Political newcomer Paul Nehlen, challenging Paul Ryan, hoping for underdog win
KENOSHA — A political newcomer is hoping for an improbable underdog victory against the highest-ranking Republican in the country.
Republican Paul Nehlen is challenging House Speaker Paul Ryan in Wisconsin's primary August 9th. It's Nehlen's first political campaign.
Nehlen hopes to tap the same voter unrest fueling Donald Trump's rise. He is running to the right of Ryan, but faces huge obstacles in defeating the popular 18-year incumbent.
Ryan has a massive financial advantage, high approval ratings, and a lifetime in the southern Wisconsin district where Nehlen has lived just eight years.
Ryan says he's not that concerned about his primary challenger. The Janesville native says the people in his district "know who I am, what I do, and how and why I fight for them."