2012 United States Senate election in Wisconsin

Last updated

2012 United States Senate election in Wisconsin
Flag of Wisconsin.svg
←  2006 November 6, 2012 2018  →
Turnout72.5% (voting eligible) [1]
  Tammy Baldwin, official photo portrait, color (cropped).jpg Tommy Thompson 1 (3x4) a.jpg
Nominee Tammy Baldwin Tommy Thompson
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote1,547,1041,380,126
Percentage51.41%45.86%
2012 United States Senate election in Wisconsin results map by county.svg
WI-2012-senate-districts.svg
2012 Wisconsin Senate election results by precinct.svg
Baldwin:      40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%     >90%
Thompson:      40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%     >90%
     Tie     No data
U.S. senator before election

Herb Kohl
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Tammy Baldwin
Democratic

The 2012 United States Senate election in Wisconsin took place on November 6, 2012, alongside a U.S. presidential election as well as other elections to the United States Senate and House of Representatives and various state and local elections. Incumbent Democratic Senator Herb Kohl retired instead of running for re-election to a fifth term. This was the first open Senate seat in Wisconsin since 1988, when Kohl won his first term.

Contents

Primary elections were held on August 14, 2012. Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin's 2nd congressional district ran unopposed in the Democratic primary. The Republican nominee was former Wisconsin Governor and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson, who won with a plurality in a four-way primary race. In the general election, Baldwin defeated Thompson and won the open seat. She became the first woman elected to represent Wisconsin in the Senate and the first openly gay U.S. senator in history. This is also the only time Thompson lost a statewide race.

Background

Incumbent Democratic senator Herb Kohl was re-elected to a fourth term in 2006, beating Republican attorney Robert Lorge by 67% to 30%. Kohl's lack of fundraising suggested his potential retirement. [2] There was speculation that Kohl might decide to retire to allow Russ Feingold, who lost his re-election bid in 2010, to run again, although Mike Tate, chairman of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, dismissed speculation about Kohl's potential retirement. [3] Ultimately, Kohl announced in May 2011 that he would not run for re-election in 2012.

Democratic primary

Despite speculation that Kohl would retire to make way for his former Senate colleague Russ Feingold, who had been unseated in 2010, Feingold chose not to enter the race. Other potential candidates also declined to run, leaving Baldwin unopposed in the Democratic primary.

Candidates

Declared

Declined

Polling

Hypothetical polling
Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size		Margin of
error		Tammy
Baldwin		Jon
Erpenbach		Russ
Feingold		Kathleen
Falk		Steve
Kagen		Ron
Kind		Barbara
Lawton		Gwen
Moore		Other/
Undecided
Public Policy Polling [14] May 19–22, 2011783±3.5%12%5%70%1%3%4%1%2%3%
30%13%—4%17%16%3%6%12%
Magellan Strategies [15] July 12–13, 2011627±3.9%46%———21%———33%
41%————19%——40%
Public Policy Polling [16] August 12–14, 2011387±5%48%———19%———33%
37%———15%21%——27%

Results

Democratic primary results [17]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Tammy Baldwin 185,265 99.77
Democratic Write ins4240.23
Total votes185,689 100

Republican primary

Congressman and House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan stated he would not run if Kohl sought reelection, but would contemplate a run if Kohl retired. [18] Ryan later stated that he was "95 percent sure" that he would not run. [19] He was later chosen as the Republican nominee for vice president by presidential nominee Mitt Romney.

Six candidates declared for the seat, although two later withdrew. The contest turned out to be a four-way fight. Although a large majority of Republican primary voters consistently expressed a preference for a nominee "more conservative" than Tommy Thompson, Eric Hovde and Mark Neumann split the conservative vote, allowing Thompson to narrowly prevail with a plurality of the vote. [20]

Candidates

Declared

Withdrew

Declined

Polling

Poll sourceDate(s) administeredSample
size		Margin of
error		Jeff
Fitzgerald		Eric
Hovde		Mark
Neumann		Tommy
Thompson		Undecided
Public Policy Polling [32] August 8–9, 2012557± 4.2%15%27%24%25%9%
Marquette University [33] August 2–5, 2012519± 4.4%13%20%18%28%7%
We Ask America [34] July 31, 20121,237± 2.8%12%23%17%23%25%
Public Policy Polling [35] July 30–31, 2012400± 4.9%13%28%25%25%9%
—33%27%30%10%
Marquette University [36] July 5–8, 2012432± 4.8%6%23%10%35%25%
Public Policy Polling [37] July 5–8, 2012564± 4.1%9%31%15%29%16%
OnMessage Inc. [38] +June 26–27, 2012600± 4.0%7%29%16%34%14%
Marquette University [39] June 13–16, 2012344± 5.4%10%14%16%34%25%
Public Policy Polling [40] March 31–April 1, 2012609± 4.0%18%—25%38%19%
Public Policy Polling [41] February 23–26, 2012556± 4.2%22%—22%39%17%
32%—42%—26%
37%——46%17%
——36%46%18%
Public Policy Polling [42] October 20–23, 2011650± 3.8%21%—29%35%11%
——39%43%17%
28%—44%—28%
35%——47%17%
Public Policy Polling [16] August 12–14, 2011362± 5.2%——39%47%13%
Magellan Strategies [43] July 12–13, 2011638± 3.9%15%—26%41%18%
——36%44%20%
Poll sourceDate(s) administeredSample
size		Margin of
error		Tommy
Thompson		Someone more
conservative		Undecided
Public Policy Polling [35] July 30–31, 2012400± 4.9%29%58%13%
Public Policy Polling [37] July 5–8, 2012564± 4.1%34%50%17%
Public Policy Polling [41] February 23–26, 2012556± 4.2%37%47%17%
Public Policy Polling [42] October 20–23, 2011650± 3.8%35%51%14%

