Rebecca Kleefisch

Republicans Face Big Questions at State Convention

Big loss in spring election, party divisions, and who will run for governor?

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Conference Explores Issue Amid Attacks

DEI has 'become so politicized and used as wedges to divide people.'

Hovde Faces Minimal Competition For Republican Senate Nomination

An endorsement by former President Donald Trump could reduce the chances of a primary challenge.

Trump Pushes Election Lie in Wisconsin

Does interview on WISN radio ahead of election day appearance in Green Bay.

April Voters Will Weigh In on School Culture Wars

Activist school board members in Cudahy, Waukesha and other suburbs up for reelection.

Moms for Liberty Rising in Wisconsin

Part of national group pushing to ban books and raced-focused history lessons and opposing LGBTQ+ concerns.

Gallagher Won’t Challenge Baldwin for US Senate

A blow to GOP leaders who saw congressman as best shot to defeat Democrat in 2024.

Tammy Baldwin Will Run for Reelection

Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator makes it official, she will seek third term.

Some Small Business Owners Back Paid Leave Proposal

Evers' proposal creates 12 weeks paid parental leave. A boon to hiring?

Protasiewicz, Kelly To Face Off In High-Stakes Supreme Court Race

Jennifer Dorow falls to Kelly in hotly-contested race between conservatives.

Mandela Barnes Forms Political Action Committee

The Long Run PAC will support new generation of progressive candidates.

2022 Election for Governor Cost $164 Million!

Obliterating 2018 record of $93 million, with Evers getting 53% of total spending.

Will New Overseers Change DNR Policies?

As Evers appointees replace Walker holdovers on Natural Resources Board, environmental groups hope for changes.

Southwestern Wisconsin Farmer Appointed To DNR Board

Gov. Evers appoints Paul Buhr to replace Walker-appointee William Bruins.

Most Popular Murphy’s Law Columns

Readers liked stories about Tims -- Michels and Ramthun. And Summerfest, its well paid leader and IRS complaint were hot stuff.

High Court Race Divides Republicans

And Democrats. But the obvious friction is between conservatives Dan Kelly and Jennifer Dorow.

Embattled Former DNR Board Chair Resigns, Ending Saga

Prehn, whose appointment had expired, was able to stay on because Republicans wouldn't confirm his replacement.

Record $93 Million Spent by Outside Groups in 2022

$31 million more than total in 2018 and five times higher than in 2010.

Group Sues As Prehn Won’t Comply With Records Request

Prehn has refused to step down from DNR board.

Did Fred Prehn Flout Open Records Law?

Judge hears arguments whether Natural Resources Board member who refused to resign withheld records.

Billionaire Seeks to Mend Partisan Divide

Democrat David Einhorn, son of right-wing, north-shore Republicans, funds effort to heal America.

Democrats Retain Capitol ‘Firewalls’

Barnes sets record, the most telling campaign quote and Northwest Wisconsin turns red.

Evers Defeats Michels, Wins Second Term

Democrats score key win, maintain roadblock on Republican policies.

Has Michels Abandoned Trump?

Or has Trump abandoned Michels in governor's race? The silence is deafening.

Record Spending by Outside Groups for Republicans

$29 million to support GOP candidates for state office vs. $7.7 million for Democrats.

After Texts Released, DNR Board Member Publicly Calls For Prehn To Resign

Walker appointee with expired term has refused to leave board, which texts reveal is politically motivated.

Is Trump a Threat to Republican Candidates?

A Trump endorsement may mean something different in a general election than a primary election.

Public Schools At Stake in Governor’s Race

Michels wants universal school choice, would dismantle public schools.

Johnson Overtakes Barnes In Latest Poll

Barnes was up 7%, now down 1% in Marquette poll. But Evers maintains slight lead over Michels.

Michels Calls For ‘Pitchforks and Torches’

Republican candidate for governor attacks media. Democrats accuse him of 'encouraging violence.'

Club For Growth Spends Big on Campaigns

Spending $3.5 million, running attack ads to defeat Kleefisch in Republican primary.

Michels Blasts Media, Defends Donations

GOP candidate for governor has supported anti-LGBT, anti-abortion, anti-contraception groups.

Will Trump Help State’s Democrats Win?

His disapproval rate is way high in Wisconsin, yet Michels, Johnson have embraced him.

