MADISON (WKOW) – Rep. Dana Wachs announced Friday morning that he is suspending his campaign for governor and endorsing Tony Evers in the Democratic primary. This is the second candidate this week to drop out. Milwaukee businessman Andy Gronik announced Thursday he's stepping down.
“I have spent my life dedicated to serving my neighbors, friends, and the people of the great state of Wisconsin. That commitment led me to run for governor, and it is the same commitment that now requires I stand aside."
Wachs received 2% of the votes on the latest Marquette Law School Poll released this week. Tony Evers topped his competition with a quarter of the votes at 25%.
“Now is the time for unity. Now is the time to fight for Wisconsin’s future. That is why I’m proud to endorse Tony Evers for governor. He is a good man and a tireless advocate for our schools, workers, and families. Wisconsinites clearly agree, since Tony has been elected State Superintendent three times, most recently winning 70 of 72 Wisconsin counties just over one year ago. I believe that Tony will lead Wisconsin with honor and integrity,” said Rep. Wachs.
“Dana's been a longtime loyal public servant who always represented the people of Wisconsin. He ran a good, clean campaign, and I'm honored to have his support in this race. Dana's campaign has proudly led the charge against Foxconn -- a harmful package that invests over $4 billion dollars in a foreign corporation, while communities across Wisconsin continue to be left behind by Governor Walker. But I know together, with Dana's help, we can beat back the special interests, win in August and beat Scott Walker in November,” said Tony Evers.
“This decision was one of the most difficult ones I’ve made in my life. To say that I am grateful for the support of my wife, Beverly Wickstrom, my children, and my campaign team is an understatement. Their support inspired me and challenged me over the last year of this campaign. “
The Republicans are eager to see the Democratic candidates tear each other apart in a nine-way primary. I will not give them that satisfaction. I believe Tony is the best person to defeat Scott Walker in November, and I am proud to endorse him for governor.”
“My work to elect a Democratic governor is not done. Like the millions of Wisconsinites across this state, I will continue to work to defeat Walker. “
"With Tony leading our team, we are going to make Wisconsin schools the best in the nation again. We are going to fully fund our public K-12 schools, colleges, and universities. We are going to respect teachers again and pay them a fair wage. "