Updated at: 07/09/2009 10:41 AM
By: Katie Nordeen
KNordeen@wdio.com

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Sean Duffy Announces Run for Congress

The Ashland County District Attorney says he is ready to take on one of the longest serving representatives in congress. Sean Duffy announced on Wednesday that he will run for Wisconsin's 7th District Congressional seat that is currently held by Rep. Dave Obey.

Signs, balloons and supporters chanting, "we can win, in 2010--" a sure sign that it is campaign season in Northwestern Wisconsin. Duffy says he plans to fill a need for new voices and leadership in Washington D.C.

"We can bring real Wisconsin common sense to Washington instead of this big government, big spending philosophy that Dave Obey has," Duffy said.

The father of five is already catching on in the political circles, even getting an early endorsement from Superior Mayor Dave Ross.

"The old leadership has mortgaged our children's future. It's grown to a bloated and intrusive government that is slowly robbing us of our personal freedoms," Ross said on Wednesday from the announcement in Hayward. "Sean represents a new generation of leaders."

Duffy will face off against a 40-year veteran-- Congressman Dave Obey. The democrat from Wausau heads the very powerful appropriations committee and authored the stimulus bill. Duffy called him, a "poster boy for irresponsible government and irresponsible spending."

"Obey has power, he has influence, and he has money. But those things don't vote-- people vote," Duffy said. "And I'm going to go out there with a message and talk to people."

A spokesperson for Obey said he and his office continue to focus on the many issues facing Wisconsin and they will take up the campaign when his term ends next year.

Duffy has been the district attorney in Ashland since 2002 and is a World Champion Lumberjack. He is also a former cast member of MTV's reality TV show, "The Real World."