The state Democratic Party has found itself split following Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk's announcement of her intentions to challenge incumbent Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager Thursday.
While a number of Democrats have hesitated to publicly endorse either Falk or Lautenschlager, both candidates have received the support of prominent government officials.
Lautenschlager, who has been attorney general for the past three years, has gained support from UW-Madison's Teacher's Assistant Association, Wisconsin labor unions and law enforcement groups. Her big-name supporters include Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who spoke at a campaign fundraiser for her last week.
Though Falk has been involved in Wisconsin's government for more than 20 years, as assistant attorney general for 14 years and county executive for the Dane County Board for eight years, her critics cite her inexperience as her biggest weakness.
Dan Bachhuber, Lautenschlager's spokesperson, said Falk's 'lack of experience as a prosecutor would really make anyone question why she would feel qualified for the job of attorney general.' Bachuber also pointed to Lautenschlager's 'significant courtroom experience' as a federal prosecutor and U.S. attorney and her work trying violent murders and white-collar crimes as major strengths.
Bachhuber also stressed the importance of Lautenschlager's strong relationship with law enforcement throughout Wisconsin. He said these relationships are built on trust and have taken years to form.
Falk has numerous supporters among Democrats including Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, state Sen. Mark Miller, state Reps. Mark Pocan, D-Madison and??Sondy Pope-Roberts, D-Verona.
Spokesperson Melissa Mulliken said Falk's 12 years as public intervenor and other political experience qualify her for the position of attorney general. She added Falk could greatly improve in areas where Lautenschlager is lacking.
'We must do better to protect consumers, fight for a clean environment and equal opportunity and protect the woman's right to choose,' Mulliken said. 'Kathleen Falk has spent her career fighting for those very issues.'
However, there are Democrats who believe Lautenschlager has proved herself 'an outstanding attorney general' such as state Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison.
'She has been a real fighter for our environment, for consumers and for open and honest government,' Black said. 'She's also experienced as a prosecutor of violent crime at the state, federal and local level.'
Democrats will choose between the two candidates at the Feb. 21 primary election.
'I think it is definitely too early to tell [who will win the primary],' Brian Schatman, chair of the Dane County College Democrats said. 'The campaign has barely begun and I think we really need to wait to see what both Peg and Kathleen's messages are going to be before we say anything for certain.'
