The National Republican Congressional Committee is trying to turn up the heat on freshman Rep. Steve Kagen (D).

The Appleton allergist who beat then-state Assembly Speaker John Gard (R) for the open 8th district seat in November got off to a rough start.

He had some embarrassing moments and recanted a tall tale he told some constituents about confronting Karl Rove and insulting first lady Laura Bush at the White House.

Just as his early gaffes were fading from the public view, the NRCC issued a news release reminding people.

“His outlandish actions are making it easy to keep a watchful eye on him,” said NRCC spokesman Ken Spain. “In effect, Steve Kagen is making himself a target.”

Ryan Rudominer, a spokesman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said the latest NRCC push is a sign that Republicans are out of fresh ideas.

“Congressman Kagen is a voice for change and new ideas after years of Republican rubber-stamping and politics as usual,” he said.

Rumors circulate that Gard wants another go at Kagen, but so far no Republican has publicly emerged to run for the seat next year.
— Nicole Duran