Dem. party chair sees Alma’s Vinehout as challenger to Gov. Walker in 2018

La Crosse’s J.D. Wine believes whoever runs, they should run as progressive.

A real contender to challenge Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker in an election next year has yet to emerge in the Democratic party.

There are, however, some possibilities, according to La Crosse County Democratic party chair, J.D. Wine, who just got back from the weekend’s state party convention in Middleton, Wis.

Former head of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign Mike McCabe is one contender. State assemblyman Dana Wachs has real potential, says Wine. But so does Alma state Senator Kathleen Vinehout, who might run.

“Kathleen Vinehout probably knows more about how state government works and functions than any other person in the state,” Wine said.

While there are divisions in the party lingering from last fall’s elections, Wine is certain Democrats will unite once the election season kicks into high gear next year.  

And, whatever the candidate runs, Wine has some advice.

“I think, if you could offer them a choice, they would choose the more progressive, liberal side of it,” he said.