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Vinehout Still Mulling 2018 Run For Governor

Comments Come After Several Potential Democratic Candidates Decline Run

By
Kathleen Vinehout
State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout. WisPolitics (CC-BY-SA)

State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout, D-Alma, says she is still considering a bid to challenge Gov. Scott Walker in 2018.

Vinehout responded to speculation Monday that Wisconsin Democrats aren’t running a candidate against Walker because they don’t think they can win against likely incumbent Walker.

“I think that’s a lot of hype,” Vinehout told WPR. “I think the governor wants to put out that image. I think he and his Republican allies want to create a certain image of the Democrats, but that’s not the reality.”

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Vinehout said Democrats are, “more motivated than I’ve seen (in) a very, very long time.” Vinehout does not have a deadline for her decision.

The list of potential Democratic candidates to decline 2018 gubernatorial runs in recent months include Dane County Executive Joe Parisi, former State Sen. Tim Cullen, and U.S. Rep. Ron Kind.

Other Democrats who have signaled they may run for governor are Milwaukee businessman Andy Gronik, Milwaukee attorney Matt Flynn, Rep. Dana Wachs of Eau Claire and Jefferson County attorney Susan Happ.

Recent Stanford graduate Bob Harlow is the only Democrat to officially announce his bid for governor.

Walker said he will announce his plans for a third term after the new state budget is complete.