Eau Claire (WQOW) - If a recall is ordered against Governor Scott Walker, there's no telling how many democrats could end up in the mix.
Right now, there are only two who are officially running, Kathleen Falk and Kathleen Vinehout. Vinehout represents the 31st Senate District, which makes up parts of Buffalo, Eau Claire, Jackson, Monroe, Pepin, Pierce and Trempealeau Counties.
On Thursday, WQOW News 18 spoke to Vinehout about her decision. Prior to making the decision, Vinehout spent time traveling around the state where she heard from people who told her they're looking for a new beginning for the state.
"I think we're in a most unconventional time right now and there's a grassroots organization around the state like I've never seen before," says Kathleen Vinehout, (D) recall candidate.
Vinehout says she's committed to finding the best solution to issues like jobs, education and the budget.
"My campaign is about bringing people together to have those discussions rather than ramming a solution the people don't like and people have not gotten involved in," says Vinehout. "Part of the problem we have now is the people that have the wisdom to solve these problems are not at the table participating in the solutions. I'd like to change that."
Vinehout admits she faces a challenge when it comes to campaigning.
"I don't mind being known as the candidate running on a shoe-string budget, money buys TV ads, but in the end people vote and right now I'm sensing a lot of dissatisfaction with money in campaigns," says Vinehout.
And even though she has an eye on governor, Vinehout says she's still committed to serving the people of the 31st Senate District.
"I think in a way, my candidacy strengthens the voice of western Wisconsin in the legislature and the state because it gives me an opportunity to talk to people around the state about the difficulties, the challenges and the strengths of what's happening in western Wisconsin and the Chippewa Valley," says Vinehout.
Vinehout says one of those strengths is the unemployment rate. In December, Eau Claire County had an unemployment rate of 5.5 percent. That's below the state average of 7.1 percent.
Depending on how the recall signature verification process goes, a primary between Vinehout and Falk could be held in May with the election for governor in June.
Following Vinehout's announcement on Wednesday, the state Republican Party issued a statement saying, "Kathleen Vinehout is nothing more than a cheerleader for the failed policies of the Doyle administration that led to three straight years of job loss and buried our state beneath a massive three-point-six billion dollar budget deficit."
