MADISON, Wis. – Senator Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point), leader of the Committee to Elect a
Republican Senate (CERS), released the following statement after Dianne Hesselbein and Jeff Smith
worked with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel to issue a “story” where they actively work to defame
Michele Magadance Skinner:


“Absurd claims by Minority Leader Hesselbein that Michele should drop out of the race are completely
unfounded. Claims that Michele and her husband have “spent years defrauding taxpayers” are completely
false and blatant lies.


“An elected Senator falsely accusing an upstanding citizen of our state of a crime for political gain should
shock and appall us all. Governor Evers said Hesselbein has Democratic Senators (like Jeff Smith)
“wrapped around her finger.” I hope members of her caucus are willing to draw the line at falsely
accusing their political opponents of crimes. If this witch-hunt is how Minority Leader Hesselbein is
leading her caucus, I’m deeply concerned for the future of our state.


“Democrats will stop at nothing to grab power and will do anything to deflect Jeff Smith’s horrible voting
record. The real story is: Jeff Smith could have saved healthcare in the Chippewa Valley, but when he had
the chance, he voted no. Jeff Smith could have ended the 400-year veto and lowered property taxes across
our state, but when he had the chance, he voted no. Jeff Smith could have returned the state’s surplus
directly to Wisconsinites, but when he had the chance, he voted no. What did Jeff Smith vote yes on?
Giving himself a taxpayer funded raise in the middle of a recession.


“The poll released by Smith’s allies may show him in the lead, but what democrats don’t want
Wisconsinites to know is that after voters hear about Smith’s record they had a resounding response:
Michele Magadance Skinner for the 31st State Senate District.”