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Local NewsWill Barrett Run for Governor?By Mick TreveyMILWAUKEE - Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett will not say whether he plans to run for governor in 2010. The question arose after Governor Jim Doyle announced Monday that he would not seek a third term in office. Barrett ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2002. He lost to Doyle in the Democratic primary. If Barrett decides to run for governor, he already has a major advantage. His mayoral campaign account has about $840,000. All of that money could be used in the governor's race, according to the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board. "If he decides to get in, he becomes almost an instant front runner," said Marquette University political science professor John McAdams. "The biggest factor here is money." Barrett has been away from work and recovering after a man beat him up with a tire-iron last weekend. Barrett was walking with his family near State Fair Park and encountered a domestic dispute. Anthony Peters is charged with beating Barrett. According to the criminal complaint, Barrett attempted to call 911 when people at the scene cried for help during the domestic dispute. Barrett suffered serious hand and head injuries. According McAdams, the beating could give Barrett short term name-recognition. "People think very well of him right now. he's a bona fide hero getting a fair amount of face time on national cable news," McAdams said. Fellow Democrat Barbara Lawton, who is the current Lieutenant Governor, has already said she will run for governor. On the Republican ticket, Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker and former Congressman Mark Neumann have entered the race. |
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