As the democratic party of Wisconsin looks forward after its state convention, many wonder who will emerge from a crowded field of 10 candidates for governor. We now may have one early indicator.
While state democrats inside the convention hall casted votes on their party's platform, outside, they voted in a straw poll conducted by WisPolitics.com.
“It's an early test of strength to see who, maybe, is organizing, taking it seriously, who has the pulse of the base,” said JR Ross, WisPolitics editor.
Roys got 23 percent of the vote, while Mitchell and Evers both got 12 percent https://t.co/wmj0InxYW2
— JR Ross (@jrrosswrites) June 2, 2018
Activists at the convention mark ballots for governor, lieutenant governor and more. Voters said they hope these ballots can start to separate some of the governor candidates from the rest of the pack.
"I think it's important that we gauge people's opinion throughout the party base and kind of get an idea of who our candidate will be so that we can start uniting behind them so that we have a better chance of beating Scott Walker," said Brock Doemel, High School Democrats of Wisconsin chairman.
"I would like for the winner of the primary to be someone with a majority or a strong plurality," said Jim Rose, Sheboygan County delegate.
Despite this poll, Ross said it's unlikely for candidates to start dropping out soon.
"We haven't seen anyone break ahead yet financially or in the polls, so we don't sense yet anybody's incentive to drop out," said Ross.
Republicans, like Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefish have criticized Democrats for having what she calls a fractured party.
Democrats, however, say competition within their organization is a good thing.
Here are the results of the governor’s race poll:
Total votes: 789
- Tony Evers: 91
- Matt Flynn: 71
- Andy Gronik: 89
- Mike McCabe: 81
- Mahlon Mitchell: 93
- Josh Pade: 7
- Kelda Roys: 184
- Paul Soglin: 1
- Kathleen Vinehout: 83
- Dana Wachs: 89
For the rest of the results from the other races, you can follow this link.
