MADISON (WKOW) - A farmer who challenged Wisconsin's ban on selling home-baked goods is now running for State Senate.
Kriss Marion, a farmer in Blanchardville, was one of the plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the state's ban on selling home-baked goods. On May 31st, 2017, a Lafayette County judge ruled the ban unconstitutional.
On Wednesday, Marion announced she's running as a Democrat against Republican Senator Howard Marklein for Wisconsin's 17th District.
"I think I have a lot of ideas for how rural communities can do better," said Marion, who has been an advocate in her rural community. "I show up in a lot of places talking about rural communities, water quality, economic development...I sit on a lot of regional boards."
Marion's challenger, Senator Marklein, says he's going to remain focused on continuing the work for his constituents.
"We've got a lot done for the benefit of the constituents of my district, but there's still a lot more to do," said Sen. Marklein.
Marion says her ideas include more investments in infrastructure for rural communities, tax relief for startup businesses, and a solution for rural broadband.
"Broadband is dismal still in the countryside," said Marion. "We've been talking about getting a solution for rural broadband for about 15 years and we still don't have one."
She says never saw herself getting into politics but looks forward to fighting for an office in the state capitol building.
"I think it's gonna be a blast, win or lose, I'm getting to meet a ton of people in the most beautiful place in Wisconsin," said Marion, who hopes her run for office inspires others to become an advocate in their communities.
An open primary will be held on August 14th and the general election will be held on November 6th.
For more on this story: http://www.wkow.com/story/37509134/2018/02/14/cookie-bill-advocate-is-running-for-state-senate