UPDATE AT END OF POST

The Walker for Governor Campaign released a string of emails it says suggest that the Mark Neumann camp is spreading rumors that Walker is about to bow out of the governor's race.. The email string is below. By the way, Jill Bader and I are NOT related.

Hi all –
Below are some emails I wanted to share. 

Apparently, Mark Neumann and his campaign has been spreading ridiculous lies not only to the press, but to Wisconsin citizens contacting their campaign, saying that Scott is dropping out of the race.  Wow.

The overwhelming support for Scott Walker across Wisconsin must have made Mark Neumann pretty desperate to make such an outrageous claim.

Jill
Jill Bader
Communications Director
Friends of Scott Walker

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Derek Ellerman <derek@markforgov.com>
Date: Wed, Mar 24, 2010 at 8:32 PM
Subject: Re: Dear Mr Neumann
To: XXXX
XXXX,
 
We are increasingly hearing a rumor that because of Mark’s recent and continued insurgence in the polls, and the mass defection of his donors to the Neumann campaign, Scott Walker is going to switch to the Lt. Governor ticket and support Mark Neumann for Governor. Since Mark has limited himself to two-terms, Walker will naturally run for the governorship in 2018.
 
On Wed, Mar 24, 2010 at 8:21 PM, XXXX> wrote:
Thank you for your prompt response.  Please keep me in mind in case Mr. Neumann decides to change direction.  I would be a devoted and enthusiastic supporter and volunteer.
On Tue, Mar 23, 2010 at 2:59 PM, Derek Ellerman <derek@markforgov.com> wrote:
XXXX,
 
Mark is running for Governor, and plans to win. You can find his reasoning here: http://markforgov.com/blog/view/MarkNeumann/107/Why-I-am-Running-for-Governor. Thank you for taking the time to contact us, as well as your kind words.
On Mon, Mar 22, 2010 at 7:44 PM, XXXX wrote:
Dear Mr. Neumann,
 
I had the opportunity to hear you speak at XXXXX.  Your commitment to the people of the state of Wisconsin and your fiscally conservative ideas are exactly what this state needs. 
 
My purpose in writing today is to respectfully ask you to shift the direction of your passion and enthusiasm and help the citizens of our state by challenging Russ Feingold in the November election.   
 
We need you now, more than ever, with all of the outrageous things going on in Washington.  Everyone I speak to is ready to support you in any way they can – financially and volunteer hours.  We can make this happen.
 
Switching the focus of your current campaign, to help us get the meaningful representation in Washington is vital to us taking back control. Our Senate representatives are not listening to the people.  We need you to help get our extremely fragile economy back on track. 
 
Again, please understand that I am writing with the utmost respect for you and your ideals.  We need you to beat Feingold.  I hope that I get the opportunity to

XXXX

--
Derek Ellerman
Mark Neumann for Governor
 

From: Jill Bader [mailto:JillB@scottwalker.org]
Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2010 3:45 PM
To: XXXX
Subject: RE: rumor
No.  he will not. 
 
From: XXXX
Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2010 3:44 PM
To: JillB@scottwalker.org
Subject: RE: rumor
 
Okay, thanks. So to put this totally to rest, Scott will not be suddenly switching to a race for Senate, correct? Not writing anything, just want to have this on the record. Thanks, X
 
XXXX
State Capitol reporter

Wisconsin State Journal
 
 

From: Jill Bader [mailto:JillB@scottwalker.org]
Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2010 3:39 PM
To: XXXX
Subject: RE: rumor
Ha, ok – Honestly it’s so ridiculous -  the only person talking about this “rumor” is Mark Neumann, to which I contend there should be mandatory drug testing for people running for Governor of Wisconsin.   You can even quote me on that.

From: XXXX
Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2010 2:41 PM
To: JillB@scottwalker.org
Subject: rumor
 
Mark Neumann told me he's heard a rumor that Walker might switch over to the Senate race. How do you respond? Thanks, X
XXXX
State Capitol reporter
Wisconsin State Journal
 
 
Jill Bader
Communications Director
Friends of Scott Walker

UPDATED: RESPONSE FROM CHRIS LATO OF THE NEUMANN CAMPAIGN:

Derek is not available to comment.

To answer your general questioning, this was an email sent by a couple
of junior staffers, including Derek. To the best of my knowledge the
email went to a total of 3 people.

Mark respects that Scott Walker has no plans to run for Lt. Governor.
In fact, Mark received a gracious email from Scott last night that
indicated Scott will not be running for L.G.

Out of respect to Scott, Mark will see to it that this does not happen again.

Thanks,
Chris Lato