WAUSAU (WAOW) -
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett stopped in Wausau on Saturday, a day after announcing his plans to run for governor.
Barrett spoke to more than a 100 supporters at the Marathon Co. Democratic spring dinner.
On Friday, the democrat announced he will run for governor in the upcoming recall election.
Barrett, lost to current governor, Scott Walker, in the 2010 election.
The gubernatorial hopeful said he kicked off his first day of campaigning in Wausau to show voters he's serious about running.
"It's bringing my message directly to the people, and I'm appealing to people who live in rural areas, and urban areas, members of unions, non-union members, farmers, the elderly, young people. We need to bring this state together, and I can do that," said Barrett.
During his speech on Saturday, Barrett attacked Walker's policies. He said Walker's time as governor divided the state.
"We don't have to take the route of it's my way or the highway, and that is the approach that he takes to governing and it's not our Wisconsin. Our Wisconsin listens to our neighbors, respects our neighbors, and tries to work together," said Barrett.
This news shakes up the democratic field, which has been dominated by Kathleen Falk. She's the former longtime Dane County executive. She's obtained every major endorsement and the backing of unions.
"We're friends and we're all united here in our goal of beating Scott Walker because he is delivering an agenda that is so extreme and not out values here in Wisconsin," said Falk.
Governor Walker talked with reporters on Friday about Barrett's announcement.
Walker said he isn't concerned about who his opponent will be.
If a democratic primary is necessary, it will be held May 8th.
The actual recall vote will then be held on June 5th.
Online Reporter: Julienne Ryan
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