Red, White and Blue
Finance entrepreneur to seek Wisconsin US Senate seat
MILWAUKEE - Republican party insiders tell TODAY'S TMJ4 that wealthy finance entrepreneur Eric Hovde will enter the campaign for US Senate on Thursday. The political newcomer will seek the seat to be vacated by retiring Sen. Herb Kohl (D-Wisconsin).
This banking executive has already hired staffers from other Wisconsin Republicans. Sources said Hovde will position himself as a political outsider taking on career politicians.
In addition to his success running banks and investment firms, Hovde presides over a foundation that builds shelter for at-risk children in impoverished countries. They are called Hovde Houses.
"One of the other great things about having the foundation is how it's tied into to the rest of my companies and my employees," Hovde says in a video posted by the foundation.
Hovde joins a crowded Republican race that includes former governor Tommy Thompson.
"I have never ran an election looking over my shoulder at a Republican primary opponent," Thompson said about Hovde joining the field.
TODAY'S TMJ4 also asked former Congressman Mark Neumann about this late entry into the race. Neumann is seeking the GOP nomination.
"I think anybody who wants to run ought to get in the race and it will be interesting to learn more about Eric as we move forward," Neumann said.
The Republican primary is scheduled for August.
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