2012 United States Senate election in Wisconsin explained

Election Name:	2012 United States Senate election in Wisconsin
Country:	Wisconsin
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	2006 United States Senate election in Wisconsin
Previous Year:	2006
Next Election:	2018 United States Senate election in Wisconsin
Next Year:	2018
Election Date:	November 6, 2012
Turnout:	72.5% (voting eligible)^[1]
Image1:	Tammy Baldwin, official photo portrait, color (cropped).jpg
Nominee1:	Tammy Baldwin
Party1:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	1,547,104
Percentage1:	51.41%
Nominee2:	Tommy Thompson
Party2:	Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	1,380,126
Percentage2:	45.86%
Map Size:	250px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:	Herb Kohl
Before Party:	Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:	Tammy Baldwin
After Party:	Democratic Party (United States)

The 2012 United States Senate election in Wisconsin took place on November 6, 2012, alongside a U.S. presidential election as well as other elections to the United States Senate and House of Representatives and various state and local elections. Incumbent Democratic Senator Herb Kohl retired instead of running for re-election to a fifth term. This was the first open Senate seat in Wisconsin since 1988, when Kohl won his first term.

Primary elections were held on August 14, 2012. Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin's 2nd congressional district ran unopposed in the Democratic primary. The Republican nominee was former Wisconsin Governor and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson, who won with a plurality in a four-way primary race. In the general election, Baldwin defeated Thompson and won the open seat. She became the first woman elected to represent Wisconsin in the Senate and the first openly gay U.S. senator in history. This is also the only time Thompson lost a statewide race.

Background

Incumbent Democratic senator Herb Kohl was re-elected to a fourth term in 2006, beating Republican attorney Robert Lorge by 67% to 30%. Kohl's lack of fundraising suggested his potential retirement.^[2] There was speculation that Kohl might decide to retire to allow Russ Feingold, who lost his re-election bid in 2010, to run again, although Mike Tate, chairman of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, dismissed speculation about Kohl's potential retirement.^[3] Ultimately, Kohl announced in May 2011 that he would not run for re-election in 2012.

Democratic primary

Despite speculation that Kohl would retire to make way for his former Senate colleague Russ Feingold, who had been unseated in 2010, Feingold chose not to enter the race. Other potential candidates also declined to run, so Baldwin was unopposed in the Democratic primary.

Candidates

Declared

• Tammy Baldwin, U.S. representative^[4]

Declined

• Tom Barrett, mayor of Milwaukee^[5]
• Kathleen Falk, former Dane County executive^[6]
• Russ Feingold, former U.S. senator^[7]
• Steve Kagen, former U.S. representative^[8]
• Ron Kind, U.S. representative^[9]
• Herb Kohl, incumbent U.S. senator^{[10] [11]}
• Gwen Moore, U.S. representative^[12]
• Tim Sullivan, businessman^[13]

Polling

Poll source				Tammy Baldwin	Jon Erpenbach	Russ Feingold	Kathleen Falk	Steve Kagen	Ron Kind	Barbara Lawton	Gwen Moore	Other/ Undecided
Public Policy Polling^[14]	May 19–22, 2011	783	±3.5%	12%	5%		70%	1%	3%	4%	1%	2%	3%
				30%	13%	—	4%	17%	16%	3%	6%	12%
Magellan Strategies^[15]	July 12–13, 2011	627	±3.9%		46%	—	—	—	21%	—	—	—	33%
				41%	—	—	—	—	19%	—	—	40%
Public Policy Polling^[16]	August 12–14, 2011	387	±5%		48%	—	—	—	19%	—	—	—	33%
				37%	—	—	—	15%	21%	—	—	27%

Results

Republican primary

Congressman and House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan stated he would not run if Kohl sought reelection, but would contemplate a run if Kohl retired.^[17] Ryan later stated that he was "95 percent sure" that he would not run.^[18] He was later chosen as the Republican nominee for vice president by presidential nominee Mitt Romney.

Six candidates declared for the seat, although two later withdrew. The contest turned out to be a four-way fight. Although a large majority of Republican primary voters consistently expressed a preference for a nominee "more conservative" than Tommy Thompson, Eric Hovde and Mark Neumann split the conservative vote, allowing Thompson to narrowly prevail with a plurality of the vote.^[19]

Candidates

Declared

• Jeff Fitzgerald, Speaker of the Wisconsin State Assembly^[20]
• Eric Hovde, businessman^[21]
• Mark Neumann, former U.S. representative, nominee for the U.S. Senate in 1998, and candidate for governor in 2010^{[22] [23]}
• Tommy Thompson, former governor of Wisconsin and former secretary of Health and Human Services^[24]

Withdrew

• Frank Lasee, state senator^[25] (endorsed Eric Hovde)
• Kip Smith, physical therapist^[26]

Declined

• Mark Andrew Green, former U.S. representative and former United States ambassador to Tanzania^[27]
• Theodore Kanavas, former state senator^[28]
• Paul Ryan, U.S. representative^[29]
• Tim Sullivan, businessman
• J. B. Van Hollen, Wisconsin attorney general^[30]

