GOP maintains control of Wisconsin state Senate
The results of Tuesday’s recall elections in Wisconsin are in: the GOP remains the majority in the state Senate.
As we reported yesterday, six Republican state senators faced recall after budget reforms virtually eliminating collective bargaining rights were passed earlier this year. But four of the six held onto their seats, with only two Democrats ousting incumbents.
The GOP viewed the recall elections as “a big win” for Republican Gov. Scott Walker and a “confirmation of his conservative agenda,” reported the Chicago Tribune.
And Democratic strategist Chris Lehane said Tuesday’s results could be a preview of the 2012 races. “At a minimum, we already know that the conservatives are providing energy for progressive to fight back like an angry badger that otherwise may not have existed,” he said.
The four Republicans who remain in office after the elections include Sen. Alberta Darling of River Hills, Sen. Rob Cowles of Allouez, Sen. Sheila Harsdorf of River Falls and Luther Olsen of Ripon.
Democratic state Rep. Jennifer Shilling of La Crosse took the seat of Republican Sen. Dan Kapanke with 55 percent of the vote in her district, and Democrat Jessica King edged out Republican State Sen. Randy Hopper of Fond du Lac by a small two percent margin, according to ABC News.
Recall elections for two Democratic state senators will take place next week.
