Barrett Puts Wisconsin First in Debate Win

MILWAUKEE – Tom Barrett won the first general election debate against Scott Walker in overwhelming fashion by focusing the discussion on critical issues of jobs, honesty, trust and the people of Wisconsin. The debate drew a strong distinction between their approaches to leadership.

Barrett highlighted his experience bringing people together, listening to all sides, making tough decisions and taking responsibility. Walker continued to duck responsibility for his actions. He dodged such issues as who is funding his criminal defense fund, why he won’t release emails from his time as county executive and why he refuses to release records of his extensive time spent outside of Wisconsin on political fundraising trips around the country.

After the debate sponsored by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, Barrett for Wisconsin communications director Phil Walzak released the following statement:

“Tom Barrett let the people of Wisconsin know that his priorities are creating jobs, strengthening education at all levels and being open and honest with the people of our state. In contrast, Scott Walker time and again flatly refused to answer questions on being the only governor in the country to have a criminal defense fund related to the ongoing John Doe investigation and his extensive travel for his own political gain.

“Tonight’s debate showed the people of Wisconsin they have a very clear choice on June 5 - a leader they can trust to focus on the people of Wisconsin, create jobs and heal the division, or the current governor whose divide-and-conquer approach has resulted in record job loss, undermining education on all levels and pitting people and communities against each other.

“Tonight’s debate showed it is clearly time for Wisconsin to have a new governor that focuses on our state.”