|
AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA |
|
 |
FreeRepublic , LLC PO BOX 9771 FRESNO, CA 93794
|
|
It's on the Breaking News Sidebar |
|
Posted on 07/08/2003 10:44:33 AM PDT by Pubbie
Multi-millionaire businessman Tim Michels said today he has not made a final decision as to whether he will challenge Democratic U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold, but in an interview with WisPolitics.com, he sounded very much like a candidate.
"I would give this campaign my all-out effort," Michels said, only elaborating that he would make a final decision "soon."
"We're strongly encouraged by all of the response we're getting as we look to all the various sectors throughout the state -- people on Main Street, significant people within the Party, as well as long term supporters of the Party," said Michels, who has been to Washington, D.C. to meet with party officials about a run. "I'm getting out and I'm talking to people in a lot of the cities in the state. People are contacting me. They're very encouraged about my profile, which they believe lends itself to beat my opponent if I run."
He is also encouraged about the "the outlying structure that I have for a strong campaign staff."
Michels said he expects a race against Feingold could cost anywhere between $7 to $9 million to win -- but wouldn't say how much of his own money he would be willing to contribute. "I haven't really thought about that," Michels said. "I will raise as much as it takes to win ... The response that I'm getting from people on the street and from big supporters -- I'm very encouraged about to my ability to do so."
In what could be a reference to the possible candidacy of state Sen. Bob Welch, R-Redgranite, Michels said he would strongly support a Republican primary.
"I think it would be a great thing to have a Republican primary. It would give the people in the state an opportunity to look at all the candidates not just a career politician," Michels said. "I'm a big believer in the American political process and the more process we can have, the better off the American people are."
Waukesha County Executive Dan Finley is also on the list of potential candidates. Former Lt. Gov. Margaret Farrow ruled out a bid in the race earlier today.
He cited his experience as a military veteran as critical in this "era of terrorism" and job growth as major pluses for a potential candidacy. "I've created hundreds of jobs even in the difficult recession over the last three years," he said. "Unlike my opponent, I'm not talking about creating jobs, I've done it."
Michels, who lost a Republican primary to state Sen. Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, in 1998 said he learned three lessons from that loss. "I learned that you need to have a strong organizational structure. I learned that you need to get started early. And I learned that the burning desire that I have to win has to be executed out on the campaign trail."
Heeeeeeeeeee's Ruuuuuuuuuuunnnnnnnnning!
|
AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA |
|
|
|
FreeRepublic , LLC PO BOX 9771 FRESNO, CA 93794
|
|
It's on the Breaking News Sidebar |
|
It's no longer PC. Bush or Clinton or someone got in trouble for saying it from Welsh groups.
He is with the media and large segment of Wisconsin's elite.
I would like to see some evidence Michels is more than an empty suit stuffed with cash. He needs to be willing to fight house to house from now until election day.
Wisconsin's elite . . . {giggle} . . . would that be the Packers or the dairy farmers?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.