Former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson looks increasingly vulnerable in his bid for the Republican nomination in the state’s U.S. Senate race, a new poll released Tuesday night shows.
In a new survey from Democratic-leaning Public Policy Polling (PPP), businessman and upstart Eric Hovde leads the field, earning the support of 28 percent of likely Republican primary voters. Thompson finds himself tied for second with former U.S. House Rep. Mark Neumann at 25 percent. State Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald picks up 13 percent. The primary election will be held on August 14, with the winner slated to take on Democratic U.S. House Rep. Tammy Baldwin in the general election.
Once a heavy hitter among Wisconsin Republicans, Thompson has struggled to win over a new generation of conservatives in the Badger State. Thompson served as governor of the state from 1987 until 2001, when he assumed the role of Secretary of Health and Human Services under former President George W. Bush.
The PollTracker Average currently shows Thompson holding a 5-point lead over Hovde, 32.7-27.7 percent.