Endorsements

Jeff Fitzgerald
Eric Hovde
Mark Neumann
Tommy Thompson

Politicians

Celebrities and political commentators [65]

Cabinet officials [65]

  • Donald Rumsfeld, former Secretary of Defense from 1975 to 1977 and 2001 to 2006, former White House chief of staff, and former ambassador
  • Donald L. Nelson, former deputy assistant Secretary of Defense
  • Ray Boland, colonel and former Veterans Affairs Secretary

State legislators [65]

Political organization officials [65]

  • David Keene, president of the National Rifle Association of America and former chairman of the American Conservative Union [69]
  • Former Republican Party of Wisconsin Chairman Rick Graber
  • Wisconsin Club for Growth founders Terry and Mary Kohler
  • Former Wisconsin Federation of Republican Women President Sue Lynch
  • Former Wisconsin Federation of Republican Women President Ginny Marschman
  • Republican National Convention co-chairman Mary Buestrin

Law enforcement officials [65]

  • Waukesha County Sheriff Daniel Trawicki
  • Waukesha County District Attorney Brad Schimel

Organizations [65]

  • Wisconsin Right to Life
  • Dairy Business Association
  • Wisconsin Corn Growers Association
  • Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation
  • Milwaukee Police Association
  • Milwaukee Police Supervisors Organization
  • Milwaukee Professional Firefighters Association
  • Wisconsin Grocers Association
  • Wisconsin Restaurant Association
  • Chiropractic Society of Wisconsin
  • Wisconsin Health Care Association
  • Wisconsin Mortgage Bankers Association
  • GOProud [70]

Results

Results by county .mw-parser-output .legend{page-break-inside:avoid;break-inside:avoid-column}.mw-parser-output .legend-color{display:inline-block;min-width:1.25em;height:1.25em;line-height:1.25;margin:1px 0;text-align:center;border:1px solid black;background-color:transparent;color:black}.mw-parser-output .legend-text{} Thompson 20-30% 30-40% 40-50% 50-60% 60-70% Hovde 30-40% 40-50% Neumann 30-40% 40-50% 2012 WI US Senate GOP primary.svg
Results by county
  Thompson
  •   20–30%
  •   30–40%
  •   40–50%
  •   50–60%
  •   60–70%
  Hovde
  •   30–40%
  •   40–50%
  Neumann
  •   30–40%
  •   40–50%
Republican primary results [17]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Tommy Thompson 197,928 34.0
Republican Eric Hovde179,55730.8
Republican Mark Neumann 132,78622.8
Republican Jeff Fitzgerald 71,87112.3
Republican Write ins2440.04
Total votes582,630 100

General election

Thompson and Baldwin with WISN-TV's Mike Gousha at the October 26 debate. Baldwin-Thompson debate.jpg
Thompson and Baldwin with WISN-TV's Mike Gousha at the October 26 debate.

Candidates

Debates

Baldwin and Thompson agreed to three debates: September 28, October 18 and 26, all broadcast statewide, and nationwide through C-SPAN.

The first debate originated from the studios of Milwaukee Public Television and was coordinated by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association. It aired on MPTV, Wisconsin Public Television, Wisconsin Public Radio and several commercial stations throughout the state.

The second debate originated from the Theater for Civic Engagement on the campus of the University of Wisconsin–Marathon County in Wausau and was coordinated by WPT/WPR, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Milwaukee's WTMJ-TV. Again it was carried on MPTV, WPT/WPR, and several commercial stations, including WTMJ-TV.

The third debate originated from Eckstein Hall on the campus of Marquette University Law School and was coordinated by WISN-TV in Milwaukee. It aired on that station and across the state's other ABC affiliated stations.

External links

Fundraising

Candidate (party)ReceiptsDisbursementsCash on handDebt
Tammy Baldwin (D)$14,643,869$15,204,940$143,852$0
Tommy Thompson (R)$9,585,823$9,582,888$2,934$0
Source: Federal Election Commission [73]

Top contributors

Tammy BaldwinContributionTommy ThompsonContribution
EMILY's List $431,843 Michael Best & Friedrich LLP $36,825
MoveOn.org $171,467 ABC Supply $28,500
University of Wisconsin $117,600 Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld $28,250
J Street PAC $113,758 Direct Supply $27,500
League of Conservation Voters $95,308 Wisconsin Energy Corporation $25,750
Democracy Engine$81,330American Foods Group$25,000
Council for a Livable World $54,130 Gilead Sciences $23,000
Voices for Progress$25,749 Centene Corporation $20,750
Marshfield Clinic $21,800BGR Group$20,500
Microsoft Corporation $18,564 C. R. Bard, Inc. $20,000
Source: OpenSecrets [74]

Top industries

Tammy BaldwinContributionTommy ThompsonContribution
Women's Issues $915,482Retired$858,276
Retired$791,756 Leadership PACs $244,804
Lawyers/Law Firms $597,674 Financial Institutions $243,636
Democratic/Liberal$555,792Lawyers/Law Firms$228,379
Leadership PACs$309,430 Real Estate $227,687
Universities $298,298 Pharmaceuticals/Health Products$204,302
Human Rights Organisations $215,539 Insurance Industry $202,654
Health Professionals $202,654 Manufacturing & Distributing$169,104
Pro-Israel $172,380Health Professionals$150,149
Business Services$163,238 Lobbyists $138,700
Source: OpenSecrets [75]

Predictions

SourceRankingAs of
The Cook Political Report [76] TossupNovember 1, 2012
Sabato's Crystal Ball [77] Lean DNovember 5, 2012
Rothenberg Political Report [78] TossupNovember 2, 2012
Real Clear Politics [79] TossupNovember 5, 2012

