Elsa Duranceau

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Elsa Duranceau completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Duranceau's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-200413-2024-04-28\" id=\"heading-bio-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-200413-2024-04-28\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-200413-2024-04-28\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMy name is Elsa Duranceau. \r\n<p>I was born in Merrill, WI the youngest of seven a 5th generation Duranceau that was raised on the countryside spanning over Lincoln and Marathon Counties. My parents were working class folks that experienced the struggles of getting by. My father was an Air Force Veteran and mechanic. My mother was born and raised in Honduras and emigrated to the U.S. in 1976 after meeting my father while he was on duty in Spain.\r\n</p><p>I am a proud mom, solo parent, U.S. Air Force Veteran, UW- Madison graduate, Economic Development professional, strategist, grant writer, entrepreneur, event coordinator, creative systems thinker, and community servant. \r\n</p><p>I’m passionate! I care deeply about our basic human rights, justice, domestic tranquility, common defense, general welfare, and upholding our constitution, preserving democracy. I've devoted my life to securing the blessings of liberty for We the People of Wisconsin and the United States of America. \r\n</p>\nMuch of my work since I separated from the U.S. Air Force in 2018 has been creating programs and collaborating with area leaders to address community issues throughout WI Congressional District 7: Child care, elder care, broadband expansion, justice involved youth and adults, workforce shortages, child support and family law, transportation, green energy and sustainability, and rural small business development.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-200413-2024-04-28\" id=\"heading-key-message-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-200413-2024-04-28\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-200413-2024-04-28\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>I believe in our right to privacy. This includes our right to private ownership of our bodies (autonomy), ownership of our image, our voice, and our likeness. The overturning of Roe v. Wade not only jeopardized our autonomy, particularly a woman's right to choose abortion as healthcare, but opened the door for predatory behavior from tech giants to collect, sell, and use our image, voices, likenesses, behavior, and biometric data with little regulation. This, coupled with the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence, presents an immediate crisis to individuals and needs federal regulation. I call for President Biden's Blueprint for AI Bill of Rights be implemented as law.</li><li>The Child Care industry across the country is in crisis. The cost to provide care has skyrocketed with the inflated cost of goods. Families cannot afford the care resulting in many choosing to leave the workforce to care for their children, leading to the decrease in average household income, exacerbating the wealth divide. The lack of available regulated care contributes to couples choosing to have children later in life or not at all. We need to support our child care professionals and working parents by federally subsidizing the child care industry. If we can subsidize the oil industry, we can subsidize the child care industry.</li><li>Far right fundamentalists are destroying the foundational principle of separation of church and State. I vow to stand up to their unconstitutional efforts to ban books from public institutions, include faith based teachings in public schools, and divert tax payer dollars to private faith based organizations. Their successful efforts can be seen in Florida, Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas, and here in Wisconsin with the school choice voucher program. Our public school system is being crippled. We must act now!</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-200413-2024-04-28\" id=\"heading1-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-200413-2024-04-28\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-200413-2024-04-28\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t- Right to Privacy which includes: our right to bodily autonomy, women's right to abortion, LGBTQ+ rights to gender affirming care. <br/>\n<p>- Regulations on AI Development and Use.<br/>\r\n- Farming Antitrust Laws and Enforcement.<br/>\r\n- Climate Change and Environmental Protections and holding large corporations responsible.<br/>\r\n- Criminal Justice and Prison Reform.<br/>\r\n- Immigration.<br/>\r\n- Decriminalizing Plants.<br/>\r\n- Term Limits.<br/>\r\n- Defense Spending<br/>\n</p>\n- Separation of church and State\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-200413-2024-04-28\" id=\"heading2-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-200413-2024-04-28\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-200413-2024-04-28\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t1) Knowledgeability: Having strong understanding of the issues, laws, and contexts relevant to micro and macro political/economic systems. <br/>\n<p>2) Experience: It is imperative to have representatives that have experience in areas like, public policy, economics, community programs, public instruction, and government. <br/>\r\n3) Integrity: having a strong moral code and doing what is right and just even when difficult. <br/>\r\n4) Empathy: Understanding the experiences of the people we serve, particularly those affected by policies and decisions. <br/>\r\n5) Follow-through: Doing what you say you're going to do by taking genuine action while in office.<br/>\n</p>\n6) Leadership: Inspiring colleagues and future leaders through honorable action.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-200413-2024-04-28\" id=\"heading3-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-200413-2024-04-28\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-200413-2024-04-28\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI have a unique understanding of many social issues due to my personal experiences with poverty, family law, immigration, discrimination, veterans affairs, healthcare, and so much more. My devotion to community service has brought me professional understanding of these issues. Together, my diverse personal and professional experiences provide me with a multi-dimensional understanding that will influence best action towards a cause.