A political scientist says stopping a high speed rail project is unrealistic. It’s one of the clearest fault lines in the race for governor. Democrat Tom Barrett supports Milwaukee to Madison high speed rail, while Republican Scott Walker has pledged to stop it. “This development of railroads is not just Milwaukee to here (Madison)” says UW-Madison political scientist Charles Franklin. Even former governor, and rail advocate, Tommy Thompson is opposed to the timing of the project. But Franklin suggests it’s going to be extremely difficult to apply the brakes. “The most misleading part of this – whether you’re against the rail or for it – is simply being realistic about what those monies are dedicated to and what they can be moved to,” he says. “I think that ignores what the current situation certainly, as well as it’s not a very realistic view of what’s likely to happen in the new congress, even if Republicans take control.”
