As Paul Ryan tries to unify the party nationally, he's up against a challenge in his home district. Ryan faces a Republican primary by political newcomer Paul Nehlen.
Who is he and why is he taking on the powerful long time Janesville Republican?
"He lit the fuse by championing this terrible, terrible trade deal," says Nehlen.
He is isn't just mad at Ryan, he wants his job.
"Paul Ryan took the trust that we gave him and he spent it on his special interest buddies," he said.
Nehlen launched his campaign in April with a slick social media ad. He criticized Ryan's support for the Trans Pacific Partnership or TPP trade agreement with pacific rim countries. Nehlen calls it a jobs killer and challenged Ryan.
"Why don't you come back to Wisconsin and debate me man-to-man face-to-face on the realities of TPP. If you don't want to debate me maybe we can arm wrestle," he said.
Nehlen says he's a manufacturing executive who moved to Wisconsin in 2008. He donated to Gov. Scott Walker and Attorney General Brad Schimel.He says he made calls to help reelect Ryan and voted for him in 2014. Former VP candidate Sarah Palin says she's backing Nehlen's campaign.
When asked, how are people going to weigh your principles your character, when they don't know who is Paul Nehlen?
Nehlen said, "Follow along, follow along."
This week Nehlen was in Texas talking with law enforcement about border security and the massive amount of drugs coming into the United States.
"It's killing people in Wisconsin right now. We have to put a stop to that," said Nehlen. "Paul Ryan has had 18 years to secure that border. He has failed," he said.
Zack Roday with Ryan's campaign sent TODAY'S TMJ4 a statement: "People in southern Wisconsin know Paul Ryan and they know what he stands for. Janesville is his home and his commitment will always be to the people he represents."
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