What do you know about the Democrats running for Lt. Governor?

[undeterred]

Barbara Lawton is not seeking re-election. I'm interested in hearing who people here think is the best candidate to replace her.


The Democratic candidates are:

Assembly Majority Leader Tom Nelson of Kaukauna (5th District)

State Senator Spencer Coggs of Milwaukee (6th District)

James Schneider of Gotham

Henry Sanders, Jr of Madison

Milwaukee Alderman Tony Zielinski has dropped out.



(The Republican candidates are: Rebecca Kleefisch, the wife of state Rep. Joel Kleefisch, Rep. Brett Davis of Oregon, Superior Mayor Dave Ross, Tom Farley Jr. of Madison, and Lake Geneva businessman Ben Collins.)

[dragonlady]

1. Okay, I'll jump in here

I've heard three of the four speak at least once. (Also Tony Zielinski, and he was very good--energetic and committed to creating jobs, especially in the energy sector--but apparently the powers-that-be have decided that two from Milwaukee on the ticket is bad news, so he's stepping aside for Nelson to run.)

Schneider is not a serious candidate. He is visiting some Democratic meetings but apparently not much else. A look at his website shows little about his views on the issues. He has a plan to create jobs, but doesn't explain it on the website. He wants the Governor to appoint him Secretary of Commerce along with being Lt. Gov. http://www.schneiderlg.com/

Tom Nelson is a good speaker and has a fairly progressive voting record. He managed to get himself elected in a swing district. He's only 34 years old.

Henry Sanders is also a good speaker. His background is in small business, and he has started nonprofit organizations to help grow businesses and create jobs. He has worked with the Madison Chamber of Commerce and has served on various boards devoted to workforce development. He has been an outreach coordinator for Tammy Baldwin and is vice-chair of the DPW's Black Caucus. http://henrysanders.org

Spencer Coggs is the one I haven't heard (had to miss the meeting where he spoke). He has been in the legislature from Milwaukee for quite a while and comes from a family that is well-connected politically in the black community. I believe he also has a background in labor. http://spencercoggs.com/bio.html

The three remaining serious candidates are all good and each has factors in his favor. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. I'm not ready to pick a favorite yet.

:hi:

[undeterred]

2. Thanks dragonlady

I've met Henry Sanders once and he seems like a very good candidate though he has't been elected to public office before. The others I'm not familiar with.

:hi:

[HelenWheels]

3. Henry Sanders

He is a great speaker and is very attractive--and this is important in this day and age. His main concern is job creation.