Polling

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size		Margin of
error		Tammy
Baldwin (D)		Tommy
Thompson (R)		OtherUndecided
Public Policy Polling [80] May 19–22, 20111,636±2.4%44%45%—11%
Public Policy Polling [81] August 12–14, 2011830±3.4%42%50%—8%
Public Policy Polling [82] October 20–23, 20111,170±2.9%44%46%—10%
Rasmussen Reports [83] October 26, 2011500±4.5%42%49%4%6%
Marquette University [84] February 16–19, 2012716±3.7%42%48%1%9%
Public Policy Polling [41] February 23–26, 2012900±3.3%46%45%—9%
Rasmussen Reports [85] February 27, 2012500±4.5%36%50%4%10%
Rasmussen Reports [86] March 27, 2012500±4.5%44%48%4%4%
Public Policy Polling [87] April 13–15, 20121,136±2.9%45%47%—8%
Rasmussen Reports [88] May 9, 2012500±4.5%38%50%5%7%
Public Policy Polling [89] May 11–13, 2012851±3.4%42%47%—11%
Rasmussen Reports [90] June 12, 2012500±4.5%36%52%6%6%
Marquette University [39] June 13–16, 2012707±3.8%41%49%—10%
Public Policy Polling [37] July 5–8, 20121,057±3.0%45%45%—11%
Marquette University [36] July 5–8, 2012810±3.5%41%45%—14%
Rasmussen Reports [91] July 25, 2012500±4.5%48%41%5%6%
Marquette University [92] August 2–5, 20121,400±2.6%43%48%—5%
Quinnipiac [93] July 31 – August 6, 20121,428±2.6%47%47%1%5%
Rasmussen Reports [94] August 15, 2012500±4.5%43%54%1%3%
Public Policy Polling [95] August 16–19, 20121,308±2.7%44%49%—7%
Marquette University [96] August 16–19, 2012576±4.2%41%50%—9%
CBS/NYT/Quinnipiac [97] August 15–21, 20121,190±3.0%44%50%1%4%
YouGov [98] September 4–11, 2012772±n/a42%48%—10%
Public Policy Polling [99] September 12–13, 2012959±n/a48%45%—6%
Marquette University [100] September 13–16, 2012705±3.8%50%41%—5%
CBS/NYT/Quinnipiac [101] September 11–17, 20121,485±2.5%47%47%—6%
NBC/WSJ/Marist Poll [102] September 16–18, 2012968±3.2%48%46%—5%
Public Policy Polling [103] September 18–19, 2012842±3.4%49%45%—6%
We Ask America [104] September 20–23, 20121,238±2.8%52%40%—8%
Marquette University [105] September 27–30, 2012894±3.3%48%44%—6%
Public Policy Polling [106] October 4–6, 2012979±3.1%49%46%—6%
CBS/NYT/Quinnipiac [107] October 4–9, 20121,327±2.7%48%46%—5%
Rasmussen Reports [108] October 9, 2012500±4.5%51%47%1%2%
YouGov [109] October 4–11, 2012639±4.9%48%43%—9%
Marquette University [110] October 11–14, 2012870±3.3%45%46%—7%
NBC/WSJ/Marist Poll [111] October 15–17, 20121,013±3.1%49%45%1%5%
Mason-Dixon [112] October 15–17, 2012625±4%47%45%—8%
Rasmussen Reports [113] October 18, 2012500±4.5%46%48%3%3%
Angus Reid Public Opinion [114] October 18–20, 2012502±4.5%45%42%3%11%
Rasmussen Reports [115] October 25, 2012500±4.5%47%48%2%4%
Marquette University [116] October 25–28, 20121,243±2.8%47%43%—10%
St. Norbert College [117] October 25–29, 2012402±5%43%46%—11%
Rasmussen Reports [115] October 29, 2012750±4.0%48%48%1%2%
NBC/WSJ/Marist [118] October 31, 20121,065±3.0%48%47%4%1%
WeAskAmerica [119] October 31 – November 1, 20121,210±3%49%46%—5%
YouGov [120] October 31 – November 3, 20121,225±3.1%48%47%—5%
Angus Reid Public Opinion [121] November 1–3, 2012482±4.5%50%48%2%—
Public Policy Polling [122] November 2–3, 20121,256±2.8%51%48%—2%
Hypothetical polling

