Sharon Roznik

USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

U.S. Rep. Tom Petri says while it's true he has co-hosted a fundraiser for Sixth District candidate Glenn Grothman, he will not endorse the Republican Congressional hopeful.

"Why would I endorse a person who has said that if in two years people said he was 'just like Petri' he would be insulted?" Petri said. "I don't want to smother him with love or anything like that."

Petri, a Republican from Fond du Lac, was cleaning out his office in Washington D.C. last week, reminiscing over old photos accumulated during more than three decades serving the Sixth District of Wisconsin. His last day in office is Wednesday, Dec. 31.

One photo of the late, former President Ronald Reagan brings to mind a 1987 speech given by Reagan at Winnebago County Courthouse.

"There were some ladies who came over from Madison to protest and were in the back of the room. Suddenly they took off their shirts and bared their breasts and Reagan was poking elbows with the guy next to him. These are the quirky things you remember," Petri said.

His successor in the House of Representatives — either Republican Glenn Grothman or Democrat Mark Harris — will take on the role after the new Congress is sworn in around Jan. 3.

The new Congress will meet after the Nov. 4 election but sometime before Thanksgiving to choose leaders, set rules and elect members to committees, Petri said.

"Each Congress is free to set up their own rules so there are a lot of decisions to be made," Petri said.

Voters can decide

When pressed to endorse one of the candidates, Petri said that both candidates are qualified to do the job and he wants people in his district to make up their own minds.

"I am sure people are not impressed by others telling them which way to vote," Petri said.

His support of a recent Washington D.C. fundraiser for Grothman, backed by other Republicans in the Wisconsin Congressional delegation, followed protocol, he explained. He donated $5,000 to Grothman's campaign at that time.

"This is fairly normal and what is expected," Petri said.

As for Grothman's comments, Petri falls back on his old habit of turning the other cheek.

"Grothman said if the GOP turns down the path Petri did, he will go against it," Petri said. "I always feel you want to reach out and work with people — that has been my approach to both parties."

'Fine job' by Harris

He said Harris has done "a fine job" as county executive.

To his long-time constituents, Petri suggests the best way to get a sense of each candidate is to view them in person at political debates.

"We have a tradition of having debates in each of the counties in the district and this is healthy and helpful," he said. "Rather than looking at ads and reading second-hand accounts, go see for yourself and ask candidates questions in a forum setting, in real time."

So far, Harris has participated in two debates that Grothman declined to attend. The two appeared at a small, limited-access forum in Fond du Lac and will both participate in an Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce forum on Oct. 23. They'll also debate on Oct. 30 in Plymouth.

Early in the campaign cycle, Harris challenged Grothman to debate him in every county in the district. Grothman has been reluctant to participate in the public debates and has even turned down interviews for issues coverage, preferring to have questions emailed to him.

Petri wishes a future for his district that includes a good economy and ample employment opportunities.

"And I hope the people's voices are really listened to," he said.

There have been talks with retired Seventh District Rep. Dave Obey to travel a college campus circuit — hosting a political science lab of sorts.

"Dave and I respect each other's point of view and we have worked together on issues that affect our state," Petri said.

He also plans to do some remodeling at home, and will continue weekly visits to Culver's Restaurant, ordering his usual butter burger, a one-scoop hot fudge sundae and cup of water — with a senior citizen discount.

"Some people have wished me well, others good riddance," Petri said. "But the last time I was at Culver's the lady at the counter thanked me for my service."

Contact Sharon Roznik at (920) 907-7936 or sroznik@fdlreporter.com; on Twitter: @sharonroznik.