Polling

Poll source	Date(s) administered	class=small	Sample size	error	Jeff Fitzgerald	Eric Hovde	Mark Neumann	Tommy Thompson	Undecided
Public Policy Polling^[31]	August 8–9, 2012	557	± 4.2%	15%	align="center"	27%	24%	25%	9%
Marquette University^[32]	August 2–5, 2012	519	± 4.4%	13%	20%	18%	align="center"	28%	7%
We Ask America^[33]	July 31, 2012	1,237	± 2.8%	12%	align="center"	23%	17%	23%	align="center"	25%
Public Policy Polling^[34]	July 30–31, 2012	400	± 4.9%	13%	align="center"	28%	25%	25%	9%
	—	align="center"	33%	27%	30%	10%
Marquette University^[35]	July 5–8, 2012	432	± 4.8%	6%	23%	10%	align="center"	35%	25%
Public Policy Polling^[36]	July 5–8, 2012	564	± 4.1%	9%	align="center"	31%	15%	29%	16%
OnMessage Inc.^[37]	June 26–27, 2012	600	± 4.0%	7%	29%	16%	align="center"	34%	14%
Marquette University^[38]	June 13–16, 2012	344	± 5.4%	10%	14%	16%	align="center"	34%	25%
Public Policy Polling^[39]	March 31–April 1, 2012	609	± 4.0%	18%	—	25%	align="center"	38%	19%
Public Policy Polling^[40]	February 23–26, 2012	556	± 4.2%	22%	—	22%	align="center"	39%	17%
	32%	—	align="center"	42%	—	26%
	37%	—	—	align="center"	46%	17%
	—	—	36%	align="center"	46%	18%
Public Policy Polling^[41]	October 20–23, 2011	650	± 3.8%	21%	—	29%	align="center"	35%	11%
	—	—	39%	align="center"	43%	17%
	28%	—	align="center"	44%	—	28%
	35%	—	—	align="center"	47%	17%
Public Policy Polling	August 12–14, 2011	362	± 5.2%	—	—	39%	align="center"	47%	13%
Magellan Strategies^[42]	July 12–13, 2011	638	± 3.9%	15%	—	26%	align="center"	41%	18%
	—	—	36%	align="center"	44%	20%

• Commissioned by Eric Hovde

Poll source	Date(s) administered	class=small	Sample size	error	Tommy Thompson	conservative	Undecided
Public Policy Polling	July 30–31, 2012	400	± 4.9%	29%	align="center"	58%	13%
Public Policy Polling	July 5–8, 2012	564	± 4.1%	34%	align="center"	50%	17%
Public Policy Polling	February 23–26, 2012	556	± 4.2%	37%	align="center"	47%	17%
Public Policy Polling	October 20–23, 2011	650	± 3.8%	35%	align="center"	51%	14%

Results

General election

Candidates

• Tammy Baldwin (Democratic), U.S. Representative
• Tommy Thompson (Republican), former governor and former Secretary of Health and Human Services
• Joseph Kexel (Libertarian), IT consultant^[43]
• Nimrod Allen III (independent), consultant and former Marine^[44]

Debates

Baldwin and Thompson agreed to three debates: September 28, October 18 and 26, all broadcast statewide, and nationwide through C-SPAN.

The first debate originated from the studios of Milwaukee Public Television and was coordinated by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association. It aired on MPTV, Wisconsin Public Television, Wisconsin Public Radio and several commercial stations throughout the state.

The second debate originated from the Theater for Civic Engagement on the campus of the University of Wisconsin–Marathon County in Wausau and was coordinated by WPT/WPR, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Milwaukee's WTMJ-TV. Again it was carried on MPTV, WPT/WPR, and several commercial stations, including WTMJ-TV.

The third debate originated from Eckstein Hall on the campus of Marquette University Law School and was coordinated by WISN-TV in Milwaukee. It aired on that station and across the state's other ABC affiliated stations.

External links

• Complete video of debate, September 28, 2012 - C-SPAN
• Complete video of debate, October 18, 2012 - C-SPAN
• Complete video of debate, October 26, 2012 - C-SPAN

Fundraising

Candidate (party)	Receipts	Disbursements	Cash on hand	Debt
	Tammy Baldwin (D)	$14,643,869	$15,204,940	$143,852	$0
	Tommy Thompson (R)	$9,585,823	$9,582,888	$2,934	$0
Source: Federal Election Commission^[45]

Top contributors

Tammy Baldwin	Contribution	Tommy Thompson	Contribution
EMILY's List	$431,843	Michael Best & Friedrich LLP	$36,825
MoveOn.org	$171,467	ABC Supply	$28,500
University of Wisconsin	$117,600	Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld	$28,250
J Street PAC	$113,758	Direct Supply	$27,500
League of Conservation Voters	$95,308	Wisconsin Energy Corporation	$25,750
Democracy Engine	$81,330	American Foods Group	$25,000
Council for a Livable World	$54,130	Gilead Sciences	$23,000
Voices for Progress	$25,749	Centene Corporation	$20,750
Marshfield Clinic	$21,800	BGR Group	$20,500
Microsoft Corporation	$18,564	C. R. Bard, Inc.	$20,000
Source: OpenSecrets^[46]

