Samuel D'Amico
Samuel D'Amico (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Wisconsin State Assembly to represent District 82. He lost in the Democratic primary on August 13, 2024.
D'Amico also ran for election for President of the United States. He did not appear on the ballot for the Democratic convention on August 5, 2024.
D'Amico completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Samuel D'Amico was born in Waukesha, Wisconsin. His career experience includes working in customer service.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: Wisconsin State Assembly elections, 2024
General election
General election for Wisconsin State Assembly District 82
Incumbent Scott Allen defeated Kevin Reilly in the general election for Wisconsin State Assembly District 82 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Scott Allen (R) | 57.2 | 18,632 |
 | Kevin Reilly (D)  | 42.7 | 13,917 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.1 | 37 | ||
| Total votes: 32,586 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Wisconsin State Assembly District 82
Kevin Reilly defeated Samuel D'Amico in the Democratic primary for Wisconsin State Assembly District 82 on August 13, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Kevin Reilly | 55.3 | 2,529 |
 | Samuel D'Amico | 44.5 | 2,034 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.2 | 10 | ||
| Total votes: 4,573 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Megan Lach (D)
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Wisconsin State Assembly District 82
Incumbent Scott Allen advanced from the Republican primary for Wisconsin State Assembly District 82 on August 13, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Scott Allen | 99.5 | 5,669 |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.5 | 26 | ||
| Total votes: 5,695 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Campaign finance
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for D'Amico in this election.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Samuel D'Amico completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by D'Amico's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I have decided to run for the State Assembly because, as a child, I had always known that I could grow up to do anything and be anyone regardless of my family's financial situation or setbacks we faced. Unfortunately, this unwavering sense of optimism that built our nation is slowly fading away from the new generation.
I am running because it is time for a new generation of leadership to address a new set of challenges. These include rebuilding our economy to benefit everyone, safeguarding our elections, and supporting public education.- Whether you own a business and manage a group of employees, work from 9 to 5, are retired or in school - you deserve an fair shot in our economy.
As a member of the Wisconsin working class, I will champion our community by advocating for various initiatives. This includes raising wages for all workers and limiting local taxes on families. Support for small businesses is critical as well, along with creating an environment that fosters job creation within the state.
The COVID-19 pandemic hurt families like mine, and yours, the hardest. Shutdowns and supply chain restrictions buried businesses, and laid off millions. While I am grateful we have made significant progress since then, there is still work to do, and I will lead that effort. - The current Representative, Scott Allen, spearheaded the effort to transfer control of our elections from an independent and nonpartisan commission into the hands of a single politician. He also authored the impeachment resolution against Meagan Wolfe, who is an administrator at WEC (Wisconsin Elections Commission), for simply carrying out her duties, and doing her job. We need a true guarantee that our elections are free, fair, and safe from any and all interference. I believe in making it easier—not harder—for all eligible voters in Wisconsin; furthermore, I will never attempt to overturn an election simply because my party lost, and it's unfathomable our current Representative even tried.
- I'm a product of Waukesha's Schools. It was within those walls that I met individuals who have become my most cherished role models, and I learned lessons that have shaped my life. In my view, education stands as the most triumphant barrier against the perils of poverty and crime, and the ultimate tool for forging pathways of possibility for the next generation. As proposals to strip public schools of their funding or even dissolve entire districts are proposed, I am deeply concerned. Education is a delicate and crucial matter, and while our system may not be flawless, it is clear that it requires more support, not less. Why would we even consider diminishing the already meager resources that our education system works with?
McCain gained respect from both sides of the aisle for his willingness to work across party lines and his commitment to principles over politics. He was known for advocating for campaign finance reform, immigration reform, and standing up against torture and human rights abuses.
Despite facing criticism from some members of his own party, McCain remained steadfast in his convictions and earned a reputation as a principled and respected politician. His willingness to put country over party and do what he believed was right made him a beloved figure in American political history.
Someone who came from a military family, and went on to find his place of public service in politics, after defending and fighting for his nation in Vietnam-- taking on the hard fights, and often times paying the price.
As a part of the new generation, it is important to learn from the mistakes of the past and not repeat them. History has shown us time and time again that division and polarization only lead to further conflict and suffering. By listening to those who disagree with us, we can gain a deeper understanding of their perspectives and work towards finding common ground.
Instead of approaching discussions with the goal of winning an argument, we should strive to come to a consensus through open-minded dialogue and respectful debate. This means being willing to challenge our own beliefs and consider alternative viewpoints. It also means recognizing that there is often more than one valid perspective on any given issue. Before choosing a side, my goal is to always find, understand and question all facets of an issue, proposition, or challenge-- even those derived from my own party.
By embracing our differences, politically and such, engaging in constructive conversations with those who hold differing opinions, we can move closer towards finding solutions that benefit everyone. Ultimately, it is through empathy, understanding, and collaboration that we can create a more just society for all.
Honesty is essential as it builds trust with constituents. Elected officials must be truthful in their communication and actions, even when it may be difficult or unpopular.
Consistency is key for maintaining credibility and reliability. Elected officials should strive to uphold their values and principles consistently in their decision-making process.
Integrity is vital for ensuring that elected officials act ethically and morally in all aspects of their role. They should prioritize the well-being of the community over personal gain or special interests.
Courage is necessary for making tough decisions that may not always be popular but are in the best interest of the public. Elected officials must have the courage to stand up for what they believe is right, even in the face of opposition.
