Write Me In

Late last Friday afternoon, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett (D) announced that he would be a candidate in the Democratic primary for the recall of Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker (R).  When I heard he was planning an announcement for so late (three other candidates were already officially in, including one who has cornered the endorsements market and a significant share of the available cash), I figured it would be to decline to run.  Democratic Assembly leader Peter Barca did exactly that with his late announcement.

But no, Barrett is in for gov.

Now, I like Barrett in many ways.  He hasn’t been actively bad at running Milwaukee, for example, and may well be the Nicest Man In The City.  But it has been clear to me since 2002 that Barrett view being Mayor of Milwaukee as simply the consolation prize for not being governor.  After losing in 2002’s gov primary, he ran for mayor and waited patiently for the D line of the ballot to be blank again, and ran in 2010.  Now he’s at it again, even though his re-election for mayor is, literally, tomorrow.

So I am announcing right now–since everyone knows you don’t announce important information on a Friday afternoon!  Duh!–my write-in campaign for Mayor of Milwaukee.  Be advised–I did not post this yesterday because I don’t want people thinking this is an April Fools.  It’s not.

I look at it this way:  You all write in my name, I win and get to be mayor for a while, and Tom Barrett is free to pursue the nomination for governor again.  Win-win.

So I urge you:  On April 3, if you live in Milwaukee, write in Jay Bullock for mayor.

(Note:  After I win, I’ll announce a platform and advisors and such.  One step at a time.)