In a somewhat surprising move, Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton has withdrawn from the race for Wisconsin Governor. Here’s the official statement:
You know better than any my confidence in Wisconsin people, and in our resilience in a time of crisis, and in our capacity to innovate new ways to shape a better future for our state.
My deep commitment to our state is second only to my commitment to my family. For very personal reasons, I will not pursue the Democratic nomination for governor in 2010.
I look forward to providing active leadership to shape smart decisions for Wisconsin in the fourteen months that remain in my term in office. I will stand with you, as always.
With gratitude for your support
Her withdrawing can mean only one thing: that Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett is preparing to enter the race and the field is being cleared for him to do so.
More shortly..
I live in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Milwaukee, WI with my wife Jen, our daughter Emerson, and son Carter.
I doubt that is what it means. I believe there must be some other real, serious issue, perhaps with her family. Barbara is not one to step aside for the good of the party. I would pity the person who suggested that to her.
If Barrett declines to run, who can the Democrats turn to? Offhand, I can’t think of anyone.
I’m selfish. I hope Barrett doesn’t run because I want to keep him in city hall.
That having been said, I don’t think there’s much of anyone the Dems can pick who who’s worse than Doyle (Sorry, not a Doyle fan at all).
But I have another reason there’s no one stepping forward: the rumors about Thompson wanting back are true and no one wants to be on the trail against him. (Not a Thompson fan, either, just acknowledging the man is a campaign juggernaut.)