Neumann concedes, endorses Tommy Thompson - WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports |

BROOKFIELD (WXOW) -- Former U.S. Representative Mark Neumann conceded in the Republican Senate race Tuesday night and endorsed Tommy Thompson.

State Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald has also conceded.

Neumann told his supporters that their work is not done and he encouraged them to help defeat Democratic Senate candidate Tammy Baldwin. Neumann calls Baldwin "somewhere out to the left of Barack Obama in never never land."

The Republican race was the only statewide contest in Tuesday's primary. The seat is open due to the retirement of Democratic Sen. Herb Kohl.

The former Congressman cast hit ballot in the primary election in Oconomowoc Tuesday morning. He was joined by his family.

After voting, Neumann talked about Mitt Romney's Vice Presidential choice, Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan. Neumann thinks the choice was good for Wisconsin, and the U.S. Senate candidates.

"I think Paul Ryan has helped us in that I've worked with Paul before," Neumann said. "The last time I did work with Paul closely we balanced the budget. And with him in the White House and me in the Senate, I think we can do it again."

All four of the Republican candidates changed their schedules this weekend to see Ryan and Romney in Wisconsin. Neumann says it was a good opportunity to shake hands and meet new people.