Primary Election Results

See the WisPolitics Election Scorecard for final primary results.

AG Candidate Victory Speeches

See the winners of the Republican and Democratic primaries for attorney general give their victory speeches on Tuesday night. Republican candidate JB Van Hollen is introduced by former Lt. Governor Margaret Farrow. Kathleen Falk is introduced by Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz.

See the speeches at WisconsinEye

Schools: Six Referendums Pass, Six Fail

Six school district referendums failed during the primary election last night, while six others were approved, according to a list on the Department of Public Instruction Web site.

The failed amendments totaled $36.5 million in five districts. The largest referendum that failed was the $21.5 million request in an Antigo school district. Voters elected to approve $22.3 million in four different districts. Lake Geneva voters approved adding $19 million more in their tax bills from two referendums for the school district.

Failing amendments (in millions):
Antigo - $21.5
Antigo - $2.54
Baraboo - $7.5
Cumberland - $3.415
Neillsville - $0.75
Ripon - $0.75

Passing amendments (in millions):
Lake Geneva - $7
Lake Geneva - $12
Ripon - $0.25
Ripon - $0.925
Shiocton - $1.481679
Unity - $0.9

Key Counties Come Through for AG Victors

Campaign insiders from the J.B. Van Hollen and Kathleen Falk campaigns said early returns from key counties showed them that their candidates would emerge in the primary.

Van Hollen advisor Darrin Schmitz said the campaign was eyeing totals in key southeast counties like Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Kenosha, and Washington, and especially Paul Bucher's home county of Waukesha.

"Frankly our first reports back from Waukesha County told us that we were in an incredible position to win this race," Schmitz said. He also said reports that Van Hollen was taking Brown County by a 2-to-1 margin gave them a good indication that they would be victorious.

“I wasn’t surprised in the sense that we knew we had a better organization on the ground clearly,” Schmitz said. “There was no competition on the ground in terms of the grassroots support and what we did with them.”

Schmitz said the results ended up being consistent with polling trends they had seen.

“It was consistent with what we saw in the sense that we were the only candidate moving,” Schmitz said. “A few weeks out, it was our sense that we were tied at that point, but we were the only candidate that moved. And we knew at that point if we continued on with our get out the vote activities and our aggressive style of campaigning, we’d pull ahead of Mr. Bucher, and that’s exactly what happened.’

Key counties for Falk included La Crosse, Eau Claire, Portage and Marthon, as well as Milwaukee and Brown, Falk spokesman Adam Collins said.

Collins downplayed Lautenschlager's drubbing of Falk in her home Dane County, where the Dane County Exec. lost to the AG incumbent 60-40 percent.

"There was a lot of speculation from outsiders and insiders … that Kathleen was going to have some wide, wide margin in Dane County, and I don’t think anyone in our campaign ever thought that," Collins said. "As you know, Peg has a big base here. But the other thing is, I think the (Madison) mayor (Dave Cieslewicz) put it best when he said the people in Dane County here are the only people that win or lose got to keep Kathleen Falk as a public servant."

Collins expects Democrats to come together now behind Falk, and for there to be a strong coordinated effort throughout the party.

"I think what you’re going to see is it’s not going to be the Doyle campaign; it’s not going to be the Falk campaign. This is going to be Democrats coming together,” Collins said. “We’re asking obviously Lautenschlager supporters to join our campaign. This is about Democrats working together to defeat Republicans.”

Listen to an interview with Schmitz: http://www.wispolitics.com/1006/060912Schmitz.WMA

Listen to an interview with Collins: http://www.wispolitics.com/1006/060912AdamCollins.mp3

-- By Greg Bump

Quotes of the Night

We just ran short of money. And you know, that's disappointing that elections can be bought. And I wish J.B. well, but, you know, dumping that kind of money in the race in the last two weeks tells me Wisconsin's for sale. -- Paul Bucher

But we can't rest now, the marathon ends today, but the sprint begins now with eight weeks to the November 7th election. -- Kathleen Falk

I mean a number of people have been elected to public office (who) have been cited for OWI in the past, but I don't think any of them were treated with the kind of disdain that was shown toward me. -- Peg Lautenschlager.

We were very confident that you could not win a statewide race in Wisconsin focusing on just one portion of Wisconsin. -- J.B. Van Hollen.

Dem Nominee Kagen Quick to Shift Focus to Gard, ‘Corrupt’ GOP Politics

Dem Steve Kagen quickly shifted focus to GOP nominee John Gard and the Republican establishment after his primary victory Tuesday night, saying, "If there is a poster boy for pay-to-play, it is my Republican opponent."

