A UW-Madison expert sees some problems, and possible advantages, in the GOP race for Governor.
The race has grown gotten increasingly nasty between former Congressman Mark Neumann and Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker. Political science professor Charles Franklin says that upsets what had seemed to be a clear cut path to the nomination for Walker, after he received the endorsement from the Republican Party at its state convention.
However, Franklin says Neumann’s continued presence in the race shows he’s not willing to back down. He says the former Congressman isn’t likely to leave, unless he finds his message isn’t resonating with voters.
Financially, Franklin says Neumann is largely self-financed anyway, so a lack of donations isn’t likely to stop him from continuing his campaign.
Franklin says a tough primary actually could help the winner, because it will likely result in a PR boost going into the general election fight against Democrat Tom Barrett.