Heading into 2023, it’s critically important that Republicans are unified and strong to tackle the challenges ahead. Maintaining the veto-proof majority in the State Senate is crucial in the face of the uncertain outcome of April’s pivotal state Supreme Court election. It’s also critical to ensure accountability for a Democrat Governor who too often puts the desires of far-left special interests ahead of the needs of ordinary Wisconsinites.
While I had every intention of mounting a vigorous campaign to succeed my friend Alberta Darling in the 8th Senate District, the short time frame of a special election appears to make this impossible. Worse, my candidacy threatens to act as a spoiler by splitting the vote and allowing a divisive fringe candidate to win the primary, putting at risk Republicans’ chances of holding the seat in the general election. As someone who cares deeply about my state and my party, I cannot allow that.
Therefore, I am withdrawing from the special election and endorsing Rep. Dan Knodl.
Since entering politics in 2008, I have believed that I could change the tenor of campaigns and legislating. I believe the people we represent want us to care more about their lives than their elected officials care about their next election. I got into this race because I know I can be very effective and will always put doing the job ahead of keeping the job.
I have truly enjoyed traveling throughout the district and meeting people I had hoped to represent. On the doors in Grafton, River Hills, and Whitefish Bay, to the bowling alleys in Menomonee Falls to the parking lots in Brown Deer, almost everyone I spoke with called for a more civil approach to politics. I could not agree more.
I believe we can disagree with one another without being divisive. We need to look for areas of common interest that protect our constituents’ opportunities for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And, in that process of getting things done, all parties can develop a relationship of mutual respect so that they can have productive debate about the things they don’t agree on.
I also believe that campaigns should be about sharing ideas and not about tearing others down to get ahead. As I look at this very short timeframe it became clear to me that my path to victory in this election would require a negative campaign strategy against someone I respect. We saw that happen in our last Governor’s primary, having lingering effects throughout the general election. As a Republican, I will not participate in destroying other Republicans in a primary, damaging my party’s chances of winning a general election.
The people of the 8th State Senate District need a Senator that is not afraid to stand up to the political pressures and is willing to lead like my good friend Alberta Darling has done for the past thirty years. The district depends on it. The State of Wisconsin and the Republican Party demand it. And my great friend Alberta Darling deserves it.
For this special election, Dan Knodl is clearly that candidate and I will do everything I can to support him.
