State Rep. Peter Barca is passing on a bid for the congressional seat he held more than 20 years ago, saying it would take a “herculean effort to piece together a winning campaign” considering the head start others have.
Barca began considering a run for the 1st CD after House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Janesville, announced last month he would not seek re-election. The Kenosha Dem and former Assembly minority leader said a possible run was also complicated by prior endorsements by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and other key groups.
The DCCC has added Caledonia iron worker Randy Bryce to its “red to blue” program, which provides organizational and financial support. The other Dem candidate is teacher Cathy Myers of Janesville.
“Timing is everything in politics, and the extremely late (Paul) Ryan announcement made a possible run nearly impossible given the head start some have and the obvious advantages Ryan will certainly provide to his hand-selected successor,” Barca said in a statement.
Barca won the 1st CD in a 1993 special election and then lost it the following year in the GOP wave. He will seek re-election to his Assembly seat representing the Kenosha area.
