Two Wisconsin Democrats survive recall

The recall elections in Wisconsin drew national attention with money pouring in from outside groups on both sides to influence the outcome. It's estimated that total spending may break US$40 million on the nine recall races combined.

Democrats saw the recalls as a first step in an effort to roll back the sweeping gains made by Republicans in the 2010 elections in Wisconsin and other states. In the Midwestern state last November, Republicans won a U.S. Senate seat, the governorship and majorities in both chambers of the Wisconsin state legislature.

Walker insisted that curbing government employees' bargaining rights was necessary to reduce the state's budget deficit. Democrats claimed the state's new Republican governor was engaged in a power grab targeting labor unions whose support is essential for Democrats' election prospects.

The recalls resulted in Democrats picking up two seats through the nine recalls but were unable to wrest majority Senate control away from the Republicans, who now hold a narrow 17-16 majority. Before the recalls, Republicans had a 19-14 edge in the chamber.

The two senators facing recall Tuesday were among the 14 senators who fled the state in February in opposition to the Republican governor's proposal which passed despite their absence and has been held up by the state Supreme Court.

Democratic Sen. Bob Wirch of Pleasant Prairie defeated Kenosha attorney Jonathan Steitz, and Sen. Jim Holperin of Conover beat Republican Kim Simac of Eagle River, who is a supporter of the grassroots conservative tea party movement which supports small government and low taxes.

A third Democrat won a recall election last month. Two Republicans were defeated in six recall elections last week.

Even though they remain in the minority, Democrats were savoring Tuesday's victories.

Wisconsin Democratic Party Chairman Mike Tate said Democrats have “fundamentally changed the face of power in the Wisconsin Legislature” through the recalls. Even though Republicans remain in the majority, Tate said Democrats' picking up two seats and making gains in Republican districts sets the table for big wins next year.

“It's really hard to go five for nine and not be pleased of the progress that we made,” he said.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald said in a statement that he was proud the Republicans maintained their majority through the recalls. He said Tuesday's results were a rejection of the recall process.

“The problems facing our state are too serious for these political games, and the Democrats' permanent campaign cycle,” Fitzgerald said in the statement. “The Democrats need to start working with the other side of the aisle, not just moving on to their next recall target.”

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