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Delegates to the Democratic Party of Wisconsin convention in Green Bay recently tapped Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton as their choice to succeed Gov. Jim Doyle, should the incumbent decide against seeking re-election in 2010.
A straw poll conducted by WisPolitics found that 82 convention-goers would back Lawton if Doyle doesn’t run next year. That’s almost as many votes as the combined total for her three closest rivals: 33 for Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, 29 for state Sen. Jon Erpenbach of Waunakee, 28 for U.S. Rep. Ron Kind of La Crosse.
These numbers aren’t very surprising to people who have paid attention to Lawton’s service in the state’s No. 2 job.
The lieutenant governor has been smart and activist, taking on economic and social issues with an eye toward improving the circumstance of women entrepreneurs, aiding small businesses, and strengthening our commitment to the arts. She’s become a national leader on environmental issues, and an international leader on issues of concern to women. At times, Lawton has clashed with Doyle. But, more often than not, Lawton has been in the right — a fact that even Doyle’s aides grudgingly acknowledge.
The betting is that Doyle will seek a third term in 2010.
If he does, he would be wise to keep Lawton on his ticket. She has proven appeal inside the party — as the recent straw poll suggests — and around the state.
If Doyle departs, however, Democrats would be wise to look to Lawton.
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