We won't want for distraction over the next few weeks as the Olympics kicks off from London this Friday and runs through Aug. 12. The games end just in time for the primary election on Aug. 14 to determine the Democratic candidate in this fall's 2nd Congressional District race. So before the running and jumping and swimming and shooting and the sundry other activities that constitute the quadrennial extravaganza, let us get in a few words about that significant primary.
Staff writer Joe Tarr poses the question "Who's Next for Congress?" in our cover story this week. His article concentrates on the presumed frontrunners, currently-serving state Assembly Reps. Marc Pocan and Kelda Roys, with a sidebar on two lesser-known candidates, Matt Silverman and Dennis Hall. This, of course, is the race to replace U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, who is giving up the seat to run for the U.S. Senate.
Speaking of races, the 33rd Paddle & Portage competition went swimmingly, if I may use that term in this context, with 740 participants navigating 366 boats around a Lake Mendota course, across the isthmus, and along John Nolen Drive to the takeout at Olin Park. The overall winners were the Van Haren bros., Ken and Karl, who finished in an astounding (to me) 41 minutes and 44 seconds. There were plenty of other winners in the various classes, the complete results appearing at PaddleAndPortage.com. Next P&P: July 20, 2013.
The excitement never ends. This week Isthmus announces the third annual Isthmus Independent Business Awards competition, otherwise known as the Indies, sponsored by SupraNet and presented by Isthmus in cooperation with Dane Buy Local. Nominations in eight categories are open from Thursday, July 26, until Sunday, Aug. 26. The Indies will be presented at a ceremony on Oct. 8 at the Goodman Center. You'll be hearing more about them in the coming weeks.
Let the games begin.
