WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAU) – Conservative Wausau radio host Pat Snyder will run for the state Assembly this fall.
Snyder, who hosts the Wisconsin Morning News and Feedback programs on WSAU Radio, publicly launched his campaign Tuesday for the 85th Assembly district. He will run as a Republican.
The 55-year-old Snyder said he will make jobs the number one issue in his campaign.
“I will do everything in my power to help create a business friendly environment,” he said. “I would never do anything to burden the taxpayer.”
Snyder said he does not have specific legislation to offer at this point but added that he supports Governor Walker's initiatives.
Marathon County Democratic Party chair Jeff Johnson has already said he will run for the seat, too.
“This campaign is going to be about issues and what positions the candidates take, not about personalities,” Johnson said in a phone interview Tuesday.
The seat is currently held by Wausau Democrat Donna Seidel. Seidel has said she will run against Republican state Senator Pam Galloway in a recall election.
Johnson called the decision to let Snyder remain on air while he runs unprecedented.
“I think they [Midwest Communications] are opening themselves up to some liability,” Johnson said. “The case could be made very easily that they are providing an in-kind donation every time they let him on the air.”
Equal time rules do not allow a political candidate to work as a radio announcer within 60 days of a general election and within 45 days of a primary election. Radio station managers have said Snyder will leave the show at the end of July if he does have a primary opponent or at the end of August if he does not.
On the Web: Hear excerpts of Pat Snyder's campaign announcement and reaction from Democratic candidate Jeff Johnson
Related: Station blog about how long Pat Snyder can remain on air