In an interview with WisPolitics following his victory speech, Kagen said the topics he would focus on going into the general election were "healthcare, the civil war in Iraq and the corrupt way of doing business in Washington."

Read the full WisPolitics story on the 8th CD race: http://www.wispolitics.com/index.iml?Article=71603

Incumbent Leggies Survive With No Real Scares

The dozen state lawmakers who went into Tuesday's primary with a primary opponent all came out of it just fine.

Republican Carol Owens in the 53rd District had the closest race among them, pulling about 54 percent of the vote, according to unofficial returns. Several wards were still out in that race early Wednesday. She had been considered the most vulnerable Republican incumbent who faced a primary challenge.

Dave Travis in the 81st District won 58 percent of the vote over Henry Sanders in the closest primary on the Dem side.

In the other Assembly primaries featuring incumbents:

-Dem Leon Young won with 80 percent in the 16th District.
-Republican Suzanne Jeskewitz had 61 percent in the 24th.
-Dem Bob Ziegelbauer won with 62 percent in the 25th.
-Republican Sheryl Albers had 77 percent of the vote in the 50th.
-Dem Frank Boyle had 65 percent in the 73rd.
-Republican Scott Gunderson had 81 percent in the 83rd.
-Dem Barb Gronemus had 82 percent in the 91st.

With most of the vote still out, Republican Gabe Loeffelholz was leading in the 49th.

None of the state senators with a primary opponent was expected to have a tough race -- and none did.

-Republican Dave Zien won in the 23rd with 71 percent.
-Dem Bob Jauch won in the 25th with 77 percent.

- JR Ross

Lautenschlager Passes on Concession Call

The custom is when the numbers are in and one candidates sees the writing on the wall, they will call their opponent, concede the loss, and wish them the best. That didn't happen tonight in the Democratic attorney general primary.

In an interview following her victory speech, Kathleen Falk said incumbent Peg Lautenschlager did not call her personally to concede the contest.

"Our campaigns talked to each other and told us she was going to be speaking,” Falk said.

Falk said she wasn't reading anything into the snub from Lautenschlager, whom she has considered a friend.

“I hope we still are (friends)," she said. "No, I don’t take anything personal about that. It’s a late night.”

Listen to an interview with Falk after her victory speech: http://www.wispolitics.com/1006/FalkInterview.mp3

--By Greg Bump

Nygren Pulls Out Close Win in 89th GOP Primary

A late surge pushed John Nygren to a narrow win over Gary Drzewiecki in the 89th GOP primary, according to unofficial returns.

With all precincts reporting, Nygren had 2,777 votes to 2,741 for Drzewiecki, who used to represent the area in the state Senate.

With just less than half of the wards in, Drzewiecki had 68 percent of the vote.

-- JR Ross

Van Hollen: You Can't Win By Targeting Just Part of Wisconsin

J.B. Van Hollen says it wasn't just money that helped him win the GOP primary for AG. But it helped get his message out.

He said you have to be able to get your vision out to people in Wisconsin and he used media and hard work to do that. But he also said his focus on a statewide race made the difference.

"We were very confident that you could not win a statewide race in Wisconsin focusing on just one portion of Wisconsin," Van Hollen said.

Listen to an interview with Van Hollen after his victory speech:
http://www.wispolitics.com/1006/060912VanHollenInterv.mp3

-- Greg Bump

Bucher Chalks Up Loss to Money

Paul Bucher complained that "elections can be bought" and his loss to J.B. Van Hollen -- who put $700,000 of his own money into the GOP AG primary -- "tells me elections are for sale."

"How can you compete with that? It's pretty clear he was down in the polls and decided to put in the money. ... I'm not going to mortgage my life for this job," Bucher said, taking a swipe at Van Hollen, who got half of the money from a second mortgage on his home.

Bucher said that he felt he was right on the issues and was confident his name recognition would have been enough.

"Apparently not," he said. "And so we move on to the next step. I'm proud of what we have done. I have no regrets."

Listen to an interview with Bucher after his concession speech:
http://www.wispolitics.com/1006/Bucher__Post_Primary.wav

-- David Wise

Falk Says New Race Has Started

Kathleen Falk spent part of her victory speech thanking Peg Lautenschlager for her service as AG and "a very spirited campaign."

She also issued a call for Lautenschlager's supporters to join her so Dems can retain the office they've dominated for the past two decades.