Top industries

Tammy Baldwin	Contribution	Tommy Thompson	Contribution
Women's Issues	$915,482	Retired	$858,276
Retired	$791,756	Leadership PACs	$244,804
Lawyers/Law Firms	$597,674	Financial Institutions	$243,636
Democratic/Liberal	$555,792	Lawyers/Law Firms	$228,379
Leadership PACs	$309,430	Real Estate	$227,687
Universities	$298,298	Pharmaceuticals/Health Products	$204,302
Human Rights Organisations	$215,539	Insurance Industry	$202,654
Health Professionals	$202,654	Manufacturing & Distributing	$169,104
Pro-Israel	$172,380	Health Professionals	$150,149
Business Services	$163,238	Lobbyists	$138,700
Source: OpenSecrets^[47]

Predictions

Source	Ranking	As of
The Cook Political Report^[48]		November 1, 2012
Sabato's Crystal Ball^[49]		November 5, 2012
Rothenberg Political Report^[50]		November 2, 2012
Real Clear Politics^[51]		November 5, 2012

Polling

Poll source				Tammy Baldwin (D)	Tommy Thompson (R)	Other	Undecided
Public Policy Polling^[52]	May 19–22, 2011	1,636	±2.4%	44%		45%	—	11%
Public Policy Polling^[53]	August 12–14, 2011	830	±3.4%	42%		50%	—	8%
Public Policy Polling^[54]	October 20–23, 2011	1,170	±2.9%	44%		46%	—	10%
Rasmussen Reports^[55]	October 26, 2011	500	±4.5%	42%		49%	4%	6%
Marquette University^[56]	February 16–19, 2012	716	±3.7%	42%		48%	1%	9%
Public Policy Polling	February 23–26, 2012	900	±3.3%		46%	45%	—	9%
Rasmussen Reports^[57]	February 27, 2012	500	±4.5%	36%		50%	4%	10%
Rasmussen Reports^[58]	March 27, 2012	500	±4.5%	44%		48%	4%	4%
Public Policy Polling^[59]	April 13–15, 2012	1,136	±2.9%	45%		47%	—	8%
Rasmussen Reports^[60]	May 9, 2012	500	±4.5%	38%		50%	5%	7%
Public Policy Polling^[61]	May 11–13, 2012	851	±3.4%	42%		47%	—	11%
Rasmussen Reports^[62]	June 12, 2012	500	±4.5%	36%		52%	6%	6%
Marquette University	June 13–16, 2012	707	±3.8%	41%		49%	—	10%
Public Policy Polling	July 5–8, 2012	1,057	±3.0%	45%	45%	—	11%
Marquette University	July 5–8, 2012	810	±3.5%	41%		45%	—	14%
Rasmussen Reports^[63]	July 25, 2012	500	±4.5%		48%	41%	5%	6%
Marquette University^[64]	August 2–5, 2012	1,400	±2.6%	43%		48%	—	5%
Quinnipiac^[65]	July 31 – August 6, 2012	1,428	±2.6%	47%	47%	1%	5%
Rasmussen Reports^[66]	August 15, 2012	500	±4.5%	43%		54%	1%	3%
Public Policy Polling^[67]	August 16–19, 2012	1,308	±2.7%	44%		49%	—	7%
Marquette University^[68]	August 16–19, 2012	576	±4.2%	41%		50%	—	9%
CBS/NYT/Quinnipiac^[69]	August 15–21, 2012	1,190	±3.0%	44%		50%	1%	4%
YouGov^[70]	September 4–11, 2012	772	±n/a	42%		48%	—	10%
Public Policy Polling^[71]	September 12–13, 2012	959	±n/a		48%	45%	—	6%
Marquette University^[72]	September 13–16, 2012	705	±3.8%		50%	41%	—	5%
CBS/NYT/Quinnipiac^[73]	September 11–17, 2012	1,485	±2.5%	47%	47%	—	6%
NBC/WSJ/Marist Poll^[74]	September 16–18, 2012	968	±3.2%		48%	46%	—	5%
Public Policy Polling^[75]	September 18–19, 2012	842	±3.4%		49%	45%	—	6%
We Ask America^[76]	September 20–23, 2012	1,238	±2.8%		52%	40%	—	8%
Marquette University^[77]	September 27–30, 2012	894	±3.3%		48%	44%	—	6%
Public Policy Polling^[78]	October 4–6, 2012	979	±3.1%		49%	46%	—	6%
CBS/NYT/Quinnipiac^[79]	October 4–9, 2012	1,327	±2.7%		48%	46%	—	5%
Rasmussen Reports^[80]	October 9, 2012	500	±4.5%		51%	47%	1%	2%
YouGov^[81]	October 4–11, 2012	639	±4.9%		48%	43%	—	9%
Marquette University^[82]	October 11–14, 2012	870	±3.3%	45%		46%	—	7%
NBC/WSJ/Marist Poll^[83]	October 15–17, 2012	1,013	±3.1%		49%	45%	1%	5%
Mason-Dixon^[84]	October 15–17, 2012	625	±4%		47%	45%	—	8%
Rasmussen Reports^[85]	October 18, 2012	500	±4.5%	46%		48%	3%	3%
Angus Reid Public Opinion^[86]	October 18–20, 2012	502	±4.5%		45%	42%	3%	11%
Rasmussen Reports^[87]	October 25, 2012	500	±4.5%	47%		48%	2%	4%
Marquette University^[88]	October 25–28, 2012	1,243	±2.8%		47%	43%	—	10%
St. Norbert College^[89]	October 25–29, 2012	402	±5%	43%		46%	—	11%
Rasmussen Reports	October 29, 2012	750	±4.0%	48%	48%	1%	2%
NBC/WSJ/Marist^[90]	October 31, 2012	1,065	±3.0%		48%	47%	4%	1%
WeAskAmerica^[91]	October 31 – November 1, 2012	1,210	±3%		49%	46%	—	5%
YouGov^[92]	October 31 – November 3, 2012	1,225	±3.1%		48%	47%	—	5%
Angus Reid Public Opinion^[93]	November 1–3, 2012	482	±4.5%		50%	48%	2%	—
Public Policy Polling^[94]	November 2–3, 2012	1,256	±2.8%		51%	48%	—	2%

