Former U.S. Representative Dave Obey says he would consider a run for Governor, only if Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and current U.S. Senator Herb Kohl do not run in the potential recall election against Governor Walker. Obey tells WSAW-TV he believes Barrett and Kohl have “by far the greatest chance of winning”, and he would back either candidate. Obey says he has talked to both Barrett and Kohl, but has “no idea” if either will run. Herb Kohl has repeatedly said that he's not interested in running for Governor, while Tom Barrett is considering a bid.
Obey, who is 73, says he wouldn't consider any lengthy term as Wisconsin's Governor. “The only way I would consider it would be to fill out the remainder of Walker's term, having no intention whatsoever of seeking a reelection after that.”
Obey says he has been astounded by the recall effort. “I've never seen so many people put such effort into anything on the political scene as long as I've been around”, said Obey. “I think it means that those people who are thinking of running have a special obligation to those who did so much work collecting signatures to see to it that we select a candidate who has the best chance of winning, not simply a candidate that is looking for personal or political gratification.” Obey recently declined an interview with Union leaders from AFSCME, as they look to back a candidate in the potential recall election. “I don't think we need a screening process by anybody”, Obey said. “Whatever decisions are made ought to be made after the broadest possible consultation and discussion. This is not a time for us to break down into factions.”
Dave Obey retired as the Representative for Wisconsin's 7th District after serving 21 consecutive terms from 1969 until 2011.
