Waushara Area Chamber of Commerce dunks Selthofner campaign

The Friends of Jay Selthofner are just burning up the campaign trail and leaving the competition in the smoke. Coming off a huge week of events and speaking with leaders of the local sustainability team (STEAM) about sustainable energy was just the start. The State Assembly Candidate celebrated his birthday on Thursday August 12th with a visit from Gubernatorial Candidate Jim Langer to discuss drug policy reform.

A surprise came on Friday with a phone call from the Jay’s father, John Selthofner.  John is still actively farming with Dopp Dairy Domain Inc, as well along with many other of Selthofner’s family.  John took some time out to join his eldest son on the campaign trail.  Jay took this as a great learning opportunity to learn more about the dairy and agricultural industry in Wisconsin and the struggles local district farmers face.  The dynamic duo, soon turned trio, with a Friend of Jay Campaign member, hit the trail blazing.  All morning and on the ride to outer ends of Waushara County, the rain poured, thunder rolled and Jay saw lighting strike.  When the campaign crew drew near the first site, the clouds dissipated quickly and the day turned out glorious and full of support.

Saturday saw Selthofner in an unusual role of “heckler” as he raised money for the Waushara Area Chamber of Commerce (WACC).  This chamber of commerce is unique, much like Waushara County itself and the candidates campaign.  “Growing up, being educated in and exposed to the variety of what Waushara County has to offer, always made me appreciate the area” Selthofner recalled his youth growing up in Poy Sippi.  He continued “it takes decades to explore all the areas and enjoy everything there is to do around here and the people are great.  I have friends I grew up with that will never leave Waushara County and I understand why.”

Jay was the center of attention in the “Dunk the Politician” booth at the August Fest celebration in Wautoma, Wisconsin.  In full battle gear, his suit and tie, Selthofner drew a large crowd as everyone waited eagerly to see him go down.  It took hundreds of dollars to drown out the dunk tank speeches Selthofner made, as he had the center stage.  One supporter of prohibition even funded ball after ball after ball to “dunk the guy trying to legalize pot”.  Little did she know the guy she paid was a Friend of Jay.

The normally mild mannered man engaged in “pot-politics” by not only speaking to voters about the issue, but educating along the way.  Many people did not know that there were more uses for marijuana than smoking it.  In fact, the conversation about industrial hemp for food, fuel and fiber drew more interest than legalizing the ‘drug’ outright.  Saturday Selthofner’s campaign reached part of the population that had not yet heard his messages.  Initially this was disturbing to the campaign supporters, but Selthofner saw this as just another challenge on his dash to the state assembly.  He quickly uncovered the hidden opportunities and supporters in the community.  After planting several seeds of change and fertilizing them with thoughts of reform, he left the ideas to be tended by community leaders in the Waushara County Area.

Waushara County Fun Facts:

Waushara County, created in 1851 from Marquette County, means “big fox.” The county seat is Wautoma. Waushara County is located in central Wisconsin, just 87 miles from Green Bay. This region boasts 96 lakes, more than 150 miles of trout streams and a variety of parks. Waushara County is completely rural with not one city/village having a population larger than 2,500.

To view more photos of the day you may visit the facebook page of Jay Selthofner found here:  Dunk the Politician Photo Album

To view videos of the dunk and other videos of Jay Selthofner, please visit the official campaign YouTube channel found here: Jay Selthofner for Wisconsin State Assembly YouTube Channel

CAUTION! Link for YouTube Channel will take you right to Party on with Russ ‘N Ron Polka Band jamming to “In Heaven there ain’t no beer” adjust volume accordion!