Democrats knew who they wanted to step up to the plate to run for the seat held by 41-year Rep. Dave Obey, D-Wausau.
State Sen. Julie Lassa captured more than four votes for every one of Don Raihala's in the Democratic primary for Wisconsin's 7th District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
In Douglas County, Raihala garnered about 27 percent of the Democratic vote.
"This campaign is about bringing Wisconsin values to Washington and fighting for workers and their families," Lassa said. "Together, we are now one step closer tonight to shaking things up and making Washington work for Wisconsin's middle class families."
Lassa's opponent in November is former Ashland County District Attorney Sean Duffy, who captured 66 percent of the vote over opponent, Rudolph farmer Dan Mielke.
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Statewide, the Republican who declared his candidacy more than a year ago, was leading with 68 percent of the vote with half the precincts reporting. In Douglas County he garnered more than 80 percent of the vote.
Duffy told the Superior Telegram on Tuesday night that he plans to hit the road again this week to bring his message of job creation and fiscal responsibility to the voters.
That's an issue that many voters said was their top priority when they went to the polls Tuesday.
"Jobs are my concern," said Janice Terry, president of the Superior Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO. She said she voted on the Democratic ticket because area Democrats like State Sen. Bob Jauch, Rep. Nick Milroy and even U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold have been more responsive to the public.
"Especially since they come up here," she said, and talk with constituents face-to-face.
U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold also learned Tuesday night he'll be facing a challenge from businessman Ron Johnson, who handily defeated Dave Westlake and Stephen Finn, carrying 85 percent of the vote with 58 percent of precincts voting.
"I congratulate Ron Johnson and look forward to having an honest debate of the issues with him. Last week I accepted invitations to participate in six general election debates so I look forward to Mr. Johnson joining me for the first one this Sunday in Eau Claire, U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold said in a prepared statement.
