WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and SportsUPDATE: Barrett announces candidacy for Governor

UPDATE: Barrett announces candidacy for Governor

MILWAUKEE (WKOW) -- Amid applause, and with three months of reflection behind him, Tom Barrett made his decision official to run for governor of Wisconsin.

"I'm running because I love my family, I love my state, and I'm concerned about its future," said the Democratic Milwaukee mayor outside his home, surrounded by his wife and four children.

His hand healing after an attack this past summer outside the State Fairgrounds, his confidence now unwavering, Barrett said as governor, the economy and property taxes would be key issues.

"My priority is going to first and foremost creating and retaining jobs, getting our economic house in order, and making sure we have a solid education system," said Barrett.

Barrett's decision came Thursday night after a final consultation with family. He said while White House officials spoke with him during President Barack Obama's recent visit to Madison, he also downplayed their urging.

"Encouraging conversation from them just as I have had from people throughout the state of Wisconsin, so I have literally had hundreds of thousands of people encouraging me to run, and I appreciate that."

Neighbors expected this decision. Many attended the news conference, capturing the moment on camera. Neighbor Peter Diotte still questioned the mayor's decision to run for the state's top seat.

"I think the democrats are going to have a tough time this next election year," said Diotte. "I wish he'd stay mayor. I'm a little disappointed he's running, I think he's been a good mayor."

Mayor Tom Barrett has led Wisconsin's largest city since his election in 2004. As he runs for governor, he insisted he can show he relates to the rest of the state.

"I think there are a lot of people in small farms in Wisconsin, in small towns in Wisconsin, who are struggling, who are struggling just as people are struggling in Milwaukee, in Kenosha, or Racine," he said, adding that he currently travels across the state frequently, as he has in previous positions as a state lawmaker and Congressman.

Tom Barrett made an unsuccessful run for governor in 2002, losing in the primary ultimately to then first time-governor Jim Doyle.

This time. Barrett said the difference will be his determination to win.

Barrett's announcement to file his candidacy papers comes two weeks after another notable democrat, Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton, removed herself from consideration.

Going into this weekend, Kevin Conroy, the head of a Madison biotech firm, had expressed an interest in seeking the democratic nomination, if Barrett had chosen not to run.

Barrett said the healing process from this summer's attack, including the loss of teeth and possible permanent damage to his right hand, played a role in his delayed decision about whether to run. He also said budget decisions in the city of Milwaukee have also taken much of his time since he returned to work.

Notable Republicans that have chosen to run for governor include Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker, Appleton businessman Mark Todd, and former Congressman Mark Neumann.

On Saturday, Walker was already setting the state for a potential campaign issue between the two. "Tom Barrett has spent his entire career, whether it was in the state legislature, whether it was in the Congress, or now as the mayor of Milwaukee, his entire career has been built on raising taxes," said Walker. "My entire career has been built on fighting taxes."

Email Carl Agnelly at cagnelly@wkowtv.com

Follow Carl Agnelly on Twitter.

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MILWAUKEE (WKOW) -- After months of speculation, Milwaukee's mayor Tom Barrett officially tossed his name into the ring of candidates for Wisconsin's top seat.

Ever since Governor Jim Doyle's announcement last summer that he would not seek a third term, many in the state's political circles pointed to Barrett as a likely candidate for the democratic nomination.

Since then, other likely democrats, Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton and Congressman Ron Kind, announced they would not run.

Barrett said in recent days that the attack against him outside the State Fair played a part in his decision-making process and its timing on whether to run for governor.  The last of ten pins that were placed in his right hand was removed on Friday. 

Barrett says he'll build his campaign around the issues of jobs, education, and the economy.

Along with Barrett, the head of a Madison biotech firm, Kevin Conroy, was expected to announce a likely run as a democrat if Barrett had bowed out.

Barrett's candidacy sets the stage for a statewide race between Milwaukee-area politicians.  Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker is seeking the Republican nomination, as are former Congressman Mark Neumann and Appleton businessman Mark Todd.

On Saturday, Walker was already setting the state for a potential campaign issue between the two.  "Tom Barrett has spent his entire career, whether it was in the state legislature, whether it was in the Congress, or now as the mayor of Milwaukee, his entire career has been built on raising taxes," said Walker.  "My entire career has been built on fighting taxes."

Carl Agnelly was in Milwaukee for Barrett's official announcement.  Stay with wkowtv.com for more details, as well as full coverage from political experts and Republican candidates on 27 News at 10 p.m.

Email Carl Agnelly at cagnelly@wkowtv.com

Follow Carl Agnelly on Twitter.