Until "FitzWalkerstan" hit the news, there was nobody Wisconsin Democrats loved to hate more than Rep. Sean Duffy. In addition to being bitter over losing a seat they'd held for four decades, Democrats perceive Duffy as the most vulnerable Republican in 2012. Although I think their derision for him is often so absurd that it undermines their position, they've probably succeeded in motivating the base for the next election.
Alas, there has emerged a challenger!
Pat Kreitlow, a former news anchor from Chippewa Falls who lost his state Senate seat in that wave, said he's the right candidate to retake the seat held by Democratic Rep. Dave Obey for 41 years.
Losing a State Senate seat probably isn't the ideal platform upon which to conduct a Congressional campaign, but there aren't too many other Democrats in that district with (some) name-recognition and political experience.
Challengers for other members of the Wisconsin Congressional delegation have yet to emerge. If losing a legislative race doesn't disqualify you, I wonder if former Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan would run against Paul Ryan? On the radio, Sly has suggested that my favorite union thug, Peter Rickman, run against Tom Petri in the Fox Valley. This is not the first time Rickman has been the subject of campaign rumors, however, the rumor that he would run for the 77th Assembly district, in which he actually lives, was a tad more credible.
What about Penny Bernard-Schaber to run against Reid Ribble in the 8th Congressional District? She won comfortably in a district that was Republican for 80 years before.
Of course, nothing will be as widely anticipated as Tammy Baldwin's opponent! I really hope both Chad Lee and Peter Theron run again. They both make the 2nd Congressional District a lot more fun, in their own very distinct ways.
Follow The Sconz on Twitter or Facebook to get regular updates on city and state politics. Tune in to the radio show everyday between 10-11 a.m. on 1670 AM WTDY. Please send anonymous tips, interview requests or any other comments to jcraver@isthmus.com.
