Uppity Wisconsin

Democratic Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan of Janesville says it is unlikely he will run for governor next year.

But Sheridan still isn't completely ruling out the possibility.

He was asked about his plans during a Wednesday news conference. Sheridan says, "in all likelihood I'm going to stay right where I'm at."

Sheridan says he wants to see what Democrats emerge as candidates and he wants to meet with them privately to get their plans on the economy and ensure they partner with the Legislature.

A number of Democrats are considering running, including Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and U.S. Rep. Ron Kind. Current Lt. Gov. Barb Lawton has said she will run.

U.S. Rep. Ron Kind vowed Wednesday to decide "very soon" whether he will leave Congress to run for Wisconsin governor.

"The timetable is early this fall," the seven-term La Crosse Democrat told the Leader-Telegram editorial board.

When Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle announced 10 days ago he wouldn't seek a third four-year term next fall, Kind was one of the first Democrats mentioned as a potential successor.

Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton is the only Democrat who has declared her intent to join the race, but several other prominent party members are believed to be considering bids. In addition to Kind, that list includes Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, state Sen. Jon Erpenbach of Waunakee and Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan of Janesville.

On the Republican side, Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker, former U.S. Rep. Mark Neumann of Nashotah and Appleton businessman Mark Todd are already on the campaign trail, and former Gov. Tommy Thompson and Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen haven't ruled out bids.