Wisconsin Ag Connection - Vinehout Says She's In for Gubernatorial Race

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Vinehout Says She's In for Gubernatorial Race
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 09/26/2017

The field of Democratic candidates hoping to oust Governor Scott Walker next year is getting even more crowded. This week, State Senator Kathleen Vinehout, a dairy farmer from Alma who ran brief campaigns for governor in 2012 and 2014, announced she is entering the primary race. She's held her current position in the 31st Senate District in western Wisconsin since 2006.

In a campaign statement on Monday, Vinehout said she hopes to repair the school aid formula and create a program where tuition would be free for students who attend the state's technical and two-year colleges. Another priority would be to expand health care coverage, especially in rural areas of Wisconsin.

"I am running for governor to put people first at the center of state policy and the top priority when it comes to spending the state's dollars," Sen. Vinehout said. "My vision for tomorrow is very different from where the state is today."

At age 59, she is a member of several agriculture groups, including the Wisconsin Farmers Union, Wisconsin Farm Bureau, and Buffalo Co. Agricultural Fair Association. At the Capitol, she serves on the Senate Ag Committee.

A spokesman for her campaign said Vinehout will not run for re-election in her senate district next year because she wants to spend all of her time running her campaign for governor.

She is the seventh Democrat to officially enter the race, along with other names like State School Superintendent Tony Evers and Political Activist Mike McCabe.

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