The state Republican Party, which experts say usually remains neutral in intra-party primaries, is breaking from tradition by giving support for Assembly Speaker John Gard, R-Peshtigo, in his bid for U.S. Congress.
As the Republican gubernatorial primary between U.S. Rep. Mark Green, R-Green Bay, and Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker enters 2006, the race between state Rep. Terri McCormick, R-Appleton, and Gard for Green's congressional seat is starting to heat up.
After officially entering the race, Gard has quickly emerged as the frontrunner, picking up the endorsement of Green's seat and garnering significant support from outside the state. Recently, Gard has received donations from the Political Action Committees of U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Janesville, House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., and Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Tom Reynolds, R-N.Y.
Furthermore, according to recently filed Federal Election Commission documents, Gard disclosed that 92 percent of his private donations came from within the state of Wisconsin.
'We are flattered to have the endorsements of Rep. Green and others members of the national party,' Gard's campaign manager Brandon Rosner said. 'Many of the groups that have endorsed the speaker share his views on important issues like job growth.'
UW-Madison political science professor Charles Franklin cited Gard's established reputation as a reason for contributions to his congressional campaign.
'Speaker Gard has received support in large part because of his extensive experience in the Assembly and his tenure of speaker,' Franklin said. 'My sense is that Representative McCormick is being sent a very strong message by the state party.'
Despite Tuesday FEC filings showing cash on hand for Gard at $465,561 compared to McCormick's $50,000, the McCormick campaign remains optimistic about the upcoming election season and undeterred by the recent endorsements.
'We have never sought endorsements in this campaign,' Campaign Manager Tracy Mangold said. 'For us, this campaign is about accountability and integrity and Terri will continue to fight for the issues that matter to the people of the eighth district.'
