(Thefix).Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle (D) has decided against seeking a third term in 2010, a decision that opens up another competitive gubernatorial contest in the upper Midwest.
Two sources familiar with Doyle's decision said that he would announce this week that he will not run. The news was first reported by Jmart over at Politico.
First elected in 2002, Doyle saw his popularity numbers sink as Wisconsin's economy struggled to ride out the national recession. Doyle's numbers were so bad that some strategists had suggested that the party would be better if he retired and left the seat open rather than try to win a third term.
With Doyle out of the race, the Democratic field is likely to be crowded. Among the names mentioned are Rep. Ron Kind, Lt. Gov. Barb Lawton, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk.
Several Republicans -- Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker and former Rep. Mark Neumann -- were already running for the top spot. It's not clear whether that field will grow in the wake of Doyle's announcement.
The Upper Midwest is shaping up -- yet again -- as a prime battleground between the parties with open seats in Michigan and Wisconsin and Republicans growing increasingly optimistic about their chances against Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland (D).
A surveyUSA poll in Wisconsin: Obama Approval At 50%; Lowest in 7 Months of Tracking.
No comments:
Post a Comment