Wisconsin Voters Reject GOP Ballot Measures, Set Stage for Senate Showdown

Wisconsin voters turned down Republican-proposed constitutional amendments that would limit the governor's power to allocate federal relief funds. The measures were opposed by Democrats, led by Governor Tony Evers, and supported by Republicans seeking more oversight. Additionally, Eric Hovde won the GOP Senate primary, setting up a showdown with Democrat Tammy Baldwin.

Wisconsin voters have rejected Republican-authored ballot questions that would have limited the governor's power to spend federal money that comes to the state for disaster relief or any other crisis, unless it's already earmarked. The constitutional amendments were placed on the ballot by the GOP-controlled Legislature.

Democrats, including Gov Tony Evers, and a host of liberal groups and others organized against the amendments. They had argued adopting them would slow down the distribution of money when it needs to be spent quickly. But Republican backers argued the measures would have added more oversight and serve as a check on the governor's powers.

Additionally, Wisconsin voters set the field in a closely watched Senate contest Tuesday, with Republican businessman Eric Hovde easily winning Wisconsin's Republican Senate primary. Hovde, riding the strength of former President Donald Trump's endorsement, faced only nominal opposition and has been running as the presumptive nominee for months. He's already spent at least $13 million of his own money on the race to knock off Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin, who is running unopposed in her party's primary as she seeks a third term.

(With inputs from agencies.)