Karen Lincoln Michel - There's still time yet for the Democrats. But the governor’s race so far has been quite interesting, especially since we’re a year out and there is no strong Democratic candidate. That is due, in part, to feet-dragging by Gov. Jim Doyle, who pulled a “Brett Favre” move and hinted that he might come back. That’s after campaigning in 2002 that he would only serve two terms. All Democrats interested in putting themselves into the race waited for Doyle to announce his plans, and waited. Meanwhile, Milwaukee County Executive Director Scott Walker, a Republican, got a head start on campaigning, as did former U.S. Rep. Mark Neumann, another Republican.
When Doyle finally ended speculation of him running for a third term, Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton announced the very next day that she would enter the race – a move that was widely expected. She seemed to be waiting in the wings for months (possibly even longer), ready to make a run for governor.
People are still perplexed why she got out. In a cryptic kind of way, she said that it might become clear as time goes on. I guess time will tell.
But as far as the governor’s race, I think all eyes are on Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett to make an announcement that he has thrown his hat in the ring. | 