2008 Milwaukee County Executive election
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The 2008 Milwaukee County Executive election took place on April 1, 2008 in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, US. Incumbent Republican County Executive Scott Walker ran for re-election to a second full term. He was challenged by Democratic State Senator Lena Taylor. Because they were the only two candidates on the ballot, the primary election was cancelled and they proceeded to the general election. Though Taylor waged an aggressive campaign against Walker, he ultimately defeated her by a wide margin, winning 59 percent of the vote to her 41 percent.[1]
However, Walker did not end up serving his full term as County Executive. He was elected Governor of Wisconsin in 2010 and resigned from office thereafter, triggering a 2011 special election.
Candidates
- Scott Walker, incumbent County Executive
- Lena Taylor, State Senator[2]
Campaign
Taylor announced that she would challenge Walker for re-election on October 2, 2007, arguing that she would "restore balance, integrity and fiscal accountability."[2] Though Walker was the favorite for re-election given his higher name recognition as an incumbent and his strong fundraising,[3] Taylor aimed to use the higher turnout from the Milwaukee mayoral election and the presidential primary to her advantage.[4]
However, Walker's campaign raised significantly more money than Taylor's did, including from out-of-state donors who supported his conservative stances,[5] enabling him to outspend her nearly two-to-one.[6]
Though the race was formally nonpartisan, the race had partisan overtones. Walker campaigned on his conservative governance, and attacked Taylor as a "tax-and-spend" liberal, while Taylor argued that Walker was a partisan Republican who was too close to go business.[7] While Walker argued for the privatization of some county government operations, Taylor criticized him for raising fares and cutting routes on the Milwaukee County Transit System.[8]
Polling
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Scott Walker |
Lena Taylor |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mellman Group[3] | November 28–29, 2007 | 500 (LV) | ± 4.9% | 41% | 35% | 24% |
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonpartisan | Scott Walker (inc.) | 98,039 | 58.66% | |
| Nonpartisan | Lena Taylor | 68,785 | 41.16% | |
| Write-in | 294 | 0.18% | ||
| Total votes | 167,118 | 100.00% | ||
Notes
- ↑ Key:
A – all adults
RV – registered voters
LV – likely voters
V – unclear
References
- ↑ Borowski, Greg J. (April 2, 2008). "Walker wins with tax-curbing theme". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Archived from the original on September 14, 2011. Retrieved July 27, 2025.
- 1 2 Schultze, Steve (December 15, 2007). "Taylor says she's in race to oust Walker". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Archived from the original on May 9, 2015. Retrieved July 27, 2025.
- 1 2 Bice, Daniel (December 15, 2007). "Race may be closer than we thought". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Archived from the original on December 19, 2007. Retrieved July 27, 2025.
- ↑ Kane, Eugene (October 3, 2007). "Coattail effect could be Taylor made". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Archived from the original on November 2, 2007. Retrieved July 27, 2025.
- ↑ Schultze, Steve (February 13, 2008). "Wal-Mart family gives to Walker". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Archived from the original on May 24, 2013. Retrieved July 27, 2025.
- ↑ Borowski, Greg; Sandler, Larry (March 25, 2008). "Walker outspends Taylor 2 to 1". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Archived from the original on March 30, 2008. Retrieved July 27, 2025.
- ↑ Schultze, Steve (March 23, 2008). "Big contrasts dominate top county race". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Archived from the original on March 30, 2008. Retrieved July 27, 2025.
- ↑ Borowski, Greg J. (March 23, 2008). "Taylor gets in last shots at Walker". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Archived from the original on March 30, 2008. Retrieved July 27, 2025.
- ↑ "2008 Election Results - 4-1-08 County Executive" (PDF). Milwaukee County Clerk. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 18, 2011. Retrieved July 11, 2025.
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