2010 United States Senate election in Wisconsin explained

Election Name:2010 United States Senate election in Wisconsin
Country:Wisconsin
Type:presidential
Ongoing:Yes
Previous Election:2004 United States Senate election in Wisconsin
Previous Year:2004
Next Election:2016 United States Senate election in Wisconsin
Next Year:2016
Election Date:November 2, 2010
Image1:Ron Johnson, official portrait, 112th Congress.jpg
Nominee1:Ron Johnson
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:1,125,932
Percentage1:51.86%
Nominee2:Russ Feingold
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:1,020,841
Percentage2:47.02%
U.S. Senator
Before Election:Russ Feingold
Before Party:Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:Ron Johnson
After Party:Republican Party (United States)

The 2010 United States Senate election in Wisconsin was held on November 2, 2010. Incumbent Democratic Senator Russ Feingold lost re-election to a fourth term to Republican challenger Ron Johnson, a businessman and first-time candidate. Johnson was the first Republican to win a Senate election in Wisconsin since 1986. Feingold also became the fifth senator in a row from Wisconsin's Class 3 Senate seat to be defeated for re-election in the general election, and the seventh in a row overall to lose by a defeat in either the primary or general elections. Johnson was re-elected in 2016 in a rematch with Feingold.[1]

Republican primary

Candidates

On the ballot

Declined

Campaign

Former Republican Governor of Wisconsin Tommy Thompson had expressed an interest in challenging Feingold,[7] but ruled himself out of the race in April 2010.[8]

Johnson, a millionaire manufacturer and Tea Party movement favorite running for political office for the first time, was the frontrunner. In response to controversy over his ownership of stock in BP, Johnson said he would sell it when market conditions were favorable and possibly use the proceeds to help finance his Senate campaign.[9] Johnson was endorsed by: the Club for Growth, a fiscally conservative advocacy organization; former Wisconsin Republican Lt. Governor Margaret Farrow; Republican U.S. Senator Jim DeMint of South Carolina;[10] [11] and Wisconsin Republican U.S. Representatives Jim Sensenbrenner, Tom Petri and Paul Ryan.[12] Businessman David Westlake was endorsed by the Republican Liberty Caucus.[13] According to OpenSecrets, as of August 25, 2010, Johnson had invested $4.3 million of his own money into his campaign; this amount represented 71 percent of his campaign funds, while 27 percent of his campaign funds ($1.6 million) came from individual contributions.[14]

Results

General election

Candidates

Campaign

Feingold's first television ad was a positive ad released in March. In July 2010, Feingold's second 2010 television election ad attacked Johnson for alleged support for offshore drilling in the Great Lakes. Johnson quickly countered Feingold with a television ad of his own.[17] Feingold's logo was Moving Forward. In one ad, he emphasized independence and called himself a "penny pincher."[18] Johnson argued that manufacturers and accountants were underrepresented in the U.S. Senate, and there were too many lawyers (57 out of 100 members, including Feingold).[19] Feingold received the endorsements of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and the Green Bay Press-Gazette.[20] The Beloit Daily News endorsed Johnson.[21]

Debates

Predictions

SourceRankingAs of
Cook Political Report[24] October 26, 2010
Rothenberg[25] October 22, 2010
RealClearPolitics[26] October 26, 2010
Sabato's Crystal Ball[27] October 21, 2010
CQ Politics[28] October 26, 2010

