Over the weekend, Republican hedge fund manager and unsuccessful 2012 U.S. Senate candidate Eric Hovde decided he will not join the already crowded and divisive primary, citing a “tough political climate” for the GOP. Hovde then refused to endorse either Leah Vukmir or Kevin Nicholson – just the latest proof-point of Republicans’ growing concerns in Wisconsin, where the Republican primary has been rife with attacks, name-calling, and family feuds.
From Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Spokesman David Bergstein: “How divisive is this primary? Even Eric Hovde, in opting out of a run, took an opportunity to hit Nicholson and refused to endorse him or Vukmir. Hovde is right to worry about the political climate as his party runs on an agenda that is making life more expensive for the middle class – with the cost of health care rising while big corporations get a giant tax break.”
WATCH: “This Could Be a Tough Political Climate for Republicans.”
WATCH: Hovde Refuses to Endorse in the Primary; Says Some Issues with Nicholson Cause “Concern.”
More on the divisive primary worrying Republicans:
WITI-TV: First Lady Tonette Walker: ‘I’m speaking out’ after US Senate candidate refused to shake son’s hand
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Bice: Relative of GOP candidate Kevin Nicholson labels Scott Walker a ‘sissy,’ Leah Vukmir a ‘swamp creature’ in tweets
Wisconsin State Journal: Wisconsin GOP senate candidates spar hours after signing ‘unity pledge’
WITI-TV: Vukmir Calls Nicholson ‘A D.C. Candidate’ as GOP US Senate Hopefuls Fight for Recognition
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Reince Priebus Backs Leah Vukmir, Slams Kevin Nicholson
The Hill: GOP faces brutal Senate primary in Wisconsin
AP: Vukmir Calls on Senate Opponent Nicholson to Disavow Bannon
Bloomberg: “Already Vitriolic” primary “roiled” by intra-party feuds
RightWisconsin.com: Nicholson Silent on Club for Growth’s Attack on Walker Budgets
Fox 6 News: Gloves come off in GOP U.S. Senate primary: Vukmir says Nicholson isn’t ready for Congress
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: “Deep pocketed Republicans” are “lining up on opposite sides” of the GOP primary
AP: Wisconsin Republicans worry about crowded Senate primary
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