Kevin Nicholson asked Republican Party of Wisconsin (RPW) officials this week to allow state convention delegates to consider him for the party’s endorsement, despite previously saying that he did not want it.
In a meeting on Tuesday, Nicholson asked for his name to appear on the endorsement ballots alongside former Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch and State Rep. Timothy Ramthun (R-Campbellsport). He also suggested that the party could alternatively consider a “no endorsement” option.
However, an RPW committee did not take action on Nicholson’s request after he refused to provide copies of his fundraising records. Certain metrics need to be achieved to appear on the endorsement ballot.
While Nicholson may not get the party’s endorsement if he does make it onto the ballot, it would likely make it more difficult for his opponents to receive it. A candidate needs 60% of the votes to be endorsed. With the endorsement, the party can spend freely on the chosen candidate.
In February, Nicholson said in a video posted to Facebook that he did not think that the party should have a role in the endorsement process. He has also publicly challenged its chairman, Paul Farrow, even going so far as to say that Farrow would not be the party chair if he wins the gubernatorial election.
