Wisconsin: In final debate, Burke and Walker clash over incumbent's record

[left-of-center2012]

Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press

MADISON, Wis. -- Democrat Mary Burke argued during a debate Friday in Wisconsin's hotly contested governor's race that Republican incumbent Scott Walker mismanaged Wisconsin's finances, leading to a projected $1.8 billion budget shortfall, and enacted tax cuts that benefited the wealthy over the middle class.

Walker firmly defended his record, pointing to an unemployment rate that's the lowest it's been since 2008, amid the Great Recession, and the addition of more than 110,000 jobs on his watch.

"Overall, Wisconsin is much better off than it was four years ago," Walker during a debate in Milwaukee 18 days before the election.

Both candidates largely played it safe in their second and final debate, mostly sticking to their talking points and avoiding making any mistakes or new accusations.

The latest Marquette University Law School poll released Wednesday showed the race tied with less than three weeks before the Nov. 4 election. Marquette polls since May have shown the race to be nearly even, other than one on Oct. 1 that showed Walker with a narrow lead.

Read more: http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_26749726/wisconsin-walker-burke-meet-final-debate

[Thor_MN]

1. "Overall, Wisconsin is much better off than it was four years ago"

Not necessarily false, but it's much worse off than other midwestern states that didn't have a corporate shill idiot for governor...

[Stevepol]

2. Of course, the overalll growth in the economy

had nothing to do with WI gaining some jobs as did all the states under Obama's incompetent management of the national economy.

Wait a minute. Let me think about that again.

[George II]

3. Isn't there some kind of time limit involved in posting "LATEST Breaking News"???

[Bigredhunk]

4. It Blows My Mind That The Dems Haven't Been Able To Get This Guy Out Of Office

Yeah, he's got big financial backers (who even go so far as to pay people to put Scooter signs in their lawn). Like my state of Iowa, Wisconsin has a lot of rural (always vote republican). But there seem to be a lot of people against him every time I'm in Madison (and drive both to/from). Are the Democratic candidates always uninspiring or something? It did seem like last time (recall), the two Dems vying for the ticket split some people (which may've lowered enthusiasm among those whose candidate wasn't the one at the end).

Why doesn't someone like Feingold run? He inspires libs, no? Does he have no interest in running?

[HereSince1628]

5. Feingold has appeared to have no interest in the Governorship.

Moreover, when he accepted the role of Special Representative to Africa he was effectively removed from electoral politics.

It seems people who have given a twinkle of inspiration, say Jon Erpenbach who was a spokesman for the Wisconsin senators who boycotted, don't want it either.