Tony Nasvik, a Hudson native and Town of Troy resident, has been named the president of the newly formed Wisconsin Faith & Freedom Coalition. According a a press release issued on Monday, the faith-based lobbying organization plans to "play a key role in the upcoming recall elections, and in the 2012 elections and beyond."

But for right now, Nasvik said he is staying busy with the typical housekeeping tasks of launching any new organization, including creating a website and Facebook page.

"We're going right into the flames initially with the recall elections. At this point the goal is to educate people as to who's running and to provide some compare and contrast materials on the candidates," Nasvik said. "We're probably not going to have a huge effect on what happens with the recall elections, but we're looking down the road to 2012."

The Wisconsin Faith & Freedom Coalition is affiliated with Dr. Ralph Reed’s Faith & Freedom Coalition, a national organization. Nasvik said the group exists to help connect faith principles with the government process.

"A lot of faith-based organizations are seeing a real breakdown between their values, world views and principles and how to connect that with the process," Nasvik said. "We want to dispel the notion that they can not and should not have a place at the table. We're here to educate and show that that 'yes, you can' and 'you should.'"

Who is Tony Nasvik?

Nasvik grew up in Hudson and has been married to his wife from River Falls for more than 25 years. Though the couple isn't affiliated with a specific church or denomination in the area, they are looking for a faith community to join.

"We're still seeking for a place to land," Nasvik said.

Nasvik owns a few companies in the area, including Mark Anthony Homes and Mark Anthony Design Group.

"I love Wisconsin, and specifically the St. Croix Valley area," Nasvik said. "It's just a wonderful place to live."

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The organization issued the following press release on Monday, June 27: 

FAITH & FREEDOM COALITION LAUNCHES IN WISCONSIN

HUDSON, WI — JUNE 27, 2011 —  Dr. Ralph Reed’s Faith & Freedom Coalition has established a state organization this week that will be led by President Tony Nasvik of Hudson, Wisconsin. Wisconsin Faith & Freedom (WFFC) intends to play a key role in the upcoming recall elections, and in the 2012 elections and beyond.

WFFC believes that the greatness of Wisconsin lies in the character of our people and not in an out of control state or federal government. Our greatest assets are found in the hearts of each individual and are not bestowed on us by the government — simple virtues like faith, a strong work ethic, healthy traditional marriages and families, personal responsibility, and helping the vulnerable among us are just some of what has made our nation a beacon of hope for the world. But, if we lose sight of these values, America's light will slowly fade to darkness. We are determined to keep that light shining!

Never before has it been more critical for us to speak out for our core values. That is why Wisconsin Faith and Freedom Coalition is committed to educating, equipping, and mobilizing people of faith to be effective citizens by engaging in the civic process. Together we will influence public policy and enact legislation that strengthens families, promote time-honored values, protect the dignity life and marriage, lower the tax burden on small business and families, and require government to cut all non-critical spending and live within its means.

For more information about Wisconsin Faith & Freedom Coalition and how you can play a part in the upcoming elections, contact us at info@wisconsinffc.com or 715-821-8766.

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