Statement of DPW Chair Mike Tate on Democratic Victories in the Historic Wisconsin Senate Recalls

[PeaceNikki]

MADISON - Following is the statement of Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Mike Tate on Democratic victories in the historic Wisconsin State Senate recall elections.

“The victories tonight of Senators Wirch and Holperin cap off successful recall elections this summer for Democrats, progressives, moderates and independents. Democrats won more races, recalled two Republican senators, protected every Democratic incumbent, shifted the balance of power in the state Senate away from conservatives, and forced Walker and the GOP to pay public lip service to moderation and bipartisanship for the first time since they took power in January. All of these facts show that voters gave Democrats the overall victory in this summer’s historic senate recall elections.”

Facts:
* Democrats won 5 of 9 recall contests – an obvious majority.

* Recalls against all three Democrat incumbents failed. No Democrat was recalled for taking bold steps to stand up to the extreme, divisive Walker agenda.

* Two GOP senators were recalled for rubberstamping the radical Walker agenda – a critical achievement that equals the total number of lawmakers ever recalled in Wisconsin history.

* As a result of these elections, the balance of power in the Wisconsin State Senate has shifted away from the Walker-Fitzgerald agenda. The state Senate as now constituted would NOT have approved Walker’s extreme, divisive assault on the middle class and working people.

* Democratic successes in the recalls have forced Walker and the GOP to change public posture. Only now is Walker – who has acted unilaterally to advance a staunchly conservative agenda throughout his Administration – talking about ‘bipartisanship.’ It is no coincidence that Walker’s shift in tone came the day after the Aug. 9th recalls. Overall Democratic successes have forced Walker to moderate his public stance.

http://www.wisdems.org/news/press/view/2011-08-statement-of-dpw-chair-mike-tate-on-democratic-victo

[hlthe2b]

1. This is really good... Makes the mixed victory of a week ago...

far more monumental. Please proceed with all due haste to recall that asshole Walker! I'll be helping as much as this Colorado progressive can!

Congratulations, Wisconsinites! :toast:

[PeaceNikki]

2. It *is* good. I really wish we could have gotten Dist 8. but the pendelum is swinging.

10 months ago this state voted in Walker and Johnson and out Feingold. This is the most polarized state in the nation now, but we're gaining traction.

Yay, us!! :bounce:

[highplainsdem]

3. K&R

[PeaceNikki]

4. Kick for us!!

Yay! :bounce:

The Fab 14 is now the Sweet 16!

[tsuki]

5. Congrats to Wisconsin!! Anytime you stand up to this type of bullying

power grab, it is a victory. And 5 out of 9 sweetens the deal.

[PeaceNikki]

6. The pendelum is swinging

10 months ago this state voted in that asshole of a governor, the tool of a US Senator and out Feingold. We're the most polarized place in the country, but the pendelum is swinging.

[Ellipsis]

7. K&R