Dan Kapanke takes step toward candidacy for former state Senate seat

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) — A familiar face is jumping back into the political scene.

News 8 has learned that former Republican state Sen. Dan Kapanke is planning to run for his former seat.

Kapanke held the Senate seat in 2004, was re-elected in 2008, but was defeated by Democratic Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling in 2011 during a historic recall election.

The chair of the La Crosse County Republican Party says Kapanke filed his papers of intent to run on Friday with the Government Accountability Board, but has not officially announced his candidacy.

In the November election, Kapanke will face incumbent Shilling.

News 8 contacted Kapanke and Shilling for comment but have not yet received a response.