Milwaukee's Bleak Conservative Leadership Landscape

It appears that no one in the city of Milwaukee is willing to run to unseat Mayor Tom Barrett.

David Clarke announced that he won't try.

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

Milwaukee County Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr., who had publicly weighed a mayoral bid, said today he will not challenge Mayor Tom Barrett in the April election.

In recent months, Clarke has continued his criticism of Barrett on crime and other issues, but made no move to run. Candidates can begin circulating nomination papers Saturday.

"I'm really disappointed the timing is not right for me to run at this time," Clarke said. "As I said before, Milwaukee needs a change in leadership at City Hall, but that does not necessarily have to be me."

...Said Clarke: "It doesn't look like there's going to be a mayor's race in '08 and I think that's unfortunate."

It's a sad situation for Milwaukee residents that they will have no choice in the mayoral race.

Is Barrett going to be like the perpetually unchallenged Herb Kohl?

There has to be someone who will take on Barrett.

Does Milwaukee have such a conservative leadership vacuum? Is it really that bleak?

There are plenty of libs and nuts wanting to be elected to office. Even the jailed Ald. Mike McGee has filed his declaration of candidacy form to hold on to his position as alderman of the 6th District.

Why think small?

McGee could run for mayor. He has a lot of time on his hands. And he might win. Only felony convictions before the election would stand in McGee's way.

Depressing.