Republican candidate for U.S. Senate Kevin Nicholson issued a challenge Tuesday to his GOP primary election opponent state Sen. Leah Vukmir (R-Brookfield) for six debates in March and April.
“Republicans throughout Wisconsin are excited about the very real opportunity we have to defeat Tammy Baldwin this November – but it’s going to require a nominee who is up to the challenge,” said Nicholson in a statement released Tuesday. “With less than nine months before Election Day, it’s time to publicly allow voters the chance to hear more from State Senator Vukmir and myself about our positions on issues. The best way to do this is to hold a series of respectful debates over the month of March and April so voters can decide who will best represent them in Washington when it comes to the future direction of our state and nation.”
Vukmir’s campaign manager Jess Ward quickly responded that the two campaigns will have debates before the primary.
“Leah looks forward to debating Kevin Nicholson and sharing how she will bring her experience of fighting for conservative reforms alongside Governor Scott Walker to Washington to pass President Trump’s agenda,” Ward said. “The more Wisconsinites hear from Kevin and his past, present, and future stances on issues or who supports him – the weirder it gets.”
Nicholson proposed six debates in March and April in each of the following cities: Eau Claire, Green Bay, Hudson, La Crosse, Madison, Milwaukee, and Wausau. Details for the debates would have to be worked out by the two campaigns.
The two candidates are already scheduled for a debate on March 28, hosted by Jeff Wagner of WTMJ.
Nicholson and Vukmir are the two declared candidates seeking the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate. Madison businessman Eric Hovde is said to also be considering entering the race but has not yet declared his candidacy. The winner of the Republican primary on August 14 will face the incumbent Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Madison) in November.
