Tom Barrett is in the race.
The Milwaukee mayor becomes the fourth candidate to throw a hat into the race for governor. This announcement comes just after the Government Accountability Board officially certifies a recall election against Governor Scott Walker.
It wasn’t a decision he made lightly. In a statement, Barrett cited Governor Walker’s changes to collective bargaining, the unemployment rate, education, and women’s health as reasons for his decision to seek the governorship. He says, as governor, he will “fight to restore collective bargaining rights, because it’s the right thing to do, and it’s necessary to heal Wisconsin.”
Barrett already has plans to “crisscross the state” with his message to Wisconsinites.
Former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk says she welcomes Barrett to the race for Wisconsin’s Chief Executive. State Senator Kathleen Vinehout (D-Alma) and Secretary of State Doug La Follette are also vying for the job.
Republican Party of Wisconsin Communications Director Ben Sparks points to Barrett’s two failed gubernatorial bids, saying “he clearly has not taken the hint.”