"But we can't rest now," Falk told supporters. "The marathon ends today, but the sprint begins."

-- JR Ross

Lautenchlager: Does Kathleen Want Me?

Asked if she would support fellow Dem Kathleen Falk for AG after losing to her in the primary, Peg Lautenschlager said there was a question that needed to be answered first.

"The bigger question is does Kathleen want me behind her?" Lautenschlager said after conceding.

She said her drunken driving arrest was not the deciding factor in her loss.

"I think it's a combination of things," she told reporters after addressing her supporters. "I mean a number of people have been elected to public office (who) have been cited for OWI in the past, but I don't think any of them were treated with the kind of disdain that was shown toward me."

-- JR Ross

Chisholm Declares Victory in Milwaukee Co. DA Race

Dem Milwaukee DA candidate John Chisholm declared victory tonight after receiving 63 percent of the vote with 89 percent of the precincts reporting.

"It's my hard work, and I need to keep working harder. It's been signature issues that have dictated this campaign, and I'm not taking anything for granted," said Chisholm.

Larraine McNamara-McGraw was not quick to declare herself the loser and didn't concede.

"We're going to ignore the elephant in the room, after declaring victory on behalf of the people, victory on behalf of racial prejudice and gender bias," she said. "I'm going to continue to fight against the blindness and the dumbness that has surrounded this campaign."

Incumbent Clarke Wins Dem Primary for Milwaukee Co. Sheriff

Sheriff David Clarke declared victory after 10 p.m. when his opponent Vince Bobot conceded in his bid for sheriff.

"It's evident to me that our voters value safety over politics," Clarke said. "We need to keep the people safe."

Some Dems have tried to paint Clarke as a Republican in disguise.

Bobot was unavailable for comment at the time.

Falk Leading Even Though Trailing Badly At Home

With almost 70 percent of the precincts in statewide, Kathleen Falk is leading incumbent Peg Lautenschlager -- even though she's losing badly in her own back yard.

Some insiders thought Falk had to win Dane County if she wanted to beat Lautenschlager for the Dem nomination. But with some two-thirds of the vote in, Lautenschlager is leading in Dane County by more than 9,500 votes.

Falk seems to be canceling that deficit out with her showing in southeastern Wisconsin and Brown County. In the Milwaukee area, Falk was leading by 7,700 votes with 76 percent of the precincts in, according to a tally by WISN TV. Falk won Brown County by 2,900 votes.

-- JR Ross

81st AD: Travis says WMC Backing Proved Fatal for Sanders

Dave Travis said he was pretty confident he was going to be re-elected after he learned that the state’s largest business lobby was supporting his Dem primary opponent Henry Sanders.

“Everybody in politics understands that the WMC is the financial wing of the Republican Party. They’re not your Ma and Pa corner store,” said Travis in an interview following his victory over challenger Sanders tonight.

“They’re the people that finance all of the nasty campaigns against Democrats,” Travis added.

Sanders this week put out a release saying that he had not been endorsed by WMC and that he was not a Republican in disguise.

”We are disappointed,” Sanders said tonight after learning his fate. “We need to have new blood in the party. The only way we do that is by electing new leaders.”

Travis topped Sanders 58 percent to 42 percent with most precincts reporting.

”I’m not sure what my role is going to be now,” Sanders added, saying that he intended to get some much needed rest before he goes out and helps campaign for Gov. Jim Doyle.

-- By Alec Loftus.

GOP Primaries in 53rd, 89th, 98th

Rich Zipperer seems to have locked up the GOP race in the 98th Assembly District to fill the seat left vacant by the resignation of Scott Jensen. Zipperer, an aide to U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Pewaukee, had 55 percent of the vote with 79 percent of precincts reporting. Mike Maxwell was distant second with 15 percent of the vote.

In the 89th, former state Sen. Gary Drzewiecki had a sizeable lead in early returns. He had 68 percent of the vote over John Nygren with just less than half of the precincts in.

State Rep. Carol Owens seemed to be beating back a challenge from Richard Spanbauer. She had 53 percent of the vote with 78 percent of the precincts in.

-- JR Ross

8th CD: Nusbaum Calls Kagen to Congratulate Him, Wall Concedes

A spokeswoman for 8th CD Dem Nancy Nusbaum tells WisPolitics that Nusbaum recently called fellow Dem Steve Kagen to congratulate him for his primary showing.

With about 40 percent of precincts reporting district wide, Kagen held 43 percent of the vote, followed by Jamie Wall with 32 and Nusbaum with 23 percent.

