By Matthew DeFour
If state Sen. Kathleen Vinehout announces a run for governor next month, she’ll force a Democratic primary that observers say could strengthen the eventual nominee’s chances of defeating Gov. Scott Walker.
Vinehout’s odds of winning the nomination are considered slim, given an expected fundraising disadvantage against Madison School Board member Mary Burke, the only announced Democratic candidate so far. Whoever becomes the Democratic nominee would have to spend money early on but could benefit from the elevated profile.
Ed Miller, a UW-Stevens Point political science professor, said a primary would force Burke to spend money on advertising early, but given that not many people in the state know who she is, that could be an advantage.
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