"Tom Barrett's interest in governor's race signals weak field, vulnerable incumbent"

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http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/tom-barrett-s-interest-in-governor-s-race-signals-weak/article_93126f86-7805-5bda-927f-60d160453986.html

"Last week’s revelation that Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett is thinking about challenging Gov. Scott Walker for a third time fueled two narratives about this year’s election — that the current Democratic field is weak and that Walker is vulnerable.

Jennifer Duffy, senior editor of the Washington-based Cook Political Report, highlighted the perception that the growing Democratic field does not include a stand-out candidate.

“That sort of sums it up,” Duffy said of Barrett possibly getting into the race. “Whatever evidence there might be that Walker has some vulnerability, you look at the Democratic side of the aisle and say, ‘Is there a candidate there that can beat him?’ Barrett’s contemplation of the race sends a message that ‘No, there’s not.’ ”

Duffy and other national political experts who rate gubernatorial races say the Wisconsin contest “leans Republican,” meaning Walker has a better than 50/50 chance of winning a third term, even in what could be a Democratic wave election year."

This is not an open seat. My fear is that a crowded Democratic field without a stand-out candidate with good statewide recognition won't be able to beat Walker with his powerful and well funded political machine. Walker will just stand back and be governor while the Democratic candidates have at each other and he will hope people will just see it as better the devil you know than the devil you don't.
Frankly I feel more confident of the Democrats chances of taking the House than the Wisconsin governorship.