with Tammy Baldwin

Poll source				Tammy Baldwin (D)	Jeff Fitzgerald (R)	Other	Undecided
Public Policy Polling	May 19–22, 2011	1,636	±2.4%		48%	37%	—	15%
Public Policy Polling	October 20–23, 2011	1,170	±2.9%		44%	40%	—	16%
Rasmussen Reports	October 26, 2011	500	±4.5%		46%	39%	4%	6%
Marquette University	February 16–19, 2012	716	±3.7%		45%	37%	3%	15%
Public Policy Polling	February 23–26, 2012	900	±3.3%		47%	39%	—	14%
Rasmussen Reports	February 27, 2012	500	±4.5%	40%		41%	4%	15%
Rasmussen Reports	March 27, 2012	500	±4.5%		48%	40%	4%	7%
Public Policy Polling	April 13–15, 2012	1,136	±2.9%		47%	40%	—	13%
Rasmussen Reports	May 9, 2012	500	±4.5%		45%	41%	4%	9%
Rasmussen Reports	June 12, 2012	500	±4.5%		44%	43%	5%	8%
Marquette University	June 13–16, 2012	707	±3.8%		45%	39%	—	16%
Public Policy Polling	July 5–8, 2012	1,057	±3.0%		46%	42%	—	13%
Marquette University	July 5–8, 2012	810	±3.5%		43%	37%	—	20%
Rasmussen Reports	July 25, 2012	500	±4.5%		47%	37%	6%	10%
Marquette University	August 2–5, 2012	1,400	±2.6%		45%	40%	—	7%
Quinnipiac	July 31 – August 6, 2012	1,428	±2.6%		51%	39%	—	9%

Poll source				Tammy Baldwin (D)	Eric Hovde (R)	Other	Undecided
Public Policy Polling	May 11–13, 2012	851	±3.4%	41%		45%	—	14%
Rasmussen Reports	June 12, 2012	500	±4.5%	42%		44%	4%	10%
Marquette University	June 13–16, 2012	707	±3.8%		45%	36%	—	19%
Public Policy Polling	July 5–8, 2012	1,057	±3.0%	44%		45%	—	11%
Marquette University	July 5–8, 2012	810	±3.5%		44%	38%	—	18%
Rasmussen Reports	July 25, 2012	500	±4.5%		45%	42%	5%	8%
Marquette University	August 2–5, 2012	1,400	±2.6%		44%	41%	—	9%
Quinnipiac	July 31 – August 6, 2012	1,428	±2.6%		47%	43%	1%	8%

