Wisconsin voters will have the opportunity to recall Republican Governor Scott Walker on Tuesday, June 5. A Democratic opponent will be chosen in a primary election on Tuesday, May 8. Four candidates are running on the Democratic ticket — Milwaukee mayor Tom Barrett, who ran against Walker in 2010; former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk; Secretary of State Doug La Follette; and State Senator Kathleen Vinehout.
- Tom Barrett has said that college needs to be affordable and accessible and the state must make a commitment to higher education. He also supports increased investment in university research and development.
- Kathleen Falk has said she will restore the nearly $300 million cut from UW System and create the Wisconsin Student Debt Loan Crisis Initiative.
- Doug La Follette, a former professor at UW-Parkside, has said that he supports improved funding for the university, including increases in research funding.
- Kathleen Vinehout recently said she would restore all funding cuts to K-12, technical and higher education. She also intends to fund UW System’s Growth Agenda, increase financial aid, keep tuition affordable and work to improve graduation rates.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, WTMJ-TV, Wisconsin Public Radio, and Wisconsin Public Television are co-hosting a candidate debate on Friday, May 4. The debate will air at 7 pm on public television and radio stations throughout Wisconsin. Livestream coverage of the debate will also be available on jsonline.com.
More information about voter registration and polling place locations is available here. Photo identification requirements for voting are not being enforced while the Wisconsin Department of Justice appeals two separate court rulings that suspended enforcement of the new law.