Wisconsin Megathread

[henster]

Walker pushes income and property tax cuts.

Leaving a nice 700 million hole for his successor.

[henster]

So if Walker runs for President and wins the nomination and resigns mid 2016 to free him from the campaign finance rules against Governors does Kleefisch remain Governor until 2018 or is a special election called?

[henster]

A third consecutive term is very difficult especially if the economy isn't spectacular. Butch Otter is the only current Gov to have pulled it off and his state leans heavily towards his party.

[henster]

Walker throwing out red meat with more 'welfare reform' proposals, last year it was drug testing and now  new work requirements. Expect him to throw out more wedge issues as 2018 nears.

[henster]

Kind making some noise.

http://www.wpr.org/node/1063446

[henster]

Kind making some noise.

http://www.wpr.org/node/1063446

Not that he wouldn't be a good candidate, but his seat would basically be a free pickup for Republicans most likely.

No it wouldn't, it would be a very contested race.

How are you so sure? What candidates do the Democrats have to run? I'm just skeptical that a district that swung 16 points towards Trump will give a Democrat the job in an open race.

If you assume a smooth midterm for the GOP and Trump JA in WI being positive.

[henster]

I feel like 'its time for a change' applies to state elections as well. Third term Governors are rare especially in purple states.

[henster]

Walker is running for a third term in a midterm where his party is in power with a likely unpopular President, Ds appear to be energized they should go all out. There is a real thing as voter fatigue after two terms people want change in any state.

[henster]

Honestly, I doubt Kind would have beaten Walker anyway. A lot of Democrats are probably scared after Johnson's and Trump's victory in WI last year. Still, I expect this race to get at least SOME attention, especially since the Senate race will be heavily contested as well. Baldwin should run ahead of whoever the Ds nominate for governor, but I wonder how much?

And winning by 6 and 7 points in a state as polarized as WI is not a bad showing at all IMO, especially considering that Walker has little crossover appeal.

The lesson Democrats should take from Johnson's victory in WI last year is as follows: DO NOT. REFUSE. SUPER PAC. MONEY.

Feingold did not refuse super PAC money this time around.

[henster]

Hopefully Vinehout decides to run.

[henster]

I hope Mahlon Mitchell or Susan Hepp step up and run either would be intriguing candidates.

[henster]

I hope Dems get a decent candidate, this will be a major battleground in 2020.

It makes no sense not to, they are putting Baldwin at risk with a weak Gov nominee.

[henster]

Mitchell seems like he can energize the Dem base much better than Evers.

[henster]

Mitchell being the nominee helps Baldwin a lot, he might be able to fix Dems turnout problem with black voters in Milwaukee.

[henster]

Mitchell seems way more energetic and dynamic than Evers.

[henster]

WI Dems should really run on investing in rural infastructure and schools. Walker has won by using rural resentment pitting urban vs. rural while not actually doing anything for rural communities.

[henster]

Wisconsin Family Asks Screnock Ad to be taken down, re-victimizes family.

One more reason to not vote for that piece of crap

Judicial elections are the worst, always with the X candidate loves child molesters/murders etc. It sucks how few people understand the legal system at all.

[henster]

Ugh, looks like a snow storm is hitting most of the state.

[henster]

If Dane becomes a 80/20 county consistently then that's huge for them statewide. Still have to do work in western WI but it gives them a lot more breathing room, if turnout disappoints in Milwaukee for say.

[henster]

Is it too late for Kind to jump in for GOV?

[henster]

Mitchell would very likely energize black turnout in Milwaukee plus high turnout Madison is a good recipe for victory. Even if he loses to Walker it would be beneficial to Baldwin to have better turnout out of Milwaukee.

[henster]

Mitchell would very likely energize black turnout in Milwaukee plus high turnout Madison is a good recipe for victory. Even if he loses to Walker it would be beneficial to Baldwin to have better turnout out of Milwaukee.

Good luck with that one.

I find it hard to believe black voters wouldn't be enthused at the chance to elect the first black Governor in Wisconsin. Also I'm supportive of more dynamic candidates winning primaries than old white guys because the party desperately need to build its bench. Mitchell should he win would be a star and would be a good candidate for other offices in the future.