More citizens are running for seats in the state Legislature.

The fall campaign for control of the statehouse will feature the largest crop of candidates in more than a decade, according to the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign.And there 's still a few days left for more candidates to jump in.

Anyone seeking an Assembly seat need only file 200 signatures of support from district residents by Tuesday at 5 p.m. with the Government Accountability Board. Those seeking the Senate need to file at least 400 signatures.

Running for office is one of the most patriotic things an American can do. So anyone on the fence should give it a go.

The Wisconsin Democracy Campaign reported this week that only 25 legislators appear to be unopposed -- the lowest number since the 1996 election cycle. That 's less than a quarter of the total 115 legislative slots that are up for election this fall.

Both major political parties say they are fielding more candidates than usual. Independent and third-party candidates also are launching bids.

As many as eight people will compete for the open 47th District seat in northern Dane and Columbia counties. Rep. Gene Hahn, R-Cambria, is retiring from the post.

Seven people are seeking the open 81st District seat that includes Madison 's North Side and west-central Dane County. Rep. Dave Travis, D-Waunakee, is retiring.

But many longtime incumbents in the Madison area are getting a free ride -- unless challenges step forward soon.

They include Reps. Spencer Black, Joe Parisi and Mark Pocan of Madison, Rep. Gary Hebl of Sun Prairie and Sondy Pope-Roberts of Middleton. In the Senate, Fred Risser of Madison and Mark Miller of Monona are unopposed.

Defeating an incumbent is incredibly hard because challengers often lack name recognition, money, campaign experience and knowledge of state issues. Yet even losing improves our system. It forces incumbents to reconnect with voters, hear their concerns and justify votes.

And who knows? Some challengers just might win as they express their love for country by directly participating in democracy.

Seeking public office at any level of government is one of the best ways to honor the red, white and blue.