Wisconsin Republicans agree on 'no endorsement' option

MIDDLETON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Republicans agreed Saturday to have a “no endorsement” option when voting on whether to throw the party's official backing behind a candidate in the hotly contested governor's race.

The top candidates in the governor's race were slated to make their pitch later Saturday for an endorsement to more than 1,500 delegates attending the annual convention near Madison. But first, under pressure from those who argued the party shouldn't back any candidate before the Aug. 9 primary, delegates voted to have an option of not endorsing.

Winning the endorsement requires support from 60% of delegates.

The party’s endorsement is important because it unlocks funding from the state party, which can then spend as much as it wants on the winner. Being united is all the more important when facing an incumbent such as Gov. Tony Evers in a race that’s a top priority for Democrats nationally.

The Republican Party has endorsed candidates since 2009, including the past three governor's races. Winning that backing was crucial to U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson's win in his first race in 2010. Johnson, who is up for reelection this year, focused his speech not on Democrats running against him but instead defending his record and attacking the media.

“I can’t even breathe without them taking my exhalation and distorting and twisting it," Johnson said of the media. “My race is literally about the truth versus lies and distortion.”

He called for Republicans to unify to “defeat the radical left,” likening the upcoming election to the American Revolution and a “fight for freedom.” Johnson called on Republicans to run on issues such as backing law enforcement, growing the economy and protecting the border.

The gubernatorial candidates are former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch, who...