State Superintendent Tony Evers today formally registered to run for guv, the latest Dem to make moves toward what could be a crowded field for a shot to take on Scott Walker.

The filing comes on the heels of Evers, who won re-election this spring, hiring Nathan Henry to run a possible campaign, according to several Dem sources.

Evers said in a statement the filing was the next logical step to take, but stressed it was not a “final decision” on a bid.

“My record of public service and leadership on behalf of Wisconsin families, kids, and educators brings a unique and different choice for voters,” Evers said. “One that I believe provides a compelling alternative to the status quo.”

Henry, who has worked for the Mellman Group since 1999, has not returned a call from WisPolitics.com this week.

According to his profile at the Mellman website, Henry’s experience in Wisconsin includes directing research for Justice Shirley Abrahamson’s campaign; working with the Greater Wisconsin Committee, Jim Doyle’s 2006 race and Dem state Senate campaigns in the 2011 and 2012 recalls; and serving as field director for two congressional campaigns.

Evers joins Milwaukee businessman Andy Gronik, former California congressional candidate Bob Harlow, former Wisconsin Democracy Campaign head Mike McCabe and state Sen. Kathleen Vinehout as Dems who have formally filed for next year’s race. Vinehout has said she is just exploring a bid and the filing was not a formal declaration.

State GOP spokesman Alec Zimmerman challenged Evers to define where he stands on Act 10 and what public employees pay toward their health care and pensions.

“With already $5 billion in savings for taxpayers from Gov. Walker’s reforms, will tax-and-spend Madison liberal Tony Evers support having state employees pay nothing toward their benefits?” Zimmerman asked.

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