Two candidates are seeking the Democratic nomination in the Sept. 9 primary in the 80th Assembly District. The winner will face incumbent Rep. Brett Davis, R-Oregon, in the November general election.

Name: John Waelti

Age: 71

Address: 1800 21st Ave., Monroe

Job: Economist (retired)

Political experience: Monroe Board of Education, 2005-07

Other public service: Town of Monroe Smart Growth Committee; Southwest Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission

Education: Bachelor's degree in agricultural economics, UW-Madison; master's degree in agricultural economics, University of Arizona; Ph.D. in agricultural economics, University of California, Berkeley

Web site: waeltiforassembly.org

Name: Kristin Wisnefske

Age: 55

Address: P.O. Box 377, Monroe

Job: Registered nurse

Political experience: None

Other public service: Parish nurse coordinator. Member, Latino Needs Advisory Committee; Green County Dementia Care Network Advisory Board; Healthy Communities Committee; Cover the Uninsured Community Committee (co-chair). Girl Scout Leader. Also serves on several church committees as a member of St. Victor Catholic Parish.

Education: Nursing diploma, Milwaukee County General Hospital School of Nursing; bachelor's degree in Nursing, Viterbo University; master's degree in nursing with a focus on health ministry, Edgewood College

Web site: www.krisforassembly.com

Why are you running for office?

John Waelti: Outdated K-12 funding formula; inaccessible, unaffordable health care; corporate tax avoidance; state Supreme Court candidates and justices needing to raise millions; decennial redistricting allowing politicians to choose their voters instead of vice versa -- all this needs to be changed. I'm in this race to assist like-minded legislators to get these items on the table.

Kristin Wisnefske: I have been an advocate for affordable, accessible health care for years, and this is one of the reasons that compelled me to run. I also believe in adequate funding for schools, and the protection of our natural resources.

The uncertain economy could mean trouble for the next state budget. What services would you cut, or what taxes or fees would you raise?

John Waelti: As there are major corporations in Wisconsin paying few or no state income taxes, these loopholes must be closed. Large corporations are beneficiaries of public services including education, public health and safety, transportation, and environmental protection. They should bear their share of the load to pay for these services.

Kristin Wisnefske: As I have not been a part of the budget process in previous sessions, I would require more information.

What can the state do to expand access to health care while keeping it affordable?

John Waelti: It's neither accessible nor affordable now to too many people. If not addressed at the federal level, the most feasible solution is a version of the "Healthy Wisconsin" plan, revised to ensure viability for small business and low- and middle-income citizens. If a more comprehensive plan is unattainable, every citizen should at least have access to a "basic plan."

Kristin Wisnefske: Look at different programs that are similar to Healthy Wisconsin that provide affordable, accessible health care to Wisconsin residents, including preventive care.

Are state revenue limits on schools and levy limits on municipalities too tight, too loose or just right?

John Waelti: Too tight. If local government is to meet its obligations and responsibilities, it must be given the latitude in which to do so.

Kristin Wisnefske: Again, without being intimately involved in the budget processes, I cannot answer this conclusively.

Statewide smoking ban: Yes or no?

John Waelti: No

Kristin Wisnefske: Yes

Repeal minimum markup law: Yes or no?

John Waelti: Yes. There are doubtless more effective ways to assist small business.

Kristin Wisnefske: This issue is too complex to be answered with a yes or no, and needs further discussion.