Democratic Primary Race In The First Heats Up

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It's On!

For the past several months, the race to win the right to challenge Paul Ryan under the party label in the General Election seemed like a foregone conclusion as iron worker Randy Bryce, also known on social media as "Iron Stache," bolted out of the starting gate with a viral video and endorsements. His only apparent challenger, Cathy Myers, a School Board member and teacher from Janesville, continued to plod along producing a cache of short issue-point videos and social engagements until recently, when she found some needed traction with her own viral video.

It turns out that the release of Myers video premier couldn't have been timed better as it coincided with a Bryce campaign rally in Madison with Sen. Bernie Sanders. Soon after, Myers reported a substantial uptick in donations.

With a noticeable change in momentum for the Myers' campaign, the notion that Bryce was the anointed democratic candidate appears beginning to fade. The focus between supporters of the two camps now returns to holding debates.

As a political observer and critic, I'd like to see one or two more candidates in this race. But even without, the shift in momentum while closing the gap between these two electable candidates is welcome news for democracy and good news for our district.

Contrary to some, I believe it is a necessary positive tension that will ultimately produce a stronger campaign and unified support for the winner to take on the entrenched congressman. This is now a primary to watch!