Saturday, March 17, 2012

The Power of Recalls in Wisconsin | The Nation

The Power of Recalls in Wisconsin | The Nation

LP - What is going on in Wisconsin



Going into last summer's recall votes, Republicans held a 19-14 advantage in the Senate. Two Republicans were defeated, leaving the GOP with a narrow 17-16 advantage -- and giving moderate Republican Senator Dale Schultz the power to temper his party's excesses. Now, with Galloway's exit, the chamber goes to the 16-16 split.

After the next round of recalls, it is possible that Democrats could end up with full control of the Senate, potentially by a margin of up to 19-14 -- or, if Fitzgerald is defeated by upstart challenger Lori Compas, 20-13.

Additionally, a new Democratic Senate could sit with a new Democratic governor, as Walker's recall is now all but certain to take place on the same day as the senators.

What has happened is remarkable. What could happen is historic. And the people, using the recall power afforded them by progressive reformers of a century ago, are making it happen.

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