Sparks could fly as Greer takes on Baldwin
0:16 AM 9/11/02
Anita Clark Wisconsin State Journal

indentRon Greer, an evangelical Christian pastor, won the Republican nomination in the 2nd Congressional District in Tuesday's primary election by defeating businessman Phil Alfonsi.
indentGreer's victory ensures a contest of sharp philosophical contrasts as he faces two-term Democratic incumbent Tammy Baldwin in the Nov. 5 election.
indent"I'd like to think I was very clear on the issues and relevant to people," Greer said late Tuesday from his victory party in Sun Prairie.
indentHe said he believed voters liked seeing a candidate who is passionate about his beliefs and willing to stand up for them in Washington, D.C.
indentGreer, 46, of Fitchburg, is director of Fellowship House, a nonprofit organization trying to open a group home for released offenders. He was a strong contender in 1998 for the Republican nomination in the 2nd District, placing second in a field of six.
indentAlfonsi, 52, of Waunakee, is a commercial real-estate broker in Madison who ran for office once before, unsuccessfully seeking an Assembly seat in 1976.
indentThe Republican contenders differed little in their conservative positions; both emphasized national defense, cutting taxes and opposing abortion rights.
indentTheir styles, however, offered voters a choice between Greer's aggressive, pulpit-honed speaking voice and Alfonsi's quieter, more nuanced presentations.
indentGreer, a former Madison firefighter, has a higher public profile, from his previous campaign and his well-publicized battle that caused his dismissal from the Madison Fire Department in 1998.
indentHe was fired after issuing a news release claiming Chief Debra Amesqua had showed favoritism to a female firefighter because both women were lesbians. Neither had publicly discussed her sexuality.
indentHis nomination means Greer, who has an anti-homosexual reputation, will be running against the only openly lesbian member of the House. He called Baldwin "a left-wing lesbian" in the 1998 race, but says now her sexuality is her business unless it affects public policy decisions.
indentGreer's detractors suggest he is confrontational; he says his record shows he will stand for principle.
indent"I've been tested and tried and proved to be solid and good," he said during the campaign.
indentBoth Republicans targeted Baldwin, calling her too liberal for the district and criticizing her votes on spending and national security issues.
indentThe 2nd District has been reshaped by reapportionment since the last election, and political analysts see the new district as more favorable to Democrats.
indentGreer disputes that and calls himself a nontraditional Republican who will campaign on issues important to voters.
indentWith 398 of 416 wards reporting: Ron Greer, 12,625; Phil Alfonsi, 8,076.