Republican activists formally endorsed Will Martin for lieutenant governor, giving him a boost in his bid for the office after falling short in the GOP primary four years ago.
A candidate needed at least 60% support from the convention to secure the endorsement, and he wound up with 73.1% over former Lancaster Mayor David Varnman.
Four years ago, Martin finished fifth in an eight-way primary with 9.2% of the vote, while
Varnman was seventh at 5.2%.
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In all, four GOP candidates have registered with the state to run for lieutenant governor. Martin and Varnam were the only ones who meet the party’s qualifications to be considered for the endorsement.
“We are going to reignite the torch of freedom in this 250th anniversary of American independence, and it begins right here in the state of Wisconsin,” Martin said after winning the party’s backing.
A single candidate met the party’s requirements to be considered for its endorsement in the AG, secretary of state and treasurer’s races.
That includes incumbent Treasurer John Leiber, and secretary of state candidate Nate Pollnow, a Dodge County farmer and small business owner.
Along with backing them, the party formally endorsed Fond du Lac County DA Eric Toney for attorney general. Four years ago, Toney fell short of the 60% needed to secure the party’s backing, but still won the primary. He then lost to Dem AG Josh Kaul by 35,000 votes.
Toney accused Kaul of failing to address issues at the state crime lab, fentanyl or crime while he’s repeatedly filed lawsuits that reflect a left-wing agenda.
“Josh Kaul has become everything people hate about politics,” Toney said. “He says one thing and does something else.”