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But in the last year in Wisconsin, conservative candidates who once would have been fringe figures have capitalized of the national voter dissatisfaction. "Conservatives have really revitalized the Republican Party," said pollster.com co-developer Charles Franklin, a University of Wisconsin political science professor. Walker said his conservative message resonates with voters angry over the federal stimulus, health care reform, and Wisconsin's ongoing budget woes. "The left has clearly overreached," Walker said. In the end, it's not clear how many, if any, of these races Republicans will actually win. Democrats still have significant advantages, including a formidable campaign organization. Feingold is still considered the front-runner in his race. But the conservatives' momentum so far has attracted attention. Their bid has been aided somewhat by luck. The unexpected retirement of liberal Rep. David Obey after 41 years in office may have improved their chances. The leading Republican candidate for his seat is tea party supporter Sean Duffy, a district attorney and former cast member of MTV's "The Real World" who has raised $400,000 and been endorsed by Sarah Palin. Another tea party devotee, Ron Johnson, a political unknown who owns an Oshkosh plastics business, surprised many by beating out prominent Republican Dick Leinenkugel and other well-funded competitors for the Republican endorsement to face Feingold. In another House district, five Republican candidates are vying in the September primary to challenge Democrat Steve Kagen. Wisconsin Democratic Party Chairman Mike Tate said he thinks the state remains basically Democratic. But his Republican counterpart, Reince Priebus, says the GOP finally seems to be back on its feet here after getting "absolutely clobbered" in recent elections. This time, "We've reached the point in this state and this country where people feel the wind's at our backs for the first time in a long time."
[Associated
Press;
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