Poll source				Tammy Baldwin (D)	Mark Neumann (R)	Other	Undecided
Public Policy Polling	May 19–22, 2011	1,636	±2.4%		46%	41%	—	13%
Public Policy Polling	August 12–14, 2011	830	±3.4%	40%		44%	—	15%
Public Policy Polling	October 20–23, 2011	1,170	±2.9%		44%	43%	—	13%
Rasmussen Reports	October 26, 2011	500	±4.5%		44%	43%	4%	9%
Marquette University	February 16–19, 2012	716	±3.7%		44%	40%	2%	14%
Public Policy Polling	February 23–26, 2012	900	±3.3%		47%	41%	—	12%
Rasmussen Reports	February 27, 2012	500	±4.5%	37%		46%	4%	13%
Rasmussen Reports	March 27, 2012	500	±4.5%		48%	40%	4%	8%
Public Policy Polling	April 13–15, 2012	1,136	±2.9%		46%	45%	—	9%
Rasmussen Reports	May 9, 2012	500	±4.5%	42%		44%	4%	9%
Public Policy Polling	May 11–13, 2012	851	±3.4%	42%		46%	—	12%
Rasmussen Reports	June 12, 2012	500	±4.5%	43%		45%	5%	7%
Marquette University	June 13–16, 2012	707	±3.8%	44%	44%	—	12%
Public Policy Polling	July 5–8, 2012	1,057	±3.0%		45%	41%	—	13%
Marquette University	July 5–8, 2012	810	±3.5%		43%	40%	—	17%
Rasmussen Reports	July 25, 2012	500	±4.5%		48%	42%	3%	8%
Marquette University	August 2–5, 2012	1,400	±2.6%	44%	44%	—	6%
Quinnipiac	July 31 – August 6, 2012	1,428	±2.6%		48%	45%	1%	6%

with Russ Feingold

Poll source				Russ Feingold (D)	Mark Neumann (R)	Other	Undecided
Public Policy Polling	August 12–14, 2011	830	±3.4%		51%	44%	—	5%
Public Policy Polling	May 19–22, 2011	1,636	±2.4%		53%	41%	—	6%
Public Policy Polling^[95]	February 24–27, 2011	768	±3.5%		50%	40%	—	10%

Poll source				Russ Feingold (D)	Paul Ryan (R)	Other	Undecided
Public Policy Polling^[96]	December 10–12, 2010	702	±3.7%		50%	43%	—	7%
Public Policy Polling	February 24–27, 2011	768	±3.5%		49%	42%	—	9%

Poll source				Russ Feingold (D)	Tommy Thompson (R)	Other	Undecided
Public Policy Polling	December 10–12, 2010	702	±3.7%		49%	40%	—	11%
Public Policy Polling	May 19–22, 2011	1,636	±2.4%		52%	42%	—	6%
Public Policy Polling	August 12–14, 2011	830	±3.4%		48%	47%	—	5%

Poll source				Russ Feingold (D)	J. B. Van Hollen (R)	Other	Undecided
Public Policy Polling	December 10–12, 2010	702	±3.7%		52%	41%	—	7%
Public Policy Polling	February 24–27, 2011	768	±3.5%		51%	39%	—	10%
Public Policy Polling	May 19–22, 2011	1,636	±2.4%		53%	38%	—	9%

with Steve Kagen

Poll source				Steve Kagen (D)	Mark Neumann (R)	Other	Undecided
Public Policy Polling	May 19–22, 2011	1,636	±2.4%		42%	41%	—	17%
Public Policy Polling	August 12–14, 2011	830	±3.4%	38%		45%	—	17%

Poll source				Steve Kagen (D)	Tommy Thompson (R)	Other	Undecided
Public Policy Polling	May 19–22, 2011	1,636	±2.4%	42%		45%	—	13%
Public Policy Polling	August 12–14, 2011	830	±3.4%	41%		49%	—	10%

with Ron Kind

Poll source				Ron Kind (D)	Mark Neumann (R)	Other	Undecided
Public Policy Polling	May 19–22, 2011	1,636	±2.4%		44%	40%	—	16%
Public Policy Polling	August 12–14, 2011	830	±3.4%	40%		43%	—	17%

Poll source				Ron Kind (D)	Tommy Thompson (R)	Other	Undecided
Public Policy Polling	May 19–22, 2011	1,636	±2.4%	44%	44%	—	12%
Public Policy Polling	August 12–14, 2011	830	±3.4%	41%		48%	—	11%

with Herb Kohl

Poll source				Herb Kohl (D)	Paul Ryan (R)	Other	Undecided
Public Policy Polling	December 10–12, 2010	702	±3.7%		48%	42%	—	11%
Public Policy Polling	February 24–27, 2011	768	±3.5%		49%	42%	—	10%

Poll source				Herb Kohl (D)	J. B. Van Hollen (R)	Other	Undecided
Public Policy Polling	December 10–12, 2010	702	±3.7%		51%	38%	—	11%
Public Policy Polling	February 24–27, 2011	768	±3.5%		52%	37%	—	11%

