The rumors over the weekend suggested that the White House was exerting behind-the-scenes pressure on Milwaukee mayor and ex-Rep. Tom Barrett to run for Governor, thinking he has the best chance of holding the state for the Democrats, compared with underfunded and not-well-known Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton, the only Dem in the open seat race. (Reportedly, the pressure via Obama originated with current Gov. Jim Doyle, although Russ Feingold has reportedly also encouraged Barrett.)
Apparently, there must be some truth to all those rumors, because, one day later, Lawton seems to have gotten the message, announcing today:
My deep commitment to our state is second only to my commitment to my family. For very personal reasons, I will not pursue the Democratic nomination for governor in 2010.
The Journal-Sentinel article from yesterday that discussed the rumors said that Barrett’s in no hurry to decide, though, saying he may wait as late as February to make a decision. However, with both Lawton and Rep. Ron Kind out, though, it looks like Barrett may be ready to step into the vacuum right away — although if he doesn’t, that would leave Democrats in the serious lurch. Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan today says that he’d “love” to see Barrett get in the race, but isn’t ruling out running himself.
RaceTracker: WI-Gov
Lawton would not have been an effective candidate for Governor anyway – she’s not only underfunded, but is inexorably tied to Gov. Doyle, whose own flagging approval ratings were why this became an open seat to begin with. Barrett gives us a fresh start, and he already has a large enough name ID that he doesn’t need to jump in immediately. My only concern is he may be putting himself at a financial disadvantage if he declares so late, which would squander the opportunity the divided GOP primary is giving us. But I feel much better about us holding this seat than I did 3 months ago.
Which bothers me, because he retired because of his unelectability. Just because they stopped polling him doesn’t mean any of that has changed. I think unretiring always makes a candidate look unsure. Not really a good front to put up.
Horrible news as I’m pretty sure Barrett won’t run.
The little I know of him is mostly about him getting beaten by a pipe. People who perform well in crises are generally good leaders. And everyone seems to think he’s good beyond that.
Based on this article from an hour ago it looks like he’ll be deciding early November. Probably shortly after the election. If he decides then no reason for him to stay out of the field for long.
He’ll have the backing of just about everyone and he can win. I hope he gets in for the good of the state of Wisconsin.
just watched a pbs special last night about the 30s – mainly about herbert hoover – he was brilliant in a crisis before becoming president. he was a terrible president.
there is nothing besides running hard for office and being successful in office that prepares a person to run for higher office. and of course even that is not a sure indicator. i’m afraid performing well in unrelated pressure situations (as a general, or qb on a football field, or fighting a criminal) does not presage success as a candidate or officeholder.
tom barrett does have very relevant success and i think he is the dream candidate here.