Republican strategist Bill McCoshen, a rumored 2022 candidate for governor, may be moving closer to declaring his candidacy. Bob Dohnal, the publisher of the semi-literate newsletter “Wisconsin Conservative Digest,” is reporting McCoshen will launch his campaign in early summer.
“Bill McCoshen has confirmed to me that he is running for Governor in 2022 and will be announcing in the early summer,” Dohnal wrote to his email list. “He’s also planning to launch a new project in the coming weeks.”
McCoshen is a former commerce secretary and chief of staff under Governor Tommy Thompson.
McCoshen is currently the Managing Partner of Capitol Consultants and the Executive Director of Competitive Wisconsin. Prior to serving as Commerce Secretary, McCoshen was the manager for Thompson’s successful campaign for a third term in 1994.
McCoshen’s entry could be good news for those hoping for a race based on ideas instead of personalities.
“This is a sign that there could be a competitive primary based on policy and vision, regardless how it shakes out that is good for conservatives and increases our odds of defeating Evers,” a Republican insider told RightWisconsin on Wednesday.
In addition to McCoshen, former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch, former White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus, current Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow, former Congressman Sean Duffy, and businessman Kevin Nicholson are all considering running. Many of their decisions will hinge on whether Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) decides to run for re-election.
