Who is Mary Burke?

Mary Burke, an American businesswoman, politician, and former state official, is the former CEO of Trek Bicycle Corporation and Democratic nominee for Governor of Wisconsin in 2014.

Burke's primary focus was on education and job creation. She advocated for expanding access to affordable healthcare, increasing funding for public schools, and investing in renewable energy. Despite her strong campaign, she lost the gubernatorial election to incumbent Republican Governor Scott Walker.

Personal Details and Bio Data of Mary Burke

Name	Mary Sue Burke
Birth Date	September 12, 1960
Birth Place	Racine, Wisconsin, U.S
Political Party	Democratic
Alma Mater	University of Notre Dame, Harvard Business School

Main Article Topics

Early life and education
Business career
Political career
Personal life

Who is Mary Burke?

Mary Burke is an American businesswoman, politician, and former state official. She is best known for her role as the Democratic nominee for Governor of Wisconsin in 2014.

Businesswoman
Politician
Former state official
CEO of Trek Bicycle Corporation
Democratic nominee for Governor of Wisconsin
Advocate for education and job creation

Burke's career and political platform focused on improving education, creating jobs, and expanding access to healthcare. She is a strong advocate for renewable energy and has a proven track record of success in the business world. Burke's commitment to public service is evident in her work as a state official and her campaign for governor.

1. Businesswoman

Mary Burke's experience as a businesswoman has been central to her career and political platform. Her success as CEO of Trek Bicycle Corporation demonstrated her leadership skills, business acumen, and commitment to innovation. Burke's understanding of the business world has informed her policy positions on job creation, economic development, and education.

As a businesswoman, Burke has a deep understanding of the challenges facing businesses in Wisconsin and across the country. She has used her platform to advocate for policies that support small businesses, entrepreneurs, and workers. Burke believes that investing in education and job training is essential for creating a strong economy and a better future for Wisconsin.

Burke's experience as a businesswoman has been a valuable asset to her political career. Her ability to connect with voters on economic issues and her proven track record of success in the business world have made her a formidable candidate.

2. Politician

Mary Burke's career as a politician began with her successful run for Wisconsin State Assembly in 1998. She served in the Assembly for four years, during which time she was a leading advocate for education reform and economic development. In 2014, Burke was the Democratic nominee for Governor of Wisconsin. Although she lost the election to incumbent Republican Governor Scott Walker, Burke's campaign focused on the importance of investing in education, creating jobs, and expanding access to healthcare.

As a politician, Burke has been a strong advocate for policies that support working families and small businesses. She believes that government should play a role in ensuring that all Wisconsinites have the opportunity to succeed. Burke's commitment to public service is evident in her work as a state legislator and her campaign for governor.

Burke's experience as a politician has given her a deep understanding of the challenges facing Wisconsinites. She has used her platform to advocate for policies that will make a difference in the lives of all Wisconsin residents.

3. Former state official

Mary Burke's experience as a former state official has played a significant role in shaping her career and her political platform. Her service as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from 1999 to 2003 provided her with a deep understanding of the challenges facing Wisconsinites and the role that government can play in addressing those challenges.

As a state legislator, Burke was a leading advocate for education reform and economic development. She authored and passed legislation to increase funding for public schools, expand access to affordable healthcare, and promote job creation. Burke's work on these issues has earned her a reputation as a pragmatic and effective leader.

Burke's experience as a former state official has been a valuable asset to her political career. Her understanding of the legislative process and her ability to work with people from different backgrounds have made her a strong candidate for governor. Burke's commitment to public service is evident in her work as a state legislator and her campaign for governor.

4. CEO of Trek Bicycle Corporation

Mary Burke's role as CEO of Trek Bicycle Corporation is a significant component of her identity as a businesswoman and politician. Her experience leading one of the world's most successful bicycle companies has given her a deep understanding of the business world and the challenges facing businesses in Wisconsin and across the country.

As CEO of Trek, Burke oversaw the company's growth and expansion into new markets. She also led the development of new products and technologies, including the company's popular electric bikes. Burke's success as CEO has earned her a reputation as a strong leader and a savvy businesswoman.

Burke's experience as CEO of Trek has also been instrumental in shaping her political platform. She believes that the government should play a role in supporting businesses and creating jobs. Burke has proposed a number of policies to help businesses grow and create jobs in Wisconsin, including tax breaks for small businesses and investments in infrastructure.

Burke's experience as CEO of Trek Bicycle Corporation has made her a strong candidate for governor. Her understanding of the business world and her commitment to job creation make her a formidable opponent for incumbent Republican Governor Scott Walker.

