[img_assist|nid=3858|title=|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=0|height=0]This very official looking email just arrived in my inbox minutes ago. I've seen no media reports to confirm it. If it is true, what a bizarre way to handle this shocking turn of events. Maybe it will turn out she is hiding and not in the balloon, but if it's for real, you heard it here first.
UPDATE: It's real, but but no less bizarre. The Journal Sentinel reports" "Her Capitol office, which is usually open to the public, was locked Monday." Maybe she and her staff were on furlough.
Dear William,
You know better than any my confidence in Wisconsin people, and in our resilience in a time of crisis, and in our capacity to innovate new ways to shape a better future for our state.
My deep commitment to our state is second only to my commitment to my family. For very personal reasons, I will not pursue the Democratic nomination for governor in 2010.
I look forward to providing active leadership to shape smart decisions for Wisconsin in the fourteen months that remain in my term in office. I will stand with you, as always.
With gratitude for your support, 
Barbara Lawton
Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin
Paid for by Lawton for Governor, Julilly Kohler, Treasurer.
PO Box 1270, Madison, WI 53701