Bob Donovan wants in, alderman announces he's running for Milwaukee mayor
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The race is on! The next mayoral election is two years away -- but the campaign is already underway. On Tuesday evening, Milwaukee Alderman Bob Donovan was set to announce he is challenging Mayor Tom Barrett in 2016.
Donovan let the cat slip out of the bag on a radio program on Tuesday morning, July 29th. He confirmed that he's running for mayor over the phone with FOX6's Mike Lowe on Tuesday afternoon. His entry into the race has made the campaign a whole lot more colorful.
A statewide primary election is just two weeks away (August 12th) -- but Milwaukee political observers are focused on an Election Day two years away!
"We need new leadership," Alderman Bob Donovan said.
Outspoken Donovan announced Tuesday on a conservative talk radio show that he's running against Mayor Tom Barrett. Over the years, Donovan has been one of Mayor Barrett's biggest critics.
"Tonight, amongst other things, I'll be announcing my candidacy for mayor of the city of Milwaukee. I plan on turning my paperwork in today," Donovan said on the radio show.
Donovan officially announced his candidacy in a room of supporters at Milwaukee's Serb Hall on Tuesday evening.
Donovan is the second Milwaukee alderman to throw his hat in the ring. This month, Alderman Joe Davis announced he's forming an exploratory committee.
"This is America -- and obviously (Alderman Donovan) and Alderman Davis are interested in the job, and I welcome the opportunity to discuss the issues at the appropriate time. I love being the mayor of the city of Milwaukee. I'm working very very hard, and there's a long time between now and 2016," Mayor Barrett said.
Donovan exudes a southside working-class sensibility. He is at once blunt, blue collar and belligerent.
Tom Barrett, on the other hand, is an incumbent who has been re-elected handily since 2004. He has a reputation of bringing the city's factions together and sharing credit.
"I'm someone who woks with people. I'm someone who gets things done. I think the criticism is, maybe I don't take enough credit for the things I've gotten done," Mayor Barrett said.
Mayor Barrett will have the decided fundraising advantage over Donovan.
As it stands now, Barrett has a $45,000 war chest -- compared to Donovan's $15,000.
Mayor Barrett is already questioning the commitment of both challengers.
"I don't think either one of them has said they're giving up their seat yet, so I think that'll be one of the issues they'll face if they'll actually give up their seat," Mayor Barrett said.
Donovan is the alderman for Milwaukee's 8th District, the vice chair of the Common Council's Public Safety Committee, the chair of the Anti-Graffiti Policy Committee and a member of the Judiciary and Legislation Committee. The biography on Donovan's Common Council page says he was born and raised on Milwaukee's south side, he's a graduate of Thomas More High School and attended St. Francis De Sales College and UW-Milwaukee.
Ald. Donovan and his wife Kathy are active members of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and have five children: Stephanie, Eric, Amanda, Eileen and Elizabeth.
Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke is said to be considering a bid for mayor, but first, he's got to win re-election to the Sheriff's Office -- and that starts with a primary election on August 12th.
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