Meanwhile Wall has delivered a concession speech to supporters at the Regency Suites in Green Bay.

-- By Alec Loftus

Bucher Concedes in GOP AG Primary

Paul Bucher has conceded defeat in his GOP AG primary with J.B. Van Hollen.

He called Van Hollen about 9:40 p.m. to inform his opponent about his decision, according to Van Hollen's campaign.

With about 35 percent of the vote in statewide, Van Hollen was polling about 60 percent.

-- JR Ross

SOS: Easy Victory for LaFollette

Dem activist Scot Ross conceded to his primary opponent Doug La
Follette shortly after media outlets called the secretary of state
primary race.

"(Ross) was very kind," La Follette said over the phone of his
opponent's concession, adding he was "very honored the voters of
Wisconsin" chose him to seek an eighth term in office.

Ross said in an interview that he told La Follette he's "there for
Democrats," and will support him in the general election where the
incumbent will face Republican Sandy Sullivan.

Ross rallied his supporters at Madison's Genna's Lounge, saying his
campaign did a "good job at raising the issue (of elections in the SOS
office), bringing enthusiasm, and raising the issue to protect the
right to vote."

One of Ross's main issues in the primary revolved around the SOS
office tackling voter and election issues.

With just above 93 percent of precincts reporting, La Follette had a
71 to 29 percent lead over Ross.

-- By Matt Dolbey

Early Waukesha County Returns

Paul Bucher has about 53 percent of the vote so far in his home base of Waukesha County. J.B. Van Hollen has about 45 percent of the vote there in the GOP AG primary. About half of the vote is in so far.

-- JR Ross

AP Declares Kohl, Gard Winners

The Associated Press has already declared Dem U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl and Republican 8th CD candidate John Gard the winners in their primaries. Both were pulling in about 80 percent of the vote in early returns.

-- JR Ross

8th CD: Gard to Deliver Victory Speech

Former Assembly Speaker John Gard has a ten-minute victory speech scheduled for 9:30 p.m. at the Rustic Rail in Green Bay where his supporters have been awaiting his arrival.

He cruised passed Appleton Rep. Terri McCormick to gain the 8th CD GOP Party nod tonight.

-- By Alec Loftus

Dane County Returns

With about two-thirds of the vote in from Dane County, AG Peg Lautenschlager is leading Kathleen Falk in the Dem primary with about 60 percent of the vote.

-- JR Ross

8th CD: Kagen Wins Brown County, Nusbaum Trails Dem Pack

With 100 percent of the precincts in Brown County reporting, Steve Kagen topped the Dem pack with 45 percent of the vote, followed by Jamie Wall with 35 percent and Nancy Nusbaum with 21 percent.

Brown County is the most populous district in the 8th CD.

Nusbaum formerly served as Brown County executive and mayor of De Pere, which also lies in Brown County.

Meanwhile on the GOP front, John Gard laid claim to 78 percent of the vote, while Terri McCormick received 22 percent.

-- By Alec Loftus

Polls Close

The polls are now closed across Wisconsin.

Gard Planning for Post-Primary Campaign

John Gard, the outgoing Assembly Speaker, is apparently feeling fairly confident about his chances in tonight's 8th CD GOP primary.

Earlier this afternoon, Gard's campaign sent an advisory to local media today about a campaign event tomorrow. At 10:30 a.m. at Nicolet Restaurant in De Pere, Gard will unveil a series proposed tax cut for seniors and their caregivers.

He faces fellow state Rep. Terri McCormick in today's Republican primary.

Poll: State on Wrong Track, Things Going Well Personally

State residents had a mixed outlook heading into the primary, according to a new poll for We The People.

Forty-five percent of state residents surveyed believed the state was on the wrong track. But 49 percent said things were going well for them personally and another 13 percent said things were excellent.

The poll of 400 residents was conducted by Wood Communications Group Aug. 24-29. The margin of error was plus or minus 5 percentage points.

The poll also found:
-32 percent think things will get better over next year, 44 percent believe they will stay the same and 21 percent say things will get worse
-51 percent say they have somewhat less money at the end of each month when considering the impact of price changes on their personal finances, and 57 percent say price changes have had a negative impact on their lives. The poll was taken just before the recent drop in gas prices began.

See the polling memo:http://www.wispolitics.com/index.iml?Article=71564

-- By JR Ross

Some Ballot Problems Reported in Milwaukee

Milwaukee County DA E. Michael McCann said there were reports of misprints on some ballots in Sen. Jeff Plale's district, but steps were being taken to rectify the problem.

