Former Congressman Dave Obey Endorses Dana Wachs For Governor

State Rep. Dana Wachs has picked up the endorsement of a prominent Democratic Party figure in his run for governor.

Former northern Wisconsin Congressman Dave Obey said Friday he believed Wachs, D- Eau Claire, has the best chance of beating incumbent Gov. Scott Walker in a crowded Democratic field of candidates.

“There’s an old saying: If you don’t know your jewels, know your jeweler,” Obey said. “I know Dana, and I think he has the right temperament and the right leadership skills to bring the state together.”

Obey said the party should look beyond Milwaukee or Madison for its candidate.

“Dana Wachs is from the right part of the state. He understands the culture of northern Wisconsin. I think it’s about time that the voice of the north is listened to,” he said.

Obey also praised Wach’s earlier career as a trial attorney.

“He was working for the kind of people who need help the most in this state. He was working for people who had lost their homes, had lost their jobs, because of bad conduct of corporations or insurance companies, and I think that counts an awful lot,” Obey said.

Obey, the former chair of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, represented Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District for 41 years.

Wachs is one of several Democrats vying to take on Walker next year, including state Superintendent of schools Tony Evers, Milwaukee businessman Andy Gronik, government reform advocate Mike McCabe and state Sen. Kathleen Vinehout, D-Alma.