Integrity is essential for maintaining trust and credibility with the public. By consistently acting in a transparent and ethical manner, I can ensure that my decisions are made with the best interests of the community in mind. Honesty goes hand-in-hand with integrity, as it allows for open communication and accountability. I am committed to being truthful and upfront about any challenges or issues facing our district, even if they may be difficult to address.
Courage is important for taking bold action and standing up for what is right, even in the face of opposition or adversity. I am not afraid to tackle tough issues head-on and work towards finding solutions that benefit everyone involved. Frankness complements this trait by fostering direct and honest conversations with constituents, colleagues, and stakeholders. By being straightforward in my communication, I can build strong relationships based on mutual understanding and trust.
In addition, as an elected official, it is crucial to represent the stakeholders in education by supporting initiatives that improve student outcomes, increase access to quality education, and address disparities in educational opportunities. This includes working with educators, parents, students, and community members to develop policies that prioritize excellence in education.
It was my first experience of participating in our democracy, seeing how voting works, or even stepping into my city hall.
My first real employed job was at the Waukesha County Fair, where I collected admission fare, and assisted vendors at various gates. I have maintained the seasonal, 5-day job every summer since.
In my life, finances were always an area of dismay. While we always had food on our plates, and a roof over our head, the day-to-day expenses, sometimes became too much. My family was never able to afford a car, and lived on section 8 housing.
I remember not being able to go on field trips, because we couldn't afford even the $17 that month. I remember waiting to get new shoes, because these had to last.
Transparency is key to building trust between the governor and state legislature. Openness about decision-making processes, priorities, and goals helps foster collaboration and accountability. It allows for informed debate and public participation in the governing process.
Respect is crucial in any relationship, including that between the governor and state legislature. Each side must acknowledge the other's role and responsibilities, as well as their expertise and insights. Respectful dialogue can lead to more productive discussions and outcomes.
Honesty is fundamental to maintaining trust in the relationship between the governor and state legislature. Both parties must be truthful about their intentions, motivations, and actions. Honesty builds credibility and integrity in governance.
Steadfastness is important when faced with challenges or disagreements. The governor and state legislature must stand firm in their convictions while also being open to new information or changing circumstances. Steadfastness can demonstrate commitment to shared values or goals.
Quick action is necessary in responding to urgent issues or opportunities. The governor and state legislature should be able to act swiftly when needed without sacrificing thorough consideration or due process.
One way to address this challenge is by maintaining a rainy day fund, which can serve as a financial cushion during times of economic uncertainty. This fund can help prevent budget deficits and allow for continued investment in essential services without relying on borrowing or tax increases.
At the same time, it is important to return any tax surplus back to the taxpayers because it is their money. By providing relief through tax cuts or rebates, we can stimulate consumer spending and support small businesses, ultimately boosting our economy.
Another pressing issue is providing health insurance to more Wisconsinites. Access to affordable healthcare is essential for overall well-being and productivity. Expanding coverage options and improving healthcare affordability will not only benefit individuals but also contribute to a healthier workforce and lower healthcare costs in the long run.
Furthermore, funding clean water projects across the state is vital for protecting public health and preserving Wisconsin's natural resources. Investing in water infrastructure upgrades, pollution prevention measures, and conservation efforts will ensure safe drinking water for all residents and safeguard our environment for future generations.
Having previous experience in government or politics can certainly be beneficial for state legislators, as it can provide them with a better understanding of how the legislative process works and help them navigate the complexities of policymaking. Additionally, individuals with political experience may have established relationships with other lawmakers, which can be valuable when trying to build coalitions and pass legislation.
However, it is not necessary for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics in order to be effective leaders. Passion for the issues, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to listen to constituents are qualities that can make someone an effective legislator regardless of their prior experience.
By fostering strong relationships with other legislators, politicians can work together towards common goals and find solutions that benefit the greater good. This collaborative effort can lead to more effective policy-making, improved communication, and increased productivity within the government.
Her life and legacy left in Wisconsin, was one of a hardworking Wisconsinite who fought for what they believed in, and didn't let their lack of political experience, stand in the way of fighting for what was right. She proved, sometimes life experience is more important than legislative.
While in the future, my leadership skills and political views may be best utilized in a different race, campaign, or office-- that Is currently not on my mind as an intention.
I knew individuals both enrolled in South, and parents of those who went there, as well.
We all hear stories of the far too common school, and mass shooting-- but when it happens in your community, it almost blinds you.
Leave the lasagna in the oven too long!
Granting emergency powers should not be taken lightly and should only be utilized when absolutely necessary. The legislature should establish clear guidelines and limitations on when and how these powers can be used to ensure they are not abused or misused.
One of the key ways to ensure this accountability is through financial transparency. This means that the government should be open and honest about how taxpayer dollars are being spent. Citizens have a right to know where their money is going and what it is being used for. Without transparency, there is no way for citizens to hold their government accountable for its actions
Moreover, financial transparency helps prevent corruption and misuse of public funds. When government spending is shrouded in secrecy, there is ample opportunity for waste, fraud, and abuse to occur. By shining a light on government finances, we can root out inefficiencies and ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used effectively.
In order to achieve true finncial transparency, the government must be held to account for every dollar it spends. This means that lawmakers should not approve a dollar of spending unless they can prove where it's going. Every expenditure should be justified and accounted for, whether it's funding for social programs, infrastructure projects, or military expenditures
Furthermore, government accountability goes hand in hand with financial transparency. Elected officials must be held accountable for their actions and decisions when it comes to managing public funds. If they fail to do so responsibly, they should face consequences such as removal from office or legal repercussions
Note: 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.
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
Campaign website
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on March 28, 2024
