Game on: No challenges for Arthur Kohl-Riggs

Arthur Kohl-Riggs outside the GAB on April 9.It’s a done deal. Arthur Kohl-Riggs has presented enough valid signatures to run against Gov. Scott Walker in the Republican primary of the recall election on May 8.

It’s a done deal. Arthur Kohl-Riggs has presented enough valid signatures to run against Gov. Scott Walker in the Republican primary of the recall election on May 8.

The Government Accountability Board (GAB) validated 2182 of Kohl-Riggs’ nomination signatures on Wednesday April 10. There were no challenges to any of the signatures as of 4:45pm Friday April 13 when the challenge period ended.

Kohl-Riggs is running as a “Progressive Republican” in an effort to bring the Party of Lincoln and “Fighting” Bob LaFollette back to it’s pro-labor, abolitionist roots. His unconventional candidacy has been embraced by a diverse group of Republicans, Democrats, Independents and others not associated with any political party or agenda.

According to John Nichols in a recent op-ed in The Cap Times, “Kohl-Riggs is a real Republican, a true champion of the party of Abraham Lincoln and Robert M. La Follette.”

The candidate bristles at the suggestion that he is not a Republican, and adds, ”Scott Walker is the fake Republican.”

Kohl-Riggs’ platform is a “living” document that reflects the needs and input of his future constituents.

Arthur Kohl-Riggs at the WI State Capitol statue of Gen. Hans Christian Heg, Civil War hero and abolitionist.

The buzz surrounding Kohl-Riggs’ run for office picked up steam immediately with the celebrity endorsement of Ian Murphy, of The Beast, who successfully embarrassed Gov. Scott Walker last year by impersonating billionaire David Koch in a telephone call.

This is Kohl-Riggs’ first run for public elected office, and he plans to rely heavily on social media to get his message to the voters. He looks forward to debating the incumbent Gov. Walker before the primary election, although no date has been set for such an event.

The GAB Board meets Tuesday April 17 at 9am to certify candidates for the primary election. GAB officials informed Kohl-Riggs late Friday that his name should appear on the ballot.

Let the campaign begin.

UPDATE: Kohl-Riggs was certified as a candidate by the GAB Board Tuesday April 17.  The primary election is May 8.

Read more about Arthur Kohl-Riggs at Defend Wisconsin.