Jefferson County District Attorney Susan Happ officially announced her candidacy on Wednesday in the race for state attorney general, becoming the third Democrat to do so.
Happ has served as county district attorney since 2008 after defeating a Republican who had been endorsed by current attorney general J.B. Van Hollen, who will be stepping down next year. In announcing her campaign, she suggested she may have a better shot than her two Democratic opponents at defeating the lone Republican in the race because she was able to win a race in a county where Republicans are in the majority.
“I’m the only elected county official in Jefferson County who is a Democrat,” said Happ. “But then my story shows that I am actually able to work together with Republicans and get the job done and do what is right for Wisconsin.”
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Still, in her announcement speech Happ cast herself solidly as a Democrat by stressing her commitment to three issues that have sharply divided the state in the recent past: voting rights, gay marriage, and abortion.
“As attorney general, I will protect the right to vote, the right for women to make their own decision about their bodies, the right to marry who you love,” said Happ. “Protecting these fundamental rights will be my priority.“”
She didn’t go as far as one of her opponents in the race, state Rep. Jon Richards, D-Milwaukee, who has promised not to defend a new state law that requires abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals. Happ said before deciding whether or not to defend any state law against legal challenges, she will carefully assess whether or not it’s constitutional.
Happ will face both Richards and Dane County D.A. Ismael Ozanne in an August primary. The winner will face Waukesha D.A. Brad Schimel in November.
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