Michels makes GOP Senate candidacy official

Appleton Post-Crescent ^ | 1/27/04

[Valin]

GREEN BAY — Tim Michels officially announced his bid for the U.S. Senate seat held by Democrat Russ Feingold.

His announcement Monday makes it a three-way race on the Republican ticket, which will be determined in a primary election later this year.
he 41-year-old Browns-ville native said there was no one issue the that prompted him to run and that he began putting serious consideration into the campaign this summer.

During his announcement, which drew about 35 people to the Brown County Courthouse, Michels challenged Feingold’s stances and voting records on the economy, national security and the war on terror.
“For 22 years Russ Feingold has the been the voice for extreme liberal ideas both in Madison and Washington, D.C.,” Michels said. “He has chosen to focus his time on fringe, liberal issues like gay marriage, partial-birth abortion, campaign-finance reform gimmicks and supporting the death tax.”

Michels, co-owner of a Brownsville-based utility construction company, faces West Bend auto dealer Russ Darrow and state Sen. Bob Welch, R-Redgranite, in the Sept. 14 Republican primary.

[Valin]

Anyone know anything about this guy? Does he have any chance to get the nomination? Any chance to send Feingold packing?

[Abram]

I would worry if he could only attract 35 people to his kickoff and probaby several of those were members of the press or courthouse employees. I don't know much about the candidate, but it doesn't sound to me to be very promising.

[JohnnyZ]

Seems to be a good guy, from what I've read. I think he presents the best contrast to Feingold. The other candidates are a car dealer (has some potential, but donated to Feingold's campaign) and an albino state senator. Michels is a veteran and businessman. I think he's our best bet.

[Valin]

It would REALLY make my day to see Feingold defeated! And his little dog too.

[Catspaw]

I saw a bit of Michels' announcement on Green Bay TV last night. Although he may be conservative, to be polite, he sounded canned and uninspiring.

[JohnnyZ]

Although he may be conservative, to be polite, he sounded canned and uninspiring.

Second political campaign: some people have it, some people develop it with practice, some people never get it.

[Catspaw]

I would've liked to have seen a bit more fire in his belly when he announced. It wasn't exactly "deer in the headlights," but if there was one place I'd expect someone to be more spirited (and not so forced), it'd be when he announced his run for the Senate.

[Cowboy Bob]

...41-year-old Browns-ville...partial-birth abortion, campaign-finance...co-owner of a Brownsville-based...R-Redgranite

I think this guy wore out the "-" key on his computer with this story!

[fleshwound]

I saw him (Michels) speak once and there is a fine line between passionate and Dean-like and let me tell you he was way too much like Dean for me, i was scared he was going to come into the audience and tell me to drop and give him 50. Plus he did sound canned like the other person said.