With no political records, Wisconsin candidates spar over character, values

(The Center Square) – With both candidates for Wisconsin’s 8th congressional district lacking political experience, the two are instead touting their records as citizens and attacking each other’s character in their bids to gain voter support.

Democrat Dr. Kristin Lyerly, an OBGYN who has received endorsements from Sen. Tammy Baldwin, Gov. Tony Evers, and EMILYs List, has focused her campaign largely on expanding abortion and health care access.

According to her campaign website and social media pages, her four main priorities are increasing health care access and prescription affordability, protecting women’s access to fertility treatments and abortion, strengthening American businesses and workers by lowering costs, and investing in rural communities through agricultural subsidies and increased mental health and addiction services

“For far too long, rural communities have been getting the short end of the stick – communities that are the backbone of America,” Lyerly said. “A truly strong economy supports businesses, but it also supports workers and their families, and that starts with lowering costs, and building an economy that works for everyone.”

She has recently called out her opponent for skipping an opportunity to debate with her, accusing him of lacking the courage to answer voters.

Trump-endorsed businessman Tony Wied, for his part, has called Lyerly an “extremist” and “out of step with Northeast Wisconsin voters.”

Wied has centered his campaign around supporting “common sense” Trump-era policies, such as American energy independence and robust border security.

According to his campaign website, Wied will pursue seven objectives if elected, one of which simply consists of “supporting President Trump.”

Wied has pledged to support finishing the border wall, increasing funds for border patrol, and reinstating the Remain in Mexico policy.

“We must take immediate action to secure our southern border and stop the rampant crime, influx of illegal drugs and dangerous human trafficking that’s turned every town into a border town,” Wied said.

He supports curbing federal spending, citing his experience of “balancing the books” as a business owner.

Like Lyerly, Wied promises to support agriculture, but by reducing federal regulations. He also believes in repealing the Biden-Harris administration’s regulations on oil drilling, citing America’s energy dependence under Trump and how it “is vital to ensuring our domestic and global security.”

Wied has advocated for a “peace through strength” national security policy where the military is well-funded. He also promises to support crypto and blockchain technology, which he says will protect U.S. innovation.

The two candidates will engage in a debate televised by WBAY on Sept. 27.