Two candidates are seeking the Republican nomination to represent the 46th Assembly District in the Sept. 9 primary. The winner will take on incumbent Rep. Gary Hebl, D-Sun Prairie.

Kathy Maves

Age: 57

Address: 744 Cledell St., Oregon

Current Job: Office manager at Superior Radiographics Ltd., Madison

Political Experience: Oregon School Board, 16 years (clerk for 5 years). Also served on Negotiations Committee and was School Board representative to Oregon Park Board

Other Public Service: Oregon Chamber of Commerce member for six years, Downtown Oregon Committee, 14 South Artists Group, National Wild Turkey Federation -- Wisconsin State Board of Directors, Safari Club International (secretary for seven years)

Education: Bachelor's in English and history, UW-Whitewater

Spencer Zimmerman

Age: 28

Address: 101 S. Page St., Stoughton

Current Job: Unemployed writer; first novel was published in May

Political Experience: Volunteer work on various campaigns

Other Public Service: Four years active duty Air Force; also served as a security officer

Education: Bachelor's in business administration, Edgewood College; associate degree in information systems technology, Community College of the Air Force

Why are you running for office?

Maves: During the past two sessions of the Legislature, I have followed the voting record of the incumbent for the 46th District. I have not agreed with many of his votes. When I found out that no one had challenged him in 2006 and it didn't appear anyone was going to do so this year, I decided that I needed to once again run for public office. I think with my past political experience and work experiences, I can make the tough decisions needed to succeed as a state representative.

Zimmerman: Our community has been facing a multitude of challenges for several years now and the entrenched leadership has been unable or unwilling to deal with these problems. We must address the dual burdens of high health care costs and soaring taxes, the scourge of illegal immigration, and the horrendous crimes we see in our local newspapers before it's too late.

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

Maves: I don't think it is a matter of cutting services or raising taxes and fees. We need to do a better job of watching where and how the state is spending money. Two examples: The DNR spent millions to fight Chronic Wasting Disease but the rate of infection has not changed. And a building contract at UW-Stout went to a minority-owned out-of-state firm, while the lowest bidder, and in-state firm, was passed over.

Zimmerman: I am committed to not raising taxes and working to eliminate wasteful spending, while welcoming suggestions and possible solutions from the community. Some examples would be to cut back lawn mowing along highways and parks to curb costs, and generating additional revenue by putting the state's prison population to work, marketing their labor to local businesses to the highest bidder.

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

Maves: There seems to be an overabundance of duplicative services as the major clinics and hospitals just in the Madison area compete for patients with new facilities and the most up-to-date technology. Another area of concern is state-imposed health insurance mandates. While each disease may be worthy of complete coverage under an insurance policy, health insurance mandates cost money to provide that coverage.

Zimmerman: Change current tax and insurance law to put health policies under control of the citizens by expanding the use of high-deductible policies with matching health savings accounts. This approach will avoid instituting "Soviet-style socialized medicine" and instead promote a health care industry that adheres to the American ideal of free-market capitalism to the benefit of the consumer.

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

Maves: Too tight

Zimmerman: Declined to pick an answer

Statewide smoking ban: Yes or no?

Maves: Yes, with waivers for cigar bars

Zimmerman: Yes, but only on establishments that admit minors

Repeal minimum markup law: Yes or no?

Maves: No

Zimmerman: Yes