As the state gets gears up for what is sure to be an exciting recall election in the coming months I sit here wondering who I will be supporting. Fighting the urge to just go along with whoever my roommate, a political science major, chooses, I decided to do a bit of research.
For me, it ultimately comes down to the two big contenders—former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. On the one hand you have Kathleen Falk who is running a sort of grass-roots campaign centered on restoring collective bargaining rights and on the other you have Tom Barrett whose political track record speaks for itself. As mayor of Milwaukee, Barrett has created, attracted and saved jobs. He has also solved a budget crisis, substantially reduced crime and worked to keep the economy on track.
While both candidates show deep concern for union workers, only one candidate in my mind has the capabilities to be a successful governor.
In my opinion, Tom Barrett is the man that should replace Gov. Scott Walker. He is the person who has the ability to lead Wisconsin into a better future.
First, Barrett is no stranger to making tough decisions. As mayor of Milwaukee, Barrett has had to face budget shortfalls, which he responded to with cuts. In a time where the state is looking at a deficit, services are going to get cut. It doesn’t matter what side you are on, Democrat or Republican, cuts will and have to be made. We need to deal with it.
Barrett has shown that he is comfortable with making unpopular decisions when it is good for the state. This will make his transition into the governor seat much easier than Falk’s.
The bottom line is that Wisconsin needs a governor who is willing to compromise with both sides of the table. The state of our state’s political atmosphere has been deteriorating ever since Walker took office. From fleeing the state to endless recall elections, our politicians have turned to childish tactics to get what they want. Citizens once prided themselves on how both sides always found a way to compromise, even on controversial topics. We need a new leader who will rebuild that sense of camaraderie that this state is known for.
This means we need a more centrally aligned candidate—one who is willingly to put aside personal vendettas and cross party lines to reach a compromise. Barrett is the candidate who runs a more central campaign based not only on caring for the unions, but for the state as a whole.
Meanwhile, Falk urges Barrett to promise, like she did, to veto a state budget if it didn’t restore collective bargaining rights and Barrett refuses. I think this is genius. Sure, he may piss off some unions, but now he appeals to the general population, especially the undecided voters. We already know that unions and hardcore leftists are going to vote for whatever Democrat runs against Walker, but the undecided vote is the one that will determine which candidate ultimately gets the job. Barrett’s experience and central stance is much more appealing to the general voting population.
Falk’s strategy is one that I cannot align myself with. She is far too left for what the state needs. I don’t see her compromising as much as Barrett would and that is going to be the only way to get things done at the Capitol. Her far-left ideals will be just as bad as Walker’s far right. Furthermore, I am not part of a labor union. While I can sympathize and feel it is unfair what happened to them, there are other people living here. I need a candidate who has the whole state on their mind and not just one party. Falk has made this a battle of Walker vs. unions when it should be Walker vs. Wisconsin.
Tom Barrett is someone who has the entire state in mind when making decisions and while some of them may be unpopular, they have to be made. It is clear to me that Barrett is willing and able to cross party lines and work with both sides to come to a decision that benefits the entire state. Wisconsin needs someone to lead us back to the days where no matter what the issue, there is always a compromise to be made. Tom Barrett is that man.
Nick is a junior majoring in marketing. Please send all feedback to opinion@dailycardinal.com.
