The race for Wisconsin’s next lieutenant governor will pit a state lawmaker from the Fox Valley against a former television news personality from the Milwaukee suburbs. Democrat Tom Nelson and Republican Rebecca Kleefisch secured their nominations in Tuesday’s primary. They’ll appear on November’s general election ballots alongside candidates for governor, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett for the Democrats and Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker for the Republicans.
The two will be vying for a position with no real power or responsibilities, although both candidates have pledged to do more with the office. Nelson, who has represented the 5th state Assembly District since 2004, says he’ll advocate for jobs, health care and education. Kleefisch, who promoted herself as the only true conservative in a GOP primary which featured five candidates, has also proposed a sharper focus for the office, including promoting jobs and Wisconsin’s economy. Kleefisch has been endorsed by Pro-Life Wisconsin and Wisconsin Right to Life.