Kevin Nicholson wins GOP Debate

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) Wisconsin hosted the first GOP Primary debate between Marine Kevin Nicholson and State Senator Leah Vukmir. The debate was held on Vukmir’s home turf in Waukesha, Wisconsin at the Country Springs Hotel.

AFP live streamed the video on Facebook.

Nicholson showed a command of the federal issues and regularly criticized the DC swamp and how he would stand up to leadership and beat Sen. Tammy Baldwin. Vukmir focused on the past and her record in the State Senate. Nicholson focused on the future and how his background in business and in the Marines makes him different- the type of leadership Wisconsin wants. Vukmir kept referring to her votes in Madison.

The debate got heated at the end when Vukmir took a “personal affront” to Nicholson echoing Mark Belling’s comments about the political class in Madison losing the Screnock Supreme Court race.

When Vukmir questioned Nicholson’s record and attacking his Democratic past, Kevin said his record was serving his country. Nicholson said, “I would look to the battlefields of Iraq & Afghanistan…that doesn’t mean much to some politicians.” Sen. Vukmir interrupted there and later said, “That was a very very low blow to say that I don’t respect you…I respect you…That was really a low blow on your part and I ask you to apologize.” Nicholson responded that he felt respected by her.

Sen. Vukmir clearly was upset at the end of the debate and misquoted what Nicholson had said. Nicholson did not say that Vukmir or anyone didn’t respect him. He said “that[his service] doesn’t mean much to some politicians.” So she was asking him to apologize for something he never said.

Nicholson was the clear winner of the GOP Debate.

Here was the reaction on Twitter:

Democrats focused their fire on Kevin Nicholson: