Race for the mayor's office: Four candidates, three push message of change

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee residents on Tuesday, February 16th will decide who will advance in the mayor's race. There are four candidates including incumbent Tom Barrett, Alderman Joe Davis, Alderman Bob Donovan, and political newcomer James Methu. Only the top two vote-getters will advance to the April general election.

Even in the final hours before the polls closed on Tuesday, Mayor Tom Barrett's three challengers were hammering their message of change. In this race, Barrett has the advantage in name recognition and money. He has $800,000 in his coffers. His challengers have less than $50,000 combined.

Observers expect that Barrett will advance Tuesday night. It's a toss-up between two other candidates.

Bob Donovan, running on a law-and-order platform, has a base of support on the city's south side. Joe Davis, who is criticizing the mayor's efforts to fight poverty, has strong support on the north side. Both men are pinning their hopes on good turnout in their respective areas of the city.

James Methu is also calling for change and tells FOX6 News he is relying on word of mouth and social media to get people to vote for him.



Crime, jobs and the status of the Milwaukee streetcar project have all been major issues in this race.