Divided Wisconsin Republicans picking sides in Senate race

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Republicans are increasingly picking sides in the U.S. Senate primary fight that pits a former Marine casting himself as a political outsider against a longtime elected official.

Neither President Donald Trump nor Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has publicly engaged in the state’s Senate race while the two announced Republican candidates work to win over wealthy donors and influential insiders 10 months before the primary.

And the field may grow, with at least one more Republican still mulling a bid.

On Monday, a new super PAC headed by a former Walker campaign manager that includes other former Walker operatives launched in support of state Sen. Leah Vukmir. Her GOP Senate primary opponent, political newcomer Kevin Nicholson, has also gathered Walker donors on his side.

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