Walker Afraid To Defend Record In Debates With Barrett

Mayor Tom Barrett called out Scott Walker and challenged him to four debates before the June 5 recall election:

Tom Barrett called on Scott Walker Wednesday to join him in four debates in four weeks - focusing on jobs - in the 2012 race for Wisconsin governor.

"Scott Walker loves to launch misleading attacks on jobs, so let's meet face-to-face and compare our records and our visions on jobs for the people of Wisconsin," said Barrett. "He can explain why Wisconsin lost more jobs than any other state in the nation under his watch."

Barrett has been invited to a number of debates in the general election by respected organizations and media outlets, offers that no doubt have also been extended to Gov. Walker. There are several opportunities for Barrett and Walker to debate over the next four weeks to compare their records on jobs.

"Walker likes to lob assaults in news conferences and press releases, but let's see if he will join me head-to-head to talk about jobs," Barrett said. "The people of Wisconsin would much prefer the candidates for governor share the same stage on the most important issue on the minds of voters."

Walker campaigned for governor in 2010 promising to create 250,000 jobs. Instead when he assumed office, Walker launched an ideological civil war that divided Wisconsin like never before and took Walker's attention, energy and focus away from the economy.

Under Walker's watch, Wisconsin lost more jobs than any state in the nation in 2011, and was the only state to suffer 'statistically significant' job loss over the past 12 months.

Later in the same day, Walker sent out his Hooter's Girl/Spokeswoman Ciara Matthews to state that Walker would agree to only two of them:

The Friends of Scott Walker campaign announced this afternoon that Gov. Walker will participate in two statewide televised debates against Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett leading up to the gubernatorial recall election on June 5.

I can't imagine what Walker would be afraid off, unless he's tired of answering questions, especially those pesky ones from Watergate investigators.

I would also suggest that Team Barrett have their eyes and scanners on for any mysterious bulges or electronic signals coming from Walker's back. Especially if Walker starts speaking intelligently.

Anyway, the debates are thus:

The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association will host the first debate on Friday, May 25, and the second is scheduled for Thursday, May 31, hosted by WISN-12 UpFront with Mike Gousha, in partnership with Marquette University Law School, WisPolitics.com and the UpFront network of affiliates.

Better stock up on snacks. This is going to be fun to watch.