Democrats Lose Recall Efforts in Wisconsin

There were six Republican state senators in Wisconsin up for a recall election yesterday, August 9th. The Democrats needed to win three of those elections in order to gain control of the state senate; they won two. The effort was an attempt to stop Governor Rick Walker's push to end the collective bargaining rights of public sector unions. These were the most expensive elections in state history and much of the money came from outside interest groups. In short, Governor Walker and the state of Wisconsin beat back an attempt by strong, national pro-union forces, backed by the Obama administration.

"Resist we much."
- Al Sharpton

Via Wisconsin State Journal:

After tens of millions of dollars spent by outside interest groups, dozens of attack ads and exhaustive get-out-the-vote efforts, Democrats on Tuesday fell short of their goal of taking control of the state Senate and stopping the agenda of Gov. Scott Walker.

Republicans won four of six recall races, meaning the party still holds a narrow 17-16 majority in the Senate — at least until next week, when Sens. Robert Wirch, D-Pleasant Prairie, and Jim Holperin, D-Conover face their own recall elections. A third Democrat, Sen. Dave Hansen, D-Green Bay, easily survived a recall attempt last month.

Sens. Robert Cowles, R-Green Bay, Sheila Harsdorf, R-River Falls, Luther Olsen, R-Ripon, and Alberta Darling, R-River Hills, successfully defended their seats Tuesday.

Challengers state Rep. Jennifer Shilling, D-La Crosse, and Jessica King unseated incumbent state Sens. Dan Kapanke, R-La Crosse, and Randy Hopper, R-Fond du Lac.

Going into Tuesday, Republicans controlled the body 19-14, so Democrats needed to win at least three seats and hold onto two more next week to take over.

"The revolution has not occurred," said UW-Milwaukee political science professor Mordecai Lee, a former Democratic lawmaker. "The proletariat did not take over the streets."

The two Republican senators who lost should run for higher office. These are the type of people who belong in the halls of congress. They voted without regard for the next election.

It's hard for incumbent Republicans to resist the urge to do so but resist they much.

Sorry, I know I put this video on the last post but I can't resist and resist I much not.