Feehan hopes move to GOP leadership will impact party activity in Wisconsin

Republicans may be up against it this year in Wisconsin. At least, it seems that way among many political insiders, predicting the so-called ‘blue wave’ to sweep through the state this fall.

La Crosse County Republican Party chair Bill Feehan, however, may have something to say about that.

Feehan has just been picked to be vice chairman of the 3rd Congressional District of the Republican Party. That means he will have a say in state strategy for the party — even strategy for western Wisconsin.

“Absolutely, it has implications for our part of the state,” Feehan said. “I have long said that our part of the state is often forgotten.”

Feehan’s move could mean some possible changes for how his party’s candidates for office from western Wisconsin are treated.

“We are the majority makers here in Western Wisconsin,” Feehan said. “If we elect Democrats or Republicans, that determines who’s in control in our state, and too often we’re forgotten about and the candidates we put forward really aren’t given full support.”

Feehan was confirmed as vice chairman of the district over the weekend.

“It means a lot,” Feehan said. “It gives me a seat on the state executive committee of the Republican party so it puts me in a position to participate in the decisions on how we run the Republican party of Wisconsin.”

Feehan replaces Julian Bradley in the vice chair slot. Bradley, who recently waged a close but losing campaign for Wisconsin Secretary of State, is moving out of Wisconsin.