7th Congressional District candidates square off

Leader-Telegram (Eau Claire, WI)

Aug. 06--An attorney and a physician will square off in the Democratic primary Tuesday, Aug. 14, in the 7th Congressional District.

Margaret Engebretson, an attorney from Balsam Lake who is secretary of the Polk County Democratic Party, faces Brian Ewert of Marshfield, the former CEO of Marshfield Clinic.

The winner will move on to face incumbent U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy, R-Wausau, in the Nov. 6 general election. Duffy, who was first elected in 2010, does not have a primary opponent.

The district generally covers the northwest corner of the state, including most of Chippewa County, except for the Chippewa Falls city limits, which is in the 3rd Congressional District.

Each candidate answered a set of questions.

What made you want to run for Congress? Was it any particular news item?

Engebretsen: The 2016 presidential election left me extremely concerned for the future of our democracy. While the election of Donald Trump was itself worrisome, it also highlighted a growing feeling across party lines that our government no longer serves the interests of ordinary working people. Having served my country for 24 years in the military, I felt a sense of duty and obligation to step forward as a candidate for Congress to offer my skills and abilities to defend our democracy and to make sure that people have an advocate in Washington who will fight for them every single day.

Ewert: I have devoted my career to providing health care to chronically and critically ill patients. Through the American Health Care Act of 2017, Rep. Duffy tried to take away the health care of the patients I serve and through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 Medicare was weakened. The failure of Duffy to represent the interests of the people and businesses of the 7th Congressional District motivated me to run.

Why should voters select you on Aug. 14? What makes you the best Democraticcandidate to face Duffy?

Engebretson: These are no ordinary times. Right now, we need bold leadership that will fight -- and fight hard -- for the people of the district and for the changes we need. As a veteran, a former union railroad worker and a small-town attorney, I understand the district and I have seen people's struggles first-hand. I can appeal to voters of all backgrounds without sacrificing our Democratic values and ideals.

Ewert: I have the proven leadership skill to solve problems and create solutions for the people of the 7th. Through providing health care and leading one of the major providers of health care in northern Wisconsin I have proven I understand decisive leadership requires skill and cannot be reckless. My leadership skills have been recognized with endorsements from former U.S. Rep. Dave Obey, former State Sen. Robert Jauch, Mary Hoeft (who challenged Duffy in 2016) and several former chairs of county parties. I also have the organizational skills to lead the complex campaign required to win the 7th Congressional District.

What do you see as the most importantissues facing Wisconsin and how would you like to address them?

Engebretson: Northern and western Wisconsin have not fully recovered from the economic crash of 2008. I will work to make sure the district receives the investments our rural communities need to survive and thrive. I will also work for a single-payer Medicare for All public health insurance program that covers everyone from the day they are born until the day they die, so that never again does anyone have to worry about losing their health coverage. Your health coverage should not be tied to your job and we should not be at the mercy of the private health insurance industry.

Ewert: The need for affordable universal healthcare. The solution is to open up the option of Medicare for All for individuals and businesses to bring down costs and rein in pharmaceutical companies ripping off Americans when they are most vulnerable.

Congress needs to be an equal partner in the checks and balances in the federal government. Tariffs and international trade are the constitutional responsibility of Congress. The current reckless approach is hurting Wisconsin businesses and workers.

Is Wisconsin heading in the right or wrong direction, and what key changes do youadvocate?

Engebretson: Wisconsin's prosperity was built upon strong public schools, strong public services and a strong voice for working people, all of which have been undermined in recent years. Rural areas have been hit particularly hard by these changes. We need to restore the social contract that we are one Wisconsin and that we rise and fall together. As a member of Congress, I would work for federal policies and investments in healthcare and infrastructure that lift up our small-town and rural communities.

Ewert: Wrong direction. The people of northern Wisconsin need a representative in Congress who will advocate for laws that will help individuals succeed, families to become stronger and businesses to grow. Rep. Duffy votes for laws that put people needing health care in financial peril, he votes for laws that weaken Medicare and he refuses to join other Republicans in challenging the reckless tariffs that are destroying the global markets our hardworking business have fought to win.

What would youdo to bring morecivility and bipartisanship to the federalgovernment?

Engebretson: Throughout my life -- serving in the military, working in different professions and coming from a large family with Republican parents -- I have lived and worked side-by-side with people I fundamentally disagree with on many issues. Despite these disagreements, I have always sought to abide by the golden rule that we treat others as we wish to be treated. I will bring that same perspective to Washington. There is so much that unites the people of northern and western Wisconsin, and we must not allow ourselves to be divided by those who have a vested interest in doing so.

Ewert: We live in communities, not political parties. My entire career as a doctor and health care leader has been based on solving problems and creating solutions regardless of the political leanings of my patients or those of my nursing and physician colleagues. I look forward to partnering with representatives from other rural districts, regardless of party affiliation, to solve problems and create solutions for northern Wisconsin.

How has yourbackground prepared you to be a federalrepresentative?

Engebretson: My whole life I've stood up for people -- it is who I am and what I have always been drawn to do. As a small-town attorney, I chose to focus much of my practice on guardian ad litem work advocating for the best interests of children and disabled adults, while my highly varied life and work experience provides me with deep insight into the needs of the people of our district. The bottom line is this -- our elected officials take an oath to "support and defend the Constitution" and to "faithfully discharge the duties" of their office. I will fulfill this oath and be a fierce advocate for the people of the district.

Ewert: As a doctor, I have devoted my career to solving problems and creating solutions for patients with the highest degree of complex disease. As a healthcare leader, I have also skillfully solved complex business problems and implemented change while staying focused on the mission to serve all patients in the service area. I have a deep understanding of the solutions to the shortfalls in our healthcare system. I have also demonstrated my passion for service to the community throughout my life.

Contact: chris.vetter@ecpc.com

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