A state political heavyweight took the stage to speak on behalf of former Gen. Wesley Clark's candidacy Monday night, as Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton spoke to a group of supporter at Luther's Blues, 1401 University Ave.
Clark, who officially announced his candidacy for president Sept. 17, is a Vietnam veteran and former NATO commander.
Approximately 100 people listened to Lawton speak about Clark and his prospects of winning the Democratic nomination and becoming president.
Lawton had nothing but praise for the former General.
\This is a man dedicated to public service and he believes he has the gifts and leadership to lead the American people,"" she said.
However, Lawton said she had not announced a formal support of Clark, and did not want to speak for her boss.
""Governor Doyle and I work very independently on who we give our support to,"" she said.
Lawton said she first spoke to Clark at a lieutenant governors' conference.
The rally for Clark attracted some students, and was addressed by the Wisconsin campaign student coordinator Leah Rabin, a UW-Madison law student.
Rabin called Clark an ""exciting candidate"" but said he faces an uphill battle in getting young people to vote for him.
""I have the dubious honor to belong to a generation that is politically apathetic,"" she said.
Marv Freedman, state coordinator for the Clark campaign, said Clark hopes to appear publicly in Wisconsin no later than November, and possibly before the end of October.
Despite the showing of support on the new candidate, some in the audience expressed some concern over Clark's commitment to the Democratic party. The general had voted for former Presidents Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon in the past.
Freedman attempted to explain this dispute.
""Clark was never a member of a party until he declared his candidacy. Military officials do not take sides while active,"" he said.
Though Clark is entering the race later than the rest of the Democratic field, Lawton said she was not concerned of his chances.
""He's a quick study,"" she said.
