July 28, 2006

Tommy Thompson Endorses Van Hollen, Bucher's Chances Severely Hurt

J.B. Van Hollen has been slowly and steadily getting endorsements from Republicans all over the state. Today, he got the biggest endorsement of them all: ex-governor Tommy Thompson:

“I am impressed with J.B. Van Hollen's track record and I'm not alone. Based on a record of excellence as a local prosecutor, the President appointed him U.S. Attorney,” said Thompson, the longest serving Governor in Wisconsin history. “We're lucky to have him running for attorney general and I'm confident J.B. will help get Wisconsin back in the right direction. I'm happy to endorse and support him.”

Getting the public backing of the biggest name in Wisconsin GOP politics is great, but even better for Van Hollen is Thompson "will hold a fundraiser within weeks for Van Hollen." Many Republicans wanted Tommy to run against Sen. Herb Kohl because they knew he could raise enough money to be competitive. Tommy directing campaign bucks at Van Hollen will really help the former U.S. Attorney and increase the financial disparity between him and his opponent Paul Bucher.

Van Hollen has tremendous momentum. From my perspective it's starting to look like an avalanche is about to bury Bucher. Thompson on Van Hollen's side will discourage GOP donors from giving to Bucher out of loyalty, trust, and a little bit of a herd mentality. With Bucher at a serious money disadvantage that will get worse he'll have to strongly confront Van Hollen on all sorts of issues and hope Van Hollen says something goofy like terrorists are running around Wisconsin.

"Van Hollen Campaign: Thompson Endorses Van Hollen for AG"

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