Mayor-Elect Paul Soglin: "Thank You, Madison"

Paul Soglin has been elected mayor of Madison again. The Wisconsin State Journal's Dean Mosiman had the best lede:

Maybe he is mayor for life.

In a scenario unlikely only a few months ago, former Mayor Paul Soglin on Tuesday stunned two-term incumbent Mayor Dave Cieslewicz to recapture the office he has held longer than anyone in city history.

Soglin, 65, mayor from 1973 to 1979 and again from 1989 to 1997, entered the race late and ran a spirited campaign, serving as the aggressor throughout.

The Capital Times' Kristin Czubkowski's story focused on what made the difference in a very close contest:

With the final unofficial numbers coming down to just more than 700 votes separating the two candidates, Soglin added that the individual work of campaign staffers and volunteers became even more important.

"It's very clear in an election like this that everything makes a difference," he said.

Paul thanks his supporters and all of the City of Madison's voters, and promises not to let them down.  He's already started working on the transition; he takes office in two short weeks.

Thanks to everyone who helped in any way. Thanks to the many people who approached Paul and encouraged him with a hug or handshake, and to the many teachers, firefighters, snowplow drivers, nurses, police, students, and others who gave him a "thumbs-up" while they were parading around the Square or voicing their concerns at a demonstration or rally.

Thanks also are due to Dave Cieslewicz, who ran a clean, issues-oriented campaign, and as mayor always did his best for Madison's citizens. He and all his supporters are all our friends and neighbors, and will remain so long after the details of this campaign have faded in memory.

- Barry Orton

Comments

[Rosemary Kendrick]

Congratulations to Paul and all the Soglin campaign workers and supporters!

I was a young newspaper reporter covering local government in the late 1960s when Paul, then a UW student, was elected to the City Council. His first speech on the council floor was riveting -- I remember sitting there in the back taking notes and thinking "This guy is really good. He's going places."

Little did I imagine just how much this man would give to Madison over the next four-plus decades. Thank you, Paul, and welcome back as Hizzoner!

Rosemary

[OFR]

The Gov employees need a man they trust to give it to them straight...congratulations!

Regarding the Supreme Court Race: It appears that Wisconsin is equally divided between those who want change and those who don't. What should Gov Walker do?

[Mark Hazellbaker]

Paul Soglin was elected because he is talking about the issues mainstream politicians don't want to face -- that our society has lost ground on fairnes and opportunity. Good luck to him!

[Argette]

Sadly I moved to Madison in June 1979 and left in December 1989 so I never lived there with Soglin in Da Mare's office.

I'm a tad envious of Madison residents for having such savvy and substantive leadership.

Mayor for life indeed.

[Ordinary Jill]

Thank you, Mr. Soglin, for returning to public service when the city faces such difficult challenges. It was an honor to shake your hand on the square during the demonstrations.

[Jake formerly of the LP]

Congrats, both you and Dave ran a classy race, understanding that we were both on the same side against the Walkerites.

I wish you the best, and think this place can go to the next level. Your understanding of the problems we currently have mean that we have the chance to fix those issues, and continue to be the great place we know Madtown to be.

[Kathy Kerst]

My husband and I moved to Virginia last October, having lived in Madison since 1979, enjoying Paul's tenure. From afar, how thrilled we are for Paul to continue...you absolutely rock!

[Ken kerst]

Re:Comment below from Kathy doubled by me, but I would note we didn't move to Va. willingly, we miss Madison, and we miss public people like Paul, Dave, Russ, Kathleen, Joe, Jim, Nichols, Brenda, Masel, &tc. The 40 square miles of reality is sorely needed in the lower 49.

[Jim]

No comment on "liberal madison recycles mayor"?

[Joe]

Mayor Dave and Mr. Soglin are both to be commended for running a positive campaign. The volume of attack ads had gotten so bad after the Citizens United ruling that I refused to watch TV or listen to the radio during the run up to last November's election, and let's face it, attack ads have a tenuous grasp on truth to begin with and really don't do anything constructive. Mayor Dave and Mr. Soglin didn't attack each other, they ran on the basis of their skill, experience, achievements, and vision for the future.

No matter which man was elected, Madison wins. We had to choose between two very qualified and effective candidates. It's too bad all elections aren't like that.