cable deregulation, and environmental protection.
Many Democrats are especially upset with Plale for his role in preventing the passage of the Clean Energy Jobs Act,. Although an initial sponsor of the legislation, Plale, as chair of the Senate Utilities Committee, never brought the bill to a vote. Environmental groups, taking the cue from Rep. Spencer Black, who voiced anger with Senate Democrats for killing the legislation, will likely be putting money and volunteers into the primary as well.
However, the biggest actor in the Larson camp is likely to be Jim Doyle. Although by no means a devout liberal, the outgoing governor saw the energy bill as a defining point in his legacy, and he is likely seeking revenge for those who hampered that. The problem for Doyle is that he cannot campaign against an incumbent Democrat without committing a serious breach of party etiquette. Hence any help from the governor or his friends, including Democrats like Black, must remain somewhat covert.
Nevertheless, Plale will still have plenty of support in high places. He is a very good friend of Majority Leader Russ Decker, and the two Assembly Democrats in his district endorsed him last month. In addition, a variety of business interests will likely put money into the race as well.
I do not have the names of the unions who will be endorsing Larson. Keep in mind however, that WEAC has already come out for Plale, and