Gays NR Bosnia YES NAFTA NR Welfare YES Medical Leave NR (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)
QUOTE OF NOTE: "The people of the First District of Wisconsin sent me to Washington, D.C., to balance the budget. I gave my word that I would do just that."
LYDIA SPOTTSWOOD (D) District 1
BORN: May 6, 1951, New York City EDUCATION: U of Virginia, B.S., 1974 FAMILY: Husband; Paul; three children RELIGION: Congregationalist MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Nurse POLITICAL CAREER: Kenosha city council, 1990- ADDRESS: 5607-09 Seventh Avenue, P.O. Box 1096, Kenosha 53141. Tel.: 414-656-9696
A six-year Kenosha city councilwoman, Spottswood wants to become Wisconsin's first woman in Congress as well. A pro-choice advocate who works for domestic-violence awareness, she supports the assault-weapons ban and the Brady Bill, and wants to protect educational programs like Head Start and student loans. G.O.P. freshman Mark Neumann may be vulnerable here, where voters re-elected Democrat Les Aspin 11 times.
THE ISSUES
Budget NO Medicare NO Defense NO Abortion NO Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)