Wisconsin GOP Loses Senate Majority, After Recall-Targeted GOPer Resigns

[Are_grits_groceries]

Wisconsin state Sen. Pam Galloway (R) is resigning from the chamber today, citing a family health situation. Galloway was one of the targeted incumbents in upcoming recall elections.

This also means that as of now, the Republicans have officially lost their Senate majority, leaving the chamber split 16-16. The recall elections to come will determine who takes the majority.

Galloway released a statement Friday, saying in part:

“Today I am announcing my retirement from the Wisconsin State Senate. After a great deal of thought and consideration, I’ve decided to put the needs of my family first. My family has experienced multiple, sudden and serious health issues, which require my full attention. Unfortunately this situation is not compatible with fulfilling my obligations as State Senator or running for re-election at this time.

I thank my colleagues for all their support, and I wish them all the best in their work to rebuild this state. For the sake of the electorate, I hope that better days are ahead for this institution.

<snip>
http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/03/wisconsin-republican-targeted-in-recall-resigns-from-state-senate.php?ref=fpa

Wahooooooo!
They're heeeeere!

[malaise]

1. Bwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah hahahahahaha

All the money in the world has failed to save those scumbags

[Arugula Latte]

2. Somewhere, the Koch brothers are crying into their Cokes. nt

[HereSince1628]

3. Did she somewhere else state specifically this is effective today?

Usually these things have some 'effective -date-' sort of statement and I didn't see it.

Not that I don't trust her or TPM, but in the words of Ronnie Raygun, I'd rather, 'trust and verify.'

[Ellipsis]

7. She will address her constituancy Sunday. She's out.

[Viking12]

16. Her resignation is really a moot point at this juncture.

The Senate has adjourned for the session. Her seat is up for a recall election in June. The recall elections for here seat and 3 others will ultimately determine the balance of power when the Senate re-convenes.

If anyone wants to help, donate to the Democrat running for the seat:
http://www.facebook.com/SeidelforSenate

[htuttle]

18. Not entirely moot

The GOP won't be able to call any more 'Super Special Emergency Sessions to Screw Us Over'.

But good advice, nonetheless.

[liberal N proud]

4. Can't stand the heat in the kitchen

[mimitabby]

5. FINALLY!!!

congrats wisconsin!

[Loudmxr]

6. As someone who is childless and unmarried .. I get so tired of "spending time with my family"

I could have done better.

[just1voice]

8. One of her kids must have "caught the gay", LOL

Frikin repukes and their "spend time with my family" BS.

[Scuba]

9. Hey Scooter, this is what we mean when we say "it's working!".

[Ellipsis]

10. Fitzgerald said he and Minority Leader Mark Miller (D-Monona) would become co-leaders.

Also, Gov. Scott Walker has talked of calling lawmakers into special session to consider streamlining iron ore mining regulations after a bill to do that failed in the Senate this month when Sen. Dale Schultz (R-Richland Center) sided with Democrats to oppose the measure.

Fitzgerald said he believed now it would be much more difficult to reach any kind of deal on mining.

With Galloway's resignation, the Republicans will lose their Senate majority. Fitzgerald said he and Minority Leader Mark Miller (D-Monona) would become co-leaders.

A powerful committee that runs the state Senate now includes three Republicans and two Democrats. A third Democrat - Sen. Julie Lassa of Stevens Point - would be added to that committee, Fitzgerald said.

Sen. Mike Ellis (R-Neenah) would remain Senate president because he was elected by all senators, not just the majority party, Fitzgerald said.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/state-sen-galloway-to-resign-4c4jk6e-142927885.html

[TlalocW]

11. Good! The Wisonsin Repubs have been particularly energized recently

Trying to cram through as much crap as possible before the recall elections. This will hopefully slow things dow, and if it brought complete gridlock, I would be fine with it as I'm sure the majority of Wisconsites would be. Is this happening soon enough to derail the Wisconsin version of the war on women?

TlalocW

[excuse not to write]

12. I'll (sniffle) t-try to go on living

[Jester Messiah]

13. Excellent!!

*air guitar*

[Skittles]

14. beware of any repuke who says, "My family comes first"

they're LYING

[nadinbrzezinski]

15. The best to the family.

Yes, some of us can be nice. Sudden health situations do happen.

[digonswine]

17. Right-

I was happy to hear this news today-but I do not think she was a certain loser with an uphill battle at all. Nor is Walker. She said "multiple, sudden, and severe" health issues. This does not reek of bullshit to me.