11 August 2011

Wisconsin

Of course it would have been pleasanter to report that we met our goal of gaining three seats and winning control of the Wisconsin state Senate. But don't underestimate the significance of what was achieved this week.

Of six recall elections in Republican-leaning districts, we won two, while a third was knife-edge close -- and this despite the usual Republican dirty tricks. The Republicans' state Senate majority margin has been pared down to one vote, meaning that moderate Republican Dale Schultz, who has bucked Walker before, holds the balance of power. This not only shows that we can translate the popular backlash against Republican extremism into electoral results, but also has genuinely cut back the power of Walker and the Kochroach right to inflict yet further harm on the people of Wisconsin.

The drive to recall Walker himself is going ahead, and he frankly sounds rattled. This will be a bigger and tougher job than the state Senate recalls, and there's the risk that a defeat would actually embolden Walker and his ilk. But the value of a victory, and the real possibility of achieving it, make this a risk worth taking.

More reactions: Crooks and Liars draws practical lessons, Leftwing Nutjob declares victory, and Daily Kos looks to the fight ahead.

4 Comments:

Blogger okjimm said...

other telling points about the recall.... our district voted in a Democrat for the first time since 1982.... and buzz is that this may spur more moderate Republicans to bolt from Walker's strident policies and procedures. hope hope hope....

11 August, 2011 08:04  
Blogger Infidel753 said...

Some of them must have enough sense to realize extremism is a losing strategy in the long run.

11 August, 2011 20:12  
Blogger Jack Jodell said...

The near-miss on recapturing Wisconsin's Senate should not be taken as a loss. The [ublic is becoming increasingly wary of and weary with the Tea Party's unyielding obstinacy. Many, MANY of these narrow-minded losers will be thrown from their seats next lection.

12 August, 2011 08:29  
Blogger Unknown said...

I think even one win would of been victory because, as Jim points out, a red district turned blue.

It's win..perhaps only a battle win as the war is still going on and will be for a long=assed time.

Thank you for the link too. ;-)

12 August, 2011 11:05  

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