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-200413-2024-04-28\" id=\"heading4-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-200413-2024-04-28\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-200413-2024-04-28\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI believe the core responsibilities for U.S. Representative are:<br/>\n<p>1) Representation. U.S. Representatives act on behalf of the people in their district, ensuring their constituents' views and needs are considered in the national legislative process. This includes staying informed about local concerns through regular communication with constituents. <br/>\r\n2) Legislation. Proposing, drafting, and voting on new laws and amendments that shape national policy in the best interest of our constituents. <br/>\r\n3) Committee Participation. Serving on committees that focus on specific legislative areas like defense, education, healthcare, or foreign relations. These committees are where much of the detailed work of reviewing legislation occurs.<br/>\r\n4) Oversight. Monitoring and overseeing executive and federal agencies to ensure they are administering the law as intended by Congress. This includes attending hearings, reviewing reports, and conducting investigations if necessary.<br/>\r\n5) Budget. Authorizing spending of government money through the budgeting process, which includes negotiating and setting budgets for federal agencies and programs.<br/>\n</p>\n6) Constituent Services. Assisting constituents with a variety of issues, such as navigating federal programs or addressing grievances related to federal agencies.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-200413-2024-04-28\" id=\"heading5-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-200413-2024-04-28\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-200413-2024-04-28\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tOrange Julius at the Wausau Mall. I worked there for three years. I quit to go to school at UW Madison.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-200413-2024-04-28\" id=\"heading6-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-200413-2024-04-28\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is something that has been a struggle in your life?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-200413-2024-04-28\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI'm a single parent. For 15 years I've struggled with child care, making ends meet, keeping up with household labor, going to college, and being a good friend and community member. I am lucky and honored to have had solid support from my family and friends. It actually does take a village.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-200413-2024-04-28\" id=\"heading7-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-200413-2024-04-28\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-200413-2024-04-28\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI believe it is very important to have a representative with direct or indirect work in government or politics. For example: Social services, non-profits, and military experience would be hugely beneficial for the necessary understanding of how money flows through the government and its potential implications locally, nationally, and worldwide.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-200413-2024-04-28\" id=\"heading8-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-200413-2024-04-28\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-200413-2024-04-28\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tYes.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-200413-2024-04-28\" id=\"heading9-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-200413-2024-04-28\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your thoughts on term limits?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-200413-2024-04-28\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI am for term limits for various reasons: It could lead to...<br/>\r\nbalanced representation, fresh perspectives, reduce entrenchment, increase diversity, reduce career politicism, and increase innovation in policy.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-200413-2024-04-28\" id=\"heading10-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-200413-2024-04-28\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tBoth sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-200413-2024-04-28\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI'm honored to have had many meaningful conversations with residents throughout WI-CD7. One that stands out: I received an email that led to a number of conversations with a disabled man who truly opened my eyes to some of the profound struggles of navigating the social security system as a person with disabilities. Getting proper medical equipment, like a wheelchair with ability to raise, is often a fight and takes many months for approval. Additionally, the option of marriage for disabled persons is not feasible in many circumstances due to income limits for disabled persons married to non-disabled persons. Although the exact amounts vary due to personal situations, the average joint earned income caps make it unlivable due to today's cost of living. They expressed that they're extremely lucky to have family they live with because so many don't have that option. <br/>\r\nThese interactions highlighted that I have a lot of work to do in learning the policies surrounding social security, disability, and mental health.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-200413-2024-04-28\" id=\"heading11-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-200413-2024-04-28\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tTell us your favorite joke.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-200413-2024-04-28\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tWhy couldn't the toilet paper cross the road? <br/>\r\nIt got stuck in a crack.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-200413-2024-04-28\" id=\"heading12-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-200413-2024-04-28\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-200413-2024-04-28\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tYes.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-200413-2024-04-28\" id=\"heading13-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-200413-2024-04-28\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat committees interest you?