Assembly candidates speak out regarding attack mailers / phone calls

Washington Co., WI – It’s the last week to vote in-person absentee before the Tuesday, August 13, 2024, partisan primary. In-person voting runs through Friday, August 9, 2024. Neighbors across Washington County, Wi have been receiving political phone calls and mailers tied to the August election.

UPDATE | A press conference has been called for Monday afternoon, August 5, 2024, in Green Bay, WI.

Some neighbors have been questioning negative political mailers and calls, initiated by a group called “Stronger Wisconsin Fund.” The mailers outline attacks on Assembly candidates including two from Washington County, WI.

Click HERE for a list of targeted/supported Assembly candidates

Below are statements from Timothy Ramthun (Assembly candidate Dist. 20 vs. Dan Feyen) and Janel Brandtjen (Assembly candidate Dist. 24 vs. Dan Knodl)

Tim Ramthun…

“I can’t do a mailer to correct a mailer; it’s a total waste of time for me to try. That’s why they do it. I’m really deeply shocked by the depth of desperation being displayed by these individuals who have this agenda. It’s shameless. It’s selfish. It’s vindictive.

People have to realize that when individuals are being attacked this way, there’s a reason for it. In fact, what people should do is gravitate toward the person they’re attacking, because that’s the one we have to get into the office.

It’s not just me, there’s like 25 other seats in the assembly; those people are all being attacked too. There are coordinated efforts with all of these PACs and lobbyists and special interests. 

The issue about the per diem, the dollar amount quoted at $7,533 is for the whole year. This is the highest amount and there’s a benefit to having a high per diem, it means you actually went to work. 

I was in the building the most doing the work of the people that sent me there. It’s ludicrous because you can’t claim it unless you’re there. And if you’re there, you’re working.

As far as missing a vote. I was there. It’s all official; it’s all right in the journal.

How does this make you feel? It makes you a little concerned about how it might be perceived by the uninformed public. That’s the whole reason they do it. They want to gaslight the people. They’ve been doing it for decades, tell them how to think and how to feel and who to vote for. Because we’re going to steer you in that direction with the crap we send to your house.

UPDATE: Dan Feyen responded. He is not part of the mailer and said he believes in a positive campaign.

Click HERE for the Common Sense Citizens candidate forum Ramthun v. Feyen

Below is a mailer submitted by Janel Brandtjen regarding the attack ads.

I’ve been getting calls about a push poll. So, they call, and they say, hey, we’re polling. And then they say, well, I’m going to vote for Janel. And they go, well, you know, she wants to take benefits from veterans.  

They’re using a phone bank, to tell people terrible things about me. I also have text messages as well that are going out.   

These groups are spending a lot. They also have door knockers; there’s a huge push.

At the end of the day, this is all about if they think election integrity is going to be gone, because I’m gone. 

My character is being assassinated, because I’m not going to add $7 billion to the taxpayers right now. 

UPDATE: Dan Knodl responded and said he is not part of the mailer and had no comment on the details in the mailer.

Click HERE for the Common Sense Citizens candidate forum Brandtjen v. Knodl

Click HERE to read more about the campaign mailers

Messages for comment have also been sent to the candidate’s opponent.

This is a working story, and more information will be posted when details are available.