FOND DU LAC, Wis. – Fond Du Lac County District Attorney, Eric Toney, released the following statement regarding the release of his latest campaign finance report:
“I have visited 67 counties, and I am humbled by the incredible energy and bipartisan support for our grassroots campaign for a prosecutor and not a politician to lead our DOJ. Since the beginning of our campaign, over half of our donors have given under $50, showing that our message of prosecuting crime, backing the badge, and enforcing the rule of law is resonating with the hardworking voters of Wisconsin.
“I am proud to be law enforcement’s choice with overwhelming bipartisan support from local Sheriffs, Police Chiefs, and District Attorneys from across the state. With the help of so many dedicated supporters, we prevailed in the primary despite being outspent by over $1 million. There is no amount of money Josh Kaul could raise that can rescue his failed record. Crime rates and opioid deaths are at historic highs, and Kaul responded by leaving critical DCI and prosecutor positions at the DOJ unfilled, and has horribly mismanaged the crime labs. We will win in November because the people of Wisconsin will not tolerate Kaul’s failures any longer, and they understand that we need a prosecutor, not a politician, leading our DOJ because public safety is on the ballot.”
Toney’s fundraising support, fundraising team, and campaign team has grown tremendously.
Darrin Schmitz will continue to serve as General Consultant. Darrin is the President of Persuasion Partners, and was Eric Toney’s consultant in his recent primary election victory. He also served as the chief strategist for Brad Schimel’s victorious 2014 campaign for Wisconsin Attorney General as well as JB Van Hollen’s two successful general elections for Attorney General. He was general consultant to U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy, Gov. Tommy Thompson, and Reince Priebus’ campaign for RNC Chairman. He’s provided voter contact services to Sen. Ron Johnson, U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, President Donald Trump, and many more across 33 states as well as 10 state GOP Parties.
Steve Michael will serve as Senior Advisor. Steve has a long history as a political operative, which has given him the chance to work in 23 states and consult on hundreds of races all across the country. He got his start by interning for Senator Grassley, and then became the regional field director for the Missouri Victory Campaign. In 2014, he served as the Political Director for Senator James Lankford. He has consulted on Congressional races, statehouse races, and everything in between. Currently, when he isn’t managing Victory’s political operations, he works as the South Carolina Victory Director.
CAMPAIGN STAFF
Barry Braatz will serve as Campaign Manager. Barry has served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Racine County and Waushara County District Attorney’s Offices for the last five years. As an Assistant District Attorney, Barry has successfully prosecuted homicides, sexual assaults, drug trafficking, and domestic violence. While a prosecutor in Racine County, Barry became heavily involved in the Republican Party of Racine County, as well as many local, state, and federal election campaigns, assisting numerous candidates in grassroots outreach, media strategy & implementation, and fundraising.
Courtney Mullen will serve as Deputy Campaign Manager & Communications Director. Courtney has experience working on gubernatorial & presidential campaigns, non-profit organizations, and within the federal government. Courtney worked as a political appointee for four years within the White House Office of Presidential Personnel and within the Department of Energy. At the White House, Courtney worked directly for three different directors of the Office of Presidential Personnel, helping them oversee the hiring of 4,000+ political appointees across the federal government. Courtney grew up in a law enforcement family in Green Bay, and is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin.
Amber Schroeder will serve as Political Director & Grassroots Coordinator. Amber has previous campaign experience working for Senator Ron Johnson, serving as a Co-Chair for the 6th Congressional District on a gubernatorial campaign, as well as a volunteer on the Toney campaign. She co-founded Moms For Liberty of Ozaukee County and currently serves as Chair and Vice President. She has been actively involved in advocating for conservative candidates and conservative causes across the state of Wisconsin. She’s involved in local school board issues, and successfully recalled 4 school board members – forcing a special election. Amber has testified in front of the state Senate multiple times on education issues and parental rights. She’s also spoken at national events to other parents and education groups. She’s the president of her Home Owners Association and is a mom to three boys.
FINANCE TEAM
Chandler Swansen and Mary Stitt will lead in-state fundraising efforts.
Chandler Swansen is the owner of Swansen Strategies, a consulting firm based in Wisconsin. Chandler has nearly 10 years of experience advising and raising funds for nonprofit organizations, as well as, political campaigns on the federal, state and local levels. Chandler is a graduate of Winona State University.
Mary Stitt has been involved with fundraising for over 30 years. She worked in the George H.W. Bush White House until 1992, and then moved to the RNC to help with fundraising endeavors. After her time with the RNC, Mary moved to Wisconsin and has been involved in Wisconsin campaigns for last 28 years. Mary has played a key role in fundraising efforts for Governor Walker, Governor Thompson, Speaker Paul Ryan, Congressman Mark Green, Attorney General JB Van Hollen, and many others.
Whitney Michael will lead national fundraising efforts. Whitney has successfully worked with numerous statewide campaigns, national committees, and advocacy organizations to support conservative candidates and causes across the nation. As a native of Oklahoma, Whitney began her political career as the Oklahoma State Director for Victory Enterprises, a full-service campaign consulting firm. She quickly transitioned into campaign finance serving as the Finance Director to South Carolina Attorney General, Alan Wilson. Whitney received her B.S. from Oklahoma State University and her Masters of Business Administration from The University of Texas, Permian Basin.
