Barrett says he might not be through with statewide elections

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Defeated gubernatorial candidate Tom Barrett says another state-wide campaign is not out of the question. Barrett says that he is open to future political opportunities, but he also says he’s glad to be back at his post as Milwaukee’s mayor, “I’m never going to say no, I’m never going to say yes. I love being mayor. This was never ever about not enjoying this job. And it felt good to come back.”

Barrett is also responding to questions about a woman who slapped him in the face at his campaign party. The incident happened after Barrett’s concession speech and as he was greeting supporters. He says he was surprised by the woman’s actions, but understands her sentiments about the voting results, “Oh she was frustrated. I think she thought that people were still voting. My understanding was that voting had been completed. So I understand that people are frustrated. A lot of emotion has gone into this on both sides.”

After the hotly contested recall election, Barrett says he remains positive about the future of politics in Wisconsin, despite the fractured climate, “I really don’t think it’s good for the state to be the most polarized political state in this country. I’m the eternal optimist. And you have to believe that it’s going to change. It has to change.

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Barrett says he was moved by the voter turnout during the election and encourages people to continue to be engaged in the political system.