Rep. Dana Wachs (D-Eau Claire) dropped out of the race for the Democratic nomination for governor on Friday, deciding to endorse Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Evers (D-Madison) instead.
“The Republicans are eager to see the Democratic candidates tear each other apart in a nine-way primary. I will not give them that satisfaction,” Wachs said in his statement endorsing Evers. “I believe Tony is the best person to defeat Scott Walker in November, and I am proud to endorse him for governor.”
Wachs is the second Democrat to drop out of the Democratic primary for governor, leaving eight candidates still running. Wachs finished just ahead of “refused to answer” with two percent support in the latest Marquette University Law School poll. Why Wachs, who could probably fund an internal poll out of pocket, waited until after the Marquette poll to drop out will remain a mystery.
Wachs, of course, waited until it was too late for him to run for re-election in his Assembly district. Apparently his ability to read a calendar is about the same as his ability to put together an introductory video.
Now the Democrats are down to eight candidates: Evers, Madison Mayor Paul Soglin, Firefighters Union Boss Mahlon Mitchell, Sen. Kathleen Vinehout (D-Alma), Attorney Matt Flynn, former state representative Kelda Roys, anti-free speech fanatic Mike McCabe, and Josh Pade. Only Evers cracks double digits with 25 percent support. The rest are at seven percent or less.
With Wachs and Andy Gronik out, the Democratic field is becoming a little clearer, although their positions on the issues are still indistinguishable. The primary election is August 14. The winner will fave Gov. Scott Walker in November.
