Importance of NE Wis. on Senate race

WLUK TV

Updated: Aug 15, 2012 5:27 PM

Tommy Thompson continued his string of electoral victories in Wisconsin winning his sixth statewide election. He did so this time without much support in Northeast Wisconsin. In fact, Eric Hovde dominated the area.

Political analysts say it all came down to money.

"Eric Hovde spent a lot of money and he certainly spent a lot of it in the valley. He outspent the governor pretty highly in the valley and in other areas of the state and it paid off for him," said Brian Schimming, vice-chair of the Republican Party of Wisconsin.

He says while Thompson may not have done as well as he hoped in the Fox Valley he did good enough to win. And he even did better than expected in some areas.

"He showed the kind of strength he needs across the state," Schimming said. "I think in the metro Milwaukee area he surprised some people with how well he did."

What does all this mean for November? Perhaps to show how important the valley is in this race, Tammy Baldwin stopped in Appleton on the first day of the general election campaign.

"Wisconsin voters want somebody who is going to stand up for them, not the very powerful interests in Washington D.C," said Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-Senate Candidate). She says the primary shows Thompson is vulnerable.

"Tommy Thompson emerged from a campaign where 65-percent of the people in his own party voted against him. He has some work to do just on those matters moving forward."

Meanwhile, Thompson toured Husco International in Waukesha.

"I think we're going to be debating everyday. Which future do you want?" Thompson said. He says after a tough primary he's ready for to take on Baldwin.

"I'm happy as all get out that I'm here," he said. "I'm happy that I won. I thank my opponents and you know something, it makes you stronger."

If Thompson wins in November it would be the first time in more than 50 years that both Senate seats from Wisconsin were held by Republicans. The election could also decide which party controls the Senate.
 

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