Kevin Nicholson, a business consultant and former marine announced this week that he has decided to end his campaign for governor. This comes as GOP primary opponents former Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch and construction executive Tim Michels have become the evident front runners in the race. In the most recent Marquette University Law School Poll Kleefisch and Michels were within the margin of error of each other, whereas Nicholson was at 10% and has not put put any paid media campaign in recent weeks. Nicholson’s decision also comes just one day after the close of the most recent campaign finance reporting period which will show the first look at his fundraising operation since getting in the race in January.
Nicholson spoke to conservative radio show host Mark Belling, who he told that he looks forward to taking time to reflect and on spending time with his wife and kids. He also told Belling that Michels’ personal financial resources gave him the only option for his campaign of going negative, which he did not wish to do. Nicholson told Belling that he will never stop caring about the state of Wisconsin and the nation, stating, “You’ve got to stand up and try and do the right thing. How does that manifest in the future? I don’t know exactly.”
Reaction to Nicholson’s Exit:
Primary Opponent Rebecca Kleefisch: “I’d like to thank Kevin Nicholson for the hearty debate and competition to make our state and conservative movement better. Moving forward, I humbly ask Nicholson’s supporters to join our team. I’ve taken on the Madison swamp before and won, and this fall, I will beat Tony Evers.”
Primary Opponent Tim Michels: “As I’ve said repeatedly on the trail, I respect Kevin Nicholson. I respect his service to our nation as a Marine and his work with No Better Friend Corp. This race was better for him being in it, working as hard as he did, and pushing his outsider message about the need to shake up the Madison machine. I will work hard to earn the support of his supporters, as I continue to grow our coalition. It is imperative we defeat Tony Evers this fall and that’s our continued focus.”
