Governor Jim Doyle's not saying if he'll run for reelection next year…but if he does, he could face a stiff GOP challenge. That from UW-Madison political scientist Charles Franklin.
“I take that, the situation and such, there's a real opportunity for republican challengers. Given the budget situation, given the state of the economy and job losses. Those are things our governor may not have direct control over, at least the economy, but the governor can ultimately be criticized for it,” says Franklin. But Franklin says Doyle has proven to be a tough campaigner. He's never had high polling numbers, but also has never lost an election. The latest Survey USA shows Doyle's approval rating has dropped to 33-percent.
So far, the Republican candidates are Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker, former Congressman Mark Neumann, and Appleton businessman Mark Todd. State Republican Chairman Reince Priebus has said he HOPES Doyle runs again, claiming the governor's record on tax increases makes him vulnerable.