Michels Attacks Evers on 2020 Kenosha Unrest

On two-year anniversary Republican tours city. Evers slams GOP for ‘false’ claims.

Barnes Leads Johnson in Marquette Poll

New poll shows Evers with slight lead, in statistical tie with Michels.

Wisconsin’s Banana Republicans

Why are Grothman, Johnson, Michels defending Trump’s illegal hoarding of top secret files.

Michels’ Cash, Trump’s Backing Pay Off

His victory is a defeat for Vos, Walker, and leaves tough questions for a divided party.

Trump Boosts Michels Over Kleefisch

Evers vs. Michels, Johnson vs. Barnes will make it a fall of nonstop ads. Plus: Vos almost loses.

WisGOP Statement on Gubernatorial Primary Results

Gableman Backs Vos Primary Opponent

Assembly Speaker Vos hired Gableman more than a year ago to lead 2020 election review.

Statewide Republican Candidates

Hotly-contested race for gubernatorial nomination is just the tip of the iceberg.

Thompson Endorses Michels for Governor

Is Thompson backing a fellow 'builder'? Seeking political relevancy in fractured Republican party?

Pence Calls Kleefisch ‘Proven Conservative’

The former vice president joined Kleefisch at a law enforcement event in Waukesha County.

GOP Candidates For Governor Oppose Abortions For Child Sex Assault Victims

No exceptions means child rape or incest victims can’t get an abortion in Wisconsin.

Gableman Opposed Decertifying Election

Private memo by attorney doing election review contradicts his call to decertify 2020 election.

No Republican Running For Governor Backs Trump in 2024

All 3 candidates in debate refused to commit, but none blamed Trump for Jan 6 insurrection.

Evers Pledges ‘Clemency’ To Fight Abortion Ban

Would governor use his power to pardon anyone convicted under 1849 abortion ban?

Lasry’s Quitting Race Raises Questions

Did Democrats miss a chance to vet Mandela Barnes in primary for US Senate?

Uihleins Spent $38 Million On 2022 Races

Donations to Republicans include Senate candidate accused of sexual assault and 5 Big Lie proponents in House.

8 Republicans, 2 Democrats Running for Lt. Governor

Crowded Republican primary includes two state senators. Democrats include non-profit leader and a state representative.

Ramthun Campaign Promotes Election Denial

State Representative Tim Ramthun spreads doubt about 2020 election with campaign for governor.

Pence Endorses Kleefisch for Governor

Former Vice President splits from president Trump with endorsement.

What Would Tim Michels Do As Governor?

Despite a rapid ascent in the polls, it's unclear what the Republican businessman is running on.

52% of Evers’ Donations from State Residents

His Republican opponents have much higher percent of Wisconsin campaign donors.

Kleefisch Running On Walker-Era Record

Walker, Vos, WMC all backing former Lt. Governor. Will it be enough to beat Michels?

Trump To Campaign for Michels In Waukesha

Announcement comes as Sen. Ted Cruz says he will back Kleefisch.

A Radical Republican Debate

Which of GOP candidates Kleefisch, Michels and Ramthun had most extreme views in debate?

All The Candidates In Aug. 9 Primary Election

Including contested races for governor, U.S. senator, Congress, sheriff, clerk of circuit court.

Why Steil Supported Same Sex Marriage

Rep. Bryan Steil is only Republican in state to support House bill, as his party swings ever further right.

Steven Spielberg Is Backing Tony Evers

And he's not the only notable from out of state who gave the maximum donation to our governor.

Michels Spends Nearly $8 Million on Campaign for Governor

Wealthy Republican businessman outspending competitors, blanketing state with ads.

Tim Michels ‘Not Against Contraception’

GOP Gubernatorial candidate supports Wisconsin abortion ban.

Crute Building Statewide ‘Truth’ Radio

Owner of liberal outlet in Madison envisions network of 12 stations in 7 markets with factual news shows.

Evers $10 Million Fundraising Signals Expensive Campaign

Twice as much as Walker raised at this point in governor’s race. Money flowing into Wisconsin.

Why Nicholson Quit The Governor’s Race

Did Uihlein pull his funding? And which candidate for governor will benefit?

Trump, Thompson Endorsements Boost Michels in GOP Primary For Governor

After nearly a year of campaigning Kleefisch’s lead has evaporated.

Kevin Nicholson Drops Out of Race for Governor

Nicholson couldn't make headway in Republican primary race.

