This afternoon a second Democrat announced her candidacy for governor to replace Scott Walker in the inevitable recall election made possible by a million angry Badgers. Sen. Kathleen Vinehout was one of the Fab 14 who took off for Illinois and gave Wisconsin time to realize that it was becoming Fitzwalkerstan.
Kathleen Falk is not the only Democrat in the race for governor anymore. She’s not even the only Kathleen.
State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout, D-Alma, is joining the former Dane County executive in the contest to replace Gov. Scott Walker, should his recall become a reality.
Vinehout, 53, a former dairy farmer and college professor, was elected to represent the largely rural district in western Wisconsin in 2006. She’s touring around the state the rest of the week to discuss her candidacy.
“We need a fresh start and a new attitude in Wisconsin politics and government,” Vinehout said in a press release Wednesday. “I have the experience and temperament necessary to lead.”
She will be a strong candidate who will appeal to voters and reassure them that Wisconsin can get back to normal. From all I've heard, she is a very hard worker and a down-to-earth person who connects with people. Her background in agriculture (the Vinehout family runs an organic farm in western Wisconsin) will score points in the rural areas, and her Ph.D in the health administration field is certainly a valuable asset as we ramp up to full speed on the Affordable Care Act. This is welcome news.