Posted on 11/20/2003 1:55:49 PM PST by Pubbie
Well-known through his car dealerships but a newcomer to the political scene, Russ Darrow has been crisscrossing the state to show voters what "The Darrow Difference" is all about in his bid for a seat in the United States Senate.
A longtime resident of Big Cedar Lake and the owner of 19 car dealerships and related leasing and financing companies, the 63-year-old Republican has decided to transfer his business over to his children and follow the campaign trail.
That move is attracting the attention of some high-powered political talent along the way, including former U.S. Sen. Robert Kasten, R-Wis., who is serving as an adviser to Darrow, and former Lieutenant Governor Margaret Farrow.
"Russ Darrow would bring a lot of ability and experience as well as a realistic attitude on what it would take to win the campaign," said Farrow, who has signed on as Darrow’s campaign chairperson. "I found in Russ Darrow a lot of passion and the need to have someone in this office that would represent what the majority of people in Wisconsin are about."
"It’s all about mutual respect and character - things you can’t ask for - you earn them over the years," said Darrow, adding that his real-world experience also gives him an edge.
"Creating jobs, living taxes, living health care issues, balancing budgets, making payroll and making a profit - I’ve done it all by being totally accountable," said Darrow. "Over time, people learn to trust you and trust your judgment. When people can trust your judgment, you’ve immediately met the most important test of being elected a representative of the people. It’s a huge reason why I decided to run and I plan to win."
"We are not being represented in Washington nearly as well as our state should be," said Darrow, who would like to replace another Russ - Feingold - who has held the senate seat the past 12 years.
Oconomowoc resident and self-employed businessman Tim Michels and state Sen. Robert Welch, R-Redgranite, are also running for the Republican nomination and Dodge County voters got a chance to meet the three at a Packer Party Sunday afternoon.
"I like to find out the positions of the candidates," said Aaron Armstrong, Fox Lake. "I look forward to seeing specific stances on issues as he puts them out," added Armstrong.
Transferring his business to his sons has made Darrow personally familiar with taxes imposed by the state and has become one of the planks in his campaign platform.
"The death tax makes it impossible for small-business people and farmers to transition their businesses to their sons and daughters," said Darrow, who is in favor of eliminating the penalty. "That’s the American dream - after you pay taxes all your career, you shouldn’t have to pay when you pass it down to your family."
In addition to vowing to cut taxes, supporting President Bush’s fight against terrorism, opposing partial-birth abortion and improving the business climate in Wisconsin by fighting against frivolous lawsuits, Darrow said he would never consider holding judicial nominations hostage.
"This has turned into the circus because the representatives are trying to do the right thing, which is bring the nomination up to a vote. Some Democrats, primarily Russ Feingold, who is on judicial committee himself, are stonewalling these quality nominees from the simple courtesy of a yes or no vote. It’s incredible and it’s not right," Darrow said.
Despite your derision, the GOP is already making progress in that regard. See this year's MS gov's race. And there's a report of GOP polls showing Dem negatives going up among independent voters.
When Newt worked his majic on the House, I knew who he was and knew what he believed in...
Frist....I'm not sure I would recognize him on TV.....
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