WAUSAU (AP) -
Republican Sean Duffy will represent
Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District for two more years. He defeated democrat
Pat Kreitlow by 56 percent.
"We're looking good for another couple of years," Duffy told supporters
at the Jefferson Street Inn on Election Night.
It was a long journey to Election Night. After two debates, and many
campaign stops, it all came down to Tuesday.
"I want to thank all of you for the hard work and effort you put
into our race," Duffy told supporters.
More than 100 people packed in for Duffy's victory party. As the
results rolled in, the mood in the room was electric.
"I'm honored that I'd be representing this area for the next two
years. This is my home. It's a place I love and I'll keep working my heart out,"
Duffy told Newsline 9.
In his victory speech, Duffy congratulated President Barack Obama on
his re-election. But said it's now time to work together to cut the deficit.
"Put our ideas on the table and find a solution that works for the American
people. I'm willing to go there and do that. I want to work with the president
and the senate," Duffy said.
For Duffy -- he says the next two years are about continuing objectives
he's had in place for the last two years.
"I think we can get a budget done that will get balance. The
democrats want to do it and so do we. We can get real tax reform that will
carve our those loop holes," the congressman told Newsline 9.
Duffy says getting back to work is right around the corner.
"I'm going to spend some time with my kids for a couple days and
then jump back into the mix," Duffy said of his plans for the next few
days.
Back to work -- to represent Wisconsin's 7th congressional district
again.
Republican U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy has survived his re-election bid in northwestern Wisconsin's sprawling 7th District.
The first-term congressman defeated Democrat Patrick Kreitlow on Tuesday.
Democrats considered his seat vulnerable since it had been held for 41 years by Democratic Rep. Dave Obey, who retired in 2010. Outside groups spent heavily to try to oust Duffy.
But he benefited from redistricting, which moved GOP-leaning areas including Vilas and St. Croix counties into the district, which roughly spans the northwest quarter of the state.
Duffy also had more money, having raised $2.4 million compared to Kreitlow's $1.2 million as of mid-October.
Duffy, a former district attorney, is also a professional lumberjack from Ashland who appeared on MTV's "The Real World" in the 1990s. He sits on the House Financial Services Committee.
WAUSAU (WAOW) - UPDATE 8:30 p.m. The polls have been closed in Wisconsin for 30 minutes now, and the number of people at the Jefferson Street Inn in Wausau keeps growing.
Close to 100 people are already here, and more are expected to arrive.
There's no sign of Duffy yet. But the crowd here is reacting as both national and local results come in.
WAUSAU (WAOW) - UPDATE 7 p.m. With less than an hour until the polls close in Wisconsin, organizers at the Sean Duffy campaign are getting ready for the night.
Duffy voted earlier today in Weston, alongside members of his family.
Doors opened for tonight's event at 7 p.m. and the first few supporters have arrived.
WAUSAU (WAOW) - Sean Duffy campaign leaders have begun to set up at the Jefferson Street Inn in Wausau. Hundreds of supporters are expected to head there, as election results come in tonight.
WAUSAU (WAOW) - It's been a long road to Election Day in Wisconsin. Republican Rep. Sean Duffy is running for re-election in the 7th congressional district against Democratic challenger Pat Kreitlow.
Duffy has held the seat since it was vacated in 2010 when Dave Obey retired. Obey represented Wisconsin's 7th District for 41 years.
During many campaign stops and political ads over the course of the last few months, Duffy says he would cut spending in Washington, and help balance the budget. Duffy is looking for his second term, after defeating Julie Lassa two years ago.
Both Duffy and Kreitlow campaigned across the state yesterday, leading up to Election Day.
Sean Duffy's campaign headquarters will be located at the Jefferson Street Inn in Wausau. Newsline 9's Cassandra Vinch will be at the headquarters and will have complete coverage throughout the night.
For the latest information, you can follow her on twitter @cvinch_WAOW.
