Hesselbein stays neutral as Democratic governor’s race takes shape
MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Democrats are ramping up their campaign efforts following the Democratic state convention. It comes as Minority Senate Leader Dianne Hesselbein sat down for a Q&A with WisPolitics. She was asked if she is endorsing any one of the seven running for governor on the Democratic ticket.
She said no at this time, and that she isn’t even sure who she is voting for at this time. Two candidates made themselves available to talk on Tuesday -- David Crowley, who finished fourth in the Democratic convention straw poll, and Mandela Barnes, who finished sixth. Both said they remain confident going forward.
Hesselbein did say she is confident her party will be able to flip the state Senate and pick up seats in the Assembly. She feels a robust primary is what’s best for Wisconsin.
Dianne Hesselbein
“I think it really lets the people in the state of Wisconsin decide who they want to be supporting in the November election. I think it is too bad Republicans put their thumb on the scale, and Trump did endorsing Tiffany early. I think it would have been better for them to have a robust primary,” State Sen. Dianne Hesselbein (D) minority leader said.
There are seven candidates running for governor. We were able to catch up with former lieutenant governor Mandela Barnes, who placed sixth in the straw poll at the Democratic state convention. That poll Barnes doesn’t seem concerned about.
“If straw polls were an accurate representation of where the people of the state were, Jim Doyle nor Tony Evers would be governor of Wisconsin,” Barnes said.
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley placed fourth, but he feels his ideas and experience will speak for themselves.
“It’s a snapshot as far as where we are at the end of the day,” Crowley said. “But we have to continue to talk to as many voters as possible. And so that is what we are going to continue to do. I believe I have the best credentials, the best experience.”
Current Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez finished first, with self-described Democratic socialist Francesca Hong placing second. Hesselbein was also asked about Hong’s early success, but she did not appear concerned.
“Eight years ago, we had a primary when Tony Evers won, and there were other people in that race as well. And people were fretting about that, and it worked out great for the state of Wisconsin,” Hesselbein said.
Hesselbein avoided answering direct questions from the press at her Q&A event, but one thing she did say, which echoes the attitude of the convention over the weekend, is that she is confident Democrats are going to win regardless this election season.