WI 2014: Do Democrats have any chance?

[Sconnie]

Their only candidate with a chance, Russ Feingold, is not running, and Democrats here have a thin bench. The state party is in terrible shape, in no small part due to self-inflicted wounds. Their unsuccessful recall of Gov. Walker may well have been their Waterloo, as it made Walker stronger and Democrats weaker.

Thoughts? I'm open to disagreement.

[windjammer]

Unfortunately unlikely, though possible.

[ElectionsGuy]

Right now, I would say its too early to call anything, but Walker does look in much better shape of getting re-elected than any democrat defeating him. There are about 11-12% of Wisconsinites who voted for Walker and Obama, and that 11-12% needs to show up again in 2014, but he might even get >55% if everything goes extremely well, but Wisconsin politics doesn't always go very smooth no matter what side your on.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNxfr32sUBY

There will be protesting, arguing, and fights no matter how solid Walker looks.

[Warren 4 Secretary of Everything]

I disagree. Ron Kind would be great. But I believe national Democrats have given up on Walker after the recall. I still wonder in what mind did they think recalling him without any valid reason would help?

[Rocky Rockefeller]

A chance? Yes.

A strong chance? No.

[TX Conservative Dem]

I do NOT see the Wisconsin Dems having any shot of beating Walker in 2014 considering they ran the same three-time loser Bartlett against him.

Walker wins reelection with 57-61 percent against a weak Dem.

[Sconnie]

I disagree. Ron Kind would be great. But I believe national Democrats have given up on Walker after the recall. I still wonder in what mind did they think recalling him without any valid reason would help?

He might have a fighting chance, but I doubt Ron Kind would give up his safe seat to run for governor as an underdog.

The recall occurred out of raw emotion rather than reason. The Democrats are paying for it now.

[Cryptic]

I'd say they have a chance just given it is Wisconsin and opinion on Walker still seems split.  How good a chance it'll be won't become clear until we get closer to Nov. '14.

[Morning in Atlas]

Not really

[Gass3268]

I do NOT see the Wisconsin Dems having any shot of beating Walker in 2014 considering they ran the same three-time loser Bartlett against him.

Walker wins reelection with 57-61 percent against a weak Dem.

Wisconsin is too polarized for Walker to get anything more then 54%.  

[sg0508]

Absolutely and remember that Democrats seem to close very strongly in each race, each year in WI.

[TJ in Oregon]

Any? Sure, though I wouldn't put money one it. Maybe a 30% chance.

Walker has done enough in office and is good enough at presenting himself that he likely will get re-elected, but he remains quite polarizing and it certainly won't be a blow-out.

If I compare his chances to the governor of my other home state, Ohio, John Kasich, Kasich has a better chance of winning than Walker though both are favorites at this point. I'd give Kasich about an 80% chance.

By the way, welcome to the forum Sconnie!

[ElectionsGuy]

If they do really want to put him out of office, it going to be a tough fight.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/assembly-republicans-easily-outraise-democrats-in-latest-finance-reports-b9959324z1-216455231.html

[pbrower2a]

Scott Walker has well served out-of-state moneyed elites, and he will have huge money behind him. He will have Democrats voting all right -- with their feet.