with Tammy Baldwin

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size		Margin of
error		Tammy
Baldwin (D)		Jeff
Fitzgerald (R)		OtherUndecided
Public Policy Polling [80] May 19–22, 20111,636±2.4%48%37%—15%
Public Policy Polling [82] October 20–23, 20111,170±2.9%44%40%—16%
Rasmussen Reports [83] October 26, 2011500±4.5%46%39%4%6%
Marquette University [84] February 16–19, 2012716±3.7%45%37%3%15%
Public Policy Polling [41] February 23–26, 2012900±3.3%47%39%—14%
Rasmussen Reports [85] February 27, 2012500±4.5%40%41%4%15%
Rasmussen Reports [86] March 27, 2012500±4.5%48%40%4%7%
Public Policy Polling [87] April 13–15, 20121,136±2.9%47%40%—13%
Rasmussen Reports [88] May 9, 2012500±4.5%45%41%4%9%
Rasmussen Reports [115] June 12, 2012500±4.5%44%43%5%8%
Marquette University [39] June 13–16, 2012707±3.8%45%39%—16%
Public Policy Polling [37] July 5–8, 20121,057±3.0%46%42%—13%
Marquette University [36] July 5–8, 2012810±3.5%43%37%—20%
Rasmussen Reports [115] July 25, 2012500±4.5%47%37%6%10%
Marquette University [92] August 2–5, 20121,400±2.6%45%40%—7%
Quinnipiac [93] July 31 – August 6, 20121,428±2.6%51%39%—9%
Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size		Margin of
error		Tammy
Baldwin (D)		Eric
Hovde (R)		OtherUndecided
Public Policy Polling [89] May 11–13, 2012851±3.4%41%45%—14%
Rasmussen Reports [115] June 12, 2012500±4.5%42%44%4%10%
Marquette University [39] June 13–16, 2012707±3.8%45%36%—19%
Public Policy Polling [37] July 5–8, 20121,057±3.0%44%45%—11%
Marquette University [36] July 5–8, 2012810±3.5%44%38%—18%
Rasmussen Reports [115] July 25, 2012500±4.5%45%42%5%8%
Marquette University [92] August 2–5, 20121,400±2.6%44%41%—9%
Quinnipiac [93] July 31 – August 6, 20121,428±2.6%47%43%1%8%
Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size		Margin of
error		Tammy
Baldwin (D)		Mark
Neumann (R)		OtherUndecided
Public Policy Polling [80] May 19–22, 20111,636±2.4%46%41%—13%
Public Policy Polling [81] August 12–14, 2011830±3.4%40%44%—15%
Public Policy Polling [82] October 20–23, 20111,170±2.9%44%43%—13%
Rasmussen Reports [83] October 26, 2011500±4.5%44%43%4%9%
Marquette University [84] February 16–19, 2012716±3.7%44%40%2%14%
Public Policy Polling [41] February 23–26, 2012900±3.3%47%41%—12%
Rasmussen Reports [85] February 27, 2012500±4.5%37%46%4%13%
Rasmussen Reports [86] March 27, 2012500±4.5%48%40%4%8%
Public Policy Polling [87] April 13–15, 20121,136±2.9%46%45%—9%
Rasmussen Reports [88] May 9, 2012500±4.5%42%44%4%9%
Public Policy Polling [89] May 11–13, 2012851±3.4%42%46%—12%
Rasmussen Reports [115] June 12, 2012500±4.5%43%45%5%7%
Marquette University [39] June 13–16, 2012707±3.8%44%44%—12%
Public Policy Polling [37] July 5–8, 20121,057±3.0%45%41%—13%
Marquette University [36] July 5–8, 2012810±3.5%43%40%—17%
Rasmussen Reports [115] July 25, 2012500±4.5%48%42%3%8%
Marquette University [92] August 2–5, 20121,400±2.6%44%44%—6%
Quinnipiac [93] July 31 – August 6, 20121,428±2.6%48%45%1%6%
Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size		Margin of
error		Tammy
Baldwin (D)		J. B.
Van Hollen (R)		OtherUndecided
Public Policy Polling [80] May 19–22, 20111,636±2.4%46%39%—15%

with Russ Feingold

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size		Margin of
error		Russ
Feingold (D)		Jeff
Fitzgerald (R)		OtherUndecided
Public Policy Polling [80] May 19–22, 20111,636±2.4%55%39%—7%
Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size		Margin of
error		Russ
Feingold (D)		Mark
Neumann (R)		OtherUndecided
Public Policy Polling [81] August 12–14, 2011830±3.4%51%44%—5%
Public Policy Polling [80] May 19–22, 20111,636±2.4%53%41%—6%
Public Policy Polling [123] February 24–27, 2011768±3.5%50%40%—10%
Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size		Margin of
error		Russ
Feingold (D)		Paul
Ryan (R)		OtherUndecided
Public Policy Polling [124] December 10–12, 2010702±3.7%50%43%—7%
Public Policy Polling [123] February 24–27, 2011768±3.5%49%42%—9%
Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size		Margin of
error		Russ
Feingold (D)		Tommy
Thompson (R)		OtherUndecided
Public Policy Polling [124] December 10–12, 2010702±3.7%49%40%—11%
Public Policy Polling [80] May 19–22, 20111,636±2.4%52%42%—6%
Public Policy Polling [81] August 12–14, 2011830±3.4%48%47%—5%
Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size		Margin of
error		Russ
Feingold (D)		J. B.
Van Hollen (R)		OtherUndecided
Public Policy Polling [124] December 10–12, 2010702±3.7%52%41%—7%
Public Policy Polling [123] February 24–27, 2011768±3.5%51%39%—10%
Public Policy Polling [80] May 19–22, 20111,636±2.4%53%38%—9%

with Steve Kagen

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size		Margin of
error		Steve
Kagen (D)		Jeff
Fitzgerald (R)		OtherUndecided
Public Policy Polling [80] May 19–22, 20111,636±2.4%43%38%—19%
Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size		Margin of
error		Steve
Kagen (D)		Mark
Neumann (R)		OtherUndecided
Public Policy Polling [80] May 19–22, 20111,636±2.4%42%41%—17%
Public Policy Polling [81] August 12–14, 2011830±3.4%38%45%—17%
Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size		Margin of
error		Steve
Kagen (D)		Tommy
Thompson (R)		OtherUndecided
Public Policy Polling [80] May 19–22, 20111,636±2.4%42%45%—13%
Public Policy Polling [81] August 12–14, 2011830±3.4%41%49%—10%
Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size		Margin of
error		Steve
Kagen (D)		J. B.
Van Hollen (R)		OtherUndecided
Public Policy Polling [80] May 19–22, 20111,636±2.4%43%38%—19%

with Ron Kind

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size		Margin of
error		Ron
Kind (D)		Jeff
Fitzgerald (R)		OtherUndecided
Public Policy Polling [80] May 19–22, 20111,636±2.4%45%37%—18%
Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size		Margin of
error		Ron
Kind (D)		Mark
Neumann (R)		OtherUndecided
Public Policy Polling [80] May 19–22, 20111,636±2.4%44%40%—16%
Public Policy Polling [81] August 12–14, 2011830±3.4%40%43%—17%
Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size		Margin of
error		Ron
Kind (D)		Tommy
Thompson (R)		OtherUndecided
Public Policy Polling [80] May 19–22, 20111,636±2.4%44%44%—12%
Public Policy Polling [81] August 12–14, 2011830±3.4%41%48%—11%
Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size		Margin of
error		Ron
Kind (D)		J. B.
Van Hollen (R)		OtherUndecided
Public Policy Polling [80] May 19–22, 20111,636±2.4%44%38%—17%

