Madison Reporter

Wisconsin Democrats don’t like the way Kevin Nicholson, a Republican, is running a likely campaign for statewide office.

Democrats filed a complaint with the IRS regarding Nicholson using a nonprofit in connection with more than $1 million in advertising buys to gain status and be critical of Democratic Gov. Tony Evers even though Nicholson has not filed to run for an actual office.

The nonprofit, No Better Friend Corp., was created in 2019 with a mission statement to “move the conservative movement forward.”   Nicholson, a Marine Corps combat veteran, is listed as the volunteer president and CEO of the nonprofit, which opposes abortion, supports law enforcement, opposes critical race theory, supports veterans and improved education.

Democrats disapprove of his tactics more than his message. Through the nonprofit, a $1.5 million TV ad featured Nicholson asking viewers to “join us.” Democrats charge using nonprofit money to elevate a candidate is a violation of IRS law.

“By running his campaign through a nonprofit, Nicholson is avoiding paying taxes, disclosing his wealthy donors and the scrutiny that typically comes from being an announced candidate,” Democrats said in a statement. “With the indisputable evidence that the No Better Friend Corp. is Kevin Nicholson’s political campaign in waiting, the Democratic Party of Wisconsin has filed a formal complaint with the IRS asking for a full investigation of the group’s actions.”

Nicholson was beaten in the Republican primary for a Senate seat in 2018, and has announced plans to seek a statewide office in 2022 though he hasn’t said what office. No Better Friend Corp. responded to the complaint.

“The public education, organizing and grassroots lobbying activities of No Better Friend Corp. are conducted carefully within both the letter and spirit of the law,” the statement said. “No Better Friend Corp. disputes any allegations of wrongdoing and will defend itself against such allegations.”

Nicholson has come under scrutiny before. He claimed he joined the Republican Party in 2000, but the AP reported in 2018 that he worked for the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party in Minnesota in 2002.