Gov. Jim Doyle has yet to announce if he will run in the 2010 gubernatorial race, but current fundraising trends indicate he could pursue a third term.
By the end of 2008, Doyle had already raised more than $1 million since the close of his 2006 campaign, according to the Government Accountability Board's website.
Doyle's office did not have any answers in regard to the governor's intentions.
He's got some time to decide,"" Doyle spokesperson Lee Sensenbrenner said.
Charles Franklin, a UW-Madison professor of political science, said although Doyle is not wildly popular, his ratings have remained high despite some unpopular decisions.
Although the state faces a difficult economic forecast, Franklin said unlike presidents, governors who deal with bad economic times rarely get blamed for them.
With the added factor that Doyle has continued to raise large sums of campaign funds, Franklin said he believes Doyle will seek a third term.
""All of the indications are that he will run,"" Franklin said.
Franklin said even if Doyle decides he will not run, it is a ""political advantage"" to make it look like he is going to run. He said declaring ""lame duck"" status before his term is up risks cooperation and support from the state Legislature.
Speculation surrounding the Republican gubernatorial ticket has begun to unfold in recent weeks. According to wispolitics.com, Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker has begun to line up a campaign team.
""Walker is a very credible candidate,"" Franklin said.
In 2006, Walker ran a short campaign before the gubernatorial primaries, but ultimately dropped out due to limited campaign funds. According to wispolitics.com, in the July 2008 campaign finance filings, Walker reported having raised $50,000 for his potential 2010 campaign.
Walker's office could not be reached for comment.
Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen is another possibility for the GOP ticket, according to Franklin.
Although it is likely candidates will announce their intentions soon, ""any political contest a year out is a great mystery,"" Franklin said.
