Democratic superintendent Evers files to run for governor

Democratic state Superintendent Tony Evers has filed paperwork to set up a run for governor.

Evers said that creating a campaign committee is the next logical step to take, but he expects to make a final decision on whether to get into the race “in the near future.”

Evers becomes the seventh Democrat to create a committee for a potential run against Republican Gov. Scott Walker.

The only Democrats so far to confirm they are running are Milwaukee businessman Andy Gronik and political newcomer Bob Harlow.

Creating the committee “Tony for Wisconsin” allows Evers to raise and spend money for a run for governor.

While he says he’s undecided, Evers also says in a statement that he would provide a “unique and different choice for voters” and offer a “compelling alternative to the status quo.”

GOP outraises Dems in Wisconsin

Meanwhile, the Wisconsin Republican Party has nearly 50-times as much cash on hand as the state Democratic Party through the first six months of the year.

Reports filed this week with the state show Republicans ended June with more than $1.7 million in the bank. That compares with just $36,000 for Democrats. 

The Republican Party reported raising nearly $2.2 million over the first six months of the year, compared with just over $600,000 for Democrats.

The fundraising disparity comes on the heels of the state Democratic Party suffering deep losses in the fall election and as it gears up to help U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin defend her seat next year and take on Republican Gov. Scott Walker.