I AM THE FORCE

Things are getting a little unhinged in the Walker for Governor campaign. Apparently in a position of desperation, the brain trust on the Walker team has decided to go negative on Mark Green. This may not be the end, but it is, at minimum, the end of the beginning of the end.

Walker's campaign manager, Bruce Pfaff, is coming off as a junior Alexander Haig, rushing the stage and declaring himself in charge at every opportunity. Penning sarcastic barbs at the opposing campaign does not a manager make. And heading down this path does little to advance the cause of replacing Diamond Jim Doyle. You guys need to understand that Walker will have a long career in politics, and that opportunity should not be sacrificed in a senseless internecine struggle.

Knowing Scott Walker, as I do, I suspect that he is not the force behind this strategy shift. I'm sure they are getting worried that the Green Machine is overwhelming them, but the range of options should be considered more judiciously. Going negative on a well-liked opponent is much more likely to define yourself as the bad guy in the race. Scott Walker is not a bad guy, but this staff strategy may end up defining him as such to the people who will vote in the Republican primary. Check yourself, guys, and take a step back.

I admit that I have a favorite in this race, but would be happy with either of these guys over the incumbent. I also think that negative campaigning is an excellent idea in many circumstances. Unfortunately for Walker, this isn't the time or place for that approach. Sometimes, losing with grace and character can be better than trying to win with long-bombs and desperation.

If the Pfaff team sticks with the negative approach, Walker will lose short and long-term, and Republican chances will diminish. Bloggers and state legislators are already using this opportunity to abandon Walker in droves, and that's only after a few hours or radio ads. No one but Jim Doyle is buying what this desperate approach is selling.

Just like the Wisconsin Innocence Project, the Walker campaign needs to make a quick reversal and correct its mistake.