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.