Each election year WFHR interviews some of the candidates that matter to you in Central Wisconsin. To that end Incumbent Senator of Wisconsin State Senate District 24, Patrick Testin, and his challenger Collin McNamara, took turns sitting down with James J. Malouf on Mid-Day Magazine to field questions relevant to the upcoming election in an effort to inform you, the voter.

Candidate Background

On October 18th Senator Testin took part in this candidate interview with Mid-Day Magazine host James J. Malouf in WFHR studios. The interview opened with a question to Testin about his background. Testin described his working class upbringing in Marinette, WI. When attending college at UWSP Testin knew that he was going to call this area home. In 2016 Testin ran for Senate for the first time, and has remained in the seat since that initial election cycle having been re-elected by constituents in 2020.

On October 29th Candidate Collin McNamara sat down with Mid-Day Magazine host James J. Malouf. The interview opened with the same question about the candidate’s background. McNamara explained his rural upbringing in Iola, Wisconsin. He pointed to growing up in a small community that relied on neighbors helping neighbors, regardless of who they voted for. McNamara also attended UWSP graduating with a Political Science Degree. McNamara mentioned that he is still a full-time employee of a grocery store. He emphasized working class values and the need to have a working class voice in Madison.

Candidate Motivations

Malouf asked Testin why he chose to run for Senate originally. Testin stated that his motivation has always been his love for Wisconsin. In his time he has done work on behalf of constituents in the effort of maintaining opportunities for success from within this district.

Malouf asked McNamara why he chose to run for Senate. McNamara said he was motivated by hearing so many people feeling disenfranchised by their politicians. McNamara expressed his promise to be there to listen to his constituents when they need to be heard, if elected.

What Makes You the Right Choice for the District?

Testin was asked what makes him specifically able to represent this district. Testin points to his experience as a Senator. He noted making a point to reach out to many of his Democratic Colleagues in order to accomplish great work for the district. Testin has proven his ability to work across the aisle with people from all political parties. Specifically that can be seen in his work on the Joint Finance Committee. He believes that his work on the state budget specifically qualifies him for this work and to represent the people of his district.

When asked about what makes him the best choice for the district, McNamara pointed to his understanding of what life is like as a working class rural Wisconsinite. McNamara works in customer service to this day, living paycheck to paycheck. He intends to fight for those living that same paycheck to paycheck life in the district. His plans to invoke change will create support systems for those constituents. He mentioned the economic concerns of the people he speaks to, and how it is what motivates him to work in a bipartisan way to accomplish these goals.

Prior Work Experience

In regards to previously held jobs, Testin was asked which jobs he held in the past have helped prepare him for his job as Senator. Testin stated that working in sales helped him most. The jobs he held in sales aided in his ability to complete difficult contracts by understanding hard jobs and listening to clients needs. Being able to hear different perspectives and ideas is one of the most valuable skills he picked up in those sales jobs.

Malouf then asked McNamara how his previous work experience has prepared him for this position. His answer pointed to lessons learned from working together to accomplish goals regardless of differences. Being able and willing to reach across that aisle to help citizens in the district is a focus for McNamara.

What are the Candidates Most Passionate About?

Malouf posed a question about what Testin is most passionate about. Testin responded with enthusiasm about tackling healthcare. He sees a great need in Wisconsin healthcare systems and has many ideas that he would like to implement to help support those systems for the benefit of those in need of better healthcare in his region.

When McNamara was asked what he is most passionate about, he said providing middle class tax relief for people within the district. He emphasized the importance of editing the definition of these tax brackets for the benefit of growing the middle class in Wisconsin State Senate District 24. McNamara also mentioned a need to restructure healthcare and closing existing healthcare deserts.

Biggest Concerns

Testin was asked about what he has seen as the biggest area of concern for those within the district. Testin stated the thing he hears the most is economic concerns. He believes that more conversations need to be had about tax relief and infrastructure. Testin emphasized a need to utilize the existing budget surplus in the state. He then pointed to the huge amounts of funding that have been provided for infrastructure this past session and states an interest in continuing to invest in the District.

When asked what the biggest challenge being felt by people in the district, McNamara noted that people are feeling it in their pocketbooks. He plans to work towards helping get prices under control and provide support for the middle class.

Thoughts on Partisan Politics

In a question regarding working beyond political boundaries and the exhaustion of voters about partisan politics, Testin reminded voters that he was raised by Democrats. His willingness to work with anyone that is willing to do the work has been proven through his track record as Senator. He emphasized the need to focus on what unites us, not what divides us. Testin was then given an opportunity to describe Wisconsin State Senate District 24 as he sees it. He said that it is a very rural district, heavily involved in agriculture, and industry.

Malouf asked how important McNamara considers working in bipartisan ways. McNamara said it is the most important. Not being able to work together to find solutions is a failure of every Wisconsinite. He pointed to the inability of the current legislature to get work done because of these partisan politics and vows to work together in this purple state for the district’s success. When asked to describe district 24 McNamara said its the most purple swingiest district in the state. He understands that people in the district don’t necessarily identify with a party, but with the work that gets done.

Closing Statements and Links

In his closing statements Testin expressed gratitude for every day he’s been able to represent the district and looks forward to being given a chance to continue the work. You can listen to the interview in full on our website, or by clicking here. For more information regarding Senator Testin’s campaign you can visit his website here.

In closing McNamara appealed to those who are exhausted by the division and toxicity in politics. He promised to work towards tax relief, medical reform, and other benefits for real Wisconsinites. To listen to the entire interview you can visit our website, or click here. For more information on Collin McNamara and his campaign you can visit his website here.

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