Three candidates are seeking the Republican nomination to the 37th Assembly District in the Sept. 9 primary. The winner will take on incumbent Rep. Andy Jorgensen, D-Fort Atkinson, in the Nov. 4 general election.

Kent Koebke

Age: 56

Address: 551 Milwaukee Ave. East, Fort Atkinson

Current job: Career and academic adviser at Madison Area Technical College-Watertown; retired Marine colonel (active duty 1974-2001)

Political experience: Fort Atkinson School Board (elected in 2005; president since 2007)

Other public service: Chairman, Finance Committee, small group co-leader, Sunday School teacher, First United Methodist Church of Fort Atkinson; treasurer, Fort Atkinson Disabled American Veterans Chapter 39; Boy Scout leader; Volunteer in Mission participant at two locations in Wisconsin and three in the U.S.; hosted several foreign exchange students

Education: Bachelor's in political science, UW-Whitewater; master's in education, East Carolina University, Greenville, N.C.; master's in strategic intelligence from the Defense Intelligence College, Washington, D.C.

Brian A. Peters

Age: 25

Address: P.O. Box 365, Fort Atkinson

Current job: Regional sales director for a biotech medical company

Political experience: None

Education: Bachelor's from UW-Whitewater; M.B.A. from the University of Colorado; M.S.A. from Central Michigan University. Currently working on a Ph.D. in development and public policy.

Web site: www.petersforwi.com

Dr. Tom Luetzow

Age: 58

Address: N7406 Highway E, Watertown

Current job: Physician

Political experience: None

Other public service: Multiple positions in 501c organizations

Education: Bachelor of science, UW-Whitewater; M.D., UW Medical School

Web site: www.luetzowforassembly.com

Why are you running for office?

Koebke: Having lived and served this country in several locations around the world, it's a privilege to be back home and engage in the electoral process that I worked to protect. During these tough economic times, the people of the 37th Assembly District deserve a proven leader who will work hard to look out for the best interests of all taxpaying citizens.

Peters: I am running for office because I believe serious changes need to be made in Wisconsin. Wisconsin citizens are overtaxed, good businesses are being forced out of the state, health-care issues need to be better addressed, and we need to do a better job maximizing each dollar spent.

Luetzow: I feel it is an extension of my caring for people as a physician to now care for people as a legislator.

The uncertain economy could mean trouble for the next state budget. What services would you cut, or what taxes or fees would you raise?

Koebke: As someone who understands economics and large budgets, I know that adding to the tax burden of our hard-working citizens only slows our economy and affects every worker. I believe in just enough government and nothing more. We must spend with the real needs of the people in mind. We need to hold the line on local, county, and state spending and prioritize our requirements. All parts of the state budget need to be scrutinized to assure they are sized realistically and maximize local control.

Peters: I don't believe changes are as simple as "cutting services" or "raising taxes." I think we need to take a look at where the money is being spent, and whether or not we are getting the best bang for our buck. Too often, if there is a problem, politicians are quick to throw money at it in hopes it goes away. We need to be able to think creatively about problems and attack them from a multitude of angles. Only then, will we see improvement in our state.

Luetzow: It is essential to not raise taxes as it would mean more people and jobs leaving the state. I would take a look at all programs to see what we could freeze or possibly cut.

What can the state do to expand access to health care while keeping it affordable?

Koebke: Provide incentives for people to establish Health Savings Accounts and maintain their health. Provide incentives for health insurance group buying plans.

Peters: A key to making health care affordable is making it competitive. If facilities had to compete for business, they would work harder to keep costs down. Capitalism is what has made this country prosper. This same system should transfer into the health care field. Citizens should be able to ask themselves, "Where can I get the best care for the lowest price?" Another key is reducing the amount of fraudulent or unsubstantiated lawsuits that occur.

Luetzow: A program that I would like to champion is a program called Patient Centered Medical Home. It has been proven to increase quality, increase patient satisfaction, while decreasing the cost. I feel it is a program that could make health coverage possible for everyone in the state.

Are state revenue limits on schools and levy limits on municipalities too tight, too loose or just right?

All candidates: Just right

Statewide smoking ban: Yes or no?

Koebke: No

Peters: No response

Luetzow: I support the failed compromise

Repeal minimum markup law: Yes or no?

Koebke: No

Peters: Yes

Luetzow: No response