with Herb Kohl

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size		Margin of
error		Herb
Kohl (D)		Mark
Neumann (R)		OtherUndecided
Public Policy Polling [123] February 24–27, 2011768±3.5%51%37%—12%
Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size		Margin of
error		Herb
Kohl (D)		Paul
Ryan (R)		OtherUndecided
Public Policy Polling [124] December 10–12, 2010702±3.7%48%42%—11%
Public Policy Polling [123] February 24–27, 2011768±3.5%49%42%—10%
Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size		Margin of
error		Herb
Kohl (D)		Tommy
Thompson (R)		OtherUndecided
Public Policy Polling [124] December 10–12, 2010702±3.7%49%40%—11%
Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size		Margin of
error		Herb
Kohl (D)		J. B.
Van Hollen (R)		OtherUndecided
Public Policy Polling [124] December 10–12, 2010702±3.7%51%38%—11%
Public Policy Polling [123] February 24–27, 2011768±3.5%52%37%—11%

Results

United States Senate election in Wisconsin, 2012 [125]
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Democratic Tammy Baldwin 1,547,104 51.41% −15.90%
Republican Tommy Thompson 1,380,12645.86%+16.38%
Libertarian Joseph Kexel62,2402.07%N/A
Independent Nimrod Allen, III16,4550.55%N/A
Write-in 3,4860.11%+0.05%
Total votes3,009,411 100.00% N/A
Democratic hold

Counties that flipped Democratic to Republican

By congressional district

Despite losing the state, Thompson won 5 of 8 congressional districts. [126]

DistrictThompsonBaldwinRepresentative
1st 50.61%46.56% Paul Ryan
2nd 32.28%65.82% Mark Pocan
3rd 44.31%52.77% Ron Kind
4th 25.15%72.93% Gwen Moore
5th 61.06%36.68% Jim Sensenbrenner
6th 52.93%44.05% Tom Petri
7th 48.93%48.06% Sean Duffy
8th 50.21%46.63% Reid Ribble

Aftermath

Brian Schimming, the vice chairman of the Wisconsin Republican Party, partly blamed Thompson's defeat on the fact that he had to face a competitive primary whereas Baldwin was unopposed for the Democratic nomination: "[Thompson] blew all his money going through the primary. So when he gets through the primary, it was like three weeks before he was up on the air. [Baldwin] piled on immediately." He claimed "If [Thompson] hadn't had as ugly a primary, we could have won that seat." [127]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tommy Thompson</span> American politician (born 1941)

Tommy George Thompson is an American politician from Juneau County, Wisconsin. He served as the 19th United States secretary of Health and Human Services from 2001 to 2005 in the cabinet of President George W. Bush. Before that, he was the 42nd governor of Wisconsin (1987–2001) and Republican floor leader in the Wisconsin State Assembly (1981–1987).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tammy Baldwin</span> American politician and lawyer (born 1962)

Tammy Suzanne Green Baldwin is an American politician and lawyer serving since 2013 as the junior United States senator from Wisconsin, since 2017 as the Secretary of the Senate Democratic Caucus, and since 2023 as the dean of the United States congressional delegation from Wisconsin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mark Neumann</span> American businessman and politician

Mark William Neumann is an American businessman and politician. He represented Wisconsin's 1st congressional district for two terms, from 1995 to 1999. In 2010, Neumann unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination for governor. In 2012, Neumann ran for the U.S. senate seat held by retiring Democratic senator Herb Kohl, placing third in the Republican primary.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2010 United States Senate election in North Carolina</span>

The 2010 United States Senate election in North Carolina was held on November 2, 2010. The filing deadline for the primaries was February 26; the primaries were held on May 4, with a Democratic primary runoff held on June 22. Incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Richard Burr won re-election to a second term. Burr is the first incumbent to win re-election for this seat since Sam Ervin's last re-election in 1968.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2010 United States Senate election in Florida</span>

The 2010 United States Senate election in Florida took place on November 2, 2010, concurrently with other elections to the United States Senate in other states, as well as elections to the United States House of Representatives and various state and local elections.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2010 Wisconsin gubernatorial election</span>

The 2010 Wisconsin gubernatorial election took place on November 2, 2010, to elect the governor and lieutenant governor of Wisconsin. The primary elections on September 14 determined which candidates advanced to the general election.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2010 United States Senate election in Wisconsin</span>

The 2010 United States Senate election in Wisconsin was held on November 2, 2010. Incumbent Democratic Senator Russ Feingold lost re-election to a fourth term to Republican challenger Ron Johnson, a businessman and first-time candidate. Johnson was the first Republican to win a Senate election in Wisconsin since 1986. Feingold also became the fifth senator in a row from Wisconsin's Class 3 Senate seat to be defeated for re-election in the general election, and the seventh in a row overall to lose by a defeat in either the primary or general elections. Johnson was re-elected in 2016 in a rematch with Feingold.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2012 United States Senate election in Florida</span>

The 2012 United States Senate election in Florida was held on November 6, 2012, alongside a presidential election, other elections to the House and Senate, as well as various state and local elections. The primary election was held August 14, 2012. Incumbent Senator Bill Nelson won reelection to a third term, defeating Republican U.S. Representative Connie Mack IV by 13%, winning 55% to 42%. Nelson defeated Mack by over 1 million votes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2012 United States Senate election in Ohio</span>

