Democrat Tom Nelson announces bid for Wisconsin lieutenant governor

Democrat Tom Nelson announces bid for Wisconsin lieutenant governor

KAUKAUNA — State Rep. Tom Nelson, the Assembly majority leader, said Tuesday he will run for lieutenant governor, citing the need for proven leadership in Wisconsin's executive branch.

Nelson, a Democrat from Kaukauna, made his campaign official during a news conference on a sidewalk at the corner of Draper and Idlewood streets. The home there is the first he visited when he started his initial Assembly campaign in 2004.

Several dozen supporters attended Nelson's announcement. He said job creation remains the state's most pressing challenge.

"We are slowly coming out of the greatest economic downturn since the Great Depression," he said.

Nelson said his candidacy would add some geographic balance to the Democratic ticket as Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett seeks the governor's office.

His decision to run was further influenced by a conversation with Barrett, Nelson said. He left convinced that Barrett as governor would empower his lieutenant to play a significant role in state government.

Nelson stands among a crowded field for the post.

Nelson joins Democratic candidates G. Spencer Coggs of Milwaukee, Henry Sanders of Waunakee, James Schneider of Gotham and T. Anthony Zielinski of Milwaukee.

On the Republican side, Brett Davis of Oregon, Dave Ross of Superior, Rebecca Kleefisch of Oconomowoc and Ben Collins of Lake Geneva are registered to run.

Terry Virgil of Fort Atkinson is seeking the office as a Libertarian.

Nelson said he isn't discouraged by the competition. He was an underdog in 2004 when he became the lone Democrat in the state to beat a Republican incumbent, he said.

"I wasn't on anyone's radar," he said.

Lieutenant governors serve four-year terms.

If there are contests, voters will decide the respective parties' nominees in the Sept. 14 primary election.

The winning candidates will then run on the same ticket as their parties' gubernatorial nominees.

Jim Collar: 920-993-1000, ext. 216, or jcollar@postcrescent.com