Wisconsin’s own Representative Dan Knodl attended our Convention of States (COS) Summit in Indianapolis, Indiana September 18, 19, and 20, 2025.

=== From left to right – Barry Newman, Il State Grassroots Coordinator extraordinaire, Catherine Zemanek, Flyover Regional Director and Wisconsin’s Champion and Patriot Representative Dan Knodl   === Wisconsin’s own Representative Dan Knodl attended our Convention of States (COS) Summit in Indianapolis, Indiana September 18, 19, and 20, 2025.  Rep Knodl is one of our COS Champions in Wisconsin.   Rep Knodl is an Election Expert.  He ran 6 Elections in just under 27 Months.  Which is an amazing number of elections in a short timeframe.  Rep. Knodl ran and won Wisconsin Senate Seat in District 8.  The Wisconsin Supreme Court then forced a redistricting of the state.  Many see this action as an over reach of the court.   Redistricting forced a difficult decision for Senator Knodl.  If he ran again for Senate he would have to run against his good friend and Convention of States supporter, Wisconsin State Senator Duey Strobel.   Senator Knodl decided to step down and run for the Wisconsin Assembly again.  A decision to voluntarily step down to a smaller office is quite unusual.  It displays a sense of high character in Rep Knodl.  And of course, he won his old Assembly District 24 with almost 60% of the vote.  Which is a landslide.   === From left to right, South Carolina Rep Bill Taylor, Wisconsin Rep Dan Knodl, Norh Carolina Rep Dennis Riddell, Convention of States Senior Advisor, U.S, Senator Rick Santorum, at the podium COS Regional Director Grant Martin over saw the breakout session === Rep Knodl graciously participated in the “Running for Office - How to Get Elected” breakout session.  The session organization was interesting, those attending asked questions of the panel.  Each member of the panel answered in depth.   The general consensus was that retail politics, door knocking works.  Be yourself, people can detect a politician who is not sincere.  High energy is important, once you declare you are running for office, work your campaign relentlessly.  Do not take anything for granted.   Knowledge is power, so know the local issues backwards are forwards.  The overwhelming sense from the breakout session was the individuals on  the panel enjoyed serving others.  They were proud of their efforts, and were also quick to self-deprecate.  Each displayed true humility when they were talking about their campaigns. Former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum described his decision in the 2012 primary running against Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul.  He traveled to Arizona as one of his last campaign stops prior to the election.  He feels it probably cost him the election.  He humbly admitted he should have not taken the campaign stop in Arizonia.  He came in second to Mitt Romney.    The Race to Freedom breakout session: Running for Office - How to Get Elected was well attended.  Many Convention of States Leaders got the opportunity to talk in a small group or one on one with the panel guests and get pictures with the panel.   === From left to right, Wisconsin State Representative Dan Knodl, Vincent Gorichan, COS Wisconsin Follow Up Team & Grant Martin, COS Regional Director.  === After the session there was time for interesting conversation about running for office and all that entails.  We are very grateful to have access to this panel.  They shared their experience, strength and hope with us in an impressive fashion.    Convention of States, Wisconsin also wants to thank the principal organizers from the COS national staff: National Events Coordinator Carol Aldridge, Operations Systems Manager Kristen Stanciu, Chief Grassroots Officer Mike Ruthenberg, and Operations Support Manager Tonya Ruthenberg.  Also, profound thanks goes to the COS Regional Directors, our own Regional Director of the Flyover Region Dale Tipton is in the center.  Also National Staff, Patty Grant, Grassroots Event Coordinator,  Esther Cook, Leaders Launchpad Coordinator, Chris Thomas, Director of Mentoring, Andrew Barkman, National Block Walk Coordinator and many others, for their work during the Race to Freedom Summit.   They made the experience very ueful and memorable. By the way, Convention of States Wisconsin cannot endorse, support or co-ordinate with any political candidate.  We support Rep Knodl’s Convention of States advocacy and we are very grateful for his support.   Convention of States Website **Convention of States – Wisconsin Facebook** Convention of States – Wisconsin Website