Many Tossing Hats In Walker Recall Ring

A day after organizers turned in more than a million signatures in an effort to recall Governor Scott Walker, the move sets up a likely Democratic primary.

Of all the Democrats weighing a run in a recall election, no one has been more definitive than Kathleen Falk was in an online video to supporters.

"Hope has inspired this movement, and the people of this movement inspire me. That is why I have decided to run for Governor and will be making a formal announcement soon."

Falk is a former Dane County Executive. She's run twice for statewide office, losing a bid for Attorney General in 2006 and losing a Democratic primary for Governor in 2002. In the announcement, she alluded to the the union rights public employees lost under Governor Walker and hinted that she'd treat them differently.

"We can have workers and management talking and working together to solve tough problems. I know we can because I did it for more than a decade as a chief executive."

Falk's announcement did not clear the Democratic field. If anything, it had the opposite effect. Janesville Democratic State Senator Tim Cullen, who has repeatedly hinted that he wants to run, said he would formally announce in the next few weeks.

"I think if we keep our eye on the ball, the goal is to remove Governor Walker. And I think I offer the best chance to do that."

Cullen has stressed the need to compromise in order to heal political wounds in Wisconsin. He says that shouldn't prevent the Democratic base from supporting him.

"If people look at my voting record, they'll find out I'm as solid a Democrat as anybody else that'll get into this race. I just happen to believe that in accomplishing my Democratic goals, I'm willing to take 70% of what I can get in a compromise rather than taking zero."

Also, Alma Democratic State Senator Kathleen Vinehout said she was weighing a run for Governor.

"At this point, I am seriously considering it."

Vinehout said her personal experience and "freshness" could help Wisconsin "start over again." Asked what she thought of Kathleen Falk, Vinehout had this to say:

"A candidate that has maybe been put there because people think that it's her time? The people I talk to around the state are saying to me, no, this is not about a candidate that thinks it's her time. This is about a candidate that's going to be of the people."

Vinehout said there was no other Democratic candidate who could deter her from running. She said she'd make a decision in the next few weeks.

Assembly Democratic Minority Leader Peter Barca said he was considering the race, but he wouldn't say how strongly.

"I think it's important that we really take the time to analyze the right course, who would be the strongest candidate."

Former Congressman Dave Obey made similar comments, saying the Democratic party had an obligation to recall volunteers to think this through.

"We have got to win this or we will let down every person who stood out on those street corners gathering petitions in the cold."

Obey said he would strongly prefer not to run, and had other candidates in mind.

"I have said from the beginning that I believe that Herb Kohl and Tom Barrett are by far the two strongest candidates."

A spokeswoman for outgoing U.S. Senator Herb Kohl said, quote, "Senator Kohl has no plans to run for Governor." Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett's campaign issued a statement saying, quote, "Of course Tom is weighing the recall election."

The jockeying among Democrats comes as Governor Walker continues to campaign, touting his record in extensive TV advertising. The Governor's lawyers successfully delayed the recall election with a recent court victory. But Walker told the Associated Press that he wants to hold the election as soon as possible.

This article by Shawn Johnson first appeared on Wisconsin Public Radio.