Democrats like their chances of holding on the Governor’s mansion. Governor Doyle’s decision not to seek re-election means the field is wide open, and Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chairman Mike Tate expects to see many qualified candidates step forward in the coming weeks.

Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton is the only Democrat to indicate she will run for the nomination, although Tate says many others are weighing their options. Aside from Lawton, other possible Democratic candidates include Congressman Ron Kind and state Senator Jon Erpenbach (D-Waunakee).

As candidates enter the race, they’ll be playing catching up with a Republican headstart on fundraising. Tate says their candidates will have plenty of time to raise money, with only the winner of the Democratic primary having to match what the GOP candidates has been able to raise.

AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 1:08)

The head of the Republican Party of Wisconsin has some doubts about Governor Doyle's reasons for not running for a third term in office.

RPW Chairman Reince Priebus says there are plenty of reasons for the Governor to get out now, such as his low approval rating, the budget mess, and the use of one time federal funding that will have to be replaced in the next budget. With those in mind, Priebus finds it very unlikely that Doyle would says he's not running because he thinks governors should only serve two terms in office.

Priebus says that explanation is a sham, since Doyle has continued to raise campaign funds throughout his current term in office.

Priebus says Republicans were looking forward to running against Doyle. However, he says they'll also enjoy competing for an open seat. 

AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 1:01)