Wisconsin Governor Debate: Advantage Mary Burke?

The first Governor debate between Governor Scott Walker (R) and candidate Mary Burke (D) just concluded in Eau Claire. Before the debate, a poll from Marquette University Law School had Scott Walker up in the polls by 5 points with a 4.1 percentage point margin of error, but that number may decrease after people start to evaluate the debate. The one hour debate seemed to focus on a few key things: jobs, taxes, minimum wage, and education funding. Burke started the night by questioning Walker's promise to create 250,000 jobs. Walker used his opening statement to call for an open and honest debate about the future of Wisconsin. Ironically, Walker was the one who was dodged questions and seemed to overwhelmingly talk about his tenure as Governor instead of talking about how he plans to better this great state. Burke seemed to be strong throughout the interview by sticking to the point and being very clear. One of the most interesting points of this debate came when the candidates were both asked if they were planning on serving their full terms if elected. Mary Burke stated the she wanted to be the longest serving Governor that Wisconsin has ever had and Walker said that he plans to serve for four more years. This should be a very interesting point to the voters, because Burke clearly seems more committed to Wisconsin than Walker, who's name is linked towards being a Presidential candidate.

If Scott Walker really wants to win this race, he better quit thinking about a potential run for President in 2016/2020 and focus on the issues at hand, because Mary Burke exposed him tonight. The two candidates will have one more debate before November elections and it will take place in the Milwaukee Public Television studios on Friday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m.


-Zachary Ketzer