Where All the Ladies At?

Well, so much for going out on a limb...

Forget the "who's in, who's out" story line -- the real news appears to be that there will likely not be primaries in either party next year. That could mean a protracted general election, depending on how and when the eventual candidates choose to start going after each other.

In other words, it's going to be a very long summer.

We're not surprised that Walker's supporters are putting on a happy face at this development, but, really, this isn't good news for them. If Barrett does jump in, he has the full faith and backing of the White House. If Dick Leinenkugel is tapped to wear the mantle, he has name recognition that can't be bought in Wisconsin. Neither opponent is one Walker should prefer to run against if Lawton were the alternative.

Now, back to the original prediction. While I may have been wrong about a woman finally occupying the Governor's mansion, there's still little doubt that women will decide who the next Governor is. If 2010 is just like 2006 in terms of turnout and the demographics of the electorate, then it's possible for the next Governor of Wisconsin to lose the male vote by as much as 12.8% and still win the election so long as he wins women by just one vote. That's a figure that should send panic through the hearts of Walker headquarters.

MORE: Take it away, Ms. Rosenberg.

MORE STILL: So it only took hours for the Walker campaign to switch from the "Doyle-Lawton record" to the "Doyle-Barrett plan" -- way to not skip a beat!