Tate stepping down as chairman of Wisconsin Democrats

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Wisconsin Democratic Party Chairman Mike Tate, who was the nation's youngest state party leader when he took the job six years ago and was in charge during the failed attempt to recall Republican Gov. Scott Walker from office, is stepping down in June.

Tate, 35, told Democrats of his decision in an email Thursday. The loquacious and oftentimes combative Tate did not say what he will do next and he did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment. His successor will be chosen by Democrats at their annual convention in June.

Tate chaired the party during a tumultuous period that was highlighted by the collection of more than 900,000 petition signatures to force Walker's recall in 2012. Walker survived, becoming the first U.S. governor to do so and increasing his national profile. Walker is now seriously considering running for president.

Tate was also in charge for Democratic victories, including Tammy Baldwin's 2012 win over Republican Gov. Tommy Thompson for a U.S. Senate seat and President Barack Obama's re-election that year. But he was also the chairman during Walker's three gubernatorial election victories and the Republican wave in 2010 that saw them take majority control of the Legislature away from Democrats.

"This is not a job you do for a career, but one you have the honor of holding for a short period of time where you try with all your might to do everything you can to grow the party and help elect Democrats," Tate said in the email announcing his decision.

Joe Fadness, executive director of the state Republican Party, said in a written statement that Tate had left the Democratic Party in disarray and that is "unlikely to change regardless of whose name is on the door."

Tate, in his email, recalled the fight over Walker's 2011 proposal, known as Act 10, that effectively ended collective bargaining for most public workers, spurring massive protests and the Walker recall. Tate, as he was on many other issues during his tenure, was an outspoken advocate for the effort to defeat not only Walker's plan but ultimately the failed attempt to oust him from office.

"I know that our setbacks in this fight, while disheartening, are the beginning, not the end, of a chapter that will result in a stronger progressive movement," Tate wrote of the battle over union rights.

Several Democrats are expected to vie for the position, including former chairman Joe Wineke, also a former state senator, and Democratic National Committee member Jason Rae. Tate said in his email he would not endorse anyone.

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