After weeks of speculation, the Majority Leader of the state Assembly announced Tuesday that he’s running for Lieutenant Governor.
State Representative Tom Nelson (D-Kaukauna) says he’s been weighing the decision for some time, but made up his mind based on promises from presumed Democratic gubernatorial nominee Tom Barrett that the Lt. Governor will have an active role in his administration.
Nelson says he’s the only candidate from northeast Wisconsin, which he says is a critical part of the state economy and deserves a voice on the ticket.
Nelson will have to give up his leadership role and seat in the Legislature, which he admits was difficult to do and played a major role in his late announcement.
Nelson is the fourth Democrat seeking the nomination in the September primary. The others are state Senator Spencer Coggs (D-Milwaukee), Madison businessman Henry Sanders, and James Schneider, a motivational speaker from Gotham.
Four Republicans and a Libertarian are also currently on the ballot.
