Wisconsin Republican Discuss Endorsing Candidates

Thursday, April 7th, 2022 -- 11:00 AM

(AP) Wisconsin Republicans are squabbling over the process of endorsing candidates for the fall election, with the state party considering a “no endorsement” option for the first time in more than a decade.

The divide within the GOP comes as Republicans are trying to win back the governor’s office and reelect U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson. Some Republicans, including gubernatorial candidate Kevin Nicholson and a growing number of county parties, are calling for an end to the endorsement process entirely, the Wisconsin State Journal reported Tuesday.

The drama is largely playing out behind the scenes but will come to a head in May at the state party’s annual convention. That’s where delegates vote on who wins the party’s endorsement for all statewide races, which opens the door to money and other resources to help that candidate in the Aug. 9 primary and beyond.

Mark Jefferson, executive director of the Republican Party of Wisconsin, told the Wisconsin State Journal that he anticipates the convention’s rules committee will meet before the convention to determine whether or not to allow a “no endorsement” option on the upcoming ballot.

And no matter the outcome of that vote, Jefferson said he expects convention attendees to also vote on the question.

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