Michels' margin of victory brings national GOP backing Nominee already trading barbs with Feingold National Republican leaders were making tentative promises Wednesday to provide Tim Michels with new resources and support, a day after the construction executive and former Army officer from Oconomowoc captured the party's U.S. Senate nomination by storm. Michels' primary victory sets up a November showdown of crystal-clear contrast with two-term Democratic incumbent Sen. Russ Feingold. "This is a race of national significance. That's why I'm here today," said Ed Gillespie, chairman of the Republican National Committee, standing beside Michels and two of his fallen challengers at...