Petersen wins GOP primary

Republican voters choose incumbent

By Robert Cloud

State Rep. Kevin Petersen defeated challenger Duane Wilson in the Republican primary Tuesday, Aug. 13.

Petersen received a total of 6,156 votes against Wilson’s 3,606 votes to clinch the nomination for the 57th Assembly District. He garnered 63% of the vote.

Within Waupaca County, Petersen received 2,704 votes to Wilson’s 1,861.

The district encompasses most of the southern part of Waupaca County, nearly all of Waushara County, and parts of Outagamie, Portage and Adams counties.

The Waupaca County Republican Party had endorsed Wilson and filed an ethics complaint against Petersen with the Wisconsin Elections Commission.

Joel Bartel, the Waupaca County GOP chair, accused the state Republican Party of endorsing Petersen in violation of the party’s state constitution.

The state GOP denied the allegations, noting that the state party’s disclaimer on an in-kind campaign mailer did not constitute an endorsement.

Petersen will face Democrat Ruth Caves and independent Dylan Testin in the general election on Nov. 5.