The WRA board of directors voted to endorse former governor Tommy G. Thompson for U.S. Senate in the November 6 election. The board’s decision followed unanimous recommendations by the WRA Political Strategy Group (PSG) and the trustees of the REALTORS^® Political Action Committee (RPAC). This recommendation has been submitted to the NAR-RPAC trustees for final approval.

During his 14 years as Wisconsin governor, Tommy Thompson was a strong supporter of REALTOR^® issues. Thompson held the line on taxes, especially property taxes, and supported legislation that promoted economic development and a strong housing market. Here’s a partial list of Thompson’s support on key REALTOR^® issues.

• Capital gains tax: In Thompson’s first year as governor, the legislature tried to eliminate the state 60 percent capital gains tax exclusion. The WRA and other business groups opposed this move, and Thompson maintained the 60 percent exclusion through his executive veto.
• Uniformity clause: During Thompson’s 14 years as governor, two serious attempts were made to amend the Wisconsin Constitution’s uniform taxation clause to allow the legislature to target “property tax relief” to residential and agricultural property at the expense of commercial, industrial, second home and multifamily property owners. With Thompson’s help, the WRA and the business community defeated both efforts to allow legislators to decide who should “pay” for other’s “property tax relief.”
• Property taxes: The 1995-1997 state budget bill contained the most significant property tax relief ever adopted in Wisconsin at the time. The budget shifted $1.2 billion of school costs off the property tax to the state — without raising other state taxes. The result was a 12 percent statewide average reduction in total property taxes. Also, Thompson placed permanent cost controls on local government and schools in an effort to reduce the overall burden of property taxes. 
• Fraudulent representation: Thompson signed legislation that clarified that REALTORS^® cannot be held liable for misrepresentations made by sellers or other third parties in a transaction. This was perhaps the most significant REALTOR^® protection of the past 25 years. Thompson signed this into law over the active and loud opposition of then-Attorney General Jim Doyle.
• Septic system regulations: Thompson supported and signed into law legislation that exempted septic systems from overly stringent and unworkable nitrate standards contained in the groundwater law, and repealed the DNR’s authority to veto septic-related rules promulgated by other state agencies. This change dramatically improved housing affordability and saved rural property owners tens of thousands of dollars for replacement systems. The new technology improved the environment as well.
• Regulation of home inspectors: Thompson supported and signed into law new regulations that required home inspectors to obtain a state registration with the former Department of Regulation and Licensing, pass a competency exam, and take ongoing continuing education requirements. The WRA fully supported this legislation.
• Taxes: During Thompson’s 14 years as governor, he cut income tax rates three times and eliminated the state inheritance tax in 1987.

REALTORS^® Support Thompson

Similar to the governor’s race in 2010 and 2012, the WRA commissioned a professional survey of the membership to determine members’ opinions and candidate preferences. The 2012 U.S. Senate survey was conducted by Public Opinion Strategies (POS), a nationally recognized polling firm the WRA has used for nearly 20 years. The online survey was sent to every REALTOR^® in Wisconsin, more than once, with 1,336 responding. The poll was conducted from August 17-24, 2012, and has a 2.68 percent margin of error. The survey found overwhelming support by REALTORS^® across Wisconsin for Tommy Thompson. 

Almost 70 percent of WRA members think the association should endorse in the upcoming U.S. Senate election. Question: “Should the Wisconsin REALTORS^® Association endorse a candidate in the U.S. Senate election?”
Total Endorse 68%
Total Not Endorse 31%
Total Undecided 10%

WRA members strongly support Tommy Thompson for U.S. Senate. Question: “If the election for U.S. Senator here in Wisconsin were being held today, for whom would you vote if the election were between Tommy Thompson, Republican, and Tammy Baldwin, Democrat?”
Total Thompson 68%
Total Baldwin 22%
Total Undecided 10%

Wisconsin REALTORS^® think the nation is headed in the wrong direction. Question: “Generally speaking, would you say that things here in Wisconsin/the country are going in the right direction, or have they pretty seriously gotten on the wrong track?”
Total Right Direction 24%
Total Wrong Track 76%

Support for Thompson came from every local association. Question: “If the WRA decides to endorse a candidate, should they endorse ...”
Milwaukee DMA

• Thompson 70%
• Baldwin 18%

• Thompson 53%
• Baldwin 31%

• Thompson 74%
• Baldwin 10%

• Thompson 67%
• Baldwin 13%

• Thompson 68%
• Baldwin 16%

As the survey shows, Thompson’s support among WRA members is clear and overwhelming. His record on REALTOR^® issues during his time in the governor’s office was the critical difference between Thompson and his opponent in this race, Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin. Baldwin is a genuinely nice person and has always been willing to meet with REALTOR^® constituents to discuss our issues; but it’s Thompson’s record as governor that sets him apart.

The WRA endorsed Tommy Thompson for governor when his first ran in 1986, which was the first time the WRA endorsed a candidate for governor. We did so based on his strong support for REALTOR^® issues. Now, we have endorsed Tommy again, like we have in all the elections between based on real estate-related issues. While other, non-real estate issues will certainly be important considerations for REALTORS^® at the polls on November 6, our recommendation is based on business and economic issues critical to homeowners, property owners and REALTORS^® in Wisconsin. It’s clear that a large majority of WRA members support Tommy Thompson and the WRA board’s decision to endorse him in 2012.

We urge you to support Thompson on November 6.

Joe Murray is Director of Political and Governmental Affairs for the WRA.