A positive ad? Gov. Walker sets a new tone as candidates for governor look to November



MADISON (WITI) -- Mary Burke has officially been named Governor Scott Walker's Democratic challenger in the governor's race -- easily defeating Brett Hulsey in Tuesday night's primary. Now, the focus is on the November general election -- and both candidates are back on the campaign trail. After weeks of negative attack ads, Governor Walker is attempting to set a new tone for the race in its final 12 weeks.

The race for governor in Wisconsin is one of the closest governor's races in the country. The latest Marquette University Law School poll shows the race a dead heat -- with 47% of likely voters supporting Burke, to Walker's 46%. That poll was released on July 23rd.

Most political experts, and almost all of the polling data shows the Walker-Burke contest is a toss up. That means every single day on the campaign trail counts.

Following her primary election victory, Mary Burke continued her campaign swing in the Northwoods -- making a stop in Minoqua Wednesday, August 13th -- as Governor Walker met with voters in Stevens Point.

According to the latest campaign finance numbers, Governor Walker is out-raising Burke by a 2-to-1 margin.

After weeks of attack ads focused on Burke's family company, Trek Bicycle, on Wednesday, Governor Walker set out to change the tone of the race -- releasing a positive ad which he narrates himself.



Governor Walker used his election night speech before supporters in Waukesha to recast the race as a decision between a second term for his reforms, or a third term for the policies of his predecessor -- Jim Doyle.

"We don't want to go back. We don't want to go back to the days of double-digit tax increases, billion dollar budget deficits and big time job loss," Governor Walker said.

Burke has been running ads going after the governor's 2010 campaign promise -- to create 250,000 jobs within his first term.



Burke is downplaying the fact that she won the nomination, saying her sole focus is on winning in November.

"I'm feeling really good.  I'm looking forward to November 4. My game plan has been pretty much the same all along and that's making sure the voters of Wisconsin know me and get to know the type of governor I would be and the plans I have for leading Wisconsin forward," Burke said.

This race is sure to draw national attention over the next 12 weeks, because of the effect it could have on Governor Walker's presidential prospects.

Walker has said he's focused on November.