Vos `95 percent certain' he'll run for Ladwig's seat

By Abe Winter

Thursday, April 15, 2004 12:00 AM CDT

BY ABE WINTER Journal Times One Republican candidate already is "95 percent certain" he'll run for the Assembly seat that will be vacated by Bonnie Ladwig, R-Mount Pleasant. Several Democrats also may be ready to challenge for the open seat.

After serving six terms, Ladwig announced Wednesday that she won't seek re-election Nov. 2. She cited health conditions and a desire to spend more time with her family as reasons for her departure.

Her decision may open the door for Burlington's Robin Vos, who served as an aide to Ladwig in Madison during her first term, 1992-94. He said Wednesday that he has been getting calls of encouragement as word leaked about Ladwig's decision.

"I am definitely interested," Vos said Wednesday. "It's something I've thought about my entire life and I've been humbled by the number of people who have been calling me, encouraging me to do it.

"I'd say it's about 95 percent certain that I'll run."

Meanwhile, Racine County Democratic Party Chairman Frank Tingle called Ladwig's decision to step down as good news. But he didn't single out a possible candidate.

"Clearly, we have lots of potential names," Tingle said. "It's been one of the more under-represented areas in the state when you start talking about affordable health care, protecting the environment and valuing education.

"I'm sure there will be people knocking on the door to run for that seat."

Told that Vos was interested, Tingle didn't flinch.

"When you fill in the name of Robin Vos, I think even more people will knock on the door," Tingle said.

Vos, a County Board supervisor since 1994 and a former treasurer of Ladwig's campaign, considers himself a friend of the retiring legislator.

"Having worked for Bonnie, there is no person I respect more," Vos said. "She has done fantastic things and will be sorely missed. Should I choose to run and Racine County voters see fit to send me to Madison, I can only hope to do as well as Bonnie did because I don't think anyone could do better."

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