The 2012 United States Senate election in Ohio took place on November 6, 2012, concurrently with the 2012 U.S. presidential election as well as other elections to the United States Senate and House of Representatives and various state and local elections. Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown won re-election to a second term, defeating Republican Josh Mandel, the Ohio State Treasurer. Brown was unopposed in the Democratic primary while Mandel won the Republican primary with 63% of the vote.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2012 United States Senate election in Virginia</span>

The 2012 United States Senate election in Virginia took place on November 6, 2012, concurrently with the 2012 U.S. presidential election as well as other elections to the United States Senate and House of Representatives and various state and local elections. Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Jim Webb retired instead of running for reelection to a second term, and former Democratic governor of Virginia Tim Kaine won the open seat over Republican former senator and governor George Allen. Kaine was unopposed for the Democratic nomination, and the Republicans nominated Allen through a primary on June 12, 2012. Allen had previously held this seat for one term before narrowly losing reelection to Webb in 2006.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2012 Wisconsin gubernatorial recall election</span> Failed attempt to remove incumbent Republican governor Scott Walker

The 2012 Wisconsin gubernatorial recall election was a special election to elect the governor and lieutenant governor of Wisconsin. It resulted in voters re-electing incumbent Republican governor Scott Walker over the Democratic candidate Tom Barrett by a larger margin than in 2010 when Walker also faced Barrett. Recall organizers opposed Walker's agenda, particularly his limiting of collective bargaining rights for state employees and they collected over 900,000 signatures to initiate the recall election process. There was also a recall for Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch. She won her race, defeating Democrat Mahlon Mitchell, making her the first lieutenant governor to run in and survive a recall.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 Wisconsin gubernatorial election</span>

The 2014 Wisconsin gubernatorial election took place on November 4, 2014, to determine the governor and lieutenant governor of the U.S. state of Wisconsin. It occurred concurrently with elections to the United States Senate in other states and elections to the United States House of Representatives and various state and local elections.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 United States Senate election in North Carolina</span>

The 2014 United States Senate election in North Carolina took place on November 4, 2014, to elect a member of the United States Senate to represent the state of North Carolina, concurrently with other elections to the United States Senate in other states and elections to the United States House of Representatives and various state and local elections. The primary took place on May 6, 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2016 United States Senate election in Wisconsin</span>

The 2016 United States Senate election in Wisconsin was held November 8, 2016, to elect a member of the United States Senate to represent the State of Wisconsin, concurrently with the 2016 U.S. presidential election, as well as other elections to the United States Senate in other states and elections to the United States House of Representatives and various state and local elections. The primaries were held August 9, 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 Wisconsin gubernatorial election</span>

The 2018 Wisconsin gubernatorial election took place on November 6, 2018. It occurred concurrently with a Senate election in the state, elections to the state's U.S. House seats, and various other elections. Incumbent Republican governor Scott Walker sought re-election to a third term, and was challenged by Democratic candidate and then-Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Evers, as well as Libertarian Phil Anderson and independent Maggie Turnbull. Evers, along with his running mate Mandela Barnes, managed to defeat Walker and Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch in a closely fought and widely watched race, ending the state's Republican trifecta.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 United States Senate election in Wisconsin</span>

The 2018 United States Senate election in Wisconsin took place on November 6, 2018, to elect a member of the U.S. Senate from Wisconsin. This election coincided with a gubernatorial election, U.S. House elections and various other state and local elections. Incumbent Democratic senator Tammy Baldwin won re-election to a second term, defeating Republican nominee Leah Vukmir by more than 10 percentage points. This was one of ten Democratic-held Senate seats up for election in a state Donald Trump won in the 2016 presidential election. The primary elections were held on August 14, with a filing deadline on June 1. Baldwin was unopposed for the Democratic nomination, while Vukmir defeated Charles Barman, Griffin Jones, George Lucia and Kevin Nicholson in the Republican primary.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 United States House of Representatives elections in Wisconsin</span>

The 2018 United States House of Representatives elections in Wisconsin were held on November 6, 2018, to elect the eight U.S. representatives from the state of Wisconsin, one from each of the state's eight congressional districts. The elections coincided with other elections to the House of Representatives, elections to the United States Senate, and various state and local elections. The Wisconsin Partisan Primary was held on August 14, 2018, with the governor, U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, odd-numbered Wisconsin State Senate seats, and all Wisconsin Assembly seats on the ballot.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2020 United States House of Representatives elections in Wisconsin</span>

The 2020 United States House of Representatives elections in Wisconsin were held on November 3, 2020, to elect the eight U.S. representatives from the state of Wisconsin, one from each of the state's eight congressional districts. The elections coincided with the 2020 U.S. presidential election, as well as other elections to the House of Representatives, elections to the United States Senate and various state and local elections. Primaries were held on August 11, 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2024 United States Senate election in Wisconsin</span>

The 2024 United States Senate election in Wisconsin was held on November 5, 2024, to elect a member of the United States Senate to represent the state of Wisconsin. Incumbent Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin won re-election to a third term, narrowly defeating Republican nominee Eric Hovde. This was the first time that Wisconsin voted for candidates of different political parties for U.S. senator and president since Democrat Gaylord Nelson won in 1968 as Republican Richard Nixon carried the state. The closest of Baldwin's three Senate victories, the race held similarities to Ron Johnson's narrow win in 2022, down to the percentage and raw vote margin by which the incumbents won.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022 Wisconsin gubernatorial election</span>

The 2022 Wisconsin gubernatorial election was held on November 8, 2022, to elect the governor of Wisconsin. Incumbent Democratic Governor Tony Evers won re-election to a second term by a margin of 3.4%, defeating Republican nominee Tim Michels.

