MADISON, Wis. – In case you missed it, Wisconsin State Senator and President Pro Tempore Patrick Testin and State Senator Howard Marklein held a press conference outlining the final stretch before Election Day and how the 17th Senate District is going to be one of the key seats that is going to ultimately determine the balance of control within the Wisconsin State Senate. You can watch the full remarks in the linked video. 

EXCERPT FROM SENATOR TESTIN: 

I’m proud to be here today to stand in support with my good friend Senator Howard Marklein, because this race is a sharp contrast between someone with a proven record of getting stuff done for folks in the district, and someone who has lied about fighting for you. 

Howard Marklein has delivered for our farmers, small businesses, and families over and over again. He helped our farmers by delivering a $150 million dollar investment for the agricultural road improvement program, which helps our farm-to-market roads in each of the last two budgets. Howard understands fiscal responsibility and has always delivered fair, conservative budgets for the hardworking families of southwestern Wisconsin. As it relates to healthcare, Howard was instrumental in delivering postpartum healthcare coverage for moms and more protection for sexual assault victims. Over and over again, Howard has delivered for rural Wisconsin. 

I know Howard, and he has worked tirelessly to fight rising costs, secure funding for local hospitals and clinics that serve as the backbone of our healthcare system, and expanded access to mental health care services and support for our public schools and children. Despite the desperate smears and lies against them, he’s actually one of those crazy people that likes campaigning and running for re-election because it gives him an opportunity to talk directly to voters. 

Judge Howard by his record. 

He has worked to lower the cost of living, stand up for our way of life, and works across party lines to make state government work better for the people of Wisconsin. Even the Wisconsin State Journal endorsed Howard. Unheard of for a Republican, but that just tells you there is something special here in southwestern Wisconsin, and people want a common sense legislator who has a proven track record of fighting for them. 

It’s a sharp contrast to Jenna Jacobson, who can’t even tell us what she truly believes. Don’t forget that after the state assembly wrapped up the legislative session, Jacobson added her name to dozens of pieces of legislation to try and pad her political resume. 

. . .

This is slimy politics at its absolute worst. Jenna Jacobson cannot be trusted, and I think in just a few short days, the voters of this district are going to see through her house of cards that are made entirely of lies, and voters are going to send Howard Marklein back to the State Senate. 

EXCERPT FROM SENATOR MARKLEIN: 

I’m proud of the work that I’ve done here in Southwest Wisconsin. I’ve delivered results. 

Leadership isn’t about empty promises; it’s about getting things done. The ag road improvement program is something that I authored along with State Representative Travis Tranel here in Southwest Wisconsin. For the last two budgets, we put in $150 million dollars to help our rural roads. I’m proud of the work we’ve done for the farmers in this area. 

. . .

I don’t mind getting out and meeting people. I don’t mind knocking on doors. Talk to my wife, I’m never home because every night there’s something going on. Last night I was in Crawford County at a towns [association] unit meeting. Got home at 10:30 or whatever last night, and I can guarantee you my opponent was not there. She hasn’t been out in Southwest Wisconsin a whole lot. 

So I’m asking for your vote in 13 days. I’ve worked hard for the communities that I represent. I’m a farm boy. I don’t know anything other than to work hard, and I’ve worked hard in the past, and I’ll continue to work hard in the future.