Republican Marklein Wins Schultz’s Open Seat In Senate

The Republican’s retention of state Senate control happened in part thanks to Republican Howard Marklein’s key victory in the district represented by retiring Sen. Dale Schultz.

Marklein hugged his family at his election night party in Spring Green once they realized he had secured enough votes to keep the 17th District in Republican hands. In a banquet room at Arthur’s Supper Club, he thanked cheering volunteers who traveled from all over the expansive, southwestern district to support him.

As he transitions from state representative to state senator, Marklein said he’ll keep the district’s independent voters in mind. He’ll be succeeding the moderate Schulz, who became known for voting against fellow Republicans on legislation like Act 10 and the mining bill. Marklein, on the other hand, has had a conservative voting record in the Legislature.

“I’ve always voted my district,” he said. “I always look at how the constituents feel on issues and I will continue to do that. That means getting out, meeting with them on a regular basis.”

As a CPA, Marklein said he’ll bring his finance and accounting knowledge to the Senate.

“I intend to be an expert in the state Senate on budgetary matters and I want to be an expert that people use as a resource, because if I don’t use those skills, it’s a waste,” he said.

Marklein defeated Democrat Pat Bomhack, who said in a statement that he’s disappointed in the loss, but will continue “fighting for a better Wisconsin.”

Republicans also won two other important open seats in the Senate, which helped secure the GOP’s control. In the 9th District, Republican Devin Lemahof Ootsburg beat out Democrat Martha Laning. Republican Roger Roth of Appleton defeated Penny Bernard Scahber in the 19th District.