Nine days after Scott Walker's term as Wisconsin governor began, Mahlon Mitchell became the youngest-ever and the first African-American head of the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin. The union president lives and works in Madison, heart of the protests that erupted over Governor Walker's union-stripping bill shortly after both men took office.
Despite the fact that firefighters and police were exempted from the Walker bill, this hellfighter was among those raising hell:
Watching that speech (and several other public appearances), it may not be all that surprising to learn that Lieutenant Mitchell is thinking about a new career. In a new interview with Andy Kroll of Mother Jones, he says that he's "seriously considering a run" for Governor Walker's job if he ends up facing a recall election:
He said he believes Wisconsinites are sick of professional politicians not following through on campaign promises, and that a populist candidate running against Walker stands a better chance of unseating the governor. The ideal candidate would be "able to talk with common people about common issues," Mitchell said. "Tell 'em what you can do and what you can't do."
As Rachel noted last night, the Wisconsin press is already floating many names as potential opponents for Governor Walker. As for Lieutenant Mitchell, Graeme Zielinski, the spokesman for the state's Democratic Party, praised him in the Mother Jones article for being "on the front lines in the fight against Walker... there from the get-go, standing with the people" -- but wouldn't offer thoughts on him as a candidate. An informal exploratory committee has been formed, but Lt. Mitchell made it clear that his mind isn't made up:
"It's a decision I'll make very soon," he said.
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He's perfect. He needs to run.
Once suggestion...if the man chooses to run...start running right away...don't wait for the recall results...yes, many will vote him out...but if others feel there is a genuine and worthy candidate to run to replace...suggest that those voters will be more comfortable to rid the state of Scott. In other words, do everything possible to eliminate the what-if-the-next-person-is-worse excuse.
I agree. I was thinking that either Mahlon MItchell or Tony Schultz (Family Farm Defenders) would be great candidates. It would take work to get the name recognition, but once that is done these two would be great.
I commend Lieutenant Mitchell for what he believes he must do. More common Americans should run for office. The belief that one needs to be experience in politics is an erroneous belief. With all the experience we currently have in Washington today, it has all led us to where we are at this moment. It is not experience we need in Washington it is common sense and the integrity to do the right thing instead of catering to special interests.
Yes, Charles Manson would be a better Governor, than Walker, much less Lt. Mitchell, whom would actually save your life. Run,run and run Lt. Mitchell.
Also ignore the radio comments, unless interested in them, but do check out our countries problems and a simple true democracy remedy on webpage below.
Wisconsin needs this true democracy, not the current lie, as does the entire USA. This is not a junk advertisement but allot more information.
http://www.nucow.com/JYC.htm a factual look at our problems and a real
cure, not just complaining and hoping forever for a zero hope change..............
Some good points I'll admit once you filter out the antisemitism and improper use of their, there and they're...
Thank you for the post.
You mentioned Grace Zielinski. Might you mean Graeme Zielinski, Dir. of Communications for the Wisconsin Dems? (or Mike Tate, head of Wisconsin Dem Party?) Thanks!
Mahlon Mitchell is a great guy and a breath of fresh air in Wisconsin. If he threw his hat in the ring, the entire recall effort would be instantly energized. We say HELL YES! Run!
I'd take him over Kathleen Falk - who already lost twice.
He's a good speaker. It's good that a Union Leader is even thinking about it. Though the rhetoric about the role of government and the role of unions is powerful, I only half agree with it. Unions for private workers are important, because their interests are supposed to be balanced against the singular focus of business: profit. Unions for public employees, specifically in service industries, though, run into a lot of walls because they are less capable at defending what it is they're fighting against. They aren't up against a business, they're being paid with taxes, and so their interests should not be locked within Unions but within the State and the Government.
Just my two cents on a related subject, but this is an interesting development with a man who seems an interesting candidate. No doubt the response to his exploratory committee will be favorable.
I agree that I don't understand why public workers have unions. I am particularly appalled that the TSA workers who feel you up are now unionized. Thats ridiculous.
We need fresh blood. We need new peope who hear the vioce of the People. I think that was the appeal of the Tea Party candidates. Right and left we are all tired of the same old crap.
Our two party system is looking like the Soviet Union election process. We need a choice.
Run Mitchell, Run!!
He was an inspiring leader at the Madison protests, and he would make an inspiring opponent to Scott Walker in the recall election. The sooner he decides the better.
He was an inspiring leader at the Madison protests and he would be an inspiring opponent to Scott Walker in the recall election. His early announcement would help the recall effort.