Results

Counties that flipped Democratic to Republican

• Barron (largest city: Rice Lake)
• Brown (largest city: Green Bay)
• Burnett (largest village: Grantsburg)
• Calumet (largest city: Chilton)
• Clark (largest city: Neillsville)
• Iron (largest city: Hurley)
• Jefferson (largest city: Watertown)
• Kewaunee (largest city: Algoma)
• Langlade (largest city: Antigo)
• Manitowoc (largest city: Manitowoc)
• Marathon (largest city: Wausau)
• Marinette (largest city: Marinette)
• Monroe (largest city: Sparta)
• Oconto (largest city: Oconto)
• Oneida (largest city: Rhinelander)
• Outagamie (largest city: Appleton)
• Rusk (largest city: Ladysmith)
• Shawano (largest city: Shawano)
• Washburn (largest city: Spooner)
• Waupaca (largest city: New London)
• Waushara (largest city: Berlin)
• Adams (largest city: Adams)
• Marquette (largest city: Montello)
• Polk (Largest city: Amery)
• Sheboygan (Largest city: Sheboygan)
• St. Croix (Largest city: Hudson)
• Taylor (Largest city: Medford)
• Florence (Largest city: Florence)
• Vilas (Largest city: Eagle River)
• Fond du Lac (Largest city: Fond du Lac)
• Green Lake (Largest city: Green Lake)
• Dodge (Largest city: Juneau)
• Ozaukee (Largest city: Mequon)
• Walworth (Largest city: Whitewater)
• Washington (Largest city: West Bend)
• Waukesha (Largest city: Waukesha)

By congressional districts

Despite losing the state, Thompson won 5 of 8 congressional districts.^[97]

District	Thompson	Baldwin	Representative
		50.61%	46.56%		Paul Ryan
		32.28%	65.82%
		44.31%	52.77%
		25.15%	72.93%
		61.06%	36.68%		Jim Sensenbrenner
		52.93%	44.05%
		48.93%	48.06%
		50.21%	46.63%		Reid Ribble

Aftermath

Brian Schimming, the vice chairman of the Wisconsin Republican Party, partly blamed Thompson's defeat on the fact that he had to face a competitive primary whereas Baldwin was unopposed for the Democratic nomination: "[Thompson] blew all his money going through the primary. So when he gets through the primary, it was like three weeks before he was up on the air. [Baldwin] piled on immediately." He claimed "If [Thompson] hadn't had as ugly a primary, we could have won that seat."^[98]

See also

• 2012 United States Senate elections
• 2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Wisconsin
• 2012 Wisconsin gubernatorial recall election

External links

• Elections & Voting at the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board
• Campaign contributions at OpenSecrets.org
• Outside spending at Sunlight Foundation
• Candidate issue positions at On the Issues

Official candidate sites (Archived)

• Tammy Baldwin for U.S. Senate
• Tommy Thompson for U.S. Senate
• Joe Kexel for U.S. Senate
• Nimrod Allen III for U.S. Senate