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading13-200413-2024-04-28\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAll of them.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-200413-2024-04-28\" id=\"heading14-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-200413-2024-04-28\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading14-200413-2024-04-28\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-200413-2024-04-28\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI believe that by enhancing transparency and accountability, both in government and in the private sector, democracy can be strengthened and the interests of the general public can be better protected. I am for campaign finance reform, stronger enforcement of anti-trust laws, and tighter regulations for Wall Street and the banking industry.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nElsa Duranceau completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Duranceau's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. My name is Elsa Duranceau. I was born in Merrill, WI the youngest of seven a 5th generation Duranceau that was raised on the countryside spanning over Lincoln and Marathon Counties. My parents were working class folks that experienced the struggles of getting by. My father was an Air Force Veteran and mechanic. My mother was born and raised in Honduras and emigrated to the U.S. in 1976 after meeting my father while he was on duty in Spain. I am a proud mom, solo parent, U.S. Air Force Veteran, UW- Madison graduate, Economic Development professional, strategist, grant writer, entrepreneur, event coordinator, creative systems thinker, and community servant. I’m passionate! I care deeply about our basic human rights, justice, domestic tranquility, common defense, general welfare, and upholding our constitution, preserving democracy. I've devoted my life to securing the blessings of liberty for We the People of Wisconsin and the United States of America. Much of my work since I separated from the U.S. Air Force in 2018 has been creating programs and collaborating with area leaders to address community issues throughout WI Congressional District 7: Child care, elder care, broadband expansion, justice involved youth and adults, workforce shortages, child support and family law, transportation, green energy and sustainability, and rural small business development. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? I believe in our right to privacy. This includes our right to private ownership of our bodies (autonomy), ownership of our image, our voice, and our likeness. The overturning of Roe v. Wade not only jeopardized our autonomy, particularly a woman's right to choose abortion as healthcare, but opened the door for predatory behavior from tech giants to collect, sell, and use our image, voices, likenesses, behavior, and biometric data with little regulation. This, coupled with the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence, presents an immediate crisis to individuals and needs federal regulation. I call for President Biden's Blueprint for AI Bill of Rights be implemented as law. The Child Care industry across the country is in crisis. The cost to provide care has skyrocketed with the inflated cost of goods. Families cannot afford the care resulting in many choosing to leave the workforce to care for their children, leading to the decrease in average household income, exacerbating the wealth divide. The lack of available regulated care contributes to couples choosing to have children later in life or not at all. We need to support our child care professionals and working parents by federally subsidizing the child care industry. If we can subsidize the oil industry, we can subsidize the child care industry. Far right fundamentalists are destroying the foundational principle of separation of church and State. I vow to stand up to their unconstitutional efforts to ban books from public institutions, include faith based teachings in public schools, and divert tax payer dollars to private faith based organizations. Their successful efforts can be seen in Florida, Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas, and here in Wisconsin with the school choice voucher program. Our public school system is being crippled. We must act now! What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? - Right to Privacy which includes: our right to bodily autonomy, women's right to abortion, LGBTQ+ rights to gender affirming care. - Regulations on AI Development and Use. - Farming Antitrust Laws and Enforcement. - Climate Change and Environmental Protections and holding large corporations responsible. - Criminal Justice and Prison Reform. - Immigration. - Decriminalizing Plants. - Term Limits. - Defense Spending - Separation of church and State What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? 1) Knowledgeability: Having strong understanding of the issues, laws, and contexts relevant to micro and macro political/economic systems. 2) Experience: It is imperative to have representatives that have experience in areas like, public policy, economics, community programs, public instruction, and government. 3) Integrity: having a strong moral code and doing what is right and just even when difficult. 4) Empathy: Understanding the experiences of the people we serve, particularly those affected by policies and decisions. 5) Follow-through: Doing what you say you're going to do by taking genuine action while in office. 6) Leadership: Inspiring colleagues and future leaders through honorable action. What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? I have a unique understanding of many social issues due to my personal experiences with poverty, family law, immigration, discrimination, veterans affairs, healthcare, and so much more. My devotion to community service has brought me professional understanding of these issues. Together, my diverse personal and professional experiences provide me with a multi-dimensional understanding that will influence best action towards a cause. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? I believe the core responsibilities for U.S. Representative are: 1) Representation. U.S. Representatives act on behalf of the people in their district, ensuring their constituents' views and needs are considered in the national legislative process. This includes staying informed about local concerns through regular communication with constituents. 