Democrat Concedes In Senate Primary, But Won’t Support Opponent In General Election

A Democrat who came up on the losing end of a close-fought state Senate primary said he won’t challenge the results of a recount, but won’t support the winner of the primary in November either.

Ernie Wittwer was a candidate in the Democratic primary election in a southwestern Wisconsin district that has been represented by retiring state Sen. Dale Schultz, R-Richland Center, for more than 20 years.

Wittwer said that he’s convinced there was no way for him to win a court challenge against the recount results that left his opponent Pat Bomhack up by a total of 33 votes in the primary. He added that he won’t support Bomhack in the general election: He believes that that the attorney from Spring Green only won the race because of backing from Senate Majority Leader Chris Larson.

“The Democrats from Madison messing in this primary has just made a whole bunch of people really upset,” said Wittwer.

Wittwer said he expected Bomhack would get “creamed” by Republican Howard Marklein in the general election.

Bomhack did not return a call this afternoon seeking comment.

The 17th State Senate District that will soon be vacated by Schultz is a must-win for Democrats if they hope to have any chance of regaining a Senate majority.