There will be no primary in the state Senate recall race targeting Democratic Senator Dave Hansen of Green Bay. The Government Accountability Board eliminated Republican Representative John Nygren from the race Monday. Nygren, of Marinette, submitted 424 signatures to get on the ballot but 26 were thrown out after a challenge, leaving him two short of the required 400. That means the general election will be held July 19th between Hansen and recall organizer David VanderLeest. Hansen says it will be a quick campaign, but he’s ready for it. “I had hoped that all the elections would have happened in July,” said Hansen. “Prolonging to August, I don’t think was a good thing.”
Vanderleest thinks avoiding the primary works in his favor too. “This is absolutely perfect for our campaign. The internal polling that we’ve conducted shows that we’re ten points up if the election were to happen tomorrow, and I think that’s a heck of a mountain for Senator Hansen to climb in three short weeks,” said VanderLeest. In a statement, Nygren said he’s disheartened by the GAB decision and he is weighing his legal options.
Rick Schuh, WHBY