2) Legislation. Proposing, drafting, and voting on new laws and amendments that shape national policy in the best interest of our constituents. 3) Committee Participation. Serving on committees that focus on specific legislative areas like defense, education, healthcare, or foreign relations. These committees are where much of the detailed work of reviewing legislation occurs. 4) Oversight. Monitoring and overseeing executive and federal agencies to ensure they are administering the law as intended by Congress. This includes attending hearings, reviewing reports, and conducting investigations if necessary. 5) Budget. Authorizing spending of government money through the budgeting process, which includes negotiating and setting budgets for federal agencies and programs. 6) Constituent Services. Assisting constituents with a variety of issues, such as navigating federal programs or addressing grievances related to federal agencies. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? Orange Julius at the Wausau Mall. I worked there for three years. I quit to go to school at UW Madison. What is something that has been a struggle in your life? I'm a single parent. For 15 years I've struggled with child care, making ends meet, keeping up with household labor, going to college, and being a good friend and community member. I am lucky and honored to have had solid support from my family and friends. It actually does take a village. Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics? I believe it is very important to have a representative with direct or indirect work in government or politics. For example: Social services, non-profits, and military experience would be hugely beneficial for the necessary understanding of how money flows through the government and its potential implications locally, nationally, and worldwide. Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives? Yes. What are your thoughts on term limits? I am for term limits for various reasons: It could lead to... balanced representation, fresh perspectives, reduce entrenchment, increase diversity, reduce career politicism, and increase innovation in policy. Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful? I'm honored to have had many meaningful conversations with residents throughout WI-CD7. One that stands out: I received an email that led to a number of conversations with a disabled man who truly opened my eyes to some of the profound struggles of navigating the social security system as a person with disabilities. Getting proper medical equipment, like a wheelchair with ability to raise, is often a fight and takes many months for approval. Additionally, the option of marriage for disabled persons is not feasible in many circumstances due to income limits for disabled persons married to non-disabled persons. Although the exact amounts vary due to personal situations, the average joint earned income caps make it unlivable due to today's cost of living. They expressed that they're extremely lucky to have family they live with because so many don't have that option. These interactions highlighted that I have a lot of work to do in learning the policies surrounding social security, disability, and mental health. Tell us your favorite joke. Why couldn't the toilet paper cross the road? It got stuck in a crack. Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? Yes. What committees interest you? All of them. What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability? I believe that by enhancing transparency and accountability, both in government and in the private sector, democracy can be strengthened and the interests of the general public can be better protected. I am for campaign finance reform, stronger enforcement of anti-trust laws, and tighter regulations for Wall Street and the banking industry.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}, {"question": "Campaign website", "answer_html": "<p>Duranceau’s campaign website stated the following:\n</p>\n<div style=\"height:400px;overflow:scroll;border:1px solid gray;margin:20px;padding:10px;\">\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><big><b>Privacy</b></big><br/><br/>\nI believe in our right to privacy. This includes our right to private ownership of our bodies (autonomy), ownership of our image, our voice, and our likeness. The overturning of Roe v. Wade not only jeopardized our autonomy, particularly a woman's right to choose abortion as healthcare, but opened the door for predatory behavior from tech giants to collect, sell, and use our image, voices, likenesses, behavior, and biometric data with little regulation. This, coupled with the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence, presents an immediate crisis to individuals and needs federal regulation. I call for President Biden's Blueprint for AI Bill of Rights be implemented as law.<br/><br/><br/>\n<big><b>Child Care</b></big><br/><br/>\nThe Child Care industry across the country is in crisis. The cost to provide care has skyrocketed with the inflated cost of goods. Families cannot afford the care resulting in many choosing to leave the workforce to care for their children, leading to the decrease in average household income, exacerbating the wealth divide. The lack of available regulated care contributes to couples choosing to have children later in life or not at all. We need to support our child care professionals and working parents by federally subsidizing the child care industry. If we can subsidize the oil industry, we can subsidize the child care industry.<br/><br/><br/>\n<big><b>Separation of Church and State</b></big><br/><br/>\nFar right fundamentalists are destroying the foundational principle of separation of church and State. I vow to stand up to their unconstitutional efforts to ban books from public institutions, include faith based teachings in public schools, and divert tax payer dollars to private faith based organizations. Their successful efforts can be seen in Florida, Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas, and here in Wisconsin with the school choice voucher program. Our public school system is being crippled. We must act now!<br/><br/><br/>\n<big><b>Pass the Equal Rights Amendment</b></big><br/><br/>\nNow that the necessary 38 states have ratified the ERA, Congress must eliminate the original deadline. A joint resolution was introduced in Congress on January 21, 2021 which reads:\n<br/><br/>\n<i>Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That notwithstanding any time limit contained in House Joint Resolution 208, 92nd Congress, as agreed to in the Senate on March 22, 1972, the article of amendment proposed to the States in that joint resolution shall be valid to all intents and purposes as part of the Constitution whenever ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States.