Tuesday, October 27, 2009

HORSERACE

A Surprise, and Rumors of Backroom Pushing, in Wisconsin

Democrats' efforts to hold the governor's mansion in Wisconsin just hit a big, unexpected bump in the road: "Lt. Gov. Barb Lawton announced today she is dropping out of the governor's race for 'very personal reasons,' leaving Dems without a major candidate for the office just more than a year away from the election."

Other Wisconsin Democrats describe feeling "blindsided" by the announcement.

Milwaukee mayor Tom Barrett is being pressured to fill in on short notice. Local radio can't help but notice that the Hillary backer is suddenly departing the race and the Obama backer is being pushed forward.

Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker and Mark Neumann, a former congressman from Paul Ryan's seat, are the two highest-profile candidates on the Republican side.

UPDATE: The local radio that I linked above is backing away from their speculation.

10/27 09:17 AMShare