Sen. Kathleen Vinehout (D-Alma)
Democratic state Senator Kathleen Vinehout has taken a step towards a potential run for governor.
Vinehout filed paperwork on June 14 to officially form a campaign committee, although she has not yet announced plans to challenge Republican Governor Scott Walker in 2018. In an interview with WRN, the senator from Alma said the move is largely a formality, which will allow her to spend money as she explores her options.
Vinehout said she would likely not make a decision until after work on the state budget is complete. “I’m really focused on the budget right now, and it’s taking so much time it’s really impossible for me to get around the state and do the homework that I need to to make a decision,” Vinehout said. “After the budget passes, it will be a little clearer how that timeline is going to fall together.”
It’s the third time the lawmaker has at least looked at a run against Walker. She was a candidate during the 2012 recall election and was planning a run in 2014, but dropped out after getting injured in a car accident. The only Democrat officially in the race so far is Barneveld-native Bob Harlow.
Republican Party of Wisconsin spokesman Alec Zimmerman described Vinehout as a “tax-and-spend Madison liberal,” who wants to take the state backward.
Gov. Walker has not formally announced his re-election plans, but has hinted he will likely seek a third term. The governor has said he will make an official decision after work on the state budget is complete.