After weeks of speculation, Sen. Kathleen Vinehout, D-Alma, officially announced Wednesday she will run against Gov. Scott Walker in the potential recall election expected to take place in late spring or summer.
The two term state Senator joins former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, who announced shortly following the filing of petition signatures on Jan. 17th, as the only two to officially declare entry into the already hyped race.
"We need a governor who will lead with self restraint; who will be clear and open about her intentions; who will respect Wisconsin's traditions of good government; who supports and takes pride in our schools; who values the skills workers bring to their jobs." said Vinehout in her announcement.
Chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin Mike Tate said Vinehout's experience in health care, education and as a dairy farmer helps her understand challenges facing Wisconsin.
"Unlike Scott Walker and his GOP legislature, she is committed to growing our Wisconsin economy and making sure there are plenty of good, family-sustaining jobs available," Tate said.
But Tom Evenson, Press Secretary of Friends of Scott Walker pointed out Vinehout was "one of the 14 Democrat state Senators who fled the state last year," and has shown she would avoid tough decisions as governor.
"Governor Walker is ready to contrast his positive record with the Democrats' failed policies of the past and looks forward to hearing from Democrats like Kathleen Vinehout on how they would have balanced a $3.6 billion budget deficit," Evenson said.
Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Middleton, and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, who lost to Walker in the 2010 gubernatorial election, have hinted they may also enter the race.
Candidates will have a primary election six weeks prior to the general election, according to Democratic Party of Wisconsin Communications Director Graeme Zielinski. The Democratic Party will "support whichever democrat emerges from the primary process."
While a primary election will be expensive, Zielinski said it is worth the cost.
"Its going to be a significant amount, but we think that whoever emerges is going to have the resources to compete with Scott Walker," Zielinski said. "We know he is going to have $70-80 million and were going to be well out-spent, but we have the enthusiasm and organization that can win the election."
Vinehout's announcement comes as state election officials work to confirm enough valid signatures were turned in to trigger the election. Walker's campaign is also working to challenge any invalid signatures.
