Political Candidate Set For Deployment

MADISON, Wis. -- It's a job of public service, but for one candidate running for a seat in the Assembly, it's not just his community that's calling.

VIDEO: Watch The Report

In the political world, Mike Hahn is a rookie.

However, he's facing a challenge during his campaign that most candidates never will.

Before November's election, Hahn will be deployed with the Wisconsin Army National Guard.

Hahn has always had a desire for public service, and wants to make a difference.

It's one of the reasons why he joined the National Guard in the first place and it's why he's running for office. He hoped the two ambitions would not cross paths.

"If I'm asked to serve the country, I'm going to serve the country. And as far as the campaign goes, quitting is not an option," said Hahn, who's running for the 45th for the Republican Party.

In September, Hahn will be deployed with the National Guard.

He'll miss the final few months leading up to the general election, and if elected, could be out of the country for nearly half his term, WISC-TV reported.

Hahn sees it as a challenge, not a disadvantage.

"With e-mail and the ability to communicate on the phone from across the world, it's not like I'm not going to be in touch," said Hahn. "I can still at least advocate for the things that I've been talking about in the campaign."

Instead of door-to-door campaigning, Hahn said he'll switch to more radio ads and direct mailings once he deploys.

Incumbent 45th District Assembly Rep. Chuck Benedict said he's not changing his campaign, but isn't sure what to expect from a candidate running from half a world away.

"I don't know whether anything like this has really happened before, where a candidate for a substantial part of the campaign is not going to be here," said Benedict. "I don't know. It will offer interesting challenges and I'm looking forward to it."

Until he deploys, Hahn will focus on doing what he can to gain votes.

Said Hahn, "I can't wait and say, 'OK, I'm going to pack it up and quit and try again later. These issues need to be addressed now, not later."

Hahn isn't sure what he'll be doing when he's deployed and will find that out in September.

As for Benedict, he thanked Hahn for his service to our country, and wished him a speedy and safe return home.