Doyle’s Decision
August 17, 2009 5:04 PM
Like most people I was surprised by Governor Jim Doyle's decision not to seek a third term. Over the years I've developed a strong working relationship with the Governor and his staff. He's a straight shooter, an idealist in the guise of a practical politician who knows how to get things done.
I wish he had better luck, though. Jim Doyle got dealt one tough hand after another and played them with as much grace and competence as anyone could. He steered Wisconsin through a series of bad budgets without gutting our values and our valuable institutions.
For Madison, Doyle protected the UW, made sure we were treated fairly in state aid programs, and the regional transit authority he championed could mean historic improvements in our transportation system. Still, I would have loved to have seen what Jim Doyle could have done with the same run of good economic news that Tommy Thompson had.
There's more to do and we've still got sixteen months to work with this governor. I wish he and Jessica well in whatever they choose to do next.
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