New York Times reports heavy outside spending from corporate special interest groups and mega-donors.

MADISON - In case you missed it, a new report from the New York Times profiles the 2018 U.S. Senate race, calling it what "may become the most expensive Wisconsin Senate race ever."

On top of describing Tammy Baldwin as "the top target in the 2018 midterms," due to heavy outside spending from corporate special interest groups and mega-donors -- something Wisconsin Republicans actively brag about in the piece -- the Times story also looks at Illinois billionaire Dick Uihlein's prolific spending to buy persistently dishonest GOP Senate candidate Kevin Nicholson a U.S. Senate seat.

Here's what you need to know from the Times' story:

Tammy Baldwin "has emerged as the top target in the 2018 midterms":

"For many national Republicans, Ms. Baldwin has emerged as the top target in the 2018 midterms: Donors from outside the state are spending twice as much money on the race so far as on any other Senate contest this year, according to an analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics, a nonpartisan group that tracks money in politics. Much of the money has gone toward television and radio ads."

"The fight may become the most expensive Wisconsin Senate race ever":

"The fight may become the most expensive Wisconsin Senate race ever: An analysis by the state Democratic Party found that nearly $10 million in advertising had already aired or been purchased by outside groups against Ms. Baldwin or in favor of Mr. Nicholson. (Mr. Nicholson’s camp put the number at nearly $9 million.) At least another $3.7 million in advertising is underway sponsored by outside groups in favor of Ms. Baldwin."

Wisconsin Republicans are bragging about the outside corporate special interest money pouring into our state to buy them the election:

"“There’s going to be lots of money coming into Wisconsin.” —Republican Party of Wisconsin Chair Brad Courtney"

But hardworking Wisconsinites aren't buying out-of-state billionaires' anti-Baldwin smear campaign:

"“I hear a lot of stuff on the radio,” said Gary Buchholz, a soil technician who was part of the crowd at J & J Fireball Lanes, a local bowling alley, and plans to vote for Ms. Baldwin. “I don’t like the money that comes in from out of state, huge amounts of money trying to influence Wisconsin elections.”"

And Wisconsin Democrats are organizing earlier and more aggressively than ever before, making early grassroots investments that are already paying off:

"Partly to counter the advertising, an energized Democratic base is organizing early, determined to retain the Senate seat held by their party since 1957" "[...]" "The results of two recent Wisconsin elections in which outside spending was a factor have added to Republican worries.

In a January special election upset, a local medical examiner, a Democrat, easily defeated a Republican state legislator for a State Senate seat held by Republicans for 17 years. In that race, the Republican got help from radio and digital advertising by Americans for Prosperity, a Koch-funded group. Then, in April, in a statewide Supreme Court election, a liberal judge from Milwaukee County defeated a county circuit judge backed by conservatives. "

Still, right-wing, out-of-state billionaires like Illinois' CEO Dick Uihlein, who's bankrolling Kevin Nicholson's candidacy, aren't going to give up easily:

"In all, according to a recent Democratic Party analysis, spending by Uihlein-funded groups in favor of Mr. Nicholson and against Ms. Baldwin exceeds $5.4 million. Mr. Uihlein did not respond to a request for an interview regarding the Wisconsin Senate race."

And... last, but not least -- while he may not have much Wisconsin-based support, rest assured that Kevin Nicholson is excited by his self-described "impressive" support from an array of out-of-state, Dick Uihlein-funded groups:

"“The coalition is very impressive,” Mr. Nicholson said, reeling off a list of six groups supporting him, including four groups that have received large donations from Mr. Uihlein. “We have a lot of groups stepping in to say, ‘We’re going to help you take back that seat.’”"

Read More from the New York Times.