References

  1. ↑ Michael McDonald (February 9, 2013). "2012 General Election Turnout Rates". George Mason University. Archived from the original on April 24, 2013. Retrieved April 3, 2013.
  2. ↑ Glauber, Bill (November 3, 2010). "Kohl says he'll work with Johnson". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel . Retrieved November 29, 2010.
  3. ↑ Hall, Dee (November 4, 2010). "Feingold won't seek office in 2012, official says". Chippewa Herald . Retrieved November 29, 2010.
  4. ↑ "Tammy Baldwin enters race for open Senate seat". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel .
  5. ↑ Burns, Alexander (May 17, 2011). "Barrett closes door on Senate speculation". Politico . Retrieved May 17, 2011.
  6. ↑ Sullivan, Sean (January 18, 2012). "Falk Announces Candidacy in Wisconsin Gubernatorial Race". National Journal . Archived from the original on January 22, 2012. Retrieved January 28, 2012.
  7. ↑ Thompson, Krissah (August 19, 2011). "Russ Feingold not running in 2012". The Washington Post.
  8. ↑ "Baldwin kicks off jobs tour; receives Kagen endorsement". Wispolitics.com . January 5, 2012. Archived from the original on May 8, 2012. Retrieved January 28, 2012.
  9. ↑ Catanese, David (September 15, 2011). "Rep. Kind says no to Senate run". Politico . Retrieved September 15, 2011.
  10. ↑ "Democratic Sen. Herb Kohl to Retire". May 13, 2011.
  11. ↑ "Herb Kohl won't seek reelection". Politico .
  12. ↑ "Baldwin Campaign: Rep. Gwen Moore endorses Tammy Baldwin for U.S. Senate". WisPolitics.com. Archived from the original on April 2, 2012. Retrieved October 21, 2011.
  13. 1 2 "Former Bucyrus head unlikely to jump into races next year". WisPolitics.com . November 18, 2011. Archived from the original on December 11, 2011. Retrieved November 21, 2011.
  14. ↑ Public Policy Polling
  15. ↑ Magellan Strategies
  16. 1 2 Public Policy Polling
  17. 1 2 "Canvass Results for 2012 Partisan Primary - 8/14/2012" (PDF). Wisconsin Government Accountability Board. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 29, 2013. Retrieved September 22, 2012.
  18. ↑ Gilbert, Craig (April 25, 2009). "Ryan shines as GOP seeks vision". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel . Retrieved June 29, 2010.
  19. ↑ Catanese, David (May 16, 2011). "Ryan telling GOPers he's unlikely to run". Politico. Retrieved May 17, 2011.
  20. ↑ "Our Campaigns - WI US Senate - R Primary Race - Aug 14, 2012". Our Campaigns.
  21. ↑ Marley, Patrick (October 11, 2011). "Jeff Fitzgerald announces Senate bid". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel . Retrieved October 11, 2011.
  22. ↑ "Hovde emerges as new Senate candidate". Leader-Telegram. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved February 27, 2012.
  23. ↑ Republican Neumann announces Senate run Archived September 28, 2011, at the Wayback Machine WBAY-TV. August 29, 2011. Retrieved August 29, 2011
  24. ↑ Kyle Trygstad. (August 29, 2011)Ex-Rep. Mark Neumann Enters Wisconsin Senate Race Roll Call. Retrieved August 29, 2011
  25. ↑ "Tommy Thompson Makes Wisconsin Senate Bid Official". September 19, 2011. Retrieved September 19, 2011.
  26. ↑ "State Senator Lasee Drops Out Of U.S. Senate Race". Channel3000.com. Archived from the original on February 2, 2012. Retrieved February 15, 2012.
  27. ↑ "Kip Smith enters U.S. Senate race". onpolitics. WLUK-TV. Archived from the original on July 18, 2012. Retrieved January 1, 2023.
  28. 1 2 3 4 "Green backs Thompson for Senate". WLUK-TV. Associated Press. September 16, 2011. Archived from the original on January 23, 2013. Retrieved December 18, 2011.
  29. ↑ "Kanavas says he won't run for U.S. Senate". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel .
  30. ↑ "Ryan Out, Thompson to Get in Wisconsin Senate Race". Roll Call. May 17, 2011.
  31. ↑ "Thompson takes step toward Senate run". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel .
  32. ↑ Public Policy Polling
  33. ↑ Marquette University
  34. ↑ We Ask America
  35. 1 2 Public Policy Polling
  36. 1 2 3 4 5 Marquette University
  37. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Public Policy Polling
  38. ↑ OnMessage Inc.
  39. 1 2 3 4 5 Marquette University
  40. ↑ Public Policy Polling
  41. 1 2 3 4 5 Public Policy Polling
  42. 1 2 Public Policy Polling
  43. ↑ Magellan Strategies
  44. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Sun Prairie Star".
  45. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Fitzgerald announces Waukesha endorsements". Sun Prairie Star
  46. ↑ "FreedomWorks splits with other conservatives, endorses Hovde in Wisconsin". The Hill.
  47. ↑ "CFG PAC endorses Kevin Cramer in North Dakota". Archived from the original on October 6, 2011. Retrieved October 12, 2011.
  48. ↑ "FRC Action". Family Research Council.
  49. ↑ Blumenthal, Paul (November 11, 2011). "HUFFPOST FUNDRACE -- Perry Spends Big". The Huffington Post.
  50. ↑ Joseph, Cameron (November 12, 2011). "Sen. Coburn endorses Neumann in Wis. Senate race".
  51. ↑ "Jim DeMint Backs Wisconsin Senate Hopeful Over Tommy Thompson". Roll Call. November 28, 2011.
  52. ↑ "Utah senator endorses Neumann". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel .
  53. 1 2 WIS Politics [ permanent dead link ]
  54. ↑ "Mark Neumann Wins Two Key Endorsements For Senate Race". Archived from the original on March 17, 2016. Retrieved February 27, 2012.
  55. ↑ "Neumann endorsed by Sen. Toomey". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel .
  56. ↑ "My Election Central". Wisconsin Right to Life. Archived from the original on July 23, 2012. Retrieved July 23, 2012.
