Kathleen Vinehout to not run for Wisconsin Governor in 2014

By Kyle Maichle, Editor of Wisconsin Election Watch, 

ALMA – State Senator Kathleen Vinehout (D-Alma, 31st District) announced on Friday morning she would not seek the Democratic Party nomination for Wisconsin Governor in 2014.   This confirmation came after WisPolitics andThe Progressive magazine first reported on Thursday evening that she would not run according to sources close to the Senator.

In a written statement issued on Friday morning, Vinehout said: “After careful consideration I have decided not to run for Governor this year.  The severity of the injury received in the car accident last month — a splintering of the bone in my upper right arm – and the time required to recover and rehabilitate make it impossible for me to run the intense, grass roots campaign that I want to run and would be necessary to win. I have many thanks to give to all the individuals across the state who have encouraged me to run and offered their support in countless ways. I will continue to work supporting the grassroots efforts of so many. The vision we share for our state and our communities will not fade. I wish success to Mary Burke and others who may offer their time and talents in leading our state.”

More: Kathleen Vinehout Discusses Gubernatorial Bid on Capitol City Sunday

In December of 2013, Vinehout was the victim of a chain-reaction car accident on Interstate 94 in Racine County during a major snowstorm.  She suffered multiple fractures in her right arm and is currently rehabilitating from the injury.

After Vinehout made her announcement, Joe Fadness, the Executive Director of the Republican Party of Wisconsin, stated: “Democratic party bosses worked in overdrive to push Kathleen Vinehout out of the race in favor of a Madison millionaire who can’t connect with her base. Without a primary, Democrats are left divided with no voice and no choice. Mary Burke is pushing a return to the days of the failed Doyle-Burke Administration that left Wisconsin with massive tax hikes, billion dollar budget deficits, and record job loss.”

More: Kathleen Vinehout Discusses Progress of Gubernatorial Bid on UPFRONT

Wisconsin Democratic Party Chairman Mike Tate said: “Although she has made the decision not to pursue a run for governor at this time, Kathleen Vinehout remains a vital force in this Party and this movement. Senator Vinehout’s travels around the state have helped to build the Party, engage the grassroots, and guide the conversation about how we can restore Wisconsin’s proud progressive legacy and return our government to the people. Her advocacy for important issues added much to the debate we will have in our state this year and the energy and excitement she brought will contribute to the election of a Democratic Governor in November.”

Currently, Vinehout is the State Senator for the 31st District representing Buffalo, Eau Claire, Jackson,Pepin, Pierce, and Trempealeau counties.  She was first elected to the office in 2006 and was re-elected in 2010.