Dave Obey retired last year from four decades in Congress but has returned to the political wars; and it’s all because of Governor Scott Walker. Obey told St. Croix County Democrats in Hudson that he doesn’t like recalls but when someone has become “as thuggish” as the Governor and Republicans, “they leave us no choice.”
The former 7th District Representative said Walker “pretended” because of the state’s fiscal woes, it was necessary to “gut” public employees bargaining rights. He also called the GOP’s congressional redistricting map “a monstrosity” and said the worst Republican offense has been the new Voter ID law.
Obey’s name has been tossed around to potentially challenge Governor Walker if a recall election is held. However, the former Democratic lawmaker says he’s trying to convince US Senator Herb Kohl or Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett to run against Walker. As to whether he’ll run if Kohl and Barrett don’t, Obey says, “I’ll have to think about it.”
Jeff Petersen-WIXK