MADISON, Wis. — Lieutenant Governor Mandela. Barnes, whom polls suggest has a slight lead in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate, welcomed the decision of Tom Nelson to quit the race. Said Barnes: “I deeply respect Tom Nelson’s commitment to the working people in this state. I’m thankful for his endorsement” Barnes said it will take Democrats coming together in every corner of the state to defeat Ron Johnson, the two-term Republican incumbent. The Senate seat is pivotal to both Democrats and Republicans for control of the U.S. Senate.

Earlier: Nelson, outspent, drops U.S. Senate bid

Marquette Poll update

The respected Marquette Poll found in June that Ron Johnson was vulnerable but still leading. The poll asked preferences in these hypothetical matchups:

> Johnson led Mandela Barnes 46% to 44%. Within the poll’s statistical margin of error.

> Johnson led Sarah Godlewski 45% to 43%. Within the margin of error.

> Johnson led Alex Lasry 45% to 42%. Within the margin of error.

> Johnson led Nelson 44% to 43%. Within the margin of error.

The poll was in June before news broke that Johnson had been seen as a stooge in President Trump’s campaign to pressure Vice President Mike Pence to decertify the November 2020 election.