Tiffany promises positive, issues-oriented campaign for state senate

Tom Tiffany

Wisconsin River Cruises owner Tom Tiffany formally announced his candidacy for Wisconsin's 12th Senate District seat Tuesday.

The office is currently occupied by Sen. Roger Breske (D-Eland).

Tiffany ran unsuccessfully against Breske in 2004, with Breske ultimately earning his fifth term.

This time around, Tiffany thinks he's better prepared and has a stronger core of support. He promised a positive, issues-oriented campaign that picks up where he left off in 2004.

In his announcement speech at Bucketheads in Rhinelander on Tuesday, Tiffany said he's eager to bring fresh ideas to the race and focus the 12th district's representation back on the people of the north.

“We need a senator who understands that a strong state government assists us in our daily lives, but a bloated state government squashes individual creativity and ingenuity,” Tiffany said. “With that in mind, job number one will be repairing our fiscal condition in Madison. I will treat the state's budget - your hard-earned money - just like my family's budget. There is no reason that the state budget should increase faster than our ability to pay.”

Taxes and the state budget are Tiffany's top concerns. He contends Breske has been fiscally irresponsible, voting for tax increases that have caused unfair strain on business and property owners in the northern part of the state. Ever-increasing taxes are hindering the growth of business and employment.

He also said Breske's vote against a property tax freeze shows his disconnect with the district's constituents, many of whom struggle to pay steadily rising property taxes.

Another of Tiffany's top priorities is making health care more affordable and accessible. He said people need to be involved with and in control of their healthcare options so they can understand it and make informed choices on care. It is not a role for the government, he said. Many states have attempted government-run health care and all have failed.

“Turning our health care system over to the state government, the very same government that cannot implement an IT system in the Department of Revenue, is not a solution,” he said.

Tiffany said he'll use good Northwoods common sense in dealing with the issues of the day. Unseating Breske will be a challenge, but Tiffany said he confident he can better represent the district.

“I view the 2008 campaign as a continuation of 2004,” he said. “We didn't lose the election in ‘04 so much as time just ran out,” he said.