NEW FRANKEN, Wis. — Wisconsin State Senator André Jacque today released the following statement regarding the August 11 Republican primary election for the 1st Senate District seat he currently holds:

“People have understandably been asking for my thoughts on the Republican primary for the 1st State Senate District office I will be leaving at the start of next year at the end of my 2nd term. I have hesitated to speak much publicly about it, because I know two of the candidates running- Nic Cravillion and Barb Bittner- are strongly qualified conservatives of exceptional character who would serve our district particularly well, and stand up for constituents and their principles against pressure from special interests and the liberal agenda. I would feel comfortable with either of them representing me in the State Senate.

I will be voting for Nic Cravillion as our next State Senator, because I have seen firsthand that he has the best training for the battles that lie ahead.

Nic has been my trusted District Director for more than 5 years, helping citizens and local governments battle the state bureaucracy, getting to know their concerns, and communicating and assisting my actions across the entire array of the policy spectrum and throughout the district. Nic chose to work for me instead of other legislators because he wanted to join me in fighting for conservative values and the people of the 1st District against outside interests, even knowing the negativity from others he would endure as a result. I have also witnessed directly the deep passion he has for his family, and how he truly loves engaging in and passing on Wisconsin’s sporting heritage and God-given freedoms, and serving as a drill sergeant and helping his fellow veterans. He’s been an entrepreneur and a dairy farmer, and a trusted advisor who has worked hard his entire life. He is a true social and fiscal conservative who shares our values and has seen how they are under assault at the Capitol. He has worked tirelessly for our cause. We will be well served by his outstanding leadership in what is an extremely important role.

While some have apparently implied that my not endorsing Nic publicly before now somehow indicated a lack of confidence in his ability, I can tell you that never has been the case and I feel awful to the extent that anyone has had that false impression.

Likewise, I do not want my endorsement of Nic to be perceived as a slight to my friend Barb Bittner, or dishearten her or those supporting her. Barb is a genuine friend, committed campaigner for the conservative cause, successful businesswoman, and truly a good person with a wonderful family. I’ve greatly enjoyed getting to know and work alongside her through her strong Calumet County GOP leadership these past few years, and I can tell she believes in what she says, even when it makes people uncomfortable. I have no doubt that she would be an excellent legislator, the kind we need more of representing us in Madison, whenever she might be elected.

When Nic and Barb say that they tried repeatedly to convince me to run again, it is absolutely true. I encouraged Nic and Barb both to consider running, and both chose to take that plunge. This is not a race they were looking to run right now, and it is their own well-deserved confidence in their abilities that led them to step forward to run. Admittedly, the difference between the two strongest candidates in this race is smaller than in many where I have offered endorsements in the past. And both Nic and Barb (and myself) have been targeted by false statements and rumors in the course of the campaign, and dealt with a powerful special interest that’s been spending big to tip the scales for one of their competitors.

I feel compelled to share my thoughts on the race because many people have sincerely asked for my opinion, and I believe those who have trusted my judgment over the years deserve an honest answer. Whether you agree with me or not is entirely your choice, and I respect that. Finally, I would simply ask everyone to remember that running for public office requires tremendous courage, sacrifice, and emotional investment. Many of the greatest experiences I’ve had in public life have come from the genuine conversations, ideas, and expressions of support I’ve received over the years – don’t be afraid to reach out to those willing to serve!”

Senator André Jacque represents Northeast Wisconsin’s First Senate District, consisting of Door and Kewaunee Counties and portions of Brown, Calumet, Manitowoc, and Outagamie counties.