Tom Barrett
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Tom Barrett was elected Milwaukee's 40th Mayor on April 6, 2004, and is currently serving his second term. Before serving as mayor, Barrett also served in the Wisconsin State Assembly and State Senate, as well as serving five terms in the United States House of Representatives. Barrett announced his candidacy for Wisconsin governor in Nov., 2009 and is a member of the Democratic Party.
| Tom Barrett | |
|---|---|
 Barrett delivers his concession speech on the 2010 Gubernatorial election | |
| Born |
December 8th, 1953 Milwaukee, Wis. |
| Known for | 40th Mayor of Milwaukee |
| Spouse(s) | Kris |
| Children |
Tommy Annie Erin Kate |
| Parents |
Thomas Gertrude |
Contents |
Early life and career
Thomas Mark Barrett was born Dec. 8, 1953 and grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He attended the University of Wisconsin as an undergraduate, as well as a law student. He received his Juris Doctor from UW in 1980.
Barrett currently lives in the Washington Heights District of Milwaukee with his wife Kris and their four children; Thomas, Anne, Erin Christine and Kate.
Wisconsin State Assembly and Senate
Barrett was elected to the Assembly in 1984, after an unsuccessful run in 1982. He served two terms, before getting elected to the State Senate in 1989 during a special election. He served in the Senate until 1993.
U.S. House of Representatives
Barrett was elected to represent Wisconsin's fifth district in 1993, taking over the seat vacated by Representative Jim Moody.
During his time in the House, Barrett was a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Government Reform committee, Financial Services committee, Ways and Means committee, Education and Workforce committee and Administration committee.
2002 Gubernatorial Election
Barrett ran for Wisconsin Governor in 2002, after the state lost a congressional seat after the 2000 census. In the Democratic primary, Barrett came in second place with 34.5 percent of the vote, after then-Attorney General Jim Doyle with 38.4 percent and beating Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk with 27.1 percent.
2004 and 2008 Mayoral Elections
Barrett ran successfully for Mayor of Milwaukee in 2004, beating incumbent Marvin Pratt with 54 percent of the vote. He was elected to a second term in 2008, with 79 percent of the vote, beating Independent Andrew Shaw.
Milwaukee Mayor
As Mayor, Barrett made safety a top priority by working to strengthen the Milwaukee Police Department, targeting gangs and illegal guns, and partnering with faith-based groups and neighborhood organizations.
He has also worked on programs like the Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative and the partnership to reduce Teen Pregnancy in efforts to strengthen the communities "moral compass."
Barrett also supports efforts to bring cleaner air and a healthier environment to residents and is a proponent of passing the Great Lakes Compact.
After losing the 2010 gubernatorial election, Barrett returned to his position as Milwaukee Mayor.
2010 Gubernatorial Race
Barrett announced his candidacy for Wisconsin Governor in Nov. 15, 2009. He was the only Democrat running, and faced Republican opponents businessman Mark Neumann and Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker. His campaign raised more than $750,000 in the first seven weeks.
The main issues of Barrett's campaign were job creation and economic development.
A Wisconsin Policy Research Institute poll conducted in March found that Barrett trailed Walker 32 percent to 36 percent, and was tied with Neumann at 34 percent. Ultimately, Barrett faced Walker in the final Gubernatorial election.[1].
Barrett lost the election by a five points.[2]
External links
Notable articles
- Barrett appoints campaign manager
- Early poll numbers
- Walker and Barrett speak at WMC event
- Madison mayor gives Barrett tour
- Milwaukee mayor race
- Recent polls
- State may add second school
- Candidates join governor's race
- Doyle wins in close election
- Gubernatorial candidates
- Hypothetical poll
- Challengers oppose incumbent
- Capitol finger-pointing
- Milwaukee mayor charged
- Walker campaign report
- Talgo contract
Other resources
References
- ↑ http://badgerherald.com/news/2010/09/15/barrett_to_face_walk.php Barrett to face Walker in general election
- ↑ http://badgerherald.com/news/2010/11/03/scott_walker_the_nex.php Scott Walker: the next governor