Polling

Poll sourceRuss
Feingold (D)
Ron
Johnson (R)
OtherUndecided
Rasmussen Reports[29] May 25, 2010500± 4.5%46%44%3%6%
Rasmussen Reports[30] June 21, 2010500± 4.5%46%45%3%6%
Public Policy Polling[31] June 26–27, 2010638± 3.9%45%43%––12%
Rasmussen Reports[32] July 13, 2010750± 4.0%46%47%2%6%
University of Wisconsin, Madison[33] July 15, 2010500± 3.9%33%28%––44%
Magellan Strategies[34] July 20, 20101,145± 2.9%45%43%3.7%8%
Rasmussen ReportsJuly 27, 2010500± 4.0%46%48%2%5%
Rasmussen ReportsAugust 11, 2010750± 4.0%46%47%2%5%
Rasmussen Reports[35] August 24, 2010750± 4.0%46%47%1%5%
Rasmussen ReportsSeptember 15, 2010750± 4.0%44%51%1%4%
Public Policy Polling[36] September 18–19, 2010––± 3.8%41%52%––7%
CNN/Time/Opinion Research[37] September 17–21, 2010963± 3.0%45%51%2%2%
McClatchy/Marist[38] September 26–28, 2010806± 3.5%45%52%1%3%
Rasmussen ReportsSeptember 29, 2010750± 4.0%42%54%2%2%
We the People[39] September 29 – October 4, 2010400± 5.0%41%49%––––
We the People/Ispos[40] October 8, 2010400± 5.0%44%51%––––
Rasmussen ReportsOctober 11, 2010750± 4.0%45%52%––2%
CNN/Time/Opinion Research[41] October 8–12, 20101,506± 2.5%44%52%1%––
St. Norbert College/WPR[42] October 12–15, 2010402± 5.0%47%49%––4%
Rasmussen ReportsOctober 25, 2010750± 4.0%46%53%0%1%
We the People[43] October 24–27, 2010400± 5.0%44%48%––6%
Public Policy Polling[44] October 26–28, 20101,372± 2.6%44%53%––3%
Marist College[45] October 26–28, 2010811± 4.5%45%52%1%2%
Poll sourceRuss
Feingold (D)
David
Westlake (R)
OtherUndecided
Public Policy Polling (report)June 26–27, 2010638± 3.9%45%38%--17%
Rasmussen Reports (report)June 21, 2010500± 4.5%47%41%4%7%
Rasmussen Reports (report)May 25, 2010500± 4.5%47%38%7%8%
Public Policy Polling (report)March 23, 2010700± 3.7%48%31%21%
Rasmussen Reports (report)March 16, 2010500± 4.5%51%35%5%10%
Rasmussen Reports (report)February 17, 2010500± 4.5%47%37%6%10%
Public Policy Polling (report)November 20–22, 2009767± 3.5%47%32%21%
Poll source
Error
Russ
Feingold (D)
Tommy
Thompson (R)
OtherUndecided
WPRI (report)September 27–29, 2009700± 3.8%39%43%18%
Public Policy Polling (report)November 20–22, 2009767± 3.5%50%41%10%
Rasmussen Reports (report)January 26, 2010500± 4.5%43%47%6%4%
Rasmussen Reports (report)February 17, 2010500± 4.5%43%48%3%5%
WPRI (report)March 9, 2010600± 4.0%39%51%9%
Rasmussen Reports (report)March 16, 2010500± 4.5%45%47%3%4%
Public Policy Polling (report)March 23, 2010700± 3.7%47%44%9%
Poll source
Error
Russ
Feingold (D)
Terrence
Wall (R)
OtherUndecided
Public Policy Polling (report)November 20–22, 2009767± 3.5%48%34%19%
Rasmussen Reports (report)February 17, 2010500± 4.5%47%39%6%7%
WPRI (report)March 9, 2010600± 4.0%47%32%6%7%
Rasmussen Reports (report)March 16, 2010500± 4.5%49%40%3%9%
Public Policy Polling (report)March 23, 2010700± 3.7%48%34%18%

Fundraising

Through December 31, 2010:

Candidate (Party)Net ReceiptsDisbursementsBeginning CashLatest Cash On HandDebt
Russ Feingold (D)$13,947,563$15,544,093$2,516,119$919,585$0
Ron Johnson (R)$15,509,297$15,316,651$0$192,646$8,708,465
Source: Federal Election Commission[46]

Results

Counties that flipped Democratic to Republican

External links

Official campaign websites (Archived)

