Donald Trump-backed businessman Tim Michels on Aug. 9 defeated former Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch, endorsed by Mike Pence, in Wisconsin’s GOP gubernatorial primary.
With 76 percent of the votes counted at 11:46 p.m., Michels received 47 percent of the vote, and Kleefisch received 43 percent, according to The Associated Press.
Kleefisch was backed by Pence along with former Wisconsin Republican Gov. Scott Walker and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas).
A former TV news anchor, she served for two terms as lieutenant governor under Walker, who had enthusiastically campaigned for her.
Kleefisch launched a generously funded campaign last September and raced to a commanding lead over lesser-known opponents. Her name recognition as lieutenant governor for Walker helped….