Independent Candidate Jay Selthofner scored high among Independents in Fall 2010 Elections and other Independent Candidates that were vocal on legalizing marijuana capture highest percentage of votes in 2010 Fall elections in Wisconsin

In a recent report from The Independent Reporters the campaign of Jay Selthofner and two other campaigns that were vocal on marijuana legalization were discussed. With 12% and 9% of the vote cast to Independent Candidates for Wisconsin State Assembly that addressed legalization and decriminalization, addressing the marijuana topic is not political suicide, but truly a voter’s issue.

Independent Candidates that were vocal on legalizing marijuana capture highest percentage of independent votes in 2010 Fall elections in Wisconsin.  As the smoke clears and dust settles from the candidate campaign trial everyone is taking notice of a couple news worthy items about the “cannabis candidates” talking about hemp and cannabis with truth, honesty and compassion.

Main stream media has saw a great increase of positive marijuana news and the campaign in Wisconsin saw no different.  Attention of course was drawn to the medical marijuana referendums on the ballot in Dane County and River Falls passing with overwhelming percentages, with the Dane County Medical Marijuana referendum passing with a landslide and higher percentage of votes than any candidate.

The failure to pass Assembly Bill 206 (Industrial Hemp) and Assembly Bill 554 (Medical Marijuana) in the 2009-2010 legislation session has drawn attention throughout the summer and right into the election season, with voters questioning candidates about hemp and cannabis every chance they could.  Many voters interpret the “marijuana bills” to be JOB creating legislation and there has been some quacking about hemp legislation being part of departing Governor Doyle’s lame duck session, or at least on the wish list for supporters of reform.

The race for Wisconsin Governor saw multiple Independent/Third Party Candidates, but Jim Langer was obviously the most vocal on the subject of marijuana reform.  Langer’s campaign had not focused on the issue early, nor was the Germantown man associated with the marijuana movement prior to this election.  Langer was educated by another Independent Candidate, Jay Selthofner, who worked with Langer throughout the campaign.  Although not an official ticket, many saw the Langer and Selthofner combo as something to believe in.  Although a distant third in the race for Wisconsin Governor, Langer finished above the other third parties.

The Green Lake resident seeking the 41st Wisconsin State Assembly district was unquestionably the most outspoken candidate on cannabis.  Jay Selthofner’s race saw a great amount of media generated locally and statewide.  Selthofner sought the seat of Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan) who had introduced marijuana legislation in the 2009-2010 session under Assembly Bill 206 (Industrial Hemp Cannabis).  During Jay’s field work as a citizen activist with Representative Ballweg and his Senator, Luther Olsen (R-Ripon) the last session uncovered tremendous support for reform of marijuana laws. Selthofner worked on both the industrial hemp and medical marijuana (Assembly Bill 554) with Wisconsin citizens, but ultimately the people of the district urged Selthofner to run for office on the platform of marijuana reform, with an emphasis on legalizing, regulating and taxing recreational cannabis, as well as comprehensive legislation regarding Industrial Hemp and Medical Marijuana.  Selthofner took their advice and ran on a largely marijuana platform only, capturing 9% of the vote in the 41st assembly district.  Selthofner suggested marijuana reform should be Wisconsin top priority right now.  Roughly 1 out of 10 voters in a race where all three candidates express support of medical marijuana gave Jay the second highest percentage of votes cast for the often over looked third party or Independent Candidate.

Thad Kubisiak, Independent Candidate for 72nd State Assembly District captured 12% of the vote.  Kubisiak included marijuana reform in an interview with the Wisconsin State Journal and was reported on by The Independnet Reporters weeks before the election.  The 72nd State Assembly District was also the target of other cannabis conversations including Senator Julie Lassa lack of motivation to listen to voters on medical marijuana, Incumbent Marlin Schneider (D-Wisconsin Rapids) in 72nd district did not get his name on marijuana legalization for the 2009-2010 session and of course the efforts again of Jay Selthofner, who resides in the district just to the east of the 72nd and works with leaders in those communities also.

Overall the movement and support for marijuana reform has grown, become more organized and is reaching new levels.  With specific potlitical talk, cannabis campaigns and marijuana platforms only, the yields of the marijuana votes closed out higher than those races where candidates mentioned nothing of marijuana reform.  In close races throughout Wisconsin that where decided by less than 5% or 10%, could talking about hemp and cannabis have secured the additional votes needed to win an election?

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