Now that the recall Scott Walker effort is underway, state Democrats are looking for a candidate to oppose the Republican governor. “I think it just reflects that there is not one preeminent Democratic name,” said University of Wisconsin political scientist Charles Franklin. “The one that might have run, former Senator Feingold, has shown no interest and seems to gave taken himself out of any possibility of running.
AUDIO: Bob Hague reports (1:05)
Franklin said that with several names circulating as possible candidates, there could even be a Democrat primary. He does not think an unknown, untested candidate will emerge. “The old saying, “you don’t beat somebody with nobody” I think applies here as well,” he said. “I think the Democrats will need a strong candidate who can campaign effectively, to convince voters to switch horses in midstream.” Some of the names that have been suggested as possible challengers to Walker include two former candidates for governor, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and former Dane County Exec Kathleen Falk, along with former Congressman Dave Obey and state Senator Jon Erpenbach.