Tag: Recall Election

Aug 10 2011

Recall Wisconsin with Up Dates (Final)

This is dedicated to my friend the Ben Masel.

The polls opened this morning in Wisconsin to determine the recall of six of eight Republicans in the state Senate who voted to end union bargaining rights that sparked mass protests earlier this year. The Democrats need to win at least 3 seats to take back the Senate from the grips of the tea party Republicans. the other two races will be held on August 16th. These are the races that will be determined tonight:

There has been an influx of outside money in these races much of it from two groups with direct ties to the Koch brothers have financed many tea party organizations like Americans for Prosperity and Citizens for a Stronger America.

Amount spent on all state races in 2010: $3.75 million. Amount spent on recall elections targeting eight state senators: $31 million.

It has been nearly impossible to poll these races, as even the polling has been so skewed one way then another. We will just have to wait until the “fat lady” stops singing at 8 PM CDT (9 PM EDT).

Up dates will be posted as the returns are reported.

Up Date 20:17 PM EDT: Reports are coming in that voters turn out reached presidential election proportions of up to 70% in some districts. John Nichols on Countdown with Keith Olbermann believes that they could take back ore that three seats.

Up Date 21:00 EDT: In New Hampshire in a unnoticed special election for a seat in the Republican held Senate, Democrat Bob Perry wins the election

The polls in Wisconsin are now closed.

Up Date 09:30 EDT: Early this morning the race in the 18th District was called for the incumbent, Alberta Darling, leaving the Democrats one member short of taking back control of the WI State Senate. It did create a senate with a narrow margin of one. Democrats, although disappointed, were encouraged and will move on with the effort to recall Gov. Scott Walker in January.