Democratic gubernatorial candidate Kathleen Falk’s campaign goals and challenges in a potential recall race against Gov. Scott Walker were outlined at a gathering of University of Wisconsin College Democrats Thursday night.
Falk originally intended to speak at the meeting, but because of scheduling confusion, Scot Ross, her campaign spokesperson, spoke on her behalf.
“[Kathleen Falk] is going to be the person who restores honesty, integrity, fairness and transparency back to the state of Wisconsin,” Ross said.
Falk’s campaign will focus on reversing the changes that Walker has made, Ross said. He said Falk plans to address the issues of voting, education and workers’ rights if elected.
Since Walker took office, the largest public education budget cuts have been made by the Republican administration, Ross said. He added in 2011, Wisconsin lost more jobs than any other state in the nation, and both of these issues are an attempt to “destroy” the middle class.
Ross said as longest-serving county executive in Dane County’s history and second-longest serving executive in the state’s history, Falk’s experience is what makes her the best Democratic candidate to challenge Walker.
“She’s ready to take the jump to be the one to defeat Scott Walker,” Ross said.
Since announcing her run, Falk has gained the endorsement of the American Federation of State, County and Federal Municipal Employees, Wisconsin Education Association Council and many other groups.
UW sophomore Matt Persike questioned whether Falk was committed to a liberal agenda or if she would portray herself as a centrist.
“For example, [Falk] said something about how she’s not a push-over for unions, but she’s going to negotiate with unions,” Persike said. “I just wonder if she’s going for progressive or centrist in this close campaign.”
Chair of UW-Madison College Democrats Jordan Weibel said he was impressed with both Falk and Sen. Kathleen Vinehout, D-Alma, another Democratic candidate looking to run against Walker in the recall election.
No matter who is chosen as the Democratic candidate, Weibel said the candidates should push for educational reform.
“The educational cuts have been especially bad,” Weibel said. “Not just stopping, but reversing the changes is most important.”
