Wisconsin Republicans try to confront party divisions, calls for unity at state convention

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ROTHSCHILD Wis. (CBS 58) -- Wisconsin Republicans tried to confront party divisions during their annual state convention after another double-digit defeat. 

This year's convention comes amid some finger pointing at party leadership and growing frustration at how Republicans perform in non-presidential years.

Many top Republicans, including Senator Ron Johnson, told convention-goers the only way to win is to unite the party.

"You're not going to win being disunified," Johnson told a crowd in Rothschild during the two-day convention.

Johnson urged Republicans to put their differences aside to create a pathway to victory when President Donald Trump is not on the ballot.

"That is a problem we must address, because—let's face it—as much as many of us want Donald Trump to be on the ballot again, he won't be," said Johnson. "That's just the hard truth, and we're going to have to figure that out."

In April, conservative Brad Schimel lost by 10-points to his liberal opponent Susan Crawford in the state Supreme Court matchup.  It marked Republicans' 15th loss in the last 19 statewide elections since Donald Trump took office in 2017.

Some have pointed blame at state GOP chairman Brian Schimming after April's defeat and have called on him to step down.

Party Infighting

During the convention, some Republicans considered bringing forth a "no confidence" vote in Schimming after serving as chairman since December of 2022.

Ultimately, that effort never came to fruition.

After conservatives lost in April, a handful of Republicans told CBS 58 they lost faith in Schimming's leadership and want him to resign.

Schimming downplayed those concerns and told reporters he plans to finish his two-year term.

"Sometimes you have defeats, and people get upset with leadership — that happens. And I understand that," Schimming said. "But the idea is to keep growing and moving forward."

Some county chairs have questioned Schimming's ability to fundraise and change the direction of the party.

Schimming acknowledged political headwinds the party faces during spring elections. It’s why the chairman said he launched a post-election analysis after liberals maintained control of the state's high court with Susan Crawford's victory in April.

The chairman said the review will evaluate things such as message, field operations, spending, advertising and more.

"Get Rid" of Spring Elections

Republicans have struggled to compete with high-Democratic turnout during spring elections.

Rep. Derrick Van Orden, WI-3rd, said the problem is many Republicans don't show up and vote in those contests.

When asked how to fix that, Van Orden told CBS 58, he thinks Wisconsin should "get rid" of spring elections.

"I think these guys should get rid of that and fold it into a midterm or a four year-cycle," Van Orden said. "It makes no sense for us to have three elections a year."

"There is exhaustion from the previous election and it's just not functional."

Democratic State Convention 

Next month, Democrats will convene for their state convention on June 14-15th.

Members will be tasked with electing their next leader. Ben Wikler will step down as chairman after serving six years in the role. 

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