GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV)-- One after one, local democratic politicians took the stage at the Brown County Democrats "Spring Fling" fundraiser, and it was pretty clear, the number one focus right now, is removing Governor Walker from office.

"For the last 15 months this state has been in a state of political civil war," said democratic candidate for governor Tom Barrett.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett was the first to speak to the crowd, receiving a standing ovation at the end.  

Barrett told the crowd several time Walker is tearing this state apart and that he is the best person to bring Wisconsin back together.

Barrett said it's something Walker sees as well, pointing to the fact that Walker started running attack ads against him, before his candidacy became official.

"The fact that they are putting every dollar they have to knock me out before the primary shows you how concerned they are about my candidacy," said Barrett.

All four democratic governor candidates were invited to intend, but only Tom Barrett and Kathleen Vinehout came, both bringing a similar message, focusing on defeating Governor Walker, rather than each other.

"The democrats are right now trying to make that decision, who can best run against governor walker, and that's why these forums are so important," said State Senator Kathleen Vinehout.

Vinehout said she is traveling across the state to talk to voters and says the recall goes much deeper than just union issues and one of her biggest concerns are the cuts to education, an issue Barrett addressed as well.

"I've been talking about a six point plan that i put together to help resolve the problems schools are facing and i do believe we need emergency funding in this coming years for schools," said Vinehout.

"This is not solely about union issues at all, I think to the contrary I think people are very upset that we just saw the largest cut to education in state history," said Barrett.

The only democrat to challenge lieutenant governor Rebecca Kleefish is Mahlon Mitchell. The Madison firefighter got the crowd riled up in his first appearance in the area since announcing his candidacy.

"I think she's been non-existent, she's been a rubber stamp for Governor Walker, and I think the lieutenant Governor's job could mean so much more than it does right now," said Mitchell.

The race is more like a sprint, less than three weeks until the primary election, and four weeks after that, the general election.

Kathleen Falk, Doug La Follette were both attending other candidate forums today and could not attend the event.