Billionaire Koch brothers have already spent more than $4.3M against Tammy Baldwin.

MADISON - Wisconsin Republican U.S. Senate candidates Leah Vukmir and Kevin Nicholson are vying for a new round of out-of-state billionaire admirers.

Each already bankrolled by a right-wing billionaire to call their own, Vukmir and Nicholson have for months championed Washington corruption and advocated right-wing policies that put corporate special interests first and would inflict real harm on Wisconsin and hardworking Wisconsin families.

Vukmir and Nicholson’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed: the Republicans have caught the attention of the out-of-state billionaire Koch brothers, who have already spent more than $4.3 million against Tammy Baldwin and are sponsoring tonight’s U.S. Senate candidate forum via their Americans for Prosperity front group.

Tonight’s U.S. Senate debate between Leah Vukmir and Kevin Nicholson -- who are engaged in a “unity” pledge-shredding primary characterized by deeply personal and petty attacks -- is less a debate and more an audition; a chance for Vukmir and Nicholson to show the Kochs that they’d work for them, not Wisconsin.

"Tonight, Leah Vukmir and Kevin Nicholson are auditioning for the Koch brothers -- each hoping to earn the backing of even more out-of-state billionaires,” said Brad Bainum, DPW spokesperson for the 2018 Senate race. "That’s why Vukmir and Nicholson are running hard to the right on a Koch-backed agenda that includes tax breaks for billionaires and powerful special interests at the expense of the middle-class; cuts to Social Security and Medicare; and the GOP’s disastrous plan to take away millions of Americans’ health insurance.

"Nicholson and Vukmir are all too eager to sell out Wisconsin in exchange for doing the bidding of their powerful special interest backers in the U.S. Senate."

New York Times reports heavy outside spending from corporate special interest groups and mega-donors.

MADISON - In case you missed it, a new report from the New York Times profiles the 2018 U.S. Senate race, calling it what "may become the most expensive Wisconsin Senate race ever."

On top of describing Tammy Baldwin as "the top target in the 2018 midterms," due to heavy outside spending from corporate special interest groups and mega-donors -- something Wisconsin Republicans actively brag about in the piece -- the Times story also looks at Illinois billionaire Dick Uihlein's prolific spending to buy persistently dishonest GOP Senate candidate Kevin Nicholson a U.S. Senate seat.

Here's what you need to know from the Times' story:

Tammy Baldwin "has emerged as the top target in the 2018 midterms":

"For many national Republicans, Ms. Baldwin has emerged as the top target in the 2018 midterms: Donors from outside the state are spending twice as much money on the race so far as on any other Senate contest this year, according to an analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics, a nonpartisan group that tracks money in politics. Much of the money has gone toward television and radio ads."

"The fight may become the most expensive Wisconsin Senate race ever":

"The fight may become the most expensive Wisconsin Senate race ever: An analysis by the state Democratic Party found that nearly $10 million in advertising had already aired or been purchased by outside groups against Ms. Baldwin or in favor of Mr. Nicholson. (Mr. Nicholson’s camp put the number at nearly $9 million.) At least another $3.7 million in advertising is underway sponsored by outside groups in favor of Ms. Baldwin."

Wisconsin Republicans are bragging about the outside corporate special interest money pouring into our state to buy them the election:

"“There’s going to be lots of money coming into Wisconsin.” —Republican Party of Wisconsin Chair Brad Courtney"

But hardworking Wisconsinites aren't buying out-of-state billionaires' anti-Baldwin smear campaign:

"“I hear a lot of stuff on the radio,” said Gary Buchholz, a soil technician who was part of the crowd at J & J Fireball Lanes, a local bowling alley, and plans to vote for Ms. Baldwin. “I don’t like the money that comes in from out of state, huge amounts of money trying to influence Wisconsin elections.”"

And Wisconsin Democrats are organizing earlier and more aggressively than ever before, making early grassroots investments that are already paying off:

"Partly to counter the advertising, an energized Democratic base is organizing early, determined to retain the Senate seat held by their party since 1957" "[...]" "The results of two recent Wisconsin elections in which outside spending was a factor have added to Republican worries.

In a January special election upset, a local medical examiner, a Democrat, easily defeated a Republican state legislator for a State Senate seat held by Republicans for 17 years. In that race, the Republican got help from radio and digital advertising by Americans for Prosperity, a Koch-funded group. Then, in April, in a statewide Supreme Court election, a liberal judge from Milwaukee County defeated a county circuit judge backed by conservatives. "

Still, right-wing, out-of-state billionaires like Illinois' CEO Dick Uihlein, who's bankrolling Kevin Nicholson's candidacy, aren't going to give up easily:

"In all, according to a recent Democratic Party analysis, spending by Uihlein-funded groups in favor of Mr. Nicholson and against Ms. Baldwin exceeds $5.4 million. Mr. Uihlein did not respond to a request for an interview regarding the Wisconsin Senate race."

