12TH SENATE DISTRICT - The 12th Senate District has leaned Republican in most elections for decades.

But it has been represented by a Democratic state senator since 1983.

Current Senator Jim Holperin decided not to seek another term.

We talked to the two Democrats seeking the nomination.

Both Tomahawk's Lisa Theo, an instructor at UW Stevens Point, and Susan Sommer of Phelps, a lawyer, say the partisan tensions in Madison need to end.

Both want to change the culture in the Capitol.

Now they're sharing that message with voters of the Northwoods.

"Knocking on doors has been one of the most important ways to get the message out. Email has been a great way too," says Sommer.

"The biggest thing is how much time I'm spending out there knocking on doors. I'm out here 12 hours a day," says Theo.

Even fresh off a June recall election, both candidates say they like to see how engaged voters seem.

"What surprises me is how receptive people are. They want to talk about the issues. They want to talk about things that are positive right now," says Theo.

"I've just been amazed and am really in awe of the number of people who take this so seriously, who are so concerned about our district and our state," says Sommer.

The winner of Tuesday's primary faces Republican Tom Tiffany in November's general election.

Story By: Ben Meyer