Barrett and Falk debate electability against Scott Walker

JS Online ^ | 4-19-12 | Craig Gilbert

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When Gov. Scott Walker went up with an ad last week attacking Tom Barrett, he was looking to weaken a potential June opponent.

But Barrett used it as a badge of honor, because it seemed to bolster one of his main arguments to Democratic voters in the May 8 primary -- that he’s the opponent Walker takes most seriously.

“I think it’s a bit of a back-handed compliment from the Republicans,” said Barrett spokesman Phil Walzak, who said the Walker ad shows “they’re clearly more concerned about facing Tom Barrett in the general election than any other candidate.”

Is Tom Barrett more electable against Walker than Democratic rival Kathleen Falk?

If you took a poll of political insiders in both parties, the prevailing answer would be yes. When I put that question to a half-dozen GOP strategists in Wisconsin in recent days, they all independently said they considered Falk easier to beat. They also said that was the overwhelming view within the GOP, partly because Republicans think her close ties to public employee unions is a liability.

“They’re certainly entitled to that opinion,” says Falk spokesman Scot Ross, “but when it comes to who matches up best against Scott Walker, it’s Kathleen Falk.”

The public polling on this question isn’t black and white.

Barrett has consistently enjoyed a better public image than Falk with voters in Wisconsin surveys this year, starting in January and continuing through the spring as his and especially her name recognition has grown:

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Wisconsin Polling Prognostications on Walker vs Falk and Walker vs Barrett ping

FReep Mail me if you want on, or off, this Wisconisn interest ping list.

“Falk No! We Can’t Barrett.” (We already have a Governor.)

[fieldmarshaldj]

Wisconsin, don’t Falk it up. We can’t Barrett.

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