Message Fom Wisconsin

摘要

'This year, Wisconsinites have witnessed an historic election phenomenon: multiple recall elections. These contests, which were sparked by Governor Walker's anti-union legislative agenda, were momentous both in their number, and in their spending, which totaled more than $30 million. In all, nine state senators faced recall elections. The Democrats, Bob Wirch, Dave Hanson, and Jim Holperin, all defeated their Republican challengers and retained their seats. Of the six Republicans who were recalled, two, Dan Kapanke and Randy Hopper were defeated. The remaining Republican incumbents survived their challenges. The voter turnout in these districts, which approached levels akin to a presidential election, would seem to reflect a great deal of interest and enthusiasm. Now that it is all said and done, the Republicans continue to maintain the majority in the State Senate by a margin of 17-16. Given this narrow majority, which includes Dale Schultz who voted against Governor Walker's union-busting legislation, it is less likely that additional collective bargaining changes will be forthcoming. Nevertheless, the WPPA will be working diligently to ensure that lawmakers realize how the new laws are hurting so many dedicated public employees, and why further changes cannot be allowed to risk public safety.