When those barriers are removed, challengers aren't afraid to dive in, as is the case with Johnsrud's seat, Berry said. Three Republicans and three Democrats each have announced they want to represent the 96th Assembly District, which Johnsrud said is politically independent. <

By announcing he wouldn't seek re-election March 17, Johnsrud left time for potential candidates to mount campaigns. And he hasn't endorsed a successor, despite being asked by some to do so, Johnsrud said. <

Judy Schmirler, a 38-year-old nurse from Westby, said she felt obligated to run when she read Johnsrud would not seek re-election. <

Schmirler is a rarity: She's a candidate who hasn't held office or campaigned for others in a system crowded by full-time legislators who have come up through a political "farm system," Berry said. <

Last year, 40 percent of legislators listed "full-time legislator" as their occupation, the taxpayers alliance found. Many of them worked their way up from serving as interns and working as aides to legislators, Berry said. That percentage is down from 49 percent in 1993, but the decline may be because some legislators now list their occupation as "other," the study found. <

Schmirler said she's undaunted by Johnsrud's warnings that politics can be no fun. The western Assembly district is about 100 miles long and 50 miles wide, and constituents expect their representative to show up at meetings, parades, breakfasts and dinners, Johnsrud said. <

"I don't know if any of them know what they're getting into," Johnsrud said of candidates for his seat. <

Raising money is a significant obstacle to challengers, said Rep. Robert Turner, D-Racine, who has spent 14 years in the Assembly. <

"You have to rely on special interests because you can't afford it on your own," said Turner. <

Turner and his Democratic primary challenger in 2002 spent a combined $150,000, mostly on direct mailings, radio and yard signs, Turner said. Turner's campaign spent about a third of the total, he said. <

Another possible explanation for the reluctance of challengers to get into a race is that people feel their current legislator is doing a good job, said Rep. Bonnie Ladwig, R-Mount Pleasant. Ladwig announced April 14 she would not seek re-election on the advice of her doctor, she said. <

Just one candidate, Racine County Board member and Republican Robin Vos, has announced an intent to run for the 63rd Assembly District seat which has been held by Ladwig or her husband Jim for most of 25 years. Vos is a well-known political name in Racine County and has worked as an aide to both Ladwigs, Bonnie Ladwig said. <

"It's very difficult for somebody who has never been in politics to run with no name recognition," she said. <

In order to be placed on the ballot for the Sept. 14 primary and the Nov. 2 general election, candidates must register with the state Elections Board and submit completed nomination papers and other forms by July 13. <

For more information, visit the Elections Board Web site: http://elections.state.wi.us. <