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Mary Burke (Wisconsin)
Mary Burke is a former representative on the Madison Metropolitan School District school board in Wisconsin. She served from 2012 until she resigned from the board on July 5, 2019, citing the need to spend more time on her nonprofit startup.[1]
Burke was a Democratic candidate for Governor of Wisconsin in the 2014 elections.[2] She was the first female gubernatorial nominee for either major party in Wisconsin.[3] She lost the general election on November 4, 2014, to incumbent Scott Walker (R).
Biography
Burke is a former executive of Trek Bicycle, a company founded by her father in 1976. Burke left Trek in 2005 after being named as Secretary of the Commerce Department by Gov. Jim Doyle (D).[4]
Elections
2018
Two of the seven seats on the Madison Metropolitan School District Board of Education in Wisconsin were up for at-large general election on April 3, 2018. Challenger Gloria Reyes defeated incumbent Anna Moffit in the Seat 1 race. Incumbent Mary Burke was the only candidate to file for Seat 2 and was re-elected without opposition.[5][6]
Results
General election
General election for Madison Metropolitan School District Board of Education Seat 2
Incumbent Mary Burke won election in the general election for Madison Metropolitan School District Board of Education Seat 2 on April 3, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Mary Burke (Nonpartisan) | 98.5 | 52,215 |
| Other/Write-in votes | 1.5 | 807 | ||
| Total votes: 53,022 | |||
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2015
Seats 1 and 2 on the Madison Board of Education were up for election on April 7, 2015. However, only one candidate filed for each race. Seat 1 incumbent Arlene Silveira did not file to seek re-election. Anna Moffit ran unopposed for the open seat. Seat 2 incumbent Mary Burke was also unopposed for her re-election bid.
Results
Incumbent Mary Burke won re-election without opposition.
Endorsements
Burke had not received any official endorsements in this election as of February 4, 2015.
Funding
Burke reported no contributions or expenditures to the Madison City Clerk as of March 30, 2015, which left her campaign with $358.17 on hand from her previous campaign.[7]
2014
- See also: Wisconsin gubernatorial election, 2014
Burke ran for election as Governor of Wisconsin in 2014.[8] Burke won the Democratic nomination in the primary on August 12. The general election took place on November 4, 2014.
Results
General election
| Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin, 2014 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican |  Scott Walker/Rebecca Kleefisch Incumbent |
52.3% | 1,259,706 | |
| Democrat | Mary Burke/John Lehman | 46.6% | 1,122,913 | |
| Libertarian | Robert Burke/Joseph Brost | 0.8% | 18,720 | |
| Independent | Dennis Fehr | 0.3% | 7,530 | |
| Nonpartisan | Scattering | 0.1% | 1,248 | |
| Nonpartisan | Write-in votes | 0% | 200 | |
| Total Votes | 2,410,317 | |||
| Election results via Wisconsin Government Accountability Board | ||||
Primary results
| Wisconsin Gubernatorial Democratic Primary, 2014 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes | ||
| Mary Burke |
83.4% | 259,926 | ||
| Brett Hulsey | 16.6% | 51,830 | ||
| Total Votes | 311,756 | |||
| Election results via Wisconsin Government Accountability Board. | ||||
Race background
November 2014 marked incumbent Governor Scott Walker's third election in four years. He first won in the 2010 elections, and he faced arecall election in 2012. Walker, a Republican, defeated the same Democratic opponent, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, by a similar margin in both elections. In 2014, Walker's main Democratic challenger was Mary Burke, a former business executive and current member of the school board in Madison.
