Rick Gudex wins 18th State Senate district race, King concedes
By: Erin Davisson
Updated: November 13, 2012
Fond du Lac, Wis.(WFRV)--Jessica King today conceded the 18th Senate District race. Rick Gudex won the election on November 6th by 590 votes. State senator King did not concede that night, asking instead that the vote be canvassed - which checks the accuracy of the election vote.
Canvassing was underway in Fond du Lac and Winnebago counties, and was set to begin on November 14th in Dodge County.
Today, Jessica King sent this letter to Local 5 News:
I would like to thank all 170,000 residents who I have had the honor and privilege to represent in the Wisconsin State Senate for the past 15 months. Last week, citizens of the 18th Senate District turned out in record numbers to exercise their right to vote and elect representatives to serve the will of the people. I want to congratulate Senator-Elect Rick Gudex on his election to the state Senate and hope all of our newly elected officials will work for the best interest of the State of Wisconsin by representing all constituents of their respective districts.
Canvassing was underway in Fond du Lac and Winnebago counties, and was set to begin on November 14th in Dodge County.
Today, Jessica King sent this letter to Local 5 News:
I would like to thank all 170,000 residents who I have had the honor and privilege to represent in the Wisconsin State Senate for the past 15 months. Last week, citizens of the 18th Senate District turned out in record numbers to exercise their right to vote and elect representatives to serve the will of the people. I want to congratulate Senator-Elect Rick Gudex on his election to the state Senate and hope all of our newly elected officials will work for the best interest of the State of Wisconsin by representing all constituents of their respective districts.
I look forward to the new legislature putting the past behind them and taking a bi-partisan approach to finish working on issues left unresolved, including mining, venture capital, and workforce realignment.
The last two years have demonstrated the need for election reform. Now more than ever, we must take action to limit the influence of out of state groups and special interest money in campaigns and elections. Political attack ads mostly sponsored by out of state groups and paid for by corporations have become the norm in Wisconsin and it has to change. The taxpayers of Wisconsin, not special interest groups, should always come first and election reform must be a top priority next session. The message is clear: The people want politics out of government.
Over the last 2 years, Wisconsin engaged in historical elections where citizens exercised their constitutional right to hold elected officials accountable by removing them from office during their term if they are not representing the voice of the people. Through the recall process, the people of Wisconsin reaffirmed their desire for elected officials to be transparent, accessible and practice good government. I ran for Senate to be the voice of my constituents and to participate in meaningful deliberation and decision making in Madison. I kept my promise to represent the best interest of all citizens, whether they voted for me or not, and I am thankful for the opportunity to serve.
The office of the 18th State Senate accomplished a lot during the last fifteen months and I'm proud of our accomplishments. The office held over a dozen in-district office hour events, participated in debates and forums discussing policy issues and how to move our state forward. The office helped citizens access state programs, services and answered their questions closing over 4,000 constituent cases. I toured our local schools, area businesses, attended meetings and community events in all corners of the district, always asking for opinions and feedback on any and all state issues in an open and transparent manner. I have enjoyed the last 15 months of service and I would not trade this experience for anything in the world. It has been a privilege.