Does Wisconsin Have Republicans With Integrity?

For instance, how about the four candidates for governor?

State Supreme Court Says Natural Resources Board Member Can Stay

Legislature won't okay Evers appointee to replace Fred Prehn so Prehn won’t step down.

Republican Candidates Attack Tim Michels

Michels doesn’t attend GOP gubernatorial debate. Kleefisch, Nicholson, Ramthun all blast him.

Gas-Tax Holiday Isn’t Likely in Wisconsin

Biden proposes federal gas tax holiday. But a pause on state's gas tax is unlikely.

Evers Offers Clemency For Doctors Prosecuted for Providing Abortions

Governor made commitment during keynote speech of the state Democratic Party Convention.

State Leaders React to Overturning of Roe

Republicans celebrate, Democrats say they are ‘heartbroken’

Poll Shows Ron Johnson Trails Three Democrats, Evers Leads GOP Challengers

MU poll also shows Michels/Kleefisch in virtual tie in GOP primary for governor.

Kleefisch, Nicholson Promise Overhaul of UW Regents

GOP challengers for governor promise to recall, replace Evers’ 9 appointees to the board.

Will Trump Backing Hurt Tim Michels?

Republican could have been strong mainstream candidate; this connects him to a cult.

Elections Commission Rejects Challenge to Tim Michels’ Nominating Petitions

Unanimous decision puts Michels on the ballot in the GOP primary for governor.

LGBTQ+ Community Celebrates Pride Amidst Rising Political Attacks

Gov. Evers commits to fight 'Don't Say Gay' bills and other legislation at Pride event.

Evers Calls Special Session To Overturn 1849 Abortion Ban

Kleefisch urges Republican legislators to reject special session.

Democrats Challenge Michels Nomination Papers in Governor’s Race

The challenge seeks to block businessman Tim Michels from getting on the primary ballot.

Michels Says He “Didn’t Promise Anything” for Trump’s Endorsement

But won't say Biden won Wisconsin.

Trump Endorses Tim Michels for Governor

Former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch has now lost out on two major endorsements.

UW System President Wants Tuition Freeze Extended

New system leader Jay Rothman will recommend extension to the UW Board of Regents.

State Republicans Want More Guns

Party convention document opposes background checks, red flag laws, supports open and concealed carry without permits.

Ron Johnson Spoke Against Outgoing Republican Elections Commissioner

Senator told Assembly Speaker Vos that Knudson 'lost the confidence of the grassroots Republicans,' according to his spokesperson.

State Republicans Make No Endorsement in Top Races

No candidate for governor, attorney general, lieutenant governor chosen at state convention.

Who’s the Real Outsider for Governor?

Almost every candidate claims to be. But who really, actually is?

Controversy Over Parole Is Rare

Issue facing Evers is rare, as most state prison inmates must serve 100% of their sentence.

Republican Convention Endorses No One For Governor

Rebecca Kleefisch falls just short of 60% of votes needed for party endorsement.

Conservatives in Chaos: Republican Party of Wisconsin Fails to Endorse in Governor’s Race

Candidates to Appear at WisGOP State Convention

New UW Chancellor Mnookin Seeks ‘Common Ground’ With GOP Critics

Vos, Kleefisch, Nass assail regents' choice of UCLA Law School dean.

Democrats File Suit Against State Republicans Who Posed As Electors

Lawsuit argues actions of false presidential electors led to Jan. 6 insurrection.

Michels Leads Kleefisch In New Poll

Recently announced candidate in GOP primary for governor 1% ahead of Kleefisch; most voters still "not sure" who to support.

Evers Opposes Parole for Man Who Killed Wife

Governor asks parole board to reverse parole for Douglas Balsewicz, who killed his wife in 1997.

Vos Supports Abortion Ban Exceptions For Rape, Incest

State Assembly Speaker finds himself at odds with GOP candidates for governor.

Primary Winners Rely on Certain Counties

Of state's 72 counties a small number provide majority of statewide vote.

The 161 Executive Orders of Gov. Evers

Seizing a way to dramatize his political philosophy, and giving opponents campaign issues.

Sexism And The Marquette Poll

Should pollsters test respondents agreement with statements deriding women?

Tim Michels Is No Political ‘Outsider’

Candidate for governor has long record of political donations, lobbying, state contracts.