With a recall election against Governor Walker likely to happen this year, Democrats are gearing up for what could be a crowded field of candidates looking to take him on. Former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk announced Wednesday she will be a candidate, while several others have said they are considering a run.
Democratic Party of Wisconsin chairman Mike Tate says having a primary would be a good thing for the recall effort because it’s a sign of how “weak Scott Walker is electorally” and shows that more than one Democrat has done the research and thinks they have a path to victory.
A primary would add six weeks to the recall process and could result in Democrats making personal attacks on each other in hopes of winning the nomination. Tate is calling on any candidates to make sure their attention stays on Governor Walker, instead of going after each other. While the party will not be endorsing a candidate, Tate says they will call for a “clean campaign pledge” so they can enter the four week general election period ready to take on Governor Walker.
Other potential Democratic candidates include state Senators Tim Cullen (D-Janesville) and Jon Erpenbach (D-Middleton), state Representative Peter Barca (D-Kenosha), former Congressman Dave Obey, and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (1:02)
