RHINELANDER - As the race for the state's 12th Senate District seat heats up, both candidates are shifting their campaigns into high gear.

With Republican challenger Kim Simac traveling door-to-door, Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch spent time in Rhinelander Friday helping with the campaign.

She says the positive business climate in Wisconsin would be bolstered by a Simac win.

"We need to keep going in that direction," Kleefisch said.

"And in order to keep going in that direction, we need more people in the state senate who reflect the values of the voters of Wisconsin. The voters in Wisconsin know we need more jobs. Kim Simac knows that too. As a small business owner, she gets it."

Meanwhile, the democratic incumbent is at the Vilas County Fair rallying supporters for his cause.

Senator Jim Holperin says this election is about balancing government across the state.

"We need to keep the bipartisan mix in the Senate," Holperin said.

"It guards against abuses by either party in terms of either ramming through legislation or delaying legislation longer than it needs to be. I think the closer you have the numbers in both houses, the more you have moderate government."

And as Tuesday's recalls draw closer, both parties realize the importance statewide of this 12th Senate District.

"That's why we are up in the Northwoods," Kleefisch said.

"Why you see so many of our all-stars from state government here to support Kim because we know she needs to get the voters to the polls to in order to get the support she needs to help the people of the state of Wisconsin."

"It's bread and butter programs for small communities for our most vulnerable populations that I've tried to work hard on and that's what I'll continue to do to deliver our fair share here to Northern Wisconsin," Holperin said.

The campaigns continue for both, just four days from the August 16th election.

Story By: Lane Kimble