Neumann, Fitzgerald battle it out

AP Modified

Updated: May 12, 2012 6:50 PM

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Former Gov. Tommy Thompson will not be getting the endorsement of the Wisconsin Republican Party.

He was eliminated in the second round of voting Saturday.

Former congressman Mark Neumann and state Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald are battling it out. One of them must get 60 percent of the vote in the final round or no endorsement is issued.

Political newcomer Eric Hovde dropped out after the first round after he got the fewest number of votes. Thompson dropped out in the second round after getting about 18 percent of the vote.

Neumann had about 47 percent after the second round and Fitzgerald had 35 percent.

Winning the endorsement can give a candidate a major boost by gaining access to the party's network of grass roots contacts, money and other assistance.

However, candidates eliminated in the early rounds of today's endorsement voting say the campaign isn't over for them.

"It all comes down to August," said Hovde. He said he never expected to get the party's nod at the convention, but hopes voters will turn out in his favor.

FOX 11 attempted to reach Thompson for comment, but he was unavailable.

FOX 11's Kelly Schlicht spent the day at the convention. She'll have balanced coverage of the Senate race nomination on tonight's news at 9 on CW 14. You can also see her full report on FOX 11 News after NASCAR.

Copyright 2013 AP Modified. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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