Pocan Won’t Endorse In Democratic Primary For Governor

U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Madison, said Monday he won’t endorse a candidate in the crowded Democratic primary for governor, telling reporters that he would play the role of “peacekeeper” instead.

A total of 16 Democrats have filed paperwork to run for governor, and at least nine have been running active campaigns for months, but the limited polling available suggests most people don’t know them.

“I think it’s a pretty open race at this point,” Pocan said Monday from his Madison office. “(State Superintendent of Public Instruction) Tony Evers has the inside track based on all the polling, but I think who gets that second and third and maybe fourth track is still very fluid.”

Democrats have largely avoided criticizing one another so far, but Pocan said that if that changes, he’ll step in.

“If they go after each other, every now and then you may see me pop up on Twitter or verbally and say something,” Pocan said. “And I’m asking others to join me in doing that.”

In addition to Evers, candidates include former state party chair Matt Flynn, businessman Andy Gronik, activist Mike McCabe, firefighter union chief Mahlon Mitchell, former Madison state Rep. Kelda Roys, Madison Mayor Paul Soglin, Alma state Sen. Kathleen Vinehout and Eau Claire state Rep. Dana Wachs.

The winner of the August 14 primary election will face Republican Gov. Scott Walker in November.

Pocan is hardly alone in withholding an endorsement in the race for governor. Other prominent Democrats, from U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin to U.S. Rep. Ron Kind of La Crosse, have yet to endorse.

The exception is U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, D-Milwaukee, who endorsed Mitchell in November.

Pocan has endorsed in another Democratic primary, supporting ironworker Randy Bryce over teacher Cathy Myers in the 1st Congressional District race.

Former Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca, D-Kenosha, whom Pocan described a “very old and very dear friend,” is also considering entering the race. Pocan said they’ve talked.

“I tried to explain kind of the realities that are out there,” Pocan said. “It’s difficult to put a campaign together in three and a half months before a primary.”