2012 recall
- See also: Scott Walker recall, Wisconsin (2012)
Democrats criticized Walker for recall due to his efforts to limit the collective bargaining rights of public employee unions through Wisconsin Assembly Bill 11, the "Scott Walker Budget Repair Bill", which the governor introduced in February 2011. The bill was met with protests.[9] As of 2014, Walker was the only governor to have remained in office after a recall and only the third governor to face a recall election in U.S. history.[10]
Common Core
- See also: Common Core State Standards Initiative
The issue of Common Core also surfaced in this race. Walker, a former supporter of the education standards, said that he sought to change how Common Core was implemented in Wisconsin.[11] Burke publicly supported Common Core.[12]
State of the race
Polling in October 2014 indicated a close race with few undecided voters. As of July 2014, The Cook Political Report rated this race as a toss-up.[13]
Libertarian Robert Burke and Peoples Party candidate Dennis Fehr were identified as potential variables in this toss-up race, though their vote totals did not contribute to the outcome of the race. Burke, a former Republican, said that he could "mess things up for both sides."[14][15][16] Fehr was the founder and sole candidate of the Peoples Party, not to be confused with the People's Party.[17]
Primary races
Both Walker and Mary Burke faced primary challengers but won their respective parties' nominations. Walker's only opponent, Steve Evans, ran as a write-in candidate, while Burke was endorsed by the Wisconsin Democratic Party's Administrative Committee over her opponent, State Assemblyman Brett Hulsey.[18]
Debates
Debate media
|
|
October 17 debate
The second debate between Mary Burke (D) and Scott Walker (R) centered on the state economy. Burke criticized the Republican governor for failing to create 250,000 jobs in his first term as he pledged during his 2010 campaign. She also blamed Walker and Republican legislators for a projected budget shortfall of $1.8 billion. Walker countered that his administration helped generate 100,000 new jobs and $2 billion in tax cuts since 2011. He also argued that Burke's economic plan used word-for-word passages from the plans of other Democratic candidates, an issue emphasized in pro-Walker TV ads.[19]
October 10 debate
Burke and Walker discussed the minimum wage, economic policy, and abortion during a debate hosted by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association. When asked about raising the minimum wage from $7.25 per hour, Walker responded that state officials should push to create jobs that earn more than minimum wage. Burke countered that Walker's argument was unrealistic as workers in many fields would not be able to shift easily to industrial jobs. Walker argued that Wisconsin families experienced an average tax reduction of $322 in 2014, while Burke suggested that Walker should not be elected again because the state had a projected budget shortfall.[20]
When asked whether he opposed abortion in cases of rape, Walker noted that the Supreme Court resolved the question in Roe v. Wade. Burke echoed an ad campaign by Planned Parenthood prior to the general election to criticize the governor's stance on abortion.[20]
Endorsements
- Progressives United (PAC founded by former Sen. Russ Feingold)[21]
- EMILY's List[22]
- Planned Parenthood[23]
Polls
| Governor of Wisconsin, General election from August 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poll | Scott Walker * (R) | Mary Burke (D) | Undecided/Other | Margin of error | Sample size | ||||||||||||||
| Public Policy Polling (October 28-30, 2014) | 48% | 47% | 5% | +/-- | 1,814 | ||||||||||||||
| Marquette University Law School October 23-26, 2014 | 50% | 43% | 4% | +/-3 | 1,409 | ||||||||||||||
| New York Times/CBS News/YouGov October 16-23, 2014 | 46% | 45% | 10% | +/-3 | 3,308 | ||||||||||||||
| Rasmussen Reports October 20-21, 2014 | 48% | 49% | 3% | +/-3 | 973 | ||||||||||||||
| WPR/St. Norbert College October 19-21, 2014 | 47% | 46% | 6% | +/-4 | 603 | ||||||||||||||
| Marquette University Law School October 9-12, 2014 | 47% | 47% | 5% | +/-3.2 | 1,004 | ||||||||||||||
| New York Times/CBS News/YouGov September 20-October 1, 2014 | 48% | 49% | 3% | +/-3 | 1,444 | ||||||||||||||
| Rasmussen Reports September 15-16, 2014 | 48% | 46% | 6% | +/-4 | 750 | ||||||||||||||
| Marquette University Law School September 11-14, 2014 | 49% | 46% | 5% | +/-4.1 | 589 | ||||||||||||||
| We Ask America September 3, 2014 | 44% | 48% | 8% | +/-3 | 1,170 | ||||||||||||||
| YouGov August 18-September 2, 2014 | 49% | 45% | 6% | +/-4 | 1,473 | ||||||||||||||
| Marquette Law School Poll August 21-24, 2014 | 47% | 49% | 4% | +/-4.1 | 609 | ||||||||||||||
| Rasmussen Reports August13-14, 2014 | 48% | 47% | 5% | +/-4 | 750 | ||||||||||||||
| AVERAGES | 47.62% | 46.69% | 5.38% | +/-3.26 | 1,222.77 | ||||||||||||||
| Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org. | |||||||||||||||||||
| Governor of Wisconsin, General election through July 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poll | Scott Walker (R) | Mary Burke (D) | Undecided/Other | Margin of error | Sample size | ||||||||||||||
| Gravis Marketing July 31-August 3, 2014 | 47% | 47% | 6% | +/-3 | 1,346 | ||||||||||||||
| Marquette University Law School Poll July 17-20, 2014 | 46% | 45% | 9% | +/-3.5 | 804 | ||||||||||||||
| Marquette University Law School Poll May 15-18, 2014 | 46% | 46% | 6% | +/-3.5 | 805 | ||||||||||||||
| Public Policy Polling April 17-20, 2014 | 48% | 45% | 7% | +/-2.9 | 1,144 | ||||||||||||||
| Magellan Strategies for the Liberty Foundation of America April 14-15,2014 | 47% | 47% | 6% | +/-3.36 | 851 | ||||||||||||||
| St. Norbert College Strategic Research Institute March 24 - April 3, 2014 | 55% | 40% | 5% | +/-5 | 401 | ||||||||||||||
| Marquette University Law School Poll March 20-23, 2014 | 48% | 41% | 11% | +/-3.5 | 801 | ||||||||||||||
| Rasmussen Reports March 10-11, 2014 | 45% | 45% | 10% | +/-4.5 | 500 | ||||||||||||||
| Marquette University Law School Poll October 21-24, 2013 | 47.1% | 44.9% | 6.5% | +/-3.5 | 800 | ||||||||||||||
| AVERAGES | 47.68% | 44.54% | 7.39% | +/-3.64 | 828 | ||||||||||||||
| Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org. | |||||||||||||||||||
Note: An asterisk (*) denotes incumbent status.