</i>\n<br/><br/>\nIn Congress, I will vote to pass the Equal Rights Amendment. The ERA is paramount to democracy.<br/><br/><br/>\n<big><b>Antitrust Law Enforcement</b></big><br/><br/>\nEnforcement of laws that prohibit large corporations from monopolizing, collusion, mergers that undermine the free market, and illegal activities like money laundering is lacking and has been to the detriment of small businesses, particularly Wisconsin farmers. As factory farms gain buying and selling power, they gain influence over the courts that are meant to uphold antitrust law and become the main recipients of the Farm Bill funding. It is a vicious cycle. Former Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust Bill Baer testified before the U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial, and Administrative Law in a hearing titled “<u>Proposals to Strengthen the Antitrust Laws and Restore Competition Online</u>”. In his testimony, Baer recommends \"We need to change current law to direct the courts and antitrust enforcers to be more assertive in challenging conduct and consolidation that risks creating or enhancing market power. Modest changes will suffice: by incorporating presumptions that certain behaviors are likely to reduce competition, making it clear that showing a risk of a reduction in competition is sufficient, emphasizing that anticompetitive effects include price and quality and innovation competition, and legislating to overrule recent problematic court decisions, Congress can make a meaningful difference.\" \n<br/><br/>\nI support Baer's suggestions.\n<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_2-0\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-2\">[2]</a></sup>\n</p>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"cquotecite\" colspan=\"3\" style=\"border: none; padding-right: 4%\"><cite style=\"font-style: normal;font-size: smaller; float: right;\">—Elsa Duranceau’s campaign website (2024)<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-3\"><a href=\"#cite_note-3\">[3]</a></sup></cite>\n</td></tr></tbody></table>\n</div>", "answer_text": "Duranceau’s campaign website stated the following:\n“ Privacy I believe in our right to privacy. This includes our right to private ownership of our bodies (autonomy), ownership of our image, our voice, and our likeness. The overturning of Roe v. Wade not only jeopardized our autonomy, particularly a woman's right to choose abortion as healthcare, but opened the door for predatory behavior from tech giants to collect, sell, and use our image, voices, likenesses, behavior, and biometric data with little regulation. This, coupled with the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence, presents an immediate crisis to individuals and needs federal regulation. I call for President Biden's Blueprint for AI Bill of Rights be implemented as law. Child Care The Child Care industry across the country is in crisis. The cost to provide care has skyrocketed with the inflated cost of goods. Families cannot afford the care resulting in many choosing to leave the workforce to care for their children, leading to the decrease in average household income, exacerbating the wealth divide. The lack of available regulated care contributes to couples choosing to have children later in life or not at all. We need to support our child care professionals and working parents by federally subsidizing the child care industry. If we can subsidize the oil industry, we can subsidize the child care industry. Separation of Church and State Far right fundamentalists are destroying the foundational principle of separation of church and State. I vow to stand up to their unconstitutional efforts to ban books from public institutions, include faith based teachings in public schools, and divert tax payer dollars to private faith based organizations. Their successful efforts can be seen in Florida, Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas, and here in Wisconsin with the school choice voucher program. Our public school system is being crippled. We must act now! Pass the Equal Rights Amendment Now that the necessary 38 states have ratified the ERA, Congress must eliminate the original deadline. A joint resolution was introduced in Congress on January 21, 2021 which reads: Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That notwithstanding any time limit contained in House Joint Resolution 208, 92nd Congress, as agreed to in the Senate on March 22, 1972, the article of amendment proposed to the States in that joint resolution shall be valid to all intents and purposes as part of the Constitution whenever ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States. In Congress, I will vote to pass the Equal Rights Amendment. The ERA is paramount to democracy. Antitrust Law Enforcement Enforcement of laws that prohibit large corporations from monopolizing, collusion, mergers that undermine the free market, and illegal activities like money laundering is lacking and has been to the detriment of small businesses, particularly Wisconsin farmers. As factory farms gain buying and selling power, they gain influence over the courts that are meant to uphold antitrust law and become the main recipients of the Farm Bill funding. It is a vicious cycle. Former Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust Bill Baer testified before the U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial, and Administrative Law in a hearing titled “ Proposals to Strengthen the Antitrust Laws and Restore Competition Online ”. In his testimony, Baer recommends \"We need to change current law to direct the courts and antitrust enforcers to be more assertive in challenging conduct and consolidation that risks creating or enhancing market power. Modest changes will suffice: by incorporating presumptions that certain behaviors are likely to reduce competition, making it clear that showing a risk of a reduction in competition is sufficient, emphasizing that anticompetitive effects include price and quality and innovation competition, and legislating to overrule recent problematic court decisions, Congress can make a meaningful difference.\" I support Baer's suggestions. [2] ” —Elsa Duranceau’s campaign website (2024) [3]"}]