Is the Big Boss Leaving?

Speculation abound today that Gov. Doyle is leaving Madison for a post in the Obama administration. This speculation is nothing new to people in state government. Doyle was asked if he would leave for a post in the Obama administration during the Denver convention. His answers was no. (Sorry, I can’t find the link). Many people at the time thought that as a very early endorser of Obama (the Friday after the Iowa Caucuses), he would be ideal for some cabinet level post.

He was asked again about this before the election, and again Doyle’s answer was that he preferred being Governor. (link)

And now apparently, this is today’s news:

Gov Jim Doyle traveled out of state, reportedly to New York, this week on a trip that Capitol insiders who were familiar with the governor’s schedule said involved neither state business nor campaign duties.

Doyle aides said the gubernatorial travel involved “personal business.”

Might that “personal business” have something to do with a position in President-elect Barack Obama’s administration?

That was the speculation that swept the Capitol Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. Doyle aides confirmed to reporters that the governor had had some contact with the Obama transition team, but would go no further in describing the nature of any discussions.

And so, the speculation resumes. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the political environment for the governor are getting worse. The state budget deficit is projected to be $5 billion dollars and the only real solutions are drastically cutting state programs or raising taxes. Neither alternative makes a governor politically popular.