Three More Contenders Pass On Running For Wisconsin Governor In 2018: “Democrats Are Really Intimidated”

Three major Democrat contenders refused to enter the Wisconsin gubernatorial election over the past week, as Badger State Democrats’ hopes of being competitive in 2018 appear to be fading fast. After Tim Cullen, Mark Bakken, and Mark Tauscher all said they will not run within days of each other, some are seeing it as signs that Democrats are simply too “intimidated” to run.

Fox Milwaukee reports:

“Three more potential candidates for Wisconsin governor in 2018 — a former state senator, a businessman, and an ex-Green Bay Packers player — have decided not to run.

Something weird is going on,’ said Mordecai Lee, a University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee professor and former Democratic state lawmaker. ‘If I had to make a guess, I’d say Democrats are really intimidated…’

Former state Sen. Tim Cullen, who was widely expected to run, said this week that he didn’t think he could raise enough money to wage a serious challenge. 

Madison businessman Mark Bakken told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel that he would also pass on the race. 

Former Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Mark Tauscher ruled himself out after a few days of speculation over his potential candidacy.

Previously, Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele and U.S. Rep. Ron Kind of La Crosse have said they wouldn’t run for governor.

There is one Democrat who is in the race. Bob Harlow, a recent Stanford University graduate who finished in last place during a 2016 congressional primary in California, was the first candidate to officially jump in.”

With Bob Harlow – a 25-year old failed congressional candidate from California –  as the only declared gubernatorial candidate, and more potential candidates passing on running by the day, Wisconsin Democrats continue to find themselves unable to find a suitable candidate.