Campaign media
|
2012
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonpartisan | Mary Burke | 60.4% | 26,725 | |
| Nonpartisan | Michael Flores | 39.3% | 17,417 | |
| Nonpartisan | Write-in votes | 0.3% | 122 | |
| Total Votes | 44,264 | |||
| Source: Dane County Clerk, "2012 Spring Election Results from Official Canvass," April 10, 2012 | ||||
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
- Madison Metropolitan School District, Wisconsin
- Madison Metropolitan School District elections (2018)
- Madison Metropolitan School District elections (2015)
- Governor of Wisconsin
- Wisconsin gubernatorial election, 2014
External links
- Madison Metropolitan School District
- Mary Burke for School Board campaign website
- Official 2014 gubernatorial campaign website
- Facebook gubernatorial campaign page
- Twitter school board campaign page
- Twitter gubernatorial campaign page
Footnotes
- ↑ Wisconsin State Journal, "Mary Burke leaves Madison School Board after seven years," July 6, 2019
- ↑ Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Democrats quietly help Mary Burke explore possible gubernatorial bid," July 24, 2013
- ↑ Wisconsin State Journal, "Mary Burke makes state history as first female major party gubernatorial nominee," August 13, 2014
- ↑ Superior Telegram, "Businesswoman Mary Burke enters governor's race," October 7, 2013
- ↑ City of Madison City Clerk's Office, "Madison Metropolitan School District," accessed January 3, 2018
- ↑ Dane County Elections, "2018 Spring Election Unofficial Canvass," accessed April 3, 2018
- ↑ City of Madison: Office of the City Clerk, "Campaign Finance: Madison Metropolitan School District," accessed March 31, 2015
- ↑ Huffington Post, "Mary Burke Announces Candidacy For Governor In Wisconsin (VIDEO)," October 7, 2013
- ↑ The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Race tightens, with Scott Walker, Mary Burke tied among registered voters," May 21, 2014
- ↑ The Guardian, "Wisconsin governor Scott Walker survives bitterly fought recall election," June 6, 2012
- ↑ The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Gov. Scott Walker calls for Legislature to repeal Common Core standards," July 17, 2014
- ↑ WKOW Madison, "Burke supports sticking with Common Core in WI," July 19, 2014
- ↑ The Cook Political Report, "2014 GOVERNORS RACE RATINGS FOR JULY 30, 2014," accessed July 31, 2014
- ↑ Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, "Two Burkes on ballot for governor," July 11, 2014
- ↑ The Cap Times, "John Nichols: Libertarians give Wisconsin another option," July 1, 2014
- ↑ Wausau Daily Herald, "Letter: More than two are running for governor," July 16, 2014
- ↑ Dennis Fehr for Governor, "About our Candidate," accessed July 9, 2014
- ↑ Democratic Party of Wisconsin, "Candidates," accessed July 31, 2014
- ↑ Associated Press, "Debate: Gov. Scott Walker, Mary Burke disagree on Wisconsin's economy," October 17, 2014
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 WKOW, "Walker, Burke spar in first gubernatorial debate," October 10, 2014
- ↑ Huffington Post, "Russ Feingold Group Jumps Into Fight To Defeat Scott Walker," October 22, 2013
- ↑ Politico, "EMILY’s List to back Mary Burke in Wisconsin," accessed October 24, 2013
- ↑ Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin, " Endorsed candidates," accessed November 7, 2013
| Madison Metropolitan School District elections in 2018 | |
| Dane County, Wisconsin | |
| Election date: | April 3, 2018 |
| Candidates: | Seat 1: Incumbent, Anna Moffit • Gloria Reyes Seat 2: Incumbent, Mary Burke |
| Important information: | What was at stake? |
| 2015 Madison Metropolitan School District Elections | |
| Dane County, Wisconsin | |
| Election date: | April 7, 2015 |
| Candidates: | Seat 1: • Anna Moffit
Seat 2: • Incumbent, Mary Burke |
| Important information: | What was at stake? • Key deadlines • Additional elections on the ballot |
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