LINCOLN COUNTY - Three candidates want a state Assembly seat that includes all of Lincoln and parts of four other counties.

We’re making sure you’re informed going to the polls in less than a week with a look at the wide-open 35th Assembly District.

None of these three candidates have ever run for a state office.

But the race between Republican Mary Czaja, Democrat Kevin Koth, and Independent Patrick Tjugum is drawing plenty of statewide attention.

This is a swing district in the Northwoods, and outside groups have started putting money into the race.

But the candidates prefer to keep the focus local.

"The experience, with me being in town government for ten years, town chair for the last three years, my involvement as a union officer, union president," Democrat Kevin Koth said.

"I believe in less government," Republican Mary Czaja said. "I believe in less government regulation, and more independence by the individual."

"The biggest thing is, I have no party-planned votes," Independent Patrick Tjugum said. "They say they can be independent, they can cross party lines."

But Tjugum says when elected, Democrats and Republicans stick with their party in voting.

This is an open seat, with Republican Tom Tiffany stepping down to run for state Senate.

Tiffany, a Republican, won it by 16 points two years ago.

All three candidates named jobs as their top priority.

Story By: Ben Meyer