Frederica Freyberg:

Tonight we bring you the second of two interviews with the candidates for secretary of state. Last week, we talked with Democratic incumbent, Secretary Doug La Follette. Next, we hear from Republican State Representative Amy Loudenbeck of Clinton. She was first elected to the state Assembly in 2010 and serves as vice chair of the legislature’s Joint Finance Committee. Amy Loudenbeck joins us now. Thanks for being here.

Amy Loudenbeck:

Thanks for having me.

Frederica Freyberg:

First, why do you want to be secretary of state?

Amy Loudenbeck:

Well, the office can be important and I believe it’s been neglected for too long. I’m excited to have the opportunity to really restore purpose and respect to an office that is constitutional, directly accountable to the voters and I see an opportunity to make that office work again for the people.

Frederica Freyberg:

Now, you would like to move administration of elections to that office. Why?

Amy Loudenbeck:

I have suggested that an alternative to the Wisconsin Election Commission could include a secretary of state. I’m supportive of a new model and I think that when you look at what other states do, secretaries of state are responsible for certain duties and responsibilities with regards to administering elections. It’s a ministerial position. I’m not advocating for complete power or control over elections. I am advocating for a new model that utilizes this constitutional office in any way that it can add value to that role.

Frederica Freyberg:

Doesn’t moving election administration into that elected office politicize the function, though?

Amy Loudenbeck:

I’ve been really clear as I’ve been campaigning that I am not talking about unilateral power. I am proposing duties and responsibilities that are ministerial in nature, that could be transferred to that office. Local clerks in Wisconsin run elections. What I’m talking about is training or guidance or maintaining the voter rolls. Duties that, like I said, are ministerial in nature and not discretionary.

Frederica Freyberg:

Here’s what the incumbent challenger said about it last week. “Trumpite Republicans across the country are trying to take control of secretary of state offices so they can maybe fiddle with the election,” he said, “in 2024.” What’s your response to that?

Amy Loudenbeck:

Perhaps that’s happening in other states where secretaries of state do have more power than they have here, but that is not the case here. I am running because Doug La Follette does not think this office is important and I do. We don’t have a secretary of state that takes his job seriously. I will. That’s why I’m running.

Frederica Freyberg:

So the only way to move elections functions, I would think, to the secretary of state’s office is if a Republican is elected governor. I also see Speaker Robin Vos has endorsed you. But would he cede any kind of legislative oversight of elections to your office should you be elected, have you spoken with him about that?

Amy Loudenbeck:

He has stated he is not interested in transferring power to the secretary of state to oversee and administer elections. Like I said, I’m talking about duties and I think my relationship with the Republican legislature is — and the Democrats in the legislature, is a strong one and it’s one that is borne on mutual respect and my strong work ethic and record of results. When we have these conversations, let’s not forget we have this office that could add value to the process of election oversight and administration. That’s the first step. I think for a long conversation that is going to be part of the next legislative session. But at a minimum, if elected, my goal would be to modernize the office, to be responsive to request for authentication of documents, to be a billion dollar board member for the Board of Commissioners about Public Lands and actively engage in the role that currently exists for the secretary of state that I see as being neglected right now.

Frederica Freyberg:

What would you describe as your best accomplishments in your career in the legislature?

Amy Loudenbeck:

Well, of the over 50 bills that I have had passed and signed into law since I’ve been in office, it’s difficult, you can’t really choose among your children. But I’ve done a lot for public safety. Ive done a lot in regards to human trafficking and children and families. Been a really diligent member of the Joint Finance Committee to prioritize our expenses but also be fiscally conservative and turn a surplus that our state has never seen before. When I came into office, we had a significant deficit. So there’s a lot of things I can be proud of.

Frederica Freyberg:

I’ll ask why should voters elect you over the longtime incumbent?

Amy Loudenbeck:

Because I think this job is important. I want it to be important. I don’t think he takes this role seriously. I think he’s become complacent and I think he’s become arrogant and I think we deserve a secretary of state that has respect from both sides of the aisle and I intend to do that and do that well and with a consistent work ethic and diplomacy that the job requires.

Frederica Freyberg:

Amy Loudenbeck, thanks very much.

Amy Loudenbeck:

Thank you.