Wisconsin Democrats are holding their annual convention in Middleton, and the state party chair insists the mood is confident. “We think we have growing momentum, that we’re well positioned, that we’re a strong unified party,” said Mike Tate. “I am confident that we’re going to have a great year, we have great candidates, and quite frankly we’re just going to run better campaigns than the Republicans.”
Tate said Democrats are ready to rally behind their candidate for governor – Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett – and let Republicans Scott Walker and Mark Neumann hammer one another. “You’ve got a Republican primary for governor that is nasty and negative. I think whoever wins that Republican primary, come out of the primary campaign broken bruised, busted.” And, added Tate, perhaps short of cash for the stretch run to November.
The other big focus for Democrats will be the race for U.S. Senate, where Democrat Russ Feingold will likely face GOP businessman Ron Johnson. “One of the first things Ron Johnson did in this campaign was talk about Senator Feingold being right to vote against the bailout for big banks and Wall Street,” Tate claimed. “He doesn’t seem to know much of what he’s talking about, and he’s kind of an unknown quantity.”
Democrats also have their sights set on retaining seats in the U.S. House of representatives and their majorities in the state legislature. “I think we’re not going to just hold on to our majorities, I think we’re going to come back with more seats than we have now,” said Tate. “I think the legislative landscape looks great for us. I am very excited about our projects in the Senate and Assembly.”
AUDIO: Bob Hague interview w/Mike Tate (8:25)
