Recall petition signer challenges incumbent Sheriff in Republican Primary
In what appears to be a move of revenge from the disgruntled former sheriff of Dodge County, Dodge County Sheriff’s Lieutenant James Ketchem of Horicon filed nomination papers to challenge incumbent Sheriff Dale Schmidt in the August Republican primary.
However, my Dodge County Republican friends may want to know that this isn’t the first time James Ketchem has signed a nomination paper. Both he and his wife, Carrie, signed the Walker Recall Petition on December 2, 2011.
To make this situation even uglier, according to the Campaign Finance Registration, Ketchem’s treasurer is Doug Ninmann, the husband of the former Dodge County Sheriff, Pat Ninmann, who was appointed sheriff in 2013 but was defeated by Schmidt in the 2014 Republican Primary. Ninmann refused to lose gracefully, instead choosing to run as a write-in in the November General Election, losing to Schmidt yet again. Apparently, the Ninmanns want one more kick at Sheriff Dale Schmidt.
As the Chairman of the Republican Party of Fond du Lac County, and a resident of Waupun who literally lives two blocks from the Dodge County line, I sincerely hope Dodge County Republicans see through this charade and continue to support Sheriff Dale Schmidt. Schmidt, a friend of mine, has been a strong conservative Republican sheriff for the past four years. Unlike his opponent, Schmidt is an active member of the Dodge County Republican Party. He’s a strong supporter of the 2nd amendment, a staunch pro-lifer, and was an early supporter of Supreme Court Justice candidates like Justice Rebecca Bradley, Michael Screnock and James Daley. Schmidt is an enthusiastic supporter of Attorney General Brad Schimel’s re-election and has continually supported Governor Scott Walker.
Dodge County Republicans, please make the right choice in the August 14 Republican Primary and keep the real Republican, Sheriff Dale Schmidt.
Rohn Bishop is Chairman of the Republican Party of Fond du Lac County
