MADISON, WI (BRAIN) — Political observers in Wisconsin are chattering about a possible gubernatorial challenge from former Trek Bicycle executive Mary Burke.
Burke, the sister of current Trek president John Burke, was director of Trek's European operations in the 1990s and later director of forecasting and planning for the company. She also is a former state commerce secretary.
Burke's name came up as a challenger to current Gov. Scott Walker, a Republican, after her name was included in a poll funded by the state Democratic party. The telephone asked respondents about Burke's likeability and potential as a challenger. The poll became public when a Republican political insider was among those randomly called. Burke has not responded to media requests for comment about the poll or her potential candidacy.
In an article last week, the Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal-Sentinel said, "Democratic strategists said Burke is seriously considering a run but has not made a final decision."
Burke was elected to the Madison School Board last year. She has a finance degree from Georgetown University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Walker, in his first term, survived a recall election last year.
