MADISON, Wis. — Failed 2018 candidate for U.S. Senate Kevin Nicholson has decided what office he is running for this year, entering the race for governor in Wisconsin as a Republican. His decision to run against Rebecca Kleefisch kicks off a right-wing primary “race to the bottom” in state politics.
Nicholson’s candidacy announcement throws not only Kleefisch and her supporters – including Assembly Speaker Robin Vos – into a tailspin, but also Richard and Liz Uihlein – billionaire conservative donors and owners of Uline, a Wisconsin-based shipping conglomerate.
The Uihlein’s were a united front in endorsing Nicholson’s unsuccessful 2018 senate bid, but are now split in their gubernatorial support. With Liz having recently shelled out $220,000 in direct and super PAC funds to Kleefisch’s gubernatorial campaign efforts, Dick is backing Nicholson, saying Monday that he will have his, “full support and commitment to win the primary and general elections.”
Already Kleefisch and Nicholson are trying to outdo each other in pandering to right wing donors and special interests, undermining our freedom to vote, impose their political views on what our kids learn in public schools and to denounce the increasingly unpopular Assembly Republican Speaker Robin Vos.
The following are the statements of A Better Wisconsin Together Executive Director Chris Walloch:
“Kevin Nicholson’s entrance into the gubernatorial race has definitely thrown a wrench in how many Republicans envisioned this year’s primary and general elections shaking out. We can already see that the only differences between Rebecca Kleefisch and Kevin Nicholson will be who can be more extreme in pandering to right-wing mega donors, undermining our freedom to vote, imposing their political views on what our kids learn in public schools and denouncing the increasingly unpopular Assembly Republican Speaker Robin Vos.
“But while a handful of Republicans go tit-for-tat between Nicholson and Kleefisch, what we should be focused on is moving the Badger state forward – and we can do that by electing leaders who invest in our health, safety, and future. We can do that by electing those who are focused on what really matters: the needs of their constituents.”
