Tuesday's Democratic gubernatorial primary left one man standing out of the three candidates, as state Attorney General Jim Doyle won the right to face off against incumbent Republican Gov. Scott McCallum in November's general election.
In his acceptance speech Doyle congratulated his opponents, Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk and U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett, D-Milwaukee.
\Between us we spent $3 million on advertising but none of us spent a penny on negative ads,"" he said. ""The losers tonight were not Kathleen and Tom. The loser was Scott McCallum.""
""Cautiously optimistic"" was the phrase passed around over nachos and margaritas Tuesday at La Hacienda, 515 S. Park St., where about 30 people gathered to support Doyle.
Most supporters said they were not surprised competition was tight in the fall primary election. According to recent polls, both Barrett and Falk pulled strongly ahead in late weeks leading up to the primary.
Still, there were confident smiles and high spirits in the Madison Doyle camp.
""I'm feeling very good and hopeful that Jim Doyle will win but this is going to be one of those cliff hangers, I suspect,"" Madison School Board President Bill Keys said.
According to former Madison Mayor Paul Soglin, Wisconsin's $1.3 billion budget crisis is a key point to this year's election.
""I'm pleased that Jim's leading at this point, and I believe he'll win."" he said, ""In the next two years the governor will have to bring together some very diverse private interests.""
Some of Doyle's supporters said his long-term experience and statewide campaigning efforts helped clinch the primary. While Falk ran an impressive campaign, quickly rising from country executive to well-known gubernatorial candidate, and Barrett held fast to grass-roots, Doyle gained the most name recognition, they said.
""If you want to win, you have to have a statewide strategy,"" said Doyle volunteer Bill Clingon.
McCallum supporters said they believe he will gain statewide backing for his hardline fiscal policies, something which to they questioned Doyle's commitment.
""For the tax payers in this state its time to hold on to their pocketbooks if your looking at Jim Doyle,"" Republican Party Executive Director Eric Shult said.
Former Madison area state representative Midge Miller echoed harmonious sentiments last night when she said she would support any of the democratic candidates.
""We're lucky to have such good people running for public office. I sure think that Jim Doyle is going to be a great governor and I hope they give him the chance,"" she said.
