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Loudenbeck victorious after shift to 31st District

JANESVILLE — In 2010, Amy Loudenbeck's win was pure joy celebrated with her campaign team at a bowling alley in Clinton.

This time around, the win was bittersweet, but she celebrated with other Rock County Republicans at a watch party in Janesville, said Loudenbeck, elected Tuesday to the 31st Assembly District.

Loudenbeck of Clinton beat Democrat Ryan Schroeder of Delavan. Prior to redistricting, Loudenbeck has been serving the 45th Assembly District.

This time around, her race felt like a small piece within the Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan campaign, Loudenbeck said.

"Two years ago, I was so focused on the 45th, on my district and the team I built," Loudenbeck said. "Now, having served with people from all across the state and seeing the balance of power in our state Legislature, just trying to follow all those races and mine kind of minimized my own race."

Her win is bittersweet, Loudenbeck said.

"I'm so happy to be going back and continuing the good work I'm trying to accomplish," Loudenbeck said. "I know on a larger level, there are a lot of really disappointed people, including myself, who thought we could deliver Wisconsin."

To combat the Republican loss in the presidential race, Wisconsin Republicans will focus on maintaining local control of issues "so that we don't let the federal government compromise the foundation we've laid," Loudenbeck said.

Loudenbeck is grateful for the opportunity to keep working on initiatives such as developing incumbent worker training programs. That includes finding money to train workers so they can move up the ladders at their places of employment. Those workers get better jobs and open entry-level positions for new employees, Loudenbeck said.

Loudenbeck said she is interested in working as the chairwoman of an Assembly committee.

What committee that might be or with whom she will work will become more clear as she and other newly elected and re-elected officials have time this week to study the election results.

"I want to work where can I add the most value," Loudenbeck said.