Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk will not run for lieutenant governor in 2010, according to an aide from Falk's most recent election campaign.
Melissa Mulliken, campaign manager of Falk's spring re-election campaign, said though people in the Democratic Party have encouraged Falk to run, she will continue her job as Dane County Executive.
""The Democratic Party has urged Kathleen to run for lieutenant governor … I'm not surprised. Kathleen has a job she loves, it's an important job and she's not interested in running for lieutenant governor,"" Mulliken said.
Some Democrats have posed the idea of a Democratic ""dream ticket"" composed of Falk and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, who recently declared his candidacy for governor.
However, Falk's decision leaves the race open to other Democrats expressing interest in a bid. In September, state Sen. Spencer Coggs, D-Milwaukee, said he was planning on running.
On the Republican side, Ben Collins, a small businessman and military officer, said earlier this month he plans to run. In September, state Representative Brett Davis, R-Oregon, said he was considering a bid.
The primary election for lieutenant governor will occur in September of 2010.
—Hannah Furfaro