And... last, but not least -- while he may not have much Wisconsin-based support, rest assured that Kevin Nicholson is excited by his self-described "impressive" support from an array of out-of-state, Dick Uihlein-funded groups:

"“The coalition is very impressive,” Mr. Nicholson said, reeling off a list of six groups supporting him, including four groups that have received large donations from Mr. Uihlein. “We have a lot of groups stepping in to say, ‘We’re going to help you take back that seat.’”"

Read More from the New York Times.

Sheboygan event to be one of several hearings with Flynn across Wisconsin.

SHEBOYGAN, WI - On Wednesday, gubernatorial candidate Matt Flynn will hold one of several public hearings across Wisconsin on the disastrous Foxconn deal.

"Walker has been consistently dishonest with the people of Wisconsin about the Foxconn deal," said Flynn. "We need to spread the truth and explain why this deal is wrong for Wisconsin."

What: Matt Flynn Foxconn Hearing

When: Wednesday, April 25th, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Where: Sheboygan County Democratic Party

816 Erie Ave

Sheboygan, WI 53081

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Matt Flynn is a Navy veteran, attorney, and former Chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. He graduated from law school at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

For additional information, visit www.ForwardWithFlynn.com.

"His plans to raise wages, care for every Wisconsinite, and restore clean and honest state government are the best of any candidate running for governor," says County Supervisor Ortiz-Velez.

MILWAUKEE, WI - Democratic gubernatorial candidate Matt Flynn received the endorsement of Milwaukee County Supervisor Sylvia Ortiz-Velez on Monday.

"Matt Flynn is the leader we need to bring our state forward. He has a vision for a brighter Wisconsin for all of us and the wisdom to see it through," said Ortiz-Velez. "His plans to raise wages, care for every Wisconsinite, and restore clean and honest state government are the best of any candidate running for governor. He's more concerned with solutions than with petty political fights. I've known Matt for many years, and I'm proud to call him my friend and will be proud to vote for him in the August primary and the November general election. I wholeheartedly endorse Matt Flynn for governor of Wisconsin."

"I want to thank Supervisor Ortiz-Velez for her endorsement," said Flynn. "2018 is a critical election and we need to come together to replace Scott Walker. As governor, I will work with local leaders and re-establish the principle of local control in our communities."

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Matt Flynn is a Navy veteran, attorney, and former Chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. He graduated from law school at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

For additional information, visit www.ForwardWithFlynn.com.

Illinois-based megadonor has already poured $17.4 million into 10 groups backing Kevin Nicholson's candidacy.

MADISON -- In case you missed it, a new report from ABC News reveals that Illinois billionaire Dick Uihlein "is involved in almost every single one of the top spending super PACs supporting [Republican U.S. Senate candidate Kevin] Nicholson."

With Wisconsin's Republican U.S. Senate primary still four months away, the Illinois-based megadonor has already poured $17.4 million into 10 groups backing Kevin Nicholson's candidacy.

"Out-of-state billionaire Dick Uihlein isn't even eligible to vote in Wisconsin's Senate election, but that hasn't stopped him from pouring in millions into our state to try to buy Kevin Nicholson a U.S. Senate seat," said Brad Bainum, DPW spokesperson for the 2018 Senate race. "Nicholson is bought and paid for, and committed to helping Uihlein get even richer."

Here are the highlights from ABC News's coverage:

The single biggest donor this election cycle, Richard “Dick” Uihlein, has quickly become a GOP power player in the past couple of years.

He and his wife Liz Uihlein [...] together donated more than $25 million already so far this election cycle.

Uihlein’s biggest focus so far this cycle has been on supporting Republican Kevin Nicholson's bid to unseat Democratic incumbent Sen. Tammy Baldwin in the Wisconsin Senate race. He is involved in almost every single one of the top spending super PACs supporting Nicholson.

[...]

Outside groups funded by Uihlein together have spent more than $6.1 million in the Wisconsin Senate race so far this year and pro-Baldwin groups have ramped up their spending to try and compete.

The face-off has resulted in a pricey contest that has attracted the largest amount of spending from outside groups. The Wisconsin race has already seen nearly $10 million in outside money.

Read more from ABC News.

She was a woman of many firsts and broke through many gender and racial barriers, a true pioneer and leader during the civil rights movement, and a trailblazing woman throughout her life.

MADISON, WI – Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) issued the following statement regarding the passing of former Secretary of State Vel Phillips.

“It is with a heavy heart that I learned of the passing of Vel Phillips. My father worked for Vel when she served as Secretary of State, and I met her several times as a young girl. At the time, I had no idea how much of an icon and giant she was in terms of her accomplishments. It was an honor to re-connect with her a few years ago and relive the stories of the past and pay homage to a trailblazing woman who inspired many.

“Vel was a woman of many firsts and broke through many gender and racial barriers. She was the first African American woman to graduate from the University of Wisconsin Law School, the first to win a seat on the Milwaukee City Council, the first to become a judge, and the first to become the Secretary of State in Wisconsin.

“She was a true pioneer and leader during the civil rights movement and fought to improve social and economic justice for underrepresented communities. Vel cared deeply about the Milwaukee community and her steadfast dedication to improving opportunities for families remained throughout her retirement. My deepest condolences to her family as Wisconsin celebrates the life of a remarkable woman.”

