Wisconsin Republicans are optimistic they can win back the Governor’s office in November. The GOP held it for 16 years until Jim Doyle beat Scott McCallum, Tommy Thompson’s replacement, in 2002.
Polls have shown both GOP candidates this year, Mark Neumann and Scott Walker, defeating presumed Democratic nominee Tom Barrett in the general election. However, UW Political Scientist Charles Franklin says you can’t count Barrett out just yet.
Franklin says Barrett is a seasoned politician on the state, national, and local levels who knows how to run a successful campaign. He says much of the race has focused on Republicans so far, and Barrett will also have a considerable cash advantage leading up to the general election in November.
Voters will decide the nominees for both parties in tomorrow’s primary election. Republicans have former Congressman Mark Neumann, Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker, and Scott Paterick of Wisconsin Rapids to choose from. Democrats have Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Tim John of Oconomowoc on the ballot.