MADISON, Wis. — Welcome to “Knives Out”— Rebecca Kleefisch’s favorite phrase and a weekly roundup of the infighting between the radical Republicans running for Wisconsin governor.
The GOP is locked in a heated and brutal primary for governor, where Rebecca Kleefisch, Kevin Nicholson, Tim Ramthun, and Tim Michels are each trying to prove they are the most divisive candidate in the race. What’s going on in the Republican Party is so outrageous, it’s hard to keep track of all of their blunders — so here is a roundup:
Who Said It?
Can you guess who said the following?
“ … … “
Scroll to the end of this newsletter for the answer.
Even Trumpland Is Divided Over This Dumpster Fire Primary
Tim Michels may have Donald Trump’s endorsement, but Rebecca Kleefisch is rounding up Trump admin surrogates like a Fox News green room.
This week, Rebecca Kleefisch was joined by Nikki Haley – Trump’s Ambassador to the UN – on the campaign trail, who praised Kleefisch for being a “union buster.”
Kleefisch has also been endorsed by Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and has been on the trail praising Rudy Giuliani, clearly gunning for yet another endorsement.
Kleefisch also already has the backing of a slate of false electors who tried to overturn the 2020 election — so she’s giving Tim Michels a run for his money as the most extreme, ultra-MAGA candidate.
“There’s My Donald Trump Impersonation”
Trying to double down on his ultra-MAGA politics at his Freedom Rally, Tim Michels attempted what may be the worst impersonation of Donald Trump ever. It’s so bad, it’s almost unbelievable that Michels actually spoke with Trump.
Watch at your own risk:
“I have his caller ID number, and it was President Trump. And he goes, ‘Tim, this is Donald Trump, I’m going to endorse you. You’re the only one that can win this race. Like me, you’re an outsider, you’re a businessman. And I think you’re gonna win. And I like winners.’ There’s my Donald Trump impersonation. So, I’m honored to have the support of former president. He didn’t have to run for president. But he wanted to go drain the swamp. And we found out it’s a very big swamp.”
Connecticut Multi-Millionaire Calls Himself “The Most Wisconsin Person In The Race”
Tim Michels is bending over backwards to prove he’s not just a part-time Wisconsinite. But every time he tries to explain it (which is a lot to be honest), he digs a bigger hole, and it becomes less believable that he actually lives here.
For example, after the initial accusations, the best explanation he could give was that his kids root for Wisconsin sports teams. And this week, he called himself “the most Wisconsin person in this race.”
So does that mean he’s selling his Connecticut mansion?
“Who Said It” Answer Revealed
The crickets and lack of answers is none other than Tim Michels. Not only will he not answer questions that are too hard for him, he didn’t show up to a debate hosted by conservative radio host Joe Giganti.
Michels threw a “Freedom Rally” instead… three days after Roe v. Wade was overturned, stripping many Wisconsinites of the fundamental freedom to make their own choices about their bodies.
Joe Giganti of the Regular Joe Show and the debate’s moderator directed questions to the empty Michels podium that went unanswered, as the other candidates blasted him for his non-appearance. *chef’s kiss*