Abele Is Not Running For Re-election:

That turns the whole county government environment totally on its head. “In a reversal, Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele announces he will not seek re-election“

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele is not seeking re-election, he announced Wednesday, a reversal from May, when Abele told the Journal Sentinel he was running.

In a statement, Abele said it was a difficult decision not to run again in April.

“I have approached public service just as I have approached every venture I take on — giving it my all every day, all day, leaving everything on the field,” he said. “But I also believe public service is about passing the torch when we have done our best to do what you have elected us to do.”

The position required “significant sacrifice,” he wrote.

“Now — alongside my three incredibly dynamic daughters and a new marriage with a strong woman who brings life and love into every room she walks into — it is time to write our next chapter together,” he wrote.

Who will this pull out of the woodwork to run? Will other candidates change their minds on what office to pursue? Will one or more of the mayoral candidates in Milwaukee change their heading (and yes, I am sure Mayor Barrett is running for re-election)?

Who do you think is a good candidate for Milwaukee County Executive?

(who wants to be on my exploratory committee? [humor])