MILWAUKEE - Democrats are now the party without a candidate in the 2010 Wisconsin governor's race. Pressure is building on Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett to run.

Governor Jim Doyle publicly urged Barrett to mount a campaign during a Monday press conference on solar power.
 
"I think there's somebody in this room who would be an amazing candidate," Doyle said. "Tom Barrett would be an outstanding candidate and he would be a very good governor for the state of Wisconsin."
 
The lone Democrat in the 2010 race was Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton. She stunned supporters with an e-mail announcement that she has decided to withdraw. Lawton called political friend Matt Flynn before going public.
 
"She decided for family and personal reasons she's not going to run," Flynn told TODAY'S TMJ4 reporter Tom Murray. "Now, we're faced with not having a candidate."
 
Barrett acknowledged he's received phone calls from the White House about running for governor, although President Obama has not yet personally reached out to the Milwaukee mayor.
 
"I have had conversations with a variety of people in Washington, within the administration, outside the administration," Barrett said. "The decision is one that's going to be made ultimately at the Barrett dinner table and that's the way it should be in these types of things."
 
State Democratic Party Chair Mike Tate is anxious for a name in the race. He would only offer Barrett's name when asked about strong candidates.
 
"Let me be clear. I'd like a candidate for governor. I'd like it sooner rather than later," Tate said. "There's been a lot of coverage on Tom Barrett's deciding whether or not to run for governor. I don't want to speculate on any other candidates at this point."
 
Barrett said Monday he is not likely to make a decision within the week, but will make up his mind soon.