Fightin' for the district
In second run for Assembly, challenger Smith shares views on higher education
Brian Reisinger
Issue date: 10/12/06 Section: Campus News
Both candidates for the 93rd Assembly District are casting themselves as pro-student in the aftermath of tuition increases that have been a popular political topic this fall.
Democratic challenger Jeff Smith told students Monday that incumbent Rob Kreibich, R-Eau Claire, has failed to truly address student needs, making only small stands while serving in the Republican-controlled state Legislature.
"He's trying to cover up his failures," Smith said at a listening session in the Arrowhead Room of Davies Center.
Smith also challenged Kreibich in 2004.
Kreibich said in a phone interview that he has frequently broken from party ranks to fight for student interest in Madison.
"I've shown an independent streak," he said.
Both candidates agreed, however, that tuition increases in recent years are unfairly burdening students.
Resident tuition and fees at UW-Eau Claire was $3,121 a semester in the 2000-2001 academic year, rising to $4,860 by the 2004-2005 academic year under various annual increases, according to UW System records.
Resident tuition is currently listed on the university's Web site at $5,502 a semester, following subsequent increases.
Students may have the opportunity to hear the candidates make their cases firsthand after both said they'd be willing to participate in a debate on campus, leading Student Senate's Intergovernmental Affairs Commission to revive plans for such an event.
Smith, a local businessman and manager for the town of Brunswick, said the Legislature has cut public funding for higher education, forcing the Board of Regents to raise tuition, and that Kreibich's efforts have been superficial and politically-motivated.
Kreibich could have done much more, Smith said, as chairman of the Assembly's committee on colleges and universities.
Kreibich said he has been trying to push for more state support but much of the blame falls on the regents, who are appointed by the governor.
Democratic challenger Jeff Smith told students Monday that incumbent Rob Kreibich, R-Eau Claire, has failed to truly address student needs, making only small stands while serving in the Republican-controlled state Legislature.
"He's trying to cover up his failures," Smith said at a listening session in the Arrowhead Room of Davies Center.
Smith also challenged Kreibich in 2004.
Kreibich said in a phone interview that he has frequently broken from party ranks to fight for student interest in Madison.
"I've shown an independent streak," he said.
Both candidates agreed, however, that tuition increases in recent years are unfairly burdening students.
Resident tuition and fees at UW-Eau Claire was $3,121 a semester in the 2000-2001 academic year, rising to $4,860 by the 2004-2005 academic year under various annual increases, according to UW System records.
Resident tuition is currently listed on the university's Web site at $5,502 a semester, following subsequent increases.
Students may have the opportunity to hear the candidates make their cases firsthand after both said they'd be willing to participate in a debate on campus, leading Student Senate's Intergovernmental Affairs Commission to revive plans for such an event.
Smith, a local businessman and manager for the town of Brunswick, said the Legislature has cut public funding for higher education, forcing the Board of Regents to raise tuition, and that Kreibich's efforts have been superficial and politically-motivated.
Kreibich could have done much more, Smith said, as chairman of the Assembly's committee on colleges and universities.
Kreibich said he has been trying to push for more state support but much of the blame falls on the regents, who are appointed by the governor.
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