Challengers lining up to face Kagen

GREEN BAY - The 8th Congressional election may still be one year away, but challengers are already lining up to unseat Democratic representative Steve Kagen.

On Thursday, two new candidates joined the race: one Republican and one Independent, making for a total of six challengers in all.

Most expect Kagen to seek a third term, although he has not made any official announcement.

Marc Trager is the newest Republican to join the race. He is a retired radiologist from Howard.

"I see families struggling to make ends meet, I see people out of work and I see jobs disappearing," said Trager.

It's Trager's first time running for office. He says his reason is that he feels Kagen has not done enough to help the struggling economy.

"It's jobs, jobs, and jobs. That's the most important part of the economy. I intend to restore prosperity," said Trager.

The other Republicans who have already registered with the state or federal election agencies include: Andy Williams, a Brown County Supervisor; Marc Savard, a Door County Supervisor; Reid Ribble, a Kaukauna businessman; and Kerry Thomas, a Vilas County resident.

Independent candidate Joseph Stern also joined the field on Thursday. Stern served two terms as the mayor of Niagara.

"I have total disgust and disdain for Congress," said Stern.

Last year, while Stern was still mayor of Niagara, the city's paper mill was shut down. The closure left more than 300 people out of work. Stern says Congress hasn't done enough to protect US paper companies from overseas competition.

"As far as creating new jobs of stopping the cycle of the loss of jobs, there hasn't been anything on that level," said Stern.

Stern and Trager said they want to drastically cut spending in Washington -- both claim Kagen is doing just the opposite.

Kagen, who is in the middle of his second term in office, said it is too early to comment on next year's election. He said his focus is on the job at hand.

"I’ve been totally absorbed with getting the job done and I'm working hard to bring about all the changes we need," said Kagen.

Some say there could be even more names that enter the race before all is said and done.