Notes and References

1. Web site: 2012 General Election Turnout Rates . . Michael McDonald . February 9, 2013 . April 3, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130424003112/http://elections.gmu.edu/Turnout_2012G.html . April 24, 2013 . dead . mdy-all.
2. News: Kohl says he'll work with Johnson . November 3, 2010 . November 29, 2010 . . Bill . Glauber.
3. News: Feingold won't seek office in 2012, official says . November 4, 2010 . November 29, 2010 . . Dee . Hall.
4. News: Tammy Baldwin enters race for open Senate seat . Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
5. News: Barrett closes door on Senate speculation . May 17, 2011 . May 17, 2011 . . Alexander. Burns.
6. News: Falk Announces Candidacy in Wisconsin Gubernatorial Race . January 18, 2012 . January 28, 2012 . . Sean . Sullivan . https://web.archive.org/web/20120122011157/http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2012/01/falk-announces.php . January 22, 2012 . dead . mdy-all.
7. News: Russ Feingold not running in 2012. The Washington Post . August 19, 2011 . Krissah . Thompson .
8. Web site: Baldwin kicks off jobs tour; receives Kagen endorsement . January 5, 2012 . January 28, 2012 . . https://web.archive.org/web/20120508182109/http://dc.wispolitics.com/2012/01/baldwin-kicks-off-jobs-tour-receives.html . May 8, 2012 . dead.
9. News: Rep. Kind says no to Senate run . September 15, 2011 . September 15, 2011 . . David . Catanese.
10. News: Democratic Sen. Herb Kohl to Retire . May 13, 2011.
11. News: Herb Kohl won't seek reelection . Politico.
12. Web site: Baldwin Campaign: Rep. Gwen Moore endorses Tammy Baldwin for U.S. Senate . WisPolitics.com . October 21, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120402172250/http://www.wispolitics.com/index.iml?Article=250796 . April 2, 2012 . dead . mdy-all.
13. Web site: Former Bucyrus head unlikely to jump into races next year . November 18, 2011 . November 21, 2011 . . https://web.archive.org/web/20111211211815/http://dc.wispolitics.com/2011/11/former-bucyrus-head-unlikely-to-jump.html . December 11, 2011 . dead.
14. http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_WI_0527.pdf Public Policy Polling
15. http://www.magellanstrategies.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Wisconsin-2012-US-Senate-Democrat-Primary-Election-Survey-Topline-Results-071411.pdf Magellan Strategies
16. http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_WI_0817513.pdf Public Policy Polling
17. News: Gilbert . Craig . Ryan shines as GOP seeks vision . . April 25, 2009. June 29, 2010.
18. News: Catanese . David . Ryan telling GOPers he's unlikely to run . Politico . May 16, 2011 . May 17, 2011.
19. Web site: Our Campaigns - WI US Senate - R Primary Race - Aug 14, 2012 . Our Campaigns.
20. News: Jeff Fitzgerald announces Senate bid . October 11, 2011 . October 11, 2011 . . Patrick . Marley.
21. News: Hovde emerges as new Senate candidate . Leader-Telegram . February 27, 2012 . March 4, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160304031455/http://www.leadertelegram.com/news/front_page/article_8f25fbd4-602d-11e1-8d24-0019bb2963f4.html . dead.
22. http://www.wbay.com/story/15351054/republican-neumann-announces-senate-run Republican Neumann announces Senate run
23. Kyle Trygstad. (August 29, 2011)Ex-Rep. Mark Neumann Enters Wisconsin Senate Race Roll Call. Retrieved August 29, 2011
24. News: Tommy Thompson Makes Wisconsin Senate Bid Official . September 19, 2011 . September 19, 2011.
25. News: State Senator Lasee Drops Out Of U.S. Senate Race . Channel3000.com . February 15, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120202080622/http://www.channel3000.com/news/30327852/detail.html . February 2, 2012 . dead . mdy-all.
26. News: Kip Smith enters U.S. Senate race . onpolitics . . January 1, 2023 . July 18, 2012 . https://archive.today/20120718232143/http://wisconsin.onpolitix.com/news/106086/republican-kip-smith-enters-2012-u-s-senate-race . dead.
27. News: Green backs Thompson for Senate. https://archive.today/20130123113310/http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/local/green_bay/former-u-s-rep-mark-green-backs-tommy-thompson-for-senate. dead. January 23, 2013. September 16, 2011. December 18, 2011. WLUK-TV. Associated Press.
28. News: Kanavas says he won't run for U.S. Senate . Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
29. News: Ryan Out, Thompson to Get in Wisconsin Senate Race. May 17, 2011 . Roll Call.
30. News: Thompson takes step toward Senate run . Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
31. http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_WI_809.pdf Public Policy Polling
32. https://law.marquette.edu/poll/ Marquette University
33. https://web.archive.org/web/20120802201938/http://weaskamerica.com/2012/07/31/mojo/ We Ask America
34. http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_WI_731.pdf Public Policy Polling
35. https://law.marquette.edu/poll/2012/07/11/marquette-law-school-poll-finds-tighter-u-s-senate-race-and-gop-primary/ Marquette University
36. http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_WI_070912.pdf Public Policy Polling
37. https://web.archive.org/web/20120708231300/http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2012/07/hovde-trails-th.php OnMessage Inc.
38. https://law.marquette.edu/poll/2012/06/20/marquette-law-school-poll-finds-thompson-leading-u-s-senate-race/ Marquette University
39. http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_WIMD_401.pdf Public Policy Polling
40. http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_WI_022912.pdf Public Policy Polling
41. http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_NVWI_1025.pdf Public Policy Polling
42. http://www.magellanstrategies.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Wisconsin-2012-US-Senate-Republican-Primary-Survey-Topline-Results-071411.pdf Magellan Strategies
43. Web site: Kexel Announces Run for US Senate . April 20, 2012 . September 22, 2012 . . https://web.archive.org/web/20160303231853/http://www.wispolitics.com/1006/120420_Kexel.pdf . March 3, 2016 . dead . mdy-all.
44. Web site: Nimrod Allen III Independent Candidate for U.S. Senate . July 20, 2012 . September 22, 2012 . . https://web.archive.org/web/20160303173630/http://wispolitics.com/1006/120720_Nimrod_Allen_bio___press_release_7_20.pdf . March 3, 2016 . dead . mdy-all.
45. Web site: 2012 House and Senate Campaign Finance for Wisconsin . . November 26, 2012 . December 19, 2012 .
