Barrett addresses DPW PHOTO: WRN
There was plenty of praise for Tom Barrett from the party faithful, during the weekend’s Democratic state convention in Appleton. The Milwaukee mayor and unsuccessful recall candidate for governor attended drew thanks from fellow Democrats like Congressman Ron Kind. “He was willing to subject himself – offer himself up – for the residents of the state of Wisconsin, because he felt we deserved better,” said Kind.
“I got into this race, because I felt that I could not stand by and watch what was happening to our state,” said Barrett, who explained his philosophy of what Democrats stand for. “I really think that there is a reason we are here, not just a reason that we are here in Appleton, but that there is a reason we are on this Earth. It is to make sure that we treat others with dignity and respect. And I believe that is what Democrats stand for.”
AUDIO: Mayor Tom Barrett (1:25)
U.S. Senator Herb Kohl, making his final appearance at a state convention while in office, said he was “terribly proud” of Barrett, and that the mayor leads their mutual hometown “with inclusion and integrity.”
Barrett arrives at convention PHOTO: WRN
“This is somebody who picked up the banner, and fought like hell for this party when he didn’t have to, when he knew the odds,” said DPW chair Mike Tate. “He did everything he could, on behalf of all of us.”
Barrett, who lost to Governor Scott Walker in last week’s historic recall election, had this message for the GOP. “One of the mistakes the other side makes, is they win an election, and they think that they only serve the people who supported them. That is not what leadership is about. Leadership has to be about serving everyone, the people who supported you, and the people who did not support you.”