Assistant DA Bruce Landgraf is in the field for the Milwaukee County DA's office, monitoring the polling places. McCann said the misprints seemed to involve a small number of ballots, and they have contacted the state Elections Board to rectify the problem.

"We are looking at what measures to undertake to ensure whatever is done is done as much as possible," McCann said. "If there needs to be a reexamination (of the ballots), that the materials are preserved."

Janice Dunn, administrator of the Milwaukee County Election Commission, said there hadn’t been any reports of problems in the rest of the county. Most of the calls the office received were inquiries about why voters couldn’t vote in the party primary for one race and the other party’s primary in another.

“That comes up every two years,” she said.

Also in Milwaukee, special ballots for people with disabilities mistakenly given to the general voting public at 15 to 20 polling places, according to the AP.

-- By Greg Bump

U.S. Elections Commission Chief Tours Wisconsin

Paul DeGregorio, chairman of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, says any problems Wisconsin has today with the new voter registration system are minor compared to other states.

DeGregorio toured several Wisconsin polling places today with Elections Board executive director Kevin Kennedy to see how firsthand progress on the implementation of new requirements to comply with the Help American Voting Act.

DeGregorio said one polling place was scrambling this morning to find an extension cord to plug in a new piece of equipment. Otherwise, things seemed to be going smoothly.

Kennedy and the board have been criticized by some for the contract with Accenture to develop the new voter list and delays. Wisconsin is one of several states that failed to meet a deadline earlier this year to have the system in place.

DeGregorio pointed out other states are in much worse shape. New York just sent out its RFP to create the voter registration list. He also pointed out problems today in Maryland, where one of the state's largest counties forgot to send poll books to 215 polling places.

"By comparison, Wisconsin is a piece of cake," DeGregorio said.

-- By JR Ross

Primary Election Scorecard

After the polls close at 8 p.m., go to the WisPolitics Primary Election Scorecard to see the results of top races.

Races tracked:
-- 8th Congressional District
-- 3rd CD
-- Attorney general
-- Secretary of state
-- State Senate districts: 23rd, 25th, 31st
-- State Assembly districts: 6th, 16th, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 29th, 49th, 53rd, 73rd, 81st, 83rd, 89th, 91st, 98th
-- Milwaukee County: Sheriff, DA

Primary Election News and Predictions

Primary predictions and news from Wisconsin bloggers and pundits:

• Owen Robinson - Boots and Sabers
• Jay Bullock - folkbum's rambles and rants
• Troy Fullerton - Rendezvous with Destiny
• Bill Christofferson - The Xoff Files
• Daniel Suhr - GOP3.com
• Kevin Binversie - Lakeshore Laments
• Charlie Sykes, Jeff Wagner - WTMJ (Podcast)
• Bob Dohnal - Wis. Conservative Digest

Are we missing any predictions? Send a note to schramm@wispolitics.com with ideas.

Primary stories from today's newspapers:

• The Capital Times: Candidates' voice mails flood phones; State law doesn't apply to politicians' messages
• Wisconsin State Journal: Candidates hustling for last-minute votes
• Appleton Post-Crescent: Voting begins in the Fox Valley
• Appleton Post-Crescent: Election campaigns not letting up; 8th Congressional District candidates will work until polls close today
• Appleton Post-Crescent: Primary narrows field in key local races today
• Appleton Post-Crescent: Thefts a sign of heated campaigns, No complaints filed with DA
• Appleton Post-Crescent: Winnebago voters try touch screens
• Wisconsin State Journal: Candidates hustling for last-minute votes
• Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: State predicts low turnout, Attorney general, U.S. House among today's primary races
• Channel 3000: Officials: Low Turnout Expected In Tuesday's Primary
• Green Bay Press-Gazette: 20-25% expected to decide races; 8th District could liven up primary
• MilwaukeeChannel.com: Today is Primary Election Day
• GM Today: For county Republicans, ultimate goal is unseating Democrats
• Wausau Daily Herald: Sheriff, DA races spark interest, County could see new DA after today's primary election
• Rivertowns.net: New voters play critical role in 29th Assembly race
• Eau Claire Leader-Telegram: Voting machines start up Tuesday, Devices have tools for disabled
• Superior Daily Telegram: Congress: GOP hopefuls Reid and Tyberg offer two conservative options in 7th CD
• Superior Daily Telegram: State Assembly: Challenger Meyers says incumbent Boyle has served long enough
• Superior Daily Telegram: Senate: Seasoned senator Jauch or businessman Kauther?
• Ashland Daily Press: Republicans square off in 74th District primary

AG, Mke. Sheriff: Sykes Urges GOP Listeners to Vote in Dem Primary

In Milwaukee, conservative radio host Charlie Sykes is urging Milwaukee County Republicans to vote on the Democratic ballot.

