Evan Goyke to run for 18th Assembly district seat

From my email inbox comes this announcement:

You are cordially invited to the kick-off announcement of Evan Goyke’s race for the nomination of the Democratic Party in Milwaukee’s 18th Assembly District.

Wednesday May 9, 2012
African American Women’s Business and Community Center
3020 W. Vliet Street
Milwaukee Wisconsin
(There is on street parking and a nice corner lot immediately east and adjacent to the building accessed by entering through the alley.)

5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Comments at 6:00 p.m.

Years ago we didn’t think we would ever be sending out this kind of notice, but you should know how very proud we are to do so today.

Evan and his great campaign committee are arranging plenty of special treats from our African American, Hmong, Hispanic amateur chef friends and supporters. We would like you to witness and be with us for this special time. This is not a fundraiser. Your name would not be used in any public lists. Attendance does not constitute an endorsement. We want to share this occasion with those colleagues, friends and family who we value and who have each brought so much into our personal and political lives.

If you are able to attend, we would like your honest reactions, observations and reflections on Evan’s speech and his message. Why a person does something in the political arena is very important to us….even if it is your own son! Evan’s election theme is “Stand Up for Milwaukee!” and he will be using the apple with a bite out of it as part of his logo message. I started using this logo way back in 1973. His use of the apple is far more modern and significant. There are many more difficulties and challenges facing the state today than I ever thought could exist back then.

The 18th Assembly District has been very ably and magnificently represented by Tamara Grigsby since 2004. Her personal decision to leave the Legislature took many by suprise and saddened hundreds of others…including all of us. Her leadership and dedication will be very hard to replace or duplicate. We pray for her complete recovery and continued improving health.

The 18th Assembly District has been redrawn by the new redistricting plan and covers the City of Milwaukee neighborhoods starting with the western edges of Marquette University over to 60th Street and a long residential sliver from North Avenue up to Capitol Drive between 35th and 49th streets.

In the world of politics this is now called an “open seat” meaning no incumbent on the ballot. Right now there are 8 candidates all running in the August 14th primary. There is no declared Republican candidate – which means the Tuesday August 14th election will most likely be winner take all.

Though I can’t say I know Evan Goyke well, the interactions I’ve had with him have left me with the sense that he’s an extremely intelligent guy and understands the hard work that’s necessary to not only run a successful campaign for elected office, but to serve with distinction as an elected official.