5. Democratic Nominee for Governor of Wisconsin

Mary Burke's status as the Democratic nominee for Governor of Wisconsin in 2014 is a significant aspect of her identity as a politician and public figure. It represents her commitment to public service and her desire to make a difference in the lives of Wisconsinites.

Policy Positions
As the Democratic nominee, Burke's policy positions were shaped by the party's platform and her own beliefs. She supported policies that would expand access to affordable healthcare, increase funding for public education, and promote job creation. Burke's positions on these issues appealed to many Wisconsin voters, and she was seen as a strong candidate to unseat incumbent Republican Governor Scott Walker.
Campaign Strategy
Burke's campaign strategy focused on reaching out to voters across the state and energizing the Democratic base. She held rallies and town hall meetings in all 72 counties of Wisconsin, and she used social media to connect with voters online. Burke's campaign was well-organized and well-funded, and she was able to compete effectively with Walker in the polls.
Election Results
Despite her strong campaign, Burke lost the election to Walker by a margin of 52% to 46%. Walker's victory was due in part to his strong support among rural voters and his success in mobilizing the Republican base. However, Burke's performance in the election was seen as a sign of the growing strength of the Democratic Party in Wisconsin.

Burke's experience as the Democratic nominee for Governor of Wisconsin has made her a more visible and influential figure in state politics. She continues to be active in the Democratic Party, and she is considered a potential candidate for future office.

6. Advocate for education and job creation

Mary Burke's advocacy for education and job creation is a central part of her identity as a politician and public servant. She believes that investing in education and job training is essential for creating a strong economy and a better future for Wisconsin.

Expanding access to quality education
Burke believes that all Wisconsinites deserve access to a quality education, regardless of their background or income. She has proposed a number of policies to increase funding for public schools, expand access to early childhood education, and make college more affordable.
Investing in job training and workforce development
Burke recognizes that the economy is constantly changing, and that workers need to be prepared for the jobs of the future. She has proposed a number of policies to invest in job training and workforce development programs, so that Wisconsinites can get the skills they need to succeed.
Supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs
Burke believes that small businesses are the backbone of the Wisconsin economy. She has proposed a number of policies to support small businesses and entrepreneurs, such as tax breaks and access to capital.
Promoting economic development
Burke believes that the government should play a role in promoting economic development and creating jobs. She has proposed a number of policies to attract new businesses to Wisconsin and to help existing businesses grow.

Burke's advocacy for education and job creation has earned her the support of many Wisconsinites. She is seen as a leader who is committed to making a difference in the lives of all Wisconsin residents.

FAQs

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Mary Burke, her career, and her political views.

Question 1: Who is Mary Burke?

Answer: Mary Burke is an American businesswoman, politician, and former state official. She is best known for her role as the Democratic nominee for Governor of Wisconsin in 2014.

Question 2: What is Mary Burke's political experience?

Answer: Mary Burke served as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from 1999 to 2003. She was the Democratic nominee for Governor of Wisconsin in 2014.

Question 3: What are Mary Burke's policy positions?

Answer: Mary Burke's policy positions focus on education, job creation, and expanding access to healthcare. She supports policies that would increase funding for public schools, expand access to early childhood education, and make college more affordable. She also supports policies that would invest in job training and workforce development programs, and policies that would support small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Question 4: What is Mary Burke's stance on education?

Answer: Mary Burke believes that investing in education is essential for creating a strong economy and a better future for Wisconsin. She supports policies that would increase funding for public schools, expand access to early childhood education, and make college more affordable.

Question 5: What is Mary Burke's stance on job creation?

Answer: Mary Burke believes that the government should play a role in promoting economic development and creating jobs. She supports policies that would attract new businesses to Wisconsin and help existing businesses grow. She also supports policies that would invest in job training and workforce development programs.

Summary: Mary Burke is a businesswoman, politician, and former state official who is committed to improving education, creating jobs, and expanding access to healthcare in Wisconsin.

Transition to the next article section: Mary Burke's career and political views have made her a well-known figure in Wisconsin politics. She is a strong advocate for education, job creation, and expanding access to healthcare.

Conclusion

Mary Burke is a businesswoman, politician, and former state official who has dedicated her career to improving education, creating jobs, and expanding access to healthcare in Wisconsin. Her experience as CEO of Trek Bicycle Corporation, her service as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, and her campaign for Governor of Wisconsin have made her a well-known and respected figure in Wisconsin politics.

Burke's commitment to public service is evident in her work to make a difference in the lives of all Wisconsin residents. She is a strong advocate for policies that support working families, small businesses, and entrepreneurs. Burke believes that government should play a role in ensuring that all Wisconsinites have the opportunity to succeed.