Nicholson sought to cast [M]Vukmir[/M], a longtime player in Wisconsin Republican politics and [M]an ally of Gov. Scott Walker (R)[/M], as a political insider.
Here are some takeaways from races in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Connecticut and Vermont:
Game on, Wisconsin
Democrats are energized to make inroads in two key Wisconsin elections, but it won’t be easy.
They nominated iron worker Randy Bryce – known as the “Iron Stache” – to compete for what would be a trophy: retiring House Speaker Paul Ryan’s seat, which he has held since 1999.
Bryce, who made a splash last year with his viral campaign announcement video, is in a good financial position to compete, with nearly $1.7 million on hand. But his history of arrests, including operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol in 1998, could be problematic. He also faces a Federal Election Commission complaint from his primary opponent, claiming he converted campaign funds to personal use.
Republicans were eager to pounce on his record.
“You’d need a Boeing 747 to fit all of the baggage Randy Bryce is carrying into November,” said Chris Martin, National Republican Congressional Committee spokesman.
Bryce’s GOP opponent University of Wisconsin regent has $630,000. He is Ryan’s former staffer and an attorney for a manufacturing company.