46. Web site: Top Contributors 2012 Race: Wisconsin Senate . . March 25, 2013.
47. Web site: Top Industries 2012 Race: Wisconsin Senate . . March 25, 2013.
48. Web site: 2012 Senate Race Ratings for November 1, 2012 . The Cook Political Report . September 20, 2018 . August 29, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180829035855/https://www.cookpolitical.com/ratings/senate-race-ratings/139117 . dead .
49. Web site: 2012 Senate . Sabato's Crystal Ball . September 20, 2018.
50. Web site: 2012 Senate Ratings . Senate Ratings . The Rothenberg Political Report . September 20, 2018.
51. Web site: 2012 Elections Map - Battle for the Senate 2012 . Real Clear Politics . September 20, 2018.
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53. http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_WI_0818424.pdf Public Policy Polling
54. http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_WI_1027930.pdf Public Policy Polling
55. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/archive/election_2012_archive/wisconsin/wisconsin_senate_thompson_r_49_baldwin_d_42 Rasmussen Reports
56. https://law.marquette.edu/poll/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/MLSPFebToplines.pdf Marquette University
57. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/archive/election_2012_archive/wisconsin/wisconsin_senate_thompson_r_50_baldwin_d_36 Rasmussen Reports
58. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/archive/election_2012_archive/wisconsin/wisconsin_senate_thompson_r_48_baldwin_d_44 Rasmussen Reports
59. http://www.dailykos.com/polling/2012/4/13/WI/113/4Y9QW Public Policy Polling
60. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/archive/election_2012_archive/wisconsin/wisconsin_senate_thompson_r_50_baldwin_d_38 Rasmussen Reports
61. http://www.dailykos.com/polling/2012/5/11/WI/123/MjpEP Public Policy Polling
62. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/archive/election_2012_archive/wisconsin/wisconsin_senate_thompson_r_52_baldwin_d_36 Rasmussen Reports
63. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/archive/election_2012_archive/wisconsin/democrats_baldwin_now_leads_gop_pack_in_wisconsin_senate_race Rasmussen Reports
64. https://law.marquette.edu/poll/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/MLSP9_Toplines.pdf Marquette University
65. http://www.quinnipiac.edu/institutes-and-centers/polling-institute/presidential-swing-states-%28co-va-and-wi%29/release-detail?ReleaseID=1786 Quinnipiac
66. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/archive/election_2012_archive/wisconsin/wisconsin_senate_thompson_r_54_baldwin_d_43 Rasmussen Reports
67. http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_WI_082212.pdf Public Policy Polling
68. https://law.marquette.edu/poll/2012/08/22/marquette-law-school-poll-finds-tighter-presidential-race-after-ryan-selection/ Marquette University
69. http://www.quinnipiac.edu/institutes-and-centers/polling-institute/presidential-swing-states-%28fl-oh-and-pa%29/release-detail?ReleaseID=1789 CBS/NYT/Quinnipiac
70. http://cdn.yougov.com/cumulus_uploads/document/hhgq32pcmw/Tabs_WI.pdf YouGov
71. https://www.scribd.com/doc/106153060/PPP-baldwin-pollResults-9-16-12 Public Policy Polling
72. https://law.marquette.edu/poll/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/MLSP11_Toplines.pdf Marquette University
73. http://www.quinnipiac.edu/institutes-and-centers/polling-institute/presidential-swing-states-(co-va-and-wi)/release-detail?ReleaseID=1799 CBS/NYT/Quinnipiac
74. https://web.archive.org/web/20120930134200/http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/MSNBC/Sections/A_Politics/_Today_Stories_Teases/NBC_Wisconsin.pdf NBC/WSJ/Marist Poll
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76. https://web.archive.org/web/20120927023248/http://weaskamerica.com/2012/09/24/big-cheese/ We Ask America
77. https://law.marquette.edu/poll/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/MLSP12_Toplines.pdf Marquette University
78. http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_VAWI_1008.pdf Public Policy Polling
79. https://web.archive.org/web/20121116155843/http://www.quinnipiac.edu/institutes-centers/polling-institute/presidential-swing-states-(co-va-and-wi)/release-detail?ReleaseID=1804 CBS/NYT/Quinnipiac
80. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/archive/election_2012_archive/wisconsin/wisconsin_senate_baldwin_d_51_thompson_r_47 Rasmussen Reports
81. http://cdn.yougov.com/cumulus_uploads/document/3v4uqe77wv/ygTabs_october_WI.pdf YouGov
82. https://law.marquette.edu/poll/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/MLSP13_Toplines_Likely.pdf Marquette University
83. https://web.archive.org/web/20121019023551/http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/MSNBC/Sections/A_Politics/_Today_Stories_Teases/NBC-News-WSJ-Marist-Poll-Wisconsin-October-18.pdf NBC/WSJ/Marist Poll
84. http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2012/10/22/obama_romney_neck-and-neck_in_wisconsin_115888.html Mason-Dixon
85. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/archive/election_2012_archive/wisconsin/wisconsin_senate_thompson_r_48_baldwin_d_46 Rasmussen Reports
86. https://web.archive.org/web/20121027180446/http://www.angus-reid.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/2012.10.22_Wisconsin.pdf Angus Reid Public Opinion
87. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections/election_2012/election_2012_senate_elections/wisconsin/election_2012_wisconsin_senate Rasmussen Reports
88. https://law.marquette.edu/poll/2012/10/31/marquette-law-school-poll-finds-obama-ahead-in-wisconsin-baldwin-with-slight-edge-in-close-senate-race/ Marquette University
89. http://www.snc.edu/sri/docs/2012/2012wisconsinsurvey.pdf St. Norbert College
90. https://web.archive.org/web/20121102153808/http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/MSNBC/Sections/A_Politics/Wisconsin_poll.pdf NBC/WSJ/Marist
91. https://web.archive.org/web/20121103235512/http://weaskamerica.com/2012/11/02/hot-off-the-presses-2/ WeAskAmerica
92. http://cdn.yougov.com/cumulus_uploads/document/xtp9j3rspl/ygTabs_november_likelyvoters_WI.pdf YouGov
93. https://web.archive.org/web/20121115043047/http://www.angus-reid.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/2012.11.05_Wisconsin.pdf Angus Reid Public Opinion
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