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Meyer . Theodoric . 2016-11-09 . Johnson upsets Feingold to keep Wisconsin Senate seat . 2024-02-10 . POLITICO . en.
  2. Web site: Johnson leads race for GOP Senate bid. www.jsonline.com.
  3. Web site: GOP's Ron Johnson announces Senate run while in La Crosse . April 15, 2010 . May 19, 2010 . WKOW.
  4. Web site: Feingold May Be Vulnerable If Thompson Seeks His Wisconsin Senate Seat . January 28, 2010 . January 28, 2010 . . Bruce . Drake.
  5. Web site: Leinenkugel abruptly exits – David Catanese . May 23, 2010 . Politico.Com . June 14, 2010.
  6. Web site: Giroux . Greg . Wisconsin: Wall Confirms Decision To End Senate Bid – The Eye (CQ Politics) . Blogs.cqpolitics.com . May 27, 2010 . June 14, 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20101029181729/http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/eyeon2010/2010/05/wisconsin-wall-confirms-decisi.html . October 29, 2010 .
  7. Web site: Ex-Gov Thompson Being Pushed To Run For Senate . January 26, 2010 . January 28, 2010 . . https://web.archive.org/web/20110718122447/http://wtaq.com/news/articles/2010/jan/26/ex-gov-thompson-being-pushed-run-senate . July 18, 2011.
  8. Web site: Thompson tells tea party rally he won't run for U.S. Senate . April 15, 2010 . April 16, 2010 . JS Online.
  9. Web site: Attack Ad Puts Feingold Foe On Defensive Over Great Lakes Drilling – The Eye (CQ Politics) . Blogs.cqpolitics.com . July 14, 2010 . August 21, 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100719070417/http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/eyeon2010/2010/07/feingold-senate-wisconsin-dril.html . July 19, 2010 .
  10. Web site: Ron Johnson . Ronjohnsonforsenate.com . August 21, 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100724011044/http://www.ronjohnsonforsenate.com/home/category/blog/endorsements . July 24, 2010 .
  11. Web site: Club For Growth Puts Muscle Into More Races – The Eye (CQ Politics) . Blogs.cqpolitics.com . July 14, 2010 . August 21, 2010.
  12. Web site: Ron Johnson . Ronjohnsonforsenate.com . July 12, 2010 . August 21, 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100727084116/http://www.ronjohnsonforsenate.com/home/2010/07/johnson-collects-gop-endorsements . July 27, 2010 .
  13. Web site: Endorsed Candidates – 2010 Republican Liberty Caucus . Rlc.org . August 21, 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100813170153/http://www.rlc.org/endorsed-candidates-2010 . August 13, 2010 .
  14. [OpenSecrets]
  15. Web site: Rob Taylor for Senate website . September 11, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160126154650/http://robtaylorforsenate.com/?p=688 . January 26, 2016 . dead .
  16. Web site: Real estate developer launches Senate campaign . January 20, 2010 . January 28, 2010 . .
  17. Web site: Johnson Quick to Counterattack Feingold on Oil Ad . July 15, 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100718092659/http://www2.wnct.com/news/2010/jul/14/johnson-quick-to-counterattack-feingold-on-oil-ad-ar-300367 . WNCT . July 18, 2010 .
  18. Web site: Washington-based group airs ad attacking Feingold. Don . Walker. 2010-08-24.
  19. Web site: Ron Johnson says there are 57 lawyers, including Russ Feingold, in the U.S. Senate. @politifact.
  20. Web site: Wis. Newspapers Unveil Election Endorsements . WISN.com . 2012-03-06 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120306010005/http://www.wisn.com/r/25508115/detail.html . 2012-03-06 . dead . 2019-09-17.
  21. Web site: Johnson Leads Polls, Feingold Leads Endorsements . 620 WTMJ . October 27, 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20101028091430/http://www.620wtmj.com/news/local/105655088.html . October 28, 2010 .
  22. News: Ramde . Dinesh . October 12, 2010 . Feingold and Johnson spar over funding of attack ads . Chippewa Herald . Associated Press . June 16, 2016 .
  23. Web site: Feingold holds roundtable discussion in Eau Claire – WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and Sports.
  24. Web site: Senate . . October 26, 2010.
  25. Web site: Senate Ratings . . October 26, 2010.
  26. Web site: Battle for the Senate . . October 26, 2010.
  27. Web site: 2010 Senate Ratings . . October 26, 2010 . October 28, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20101028092918/http://www.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/articles/category/2010-senate/ . dead .
  28. Web site: Race Ratings Chart: Senate . . October 26, 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20101028234525/http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=ratings-senate . October 28, 2010 .
  29. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/wisconsin/election_2010_wisconsin_senate Rasmussen Reports
  30. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/wisconsin/toplines/toplines_wisconsin_senate_june_21_2010 Rasmussen Reports
  31. https://web.archive.org/web/20110612084215/http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_WI_629.pdf Public Policy Polling
  32. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/wisconsin/toplines/toplines_wisconsin_senate_july_13_2010 Rasmussen Reports
  33. https://web.archive.org/web/20110720115551/http://www.uwsc.wisc.edu/BP30PressRelease2_SenRace.pdf University of Wisconsin, Madison
  34. http://www.magellanstrategies.com/ Magellan Strategies
  35. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/wisconsin/toplines/toplines_wisconsin_senate_august_24_2010 Rasmussen Reports
  36. http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2010/9/21/903715/-WI-Sen-WI-Gov:-Dems-hurting-with-six-weeks-to-go Public Policy Polling
  37. http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/09/22/topstate3.pdf CNN/Time/Opinion Research
  38. http://maristpoll.marist.edu/wp-content/misc/WI100926/McClatchy_Marist%20Poll_Wisconsin%20Survey_October%204,%202010.pdf McClatchy/Marist
  39. http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_7fd40386-d26e-11df-93af-001cc4c002e0.html We the People
  40. http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_7fd40386-d26e-11df-93af-001cc4c002e0.html We the People/Ispos
  41. http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/10/13/topstate6.pdf CNN/Time/Opinion Research
  42. https://web.archive.org/web/20101022052235/http://wcco.com/wireapnewswi/St.Norbert.College.2.1969052.html St. Norbert College/WPR
  43. https://web.archive.org/web/20101101183550/http://www.channel3000.com/politics/25555911/detail.html We the People
  44. https://web.archive.org/web/20110612084154/http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_WI_10281025.pdf Public Policy Polling
  45. http://maristpoll.marist.edu/wp-content/misc/WI101026/October%2030,%202010_WI_Complete%20Survey%20Findings.pdf Marist College
  46. Web site: Summary Reports Search Results – 2009–2010 Cycle . https://archive.today/20120713233612/http://query.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/cancomsrs/?_10+CAN+WI . dead . July 13, 2012 . fec.gov . July 9, 2011.