"If I lived in Milwaukee County, I would vote in the Democratic primary," Sykes said, but said he would vote in the Republican primary because he lives outside the county.

He was pushing a vote for Sheriff David Clarke, being challenged by Vince Bobot in the Dem primary, and also agreed with one conservative caller who said he voted for incumbent Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager, a Democrat, because she would be the weaker candidate in November.

AG: Candidates' Parties Spread Out Across State

The four candidates for attorney general have post-election parties scheduled in four different cities tonight. Incumbent Dem Peg Lautenschlager is in Fond du Lac, while challenger Kathleen Falk will be in Madison.

Republican Paul Bucher will be in Pewaukee while his opponent, J.B. Van Hollen, is in Waunakee.

Party locations:
*Lautenschlager: Theo's, Cream City Chop House, 24 N. Main, Fond du Lac
*Falk: Fyfe's Corner Bistro, 1344 E. Washington Ave., Madison
*Bucher: Country Springs Hotel, 2810 Golf Road, Pewaukee
*Van Hollen: Rex's Innkeeper, Waunakee

8th CD: Election-Night Parties Set in Appleton, Green Bay

Candidates in the 8th Congressional District have election-night parties scheduled in Green Bay and in Appleton after the polls close at 8 p.m.

Party locations:
*John Gard: Rustic Rail, 1966 Velp Ave., Green Bay
*Terri McCormick: The Wave, 2350 N. Casaloma Drive, Appleton
*Steve Kagen: Grand Ballroom, Paper Valley Hotel, 333 W. College Ave., Appleton
*Nancy Nusbaum: Tundra Lodge, 865 Lombardi Ave., Green Bay
*Jamie Wall: The Regency Suites, 333 Main St., Green Bay

SEB's Kennedy Predicts Up to 20 Percent Turnout

State Elections Board executive director Kevin Kennedy is predicting turnout in today's primary could be up to 20 percent, about 850,000 voters. Four years ago, turnout was 22 percent with a three-way Dem primary for governor. Kennedy said that race gave a bump to the overall turnout, but there isn't anything on this week's ballot that will likely have a similar effect on turnout.

Neither gubernatorial candidate has a primary challenger. That leaves the Dem and GOP primaries for AG as the top races in most districts. There are also contested primaries on both sides in the 8th Congressional District.

Wisconsin has about 4.26 million voters.

-- By JR Ross.

AG: Campaigns Work Hard on Last Day Before Primary

State campaigns were a flurry of last-minute activity going into Tuesday's primary, dropping lit pieces, running phone banks and making a last-minute pitch to voters.

GOP AG candidate Paul Bucher sent a Webmercial with testimonials from supporters to 500,000 e-mail addresses, according to his campaign. The campaign of his primary opponent, J.B. Van Hollen, said the former U.S. attorney sent nearly 300,000 pieces of mail this weekend with 35,000 more dropped off in person.

See a Van Hollen mailer

See the Bucher Webmercial

Dem AG candidates Kathleen Falk and Peg Lautenschlager also continued distributing lit to voters.

See the latest Lautenschlager mailer

See the Falk piece

-- By JR Ross.

AG: Three Candidates Running TV Ads Today

The campaigns didn't pull back from running TV ads today, the fifth anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

TV records reviewed by WisPolitics showed Kathleen Falk, Peg Lautenschlager and J.B. Van Hollen all had spots up today. Paul Bucher has not run TV ads.

Lautenschlager had a 30-second spot scheduled to run this morning during an ABC news special on the attacks, according to the reports. Lautenschlager campaign manager Greg Leifer said the campaign reserved the time during ABC's "Good Morning America" and there was no intention to have it run during a special on the attacks.

All three campaigns said they considered the anniversary before deciding to run the spots on the last day before the primary.

"We were obviously aware of the anniversary and like everyone in the country today, we respect and honor those who lost their lives that day, but life has to go on," Van Hollen consultant Brian Fraley wrote in an e-mail. "People still have to go to work and do their jobs and the campaign's job right now is to get our message out and voters to the polls tomorrow."

Both Gov. Jim Doyle and Republican Mark Green's campaigns also had air time reserved today, according to the reports.

-- By JR Ross.