But they also could be read as an implicit critique of Trump, whose tone and approach to politics are far more slashing and confrontational than Ryan’s. No doubt, Trump’s tepid endorsement of Ryan put the final nail in Nehlen’s coffin, but he never really had a chance to begin with. “Janna and I are grateful to have the support of so many in southern Wisconsin, and we are truly thankful for all of their hard work”.
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As Ryan romped to victory Tuesday night, Democrat Ryan Solen, a U.S. Army veteran from Mount Pleasant, won his party’s primary to advance to the general election in the 1st District. “I know Paul will continue to articulate his vision for a confident and strong America, and I look forward to seeing him return to Congress for another term as Speaker of the House”. The Ryan camp largely didn’t react to Nehlen’s attacks during the race.
Ryan, speaking to the press after his Tuesday Wisconsin primary win, said he hadn’t heard the Republican nominee’s remarks, claiming he “only heard about those comments”. That stuff sells, but it doesn’t stick.
Trump touched off a firestorm last Tuesday when he refused to endorse Ryan for re-election.
In particular, this rowdy branch of the GOP – a constellation of populist right-wing websites, pundits and strategists – wanted to make a statement on illegal immigration, an issue they see as central to Trump’s success and mishandled by Ryan, who has encouraged immigration reform.
Ryan’s race was the unexpected focus just a week after GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump threw a burst of publicity toward his little-known and inexperienced opponent, Paul Nehlen. At the time, Trump said he “wasn’t ready” to endorse Ryan, but backpedaled last week by announcing his support for the House Speaker at a rally in Wisconsin.
Nehlen relished the attention from Trump and conservative media outlets. In one video, he even rode his Harley-Davidson, showed his tattoos, and challenged Ryan to an arm wrestling match. He attracted the support of some anti-establishment figures on the right, including 2008 vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin and commentator Ann Coulter. But Ryan, who had downplayed the challenge, easily handled the businessman, with a almost 70-point win based on early returns. But with memories of the 2014 primary defeat of the House majority leader, Eric Cantor, still fresh, Mr. Ryan had worked in recent weeks to avoid any electoral surprise. Ryan spent significantly on TV ads and enjoyed the support of party leaders, GOP elected officials and talk radio hosts, a major force in Republican politics in southeastern Wisconsin.
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Clinton is leading in national opinion polls in the race for the November 8 election.
