From the Capital Times
By By Todd Richmond Associated Press
Former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson endorsed Republican attorney general hopeful J.B. Van Hollen on Thursday, choosing to throw his support behind the former U.S. attorney rather than GOP rival Paul Bucher.
Thompson appointed Bucher as district attorney in Waukesha County in 1998 but gave his endorsement to Van Hollen instead. Thompson appointed Van Hollen as district attorney in Ashland County and Bayfield County.
"I am impressed with J.B. Van Hollen's track record and I'm not alone. Based on a record of excellence as a local prosecutor, the president appointed him U.S. attorney," Thompson, a Republican, said in a statement released by the Van Hollen campaign. "We're lucky to have him running for attorney general and I'm confident J.B. will help get Wisconsin back in the right direction. I'm happy to endorse and support him."
Van Hollen faces Bucher in a Sept. 12 Republican primary.
Whoever wins will face the winner of a Democratic primary between incumbent Peg Lautenschlager and Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk in the November general election.
Thompson's endorsement is a big win for Van Hollen, who said he was honored to have the support of the "most popular Republican political figure in the state's history."
His campaign said Thompson, the state's longest serving governor and President Bush's former secretary of Health and Human Services, plans to hold a fundraiser for Van Hollen within the next few weeks.
Campaign finance reports show Van Hollen with a substantial lead over Bucher in cash on hand -- $417,254 to $85,397. About $350,000 of Van Hollen's cash came from loans, however, including a $175,000 mortgage he took out on his house.
Bucher campaign spokesman R.J. Johnson said Bucher has the endorsement of former Republican Gov. Lee Dreyfus. Dreyfus served one term as governor, from 1979 until 1983.
"We believe the issues will determine this race," Johnson said. "We look forward to his (Thompson's) support when the primary is over."
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