It’s Zunker vs. Tiffany

Tuesday primary victors now head to May 12 election

State Sen. Tom Tiffany, Minocqua, on Tuesday swept 26 counties across the Seventh Congressional District to beat challenger Jason Church, Hudson, in a Republican special primary to replace Rep. Sean Duffy.

Tiffany will face Tricia Zunker, Wausau, who easily defeated Lawrence Dale in Tuesday’s Democratic primary. A special election is set for May 12.

In Marathon County, Tiffany got 57 percent of the vote, which was typical to how the candidate fared across the Northwoods. Tiffany’s best county was Langlade where he captured 71 percent of the vote. Church’s best county was Clark, where he earned 49 percent of that county’s support.

In Marathon County, Tiffany swept all local villages and townships except one. He and Church tied at 13 votes apiece in the village of Fenwood.

In other election results, Edgar School District voters turned down a $650,000 operational referendum, 453 to 530.

The referendum passed in the villages of Edgar and Fenwood, but generally was defeated in the surrounding townships. Voters in the town of Cleveland tied 4-4 on the school referendum.

Dr. Cari Guden released a statement following the referendum defeat. “On behalf of the School District of Edgar, I would like to thank each and every one of you that went to the polls to vote,” she said. “The unofficial count shows that the referendum has failed. As a school district, we will reconvene to determine our next steps. The school board will communicate future plans with the community as the plans unfold.”

Incumbent Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Daniel Kelly and Dane County Judge Jill Karofsky were victors in Tuesday’s primary, both statewide and in Marathon County. Marquette law professor Ed Fallone was defeated.