Today JB Van Hollen announced  that former Wisconsin Governor and Bush cabinet secretary Tommy Thompson was endorsing his bid to be Wisconsins Attorney General. Obviously in a contested Republican primary for Wisconsins 300-pound guerilla to take a side is a major boost for that campaign.
Trying not to miss the ex-guv bandwagon, Van Hollen primary rival Paul Bucher announced that former Gov. Lee Sherman Dreyfus was endorsing his candidacy. That wasnt much of an announcement, since the fact has been on Bucher’s website for a while, but when JB unveils big news Bucher had to get in on the act.
Of course, whether Dreyfus endorsement helps Bucher at all is an open question. In the last two years, Gov. Dreyfus has joined WEAC for a press conference blasting constitutional limits on spending, and he did an ad for Greater Wisconsin Committee, the Democrat front group running nasty attack ads against Mark Green. He joined Democrat former governors Lucey, Schreiber, and Earl for Fair Wisconsin opposing the Wisconsin Marriage Amendment. His current newspaper column defends 9-11 conspiracy theorist Kevin Barretts lectureship at UW-Madison (What would Jessica McBride think?).
Left to Right: OutReach Executive Director John Quinlan, with Madison liberal Democrat State Rep. Terese Berceau, and former WI Governor Lee Sherman Dreyfus at OutReach’s 11th Annual Community Awards Banquet where Gov. Dreyfus was honored with a Political Courage Award. OutReach is Madison’s LGBT Community Center.
I’m not saying we shouldn’t respect Gov. Dreyfus’ service and leadership or consider his endorsement of Bucher, I’d just point out that highly respected statewide Republicans taking sides in this AG primary have been absolutely eviscerated for far less.
From Bucher’s release: Bucher said that he was thrilled to have the endorsement of former Gov. Dreyfus. ‘Gov. Dreyfus has always stood for what I want to bring to Madison,’ Bucher said.” So, Mr. Bucher, would it be no traditional marriage part of Dreyfus’ vision or the no constitutional limits on spending part that you want to bring to Madison?
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A clear indication of desperation. To his credit, however, Bucher did promise at Republican Convention to never quit. However, I believe in a smart campaign. The “Damn the torpedos” mentality can be very costly, even embarassing. I think Bucher may plan on going back to his county after this race is over, holding his head high, and claiming he did his best.
On the other hand, I’m willing to bet there are some rising star attorneys in Waukesha County that Bucher will need to contend with in the next DA election. All this publicity gives a name recognition advantage for years to come. Paul isn’t dumb, and I guarantee he has some reason or another to play his cards the way he does, even in the face of certain loss.
Keep an eye out for what he does after the primary and election.