Rep. Scott Newcomer (R-Hartland)
MADISON: A Republican Assembly representative and Public Health Committee member who was ready to vote for AB 554/SB 368, the Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act if it came to a vote has announced he will not be seeking reelection this fall.
Rep. Scott Newcomer, (R-Hartland) issued a statement saying he would not seek reelection in November. Newcomer served in the Assembly since 2006. He faced a primary election fight against five fellow Republicans in September.
The Chicago Tribune reported that Newcomer's announcement makes him the 22nd Wisconsin lawmaker legislator to give up their seat, translating to 19 open seats in the Assembly and three open seats in the Senate. That means that nearly 17% of seats will be represented by new faces and counting. Democrats currently hold a 52-46 majority in the Assembly and an 18-15 edge in the Senate.
Read May 10, 2010 Madison NORML Examiner article: WPR: WI Gov. candidate Barrett would sign “very narrow” MMJ bill, More lawmakers plan to retire
The JRMMA was sponsored by Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Madison) and Sen. Jon Erpenbach (D-Waunakee). The bill also had 15 cosponsors, three of whom are not seeking reelection (Reps. Steve Hilgenberg, Spencer Black and Gary Sherman). The chair of the Public Health committee that heard the bill, Rep. Chuck Benedict (D-Beloit), a retired neurologist, is also among those not returning.
Here is Rep. Newcomer's release:
Rep. Newcomer: Will not seek reelection 5/26/2010
Contact: 608-266-3007
Delafield, WI--- State Representative Scott Newcomer (R) Town of Delafield today announced that he would not seek reelection to the 33rd State Assembly District. Newcomer won a special election to the Assembly in 2005 and was reelected in 2006 and again in 2008.
Newcomer said it was a great experience to serve in the legislature and is proud of his many accomplishments. "I am most proud of my votes against the last two tax riddled budgets, serving as Chairman of the Financial Institutions Committee and my work to consolidate government."
"It has been an honor and privilege to represent the people of 33rd State Assembly District in the Wisconsin legislature. The best part of the job has been the many wonderful people I've met throughout Waukesha County and Wisconsin. I know that the district will be well served in the future."
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