Retired Farmer Holds Senate GOP Primary Lead

A retired dairy farmer who said he would spend only $16 on his tongue-in-cheek campaign held an early lead over a millionaire corporate consultant Tuesday for the Republican nomination to challenge Vermont Sen. Patrick J. Leahy.

It was the highlight of primary voting in four states, including New Hampshire, Wisconsin and Arizona, that decided nominations for four U.S. Senate seats and four governorships.

Millionaire Jack McMullen, 56, who recently moved to Vermont from Massachusetts, was in trouble in the Senate race against Fred Tuttle, 79, who became a celebrity when a neighbor picked him to star in a low-budget regional movie about a down-on-his luck dairy farmer who runs for Congress because he needs the money.

With 31% of precincts reporting, Tuttle had 7,814 votes, or 55%, while McMullen had 6,521 votes, or 45%.

Other senators unopposed were Democrat Russell D. Feingold, seeking a second term in Wisconsin, and Republican John McCain, who is seeking a third term in Arizona. In November, Feingold will face Republican Rep. Mark Neumann and McCain will be opposed by Democratic Ed Ranger.

Republican Sen. Judd Gregg in New Hampshire defeated primary challenger state Rep. Phil Weber. Gregg’s Democratic opponent will be George Condodemetraky.

In Arizona, Republican Gov. Jane Hull was heavily favored over Jim Howl and Charles Brown.

Republican Gov. Tommy Thompson of Wisconsin, had only token opposition. Ed Garvey, former pro football players union leader, competed with state Sen. Gary George for the Democratic nomination.

Two popular Democratic governors, Jeanne Shaheen in New Hampshire and Howard Dean in Vermont, had no opposition.