Republican Candidate Tate Barber early marijuana statement
I am an activist from the 41st Assembly District in Wisconsin. It is rural district with Ripon being the largest city within it, about 7,810 is the population. Ripon is in Fond du Lac County but not much more than the city of Ripon in that county is actually in District 41.
Some quick stats: Fond du lac County had 1 marijuana arrest cases for every 696 residents in 2018. As rural as it is, the Assembly District 41 is primarily Green Lake County, which had 1 marijuana case for every 193 residents in 2018, cracking the top 10 of the highest arrest ratio counties. (Waushara County is the highest with 1 marijuana case for every 120 residents!) Over the last decade Rep. Ballweg and Senator Olsen have always spoke to me about the issue and seemed sympathetic, but in the end, they have been pathetic on the issue.
Joan Ballweg pounced on Luther Olsen Senate seat when she called dibs, and so far no one challenged her … that is the old school Republican way solidified in the Reagan era and it probably will not change soon. Running against a Republican incumbent might be a no-no, but when it comes to filling that vacant seat, expect a primary with a few elephant contenders and we hope someone comes forward to challenge her for the Senate seat and forces and Republican primary.
In the 41st assembly district, and that of the 14th Senate District, history shows taking the Republican primary, takes the seat. I researched as far back as I could and although the district boundaries change and sway, a Democrat has never held either seat.
So if history repeats itself, it comes down to the Republican primary in November 2020 for both the Senate and Assembly, lets look at our competitors in the Assembly District. I saw Alex Dallman, Green Lake Party Chair announce his intent on Feb 28th, 2020 but it turns out the early bird in the registration department goes to the young Republican Tate Barber as he filed his campaign registration statement Feb 25th, 2020. No Democrat was listed as registered for the 41st Assembly District.
The campaign of Republican Tate Barber did contact our office via email with press release of the campaign. Without public information on his website about marijuana reform we replied and asked if they needed information about marijuana reform or if the campaign formulated a stance on the issue. We received a reply from Tate saying:
” I support legalization of marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes.”
Thanks,Tate Barber
Here is a copy of his Campaign Press Release:
Visit https://www.tateforwisconsin.com/ for more information!
20-YEAR-OLD TATE BARBER HOPES TO BE JOAN BALLWEG’S SUCCESSOR IN STATE ASSEMBLY
[Ripon, WI, March 9, 2020] Tate Barber, a lifelong native of Ripon, formally announced at the Birthplace of the Republican Party on Monday that he will be seeking candidacy in Wisconsin’s 41st Assembly district. The seat is currently held by Rep. Joan Ballweg who is running for State Senate.
“I’ve seen first-hand the impact that post-partisan legislation can have, and I want to carry that into the State Assembly. In a society that is too polarized, it’s time for a young leader to come in and make a difference. Working across the aisle is the only way to get that done. It’s time to stop playing politics and start getting to work,” announced Barber. “My neighbors here in the 41st district deserve someone who is going to look out for their best interests.”
Barber is confident that he is the man for the job, despite his age. “Many folks just find it refreshing to see a candidate who is willing to work across the aisle. It doesn’t matter how old or experienced you are; if you refuse to work with the other side, all that experience is worthless because you won’t accomplish anything.”
Tate Barber is a Ripon High School graduate and lifelong resident of the district. He is currently receiving his BA in Political Science at St. Norbert College, and has spent his spring semester in Washington D.C., working for a nonpartisan nonprofit organization. “Spending a couple months outside of the district has really opened up my worldview,” added Barber. “I have a lot of new ideas that I’m excited to bring to my district.”
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For more information, please contact Tate Barber for Wisconsin at contact@tateforwisconsin.com or 920-291-8283.