Brian Fraley, occasional guest host for WISN radio and former "Milwaukee's Next Talk Star" contestant, has been effectively banned by afternoon radio personality Mark Belling from filling in for him. Belling, after joking about about his recent substitutes while he was on vacation, explained he never would have allowed Fraley to use his program as a platform had he known Fraley was considering a primary election run against Republican State Senator Tom Reynolds.
Belling then went even further, saying he would actively oppose Fraley if Fraley did enter in a primary race against Reynolds. Calling Reynolds "quirky", Belling explained that at least he was a reliable conservative in the State Senate. Belling also pledged to uncover who it was trying to encourage Fraley to run.
Fraley has confirmed he has been talked to about running, but he declines to say by whom.
I've already stated why such a primary challenge would be very difficult. I would add that if there is a successful primary challenge, the state senate seat becomes vulnerable to being lost to the Democrats. reynolds brings a large number of conservatives to the polls in that district that could easily be discouraged from voting in the general election should Reynolds lose the primary. That may be enough to provide the margin of victory for the Democrats.
It may also hurt Republicans in the governor's race. The last thing the state GOP needs is for a segment of the Republican party to be further dispirited by the leadership. Regardless of whether it's Walker or Green, they will need those Reynolds voters and they will need those Reynolds volunteers come next November.
