HOW ABOUT A PALIN WHILE YOU'RE AT IT, DOYLE?

By Michael Horne

Governor Jim Doyle announces he will not seek reelection to a third term. -- News Item.

Doyle could take it a step further and resign. This would give Lieutenant Governor Barb Lawton the power of incumbency when she runs. Except Doyle hates Lawton.

Update, Monday, August 17th, 2009 11ish -- Yep. In his retirement announcement, Doyle said he made his decision now to "allow other candidates to step forward and get going." So he's guaranteeing a possibly destructive primary fight.

When he first ran, he told Lawton he'd be there for two terms, giving her the impression she would have a power base and a good launch for her own race to succeed him. It is not to be.

"I fully intend to serve my entire term," Doyle advises us. So that means Obama doesn't have any good job for him.

Doyle's turning this announcement into a State of the State address. Shout outs to his family and a boring list of accomplishments. I wonder if he will be able to keep his cabinet together to the end of the term.

Lawton's campaign website now includes a post from yesterday, Sunday August 16th, 2009, entitled "Doyle, Lawton, Disagree On DNR Secretary Issue." She favors removing the governor's authority to appoint the DNR head here. Lawton has no reason to continue to buck up a lame duck.

Update, Monday, October 17th, 2009 3:00 p.m.: Barbara Lawton says she's in the race, but isn't giving quotes. This is Jim Doyle's day to shine, she says. To heck with that! Jim Doyle can shine any day -- it just depends on how you light him. Now update that Facebook page. And the campaign website.

A Walker - Barrett matchup would be a disaster. People would stay away in droves rather than have to chose between Milwaukeeans.

BARB TO HIT THE ROAD

Lt. Gov. Lawton will be in Waukesha Wednesday, August 19th, 2009 at 7:30 a.m. to discuss new SBA business funding opportunities. Her presentation will be made to the Waukesha County Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting at Pro Health Care, N17W24100 Riverwood Drive, Waukesha. This is an official visit, not a campaign stop. What time does this woman wake up in the morning?
Doyle and Lawton got 61,402 votes to Green and Hundertmark got 112,243 in Waukesha County for the last gubernatorial election.

• Barb Lawton's campaign chest only has $50,000 in it right now. Maybe it's time for Chris Van Es, the "political and finance consultant for Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton" to start shaking the tree so he can keep his $1,000 a month coming in!
• Barb likes to gas up at Marge's Amoco when in Madison.
• Wow! Scott Walker has a million bucks!
• He likes to buy his gas at the Clark station, 7535 W. Bluemound Ave.
• Tom Barrett still has a "Barrett for Wisconsin" campaign committee registered. [See pdf]