Kathleen Vinehout Says Democratic Primary For Governor ‘Not A Bad Idea’

State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout, D-Alma, now says she thinks the Democratic Party’s grassroots would like to see a primary next year.

Vinehout has consistently said she’s seriously considering a run for governor. Until recently, she also said that if former Trek Bicycle Executive Mary Burke got into the race she would have to reevaluate her own plans.

Vinehout previously said that it would be a difficult time to have a Democratic primary.

“But I have been talking with people, listening to what they have to say, and I keep hearing over and over again that maybe a primary would not be a bad idea,” says Vinehout.

Vinehout says she thinks she has the expertise to deal with looming budget issues in state government. She drafted her own alternative budget a couple years ago and again this year.

A few weeks ago Vinehout said Burke’s deep pockets give her an advantage. But now she’s taking a different tone.

“I think there’s an awful lot of people around this state that don’t want to run the same race that the governor would run against Democrats,” says Vinehout. “It isn’t all about money. It’s about the support of people all around the state and about how hard they’re willing to work.”

Vinehout says she’ll decide before January whether to run. Winnebago County Executive Mark Harris says he’ll decide by Labor Day. The Democratic Party has been helping Mary Burke explore a possible gubernatorial campaign, but so far, Burke has said she’s only considering it.