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Head of Wisconsin Firefighters Union Announces Candidacy For Governor

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The leader of Wisconsin’s firefighters union announced his bid for governor this week. 

Mahlon Mitchell previously ran for public office in 2012 for lieutenant governor, but lost to Rebecca Kleefisch.  However, his 1.2 million votes were the highest tally in a single election received by any of the gubernatorial candidates so far. 

The Wisconsin State Journal reports that Mitchell strongly opposed incumbent Gov. Scott Walker’s Act 10 law, which curbed the power of public sector unions.  He's also the youngest candidate, at 40 years old, while incumbent Scott Waker is turning 50.  They both went to the same secondary school, Delaven-Darien High School.

Mitchell joins a large pool of Democratic candidates running for governor.  This group includes:

  • Tony Evers, state Superintendent of Public Instruction
  • Matt Flynn, former Wisconsin Democratic Party Chairman
  • Andy Gronik, Milwaukee businessman
  • Mike McCabe, former Wisconsin Democracy Campaign executive director
  • State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout, D-Alma
  • State Rep. Dana Wachs, D-Eau Claire
  • Michelle Doolan, small-business owner and community leader
  • Bob Harlow, a Wisconsin native who finished last in a California congressional primary
  • Dave Heaster, a perennial candidate for various state and federal posts
  • Brett Hulsey, a former Wisconsin State Representative
  • Kurt Kober, a Sheboygan businessman
  • Jared Landry, former Wisconsin Senate candidate
  • Andrew Lust, a political newcomer from Madison
  • Jeffrey Rumbaugh, advocate for the disabled and graduate of Northern Illinois University
  • Ramona Whiteaker, a photographer from Stoughton