  57. ↑ "Impeach McConnell, Boehner, and Cantor Today: Mark Levin endorses Mark Neumann for US Senate in Wisconsin GOP primary, 8/14/12". August 6, 2012.
  58. ↑ "Herman Cain Stumps for Tommy Thompson at Waukesha Rally". August 13, 2012.
  59. ↑ "Endorsements". Archived from the original on June 9, 2012. Retrieved May 9, 2012.
  60. 1 2 "Endorsements". Archived from the original on June 9, 2012. Retrieved May 9, 2012.
  61. ↑ Don Walker. "Rudy Giuliani, Milwaukee Police Association backing Tommy Thompson". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel . Archived from the original on May 9, 2015.
  62. 1 2 3 4 Abby Livingston. "Tommy Thompson Picks Up Senate Endorsements". Roll Call. Archived from the original on November 17, 2011.
  63. ↑ Walker, Don (December 15, 2011). "Huckabee endorses Thompson, slams Club for Growth". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel . Archived from the original on January 11, 2012. Retrieved December 18, 2011.
  64. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Seven former governors endorse Thompson". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel .
  65. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "See the full list". Archived from the original on July 25, 2012. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
  66. ↑ Don Walker. "'The Nuge' endorses Tommy Thompson". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel . Archived from the original on March 30, 2012.
  67. ↑ "The Coveted Dick Morris Endorsement". BuzzFeed News. Archived from the original on August 11, 2018.
  68. ↑ "Joe the Plumber Supports Thompson Because He 'Gets Stuff Done' - Shor…". Archived from the original on January 31, 2013.
  69. ↑ Byers, Dylan (March 25, 2014). "David Keene, the endorsement editor". Politico . Retrieved June 4, 2024.
  70. ↑ "GOProud Announces U.S. House Endorsements - GOProud, Inc". October 25, 2012. Archived from the original on October 25, 2012. Retrieved September 17, 2017.
  71. ↑ "Kexel Announces Run for US Senate" (PDF). Wispolitics.com . April 20, 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 3, 2016. Retrieved September 22, 2012.
  72. ↑ "Nimrod Allen III Independent Candidate for U.S. Senate" (PDF). Wispolitics.com . July 20, 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 3, 2016. Retrieved September 22, 2012.
  73. ↑ "2012 House and Senate Campaign Finance for Wisconsin". Federal Election Commission. November 26, 2012. Retrieved December 19, 2012.
  74. ↑ "Top Contributors 2012 Race: Wisconsin Senate". OpenSecrets . March 25, 2013.
  75. ↑ "Top Industries 2012 Race: Wisconsin Senate". OpenSecrets . March 25, 2013.
  76. ↑ "2012 Senate Race Ratings for November 1, 2012". The Cook Political Report. Archived from the original on August 29, 2018. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  77. ↑ "2012 Senate". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  78. ↑ "2012 Senate Ratings". Senate Ratings. The Rothenberg Political Report. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  79. ↑ "2012 Elections Map - Battle for the Senate 2012". Real Clear Politics. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  80. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Public Policy Polling
  81. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Public Policy Polling
  82. 1 2 3 Public Policy Polling
  83. 1 2 3 Rasmussen Reports
  84. 1 2 3 Marquette University
  85. 1 2 3 Rasmussen Reports
  86. 1 2 3 Rasmussen Reports
  87. 1 2 3 Public Policy Polling
  88. 1 2 3 Rasmussen Reports
  89. 1 2 3 Public Policy Polling
  90. ↑ Rasmussen Reports
  91. ↑ Rasmussen Reports
  92. 1 2 3 4 Marquette University
  93. 1 2 3 4 Quinnipiac Archived September 13, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
  94. ↑ Rasmussen Reports
  95. ↑ Public Policy Polling
  96. ↑ Marquette University
  97. ↑ CBS/NYT/Quinnipiac Archived September 27, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
  98. ↑ YouGov
  99. ↑ Public Policy Polling
  100. ↑ Marquette University
  101. ↑ CBS/NYT/Quinnipiac Archived September 27, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
  102. ↑ NBC/WSJ/Marist Poll
  103. ↑ Public Policy Polling
  104. ↑ We Ask America
  105. ↑ Marquette University
  106. ↑ Public Policy Polling
  107. ↑ CBS/NYT/Quinnipiac
  108. ↑ Rasmussen Reports
  109. ↑ YouGov
  110. ↑ Marquette University
  111. ↑ NBC/WSJ/Marist Poll
  112. ↑ Mason-Dixon
  113. ↑ Rasmussen Reports
  114. ↑ Angus Reid Public Opinion
  115. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Rasmussen Reports
  116. ↑ Marquette University
  117. ↑ St. Norbert College
  118. ↑ NBC/WSJ/Marist
  119. ↑ WeAskAmerica
  120. ↑ YouGov
  121. ↑ Angus Reid Public Opinion
  122. ↑ Public Policy Polling
  123. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Public Policy Polling
  124. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Public Policy Polling
  125. ↑ "Canvass Results for 2012 Presidential and General Election - 11/6/2012" (PDF). G.A.B. Canvass Reporting System. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 14, 2016.
  126. ↑ "Daily Kos Elections' statewide election results by congressional and legislative districts". Daily Kos. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
  127. ↑ Alex Roarty (September 26, 2013). "Can Republicans Avoid the Next Todd Akin?". National Journal. Retrieved September 30, 2013.

Official candidate sites (Archived)

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.