Wisconsin Secretary of State Doug La Follette has officially declared his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for governor in the upcoming recall, after having explored a run for the past several weeks.
From a campaign press release, following La Follette’s announcement at the state Capitol:
“I love our state and the people who call it home. I love our lakes and streams and our ridges and valleys. But most importantly I love and believe in our values and traditions. I am running because I will not stand idly by while everything we hold dear is torn down”. As governor, respect for all the people of Wisconsin would be La Follette’s leading principle in setting his priorities. He believes that respect for business owners, all working people, parents, educators, city and town leaders and all Wisconsinites is the best way to grow our economy, invest in our children and bring civility and respect back to our state
La Follette, age 71, was first elected to the office in 1974, then left it in 1978 to make an unsuccessful run for lieutenant governor, and then was elected again in 1982. He has been easily re-elected ever since. He is part of the La Follette that has played a major role in the state’s progressive politics since the late 1800’s — his great-grandfather was a brother of “Fighting Bob” La Follette.
