Brandon Buchanan, shown here in action.

After leaving his seat on Eau Claire City Council a few years back to pursue a degree in law from Marquette University, Brandon Buchanan sent us an email on Oct. 3 hinting at running for a state assembly seat in 2012. But the announcement is anything but official. In case you’re not familiar with Buchanan, he was a UWEC student highly active in politics, and even ran for city council when he was still enrolled. The openly liberal democrat got elected two years later (in 2006) as a 23 year-old (the youngest councilman ever). As for the caveat-riddled release, first of all it says he’s going to form “an exploratory committee to run for the 91st State Assembly.” It goes on to say, “Over the coming weeks, I will be talking with residents in Eau Claire about how we can begin to undo the damage Scott Walker has done and how I can best help restore Wisconsin’s progressive heritage. … I am continuing to hear from residents in Eau Claire and will make my final decision and announcement in the coming weeks." So this basically adds up to: I’m investigating whether or not you’ll actually vote for me and/or help the campaign. But since the release plugs his stances on reinstating collective bargaining rights and educational funding, I’m guessing he’s pretty prepared to enter the ring. Also, he has a website set up at www.buchanan4assembly.com. And a Facebook page. So, yeah, he’s definitely maybe running.

UPDATE! Current Eau Claire City councilman Dana Wachs may be running for the same seat. The press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: October 6, 2011
Contact: Dana Wachs
Cell phone number: 715-828-1473

Announcement of Formation of Exploratory Committee

I have formed an exploratory committee to examine the viability of my candidacy for the new 91st Assembly seat. I understand the satisfaction and obligation of public service; the Wachs family has a long tradition of serving this community and this state. I am well qualified to take on the challenges of the Assembly. I am a small business owner, having run a successful law practice for 26 years. I have been on the City Council for 2 years. My community involvement has included serving on the Eau Claire Transit Commission, the Library Board, the Affirmative Action Committee, the City County Board of Health, the Parks and Waterways Committee, my church board and building committee, and the Boards of the Chippewa Valley Jazz Orchestra and the Chippewa Valley Youth Symphony; assisting with projects at my children’s schools; and volunteering with the Eau Claire County Bar Association’s Free Legal Clinic.

My interest is in Wisconsin returning to its long tradition of caring for its children, its families, its seniors, its workers, its natural resources and its businesses for the benefit of all. Finding ways to work cooperatively to continue this tradition will be a high priority. I know times are hard for many of our fellow citizens. There is work to be done and I am ready to find solutions. I believe I can make a positive difference in Madison.