WAUKESHA (WKOW) -- Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Tom Barrett campaigned in a Republican stronghold Thursday, as Governor Scott Walker was out of the public's eye as both men prepared for their second and final debate before next Tuesday's recall election.
At a cafe in Waukesha, Barrett said Democratic vote totals are high in Waukesha County, even though Republican candidates usually win handily. In the 2008 presidential election, as President Barack Obama won easily in Wisconsin, he garnered 37 percent of the vote in Waukesha County.
Walker campaign spokesperson Ciara Matthews said Walker had no planned public appearances Thursday ahead of the 9:00 p.m. debate in Milwaukee.
Barrett repeated his demand that Walker release hundreds of e-mails in connection to a secret John Doe probe. The Milwaukee County investigation has led to charges and convictions involving a campaign donor, an appointee and several Walker aides. Thirteen people have been granted immunity from criminal prosecution in the proceedings, including Walker's former spokesperson from Walker's time as Milwaukee County executive.
Wispolitics.com reported an attorney for one of the charged defendants said the home of Walker administration manager Brett Davis has been searched. Davis is a former lieutenant governor candidate whose campaign consultant is accused of felony crimes, as she worked for then county executive Walker.
"The fact that you've got the state Medicaid director's home that was searched...is he a target, or is he going to release these documents?"
Walker has maintained he's cooperating with the investigation, and laws prevent him from releasing the e-mails. Barrett cited a recent interview with the probe's overseeing judge as stating only witnesses in a John Doe proceeding are required to maintain secrecy.
Former Waukesha teacher Jan Leech said Barrett's cafe visit surprised her, but said she supports him in the recall.
Leech said she's unfazed by Barrett's deficit of at least four points in all, publicly-released, independent opinion polling this month.
"People love an underdog."
Thursday's debate will air on WKOW-TV and www.wkow.com/live Thursday night at 9:00 p.m. We'll have a complete recap to follow on 27 News at 10.
