Red Rock On Air

While much of the emphasis on politics in the state have been focused on next months recalls, there are more races that are important to the state this year. For example, a current race is shaping up to replace retiring Senator Herb Kohl. It’s believed the Democrats will likely run with congresswoman Tammy Baldwin, one of the few openly gay members of Congress, in the November election.

We’ve now learned that none of the four Republican candidates for the U.S. Senate seat have yet received their parties nomination. None have captured the 60 percent support needed to win the Republican Party of Wisconsin endorsement.

Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald came closest, getting 51 percent in the final round of voting. Former U.S. Rep. Mark Neumann came in second with 49 percent.

Hedge fund manager Eric Hovde was the first candidate eliminated after he got just 16 percent of the vote in the first round. Former Gov. Tommy Thompson dropped out in the second round when he came in third with 18 percent.

The endorsement would have provided the winner with money and other support from the party. Hovde and Thompson’s campaigns downplayed their early exits, saying the vote isn’t indicative of who will win in the Aug. 14 primary. Both are still alive, but trailing badly. Most insiders believe that Fitzgerald, a close ally of Gov. Scott Walker, will likely receive the nomination and will run against Baldwin.