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4 Republicans in US Senate primary race in Wisconsin show party tensions

Posted: 12:04 PM Aug 4, 2012
Reporter: AP

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The Republican candidates for Wisconsin's open U.S. Senate seat each represent a different facet of the party. Voters will choose on Aug. 14 which best suits this volatile time in state and national politics.

There's the millionaire businessman, the political giant, the tea party candidate and the rising star. The winner will face Democrat Tammy Baldwin.

The race has turned nasty as polls show former Gov. Tommy Thompson's lead shrinking. Businessman Eric Hovde, who is running his first race, has charged that Thompson isn't conservative enough. Former U.S. Rep. Mark Neumann casts himself as the most conservative candidate, and hopes to benefit from tea party support. State Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald lags in fundraising but hopes voters remember his role in passing the conservative agenda in the Legislature.