Retirement of US Rep. David Obey gives former ‘Real World’ star edge in race for Wis. seat

Obey retirement give GOP candidate opening in Wis.

MADISON, Wis. — The retirement of Wisconsin Rep. David Obey has made a conservative former cast member of MTV’s “The Real World” the leading candidate in the race for the Democrat’s seat.

Republican Sean Duffy had spent nearly a year running an uphill campaign against Obey, who is head of the powerful House appropriations committee.

The 38-year-old prosecutor is the favorite in September’s GOP primary. His campaign has attracted backing from Republicans in Washington, tea party activists and the party’s 2008 vice presidential nominee, Sarah Palin.

Obey’s retirment has left some Wisconsin Democrats weighing whether to get in the race. Potential candidates include Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker, Sen. Pat Kreitlow and Sen. Julie Lassa.

Democrats have held the seat since 1969.