John Murtha says he would defend western Wisconsin's values, and fight for the taxpayer, if he's elected to the state Assembly. Murtha, a Republican from Baldwin, faces Democrat Kerry Kittel from New Richmond in the Nov. 7 race for a two-year term representing District 29.

The two life-long St. Croix County men are hoping to replace Andy Lamb, a Republican from Menomonie who isn't running.

In St. Croix County, District 29 includes the New Richmond, Roberts and Hammond areas and the towns of Kinnickinnic and Pleasant Valley.

The largest city in the district is Dunn County's Menomonie. Like Kittel, Murtha says he's just an average guy who was asked to run and believes he has something to contribute in Madison.

"I think I'm a normal, regular guy with some common sense with a little experience at town government who would like to bring that to the state level," Murtha said.

His goal, he said, is to make western Wisconsin "a place to live, work and retire."

Murtha is the owner of Murtha Sanitation, which delivers large roll-off garbage boxes to construction sites. He's chairman of the Town Board in Eau Galle Township and serves on the Finance Committee of the United Fire and Rescue District.

This is his first attempt at a higher office. He says his experience in local government, and as a self-employed businessman, have prepared him well to take the next step.

He describes himself as a conservative who is willing to listen to both sides. "I don't think I'm far right on anything," he said. "I think a little common sense goes a long ways."

Jobs, taxes and health care are the top issues in the Murtha campaign. Accessible, affordable health care is at the forefront of concern of many of the people he speaks with on the campaign trail, Murtha said.

The cost, he said, is exceeding people's ability to pay.

He supports looking at different ways of providing health insurance, including the idea of grouping people together to get a group rate, and streamlining government regulation of the health industry.

"There's a lot of redundancy," Murtha said.

Murtha supports the proposed Taxpayers Bill of Rights, or TABOR, saying he backs putting a cap on state spending. Ways to control the cost of property taxes need to be studied as well, Murtha said.

As a representative, Murtha says his number one priority would be to defend the taxpayer. The state should not spend any more than it has, he says.

He says his experience sets him apart.