State Sen. Tim Cullen, D-Janesville, announced Wednesday he will not be running for governor in the potential recall election of Gov. Scott Walker, as he previously indicated he would.
“I have concluded that I cannot raise the $1 to 2 million necessary to deliver my message against three possible primary opponents that are far better known than I am, have access to financial resources above what I can raise and have better statewide name recognition at this time,” Cullen said at a press conference Wednesday.
Cullen reported raising only $157 over the past few months, but has more than $26,000 total.
The field is more wide open now, as former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk is the only candidate to officially announce candidacy so far.
Calling the recall election “the most angry partisan race in Wisconsin history,” Cullen said he would refocus his efforts on working for more bipartisanship and stability in the legislature and state.
Falk reacted to Cullen’s decision by saying she is looking forward to working with Cullen to “restore openness, transparency and accountability and undo the damage Gov. Walker has done to the people of Wisconsin.”
Cullen said Wednesday he believes Falk, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and former U.S. Rep. Dave Obey are the three major contenders in the race. Barrett and Obey have not yet declared, but said they are considering it.
A Marquette Law School poll released last week indicated Walker would beat all potential challengers, including Cullen, Falk, Barrett and Obey.
But Cullen added, “I think there is still time for people to get in that haven’t been in the forefront so far.”
One such candidate could be State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout, D-Alma, who filed papers to run in the recall last week.
Barrett, who is facing a mayoral re-election this year, raised more than $140,000 during the second half of 2011. He has about $414,000 to spend campaigning for whatever office he decides to run for.
Falk reported she has close to $26,000 on hand, and Vinehout reported about $20,000.
When asked whether a Democratic primary could hurt the party’s chances of regaining the governorship by draining money and resources, Cullen said he believes a primary would be good for the party.
“If there is no primary, the public has the right to ask the obvious question, ‘How was the candidate chosen? And who chose them?’” said Cullen, who did not endorse any of the potential candidates.