****

Velvalea Rodgers "Vel" Phillips was an American attorney who served as a local official and judge in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and as Secretary of State of Wisconsin, often as the first woman and/or African-American in her position. She died Tuesday, April 17, 2018 leaving a legacy of fighting for equality that has inspired generations.

Wisconsin has lost a beloved, iconic, tenacious trailblazer whose leadership and career of firsts in our state opened doors for so many African Americans, Democrats and women.

MADISON - The following is a statement from the Democratic Party of Wisconsin's Chair Martha Laning on our loss of Wisconsin civil rights icon, former Secretary of State of Wisconsin, judge, open housing pioneer and trailblazer Vel Phillips.

“Wisconsin has lost a beloved, iconic, tenacious trailblazer whose leadership and career of firsts in our state opened doors through which so many African Americans, Democrats and women are proud to have followed. Her spirit is with all of us, in Wisconsin and the nation, as we proudly continue the fight she took to the streets--despite horrific abuse--for civil rights, equality and justice. Her legacy and strength in the face of hatred and injustice stays with us now as we continue her march."

****

Velvalea Rodgers "Vel" Phillips was an American attorney who served as a local official and judge in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and as Secretary of State of Wisconsin, often as the first woman and/or African-American in her position. She died Tuesday, April 17, 2018 leaving a legacy of fighting for equality that has inspired generations.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/paul-ryan-sad-s5.jpgDeep "bench" of Republican hopefuls intimidated by "#bluewave".

MADISON, WI - To kick off the National Week of the Young Child, Kelda Roys will be the featured speaker at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Bright Child Learning Center's brand new infant wing.

Roys’ remarks will focus on her plans to dramatically expand support for families and young children all across Wisconsin. Roys’ early childhood agenda is the most ambitious of any Democratic gubernatorial candidate, and will expand opportunity, close the achievement gap, and improve the livelihoods of thousands of Wisconsin families.

WHAT:

A ribbon cutting luncheon followed by a tour of the new facility

WHO:

Kelda Roys: entrepreneur, former state representative, candidate for governor

Greg Thomas: Owner of Bright Child Learning Center

Other community leaders

WHEN:

Noon on Monday, April 16

WHERE:

Bright Child Learning Center, 3149 Maple Valley Drive, Madison

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Every year, the National Association for the Education of Young Children hosts the Week of the Young Child to raise awareness of the importance of early learning and celebrate young children, their teachers, and their families. To learn more, visit naeyc.org/events/woyc/overview.

Roys, 38, is a small business owner, attorney, former state representative, and past head of NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin who has been standing up for women and families throughout her career. In the Assembly, she stood out as an influential and effective lawmaker, delivering results for working families and helping lead the opposition to Governor Scott Walker’s divisive agenda. As a parent and step-parent of four girls, Roys will fight for paid family leave, affordable childcare, great schools, and quality healthcare for all. In a year in which Wisconsin voters are ready for change, Kelda Roys provides the clearest contrast to Scott Walker.

Dick Uihlein, outside groups have spent more than four times as much on negative ads against Tammy Baldwin than against any other senator.

MADISON - "Outside spending in [the Wisconsin U.S. Senate race] likely is 'unprecedented' for a U.S. Senate campaign, excluding special elections, at this stage," according to a new report from the Wisconsin State Journal.

And it turns out that most of those millions have been directed towards either attacking U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin or promoting corporate consultant Kevin Nicholson, who's competing with state Sen. Leah Vukmir for the Republican Party's nomination.

Key Points:

Tammy Baldwin remains a top target of right-wing billionaire megadonors like the Koch brothers and Illinois billionaire Dick Uihlein:

• "A broader view of outside spending in the race, based on data provided by Democratic and Republican sources in Wisconsin, puts the total amount spent at more than $13 million."
• "Meanwhile, Baldwin, D-Madison, has faced a negative ad blitz that so far dwarfs any other U.S. Senate incumbent seeking re-election this fall. Outside groups have spent more than four times as much on negative ads against her than against any other senator, the Center for Responsive Politics data show."
• "Much of the anti-Baldwin ad barrage comes from groups funded by the billionaire Koch brothers, among the nation’s most prolific donors to conservative and Republican political causes."

Illinois billionaire Dick Uihlein-funded outside groups have already "spent more than $5 million" on TV and radio ads to buy Kevin Nicholson a U.S. Senate seat:

• "Outside groups have spent nearly $5 million to support Nicholson"
• "Nearly all of the pro-Nicholson ads come from super PACs funded largely by Uihlein."
• "America’s PAC and Restoration PAC, super PACs funded almost entirely by Uihlein, together have spent more than $5 million to back Nicholson or oppose Baldwin, according to the center."
• "Uihlein made a huge early splash for Nicholson when he pledged $3.5 million to a super PAC supporting him...He also has given $850,000 to John Bolton Super PAC, affiliated with President Donald Trump’s incoming national security adviser."
• "The pro-Nicholson spending spree has helped make Uihlein the top national donor to outside groups in the 2018 cycle so far."

Read more -- Wisconsin State Journal: 'Unprecedented' outside spending hits Tammy Baldwin, boosts Kevin Nicholson in US Senate race