Fake Democrats lose in Wisconsin primary recalls

[DMX7]

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — All six fake Democrats lost to Democrats supported by the party in primaries Tuesday that are the first in a series of recall elections targeting nine Wisconsin state senators for their positions on Republican Gov. Scott Walker's divisive union rights restrictions.

The winners advance to take on incumbent Republicans targeted for recall on Aug. 9.

The state Republican Party orchestrated the placement of the fake Democrats on Tuesday's ballot, thereby delaying the general election for a month. That gave the Republican incumbents more time to campaign and distance themselves from the turmoil over the union law that they voted to support in March, spurring the recall efforts.

Five of the six winners had at least 65 percent of the vote, based on unofficial results. The sixth, Shelly Moore, had 54 percent.

Moore defeated Issac Weix, a Republican on the ballot as a Democrat who had previously run twice before and lost as a GOP candidate for the state Assembly. The St. Croix County Republican Party sent emails and paid for phone calls on behalf of Weix, urging Republicans to support him in the Democratic primary.

http://news.yahoo.com/fake-democrats-lose-wis-primary-recalls-030220287.html

[boutons_deux]

"That gave the Republican incumbents more time to campaign and distance themselves from the turmoil over the union law"

so how does that distancing work?

"We didn't do it?"

"da debbil made us do it?"

[ElNono]

I thought the recalls had no chance... Why would the party even bother spending money with this, or the incumbents try to distance themselves from anything?

:rolleyes

[George Gervin's Afro]

And I thought the new and improved GOP were proud of thier accomplishments... oh well I guess they can hope for the Wisconsonites to have short memories..

[DMX7]

It's what you'd expect from these low-lifes.

[TheProfessor]

GOP redistricting maps make dramatic changes (http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/125225179.html)

Critic calls redrawing of districts 'shameful gerrymandering'; backers say they're just doing jobs

Republicans unveiled a plan Friday to redraw the state's 132 legislative seats just before a wave of recall elections this summer - a proposal that would push at least 11 pairs of lawmakers into the same districts.

A quick vote would allow GOP lawmakers to approve the maps and lock down advantages for themselves at the ballot box for the next 10 years by drawing district lines in their favor. Republicans' schedule would allow them to sign off on maps to their liking even if they lose control of the Senate in the coming weeks.

Republicans have been working on the maps for months, but Democrats and the general public saw them for the first time Friday, a week and a half before lawmakers are expected to approve them.

Democrats are in the minority in both houses and will have little to no say in what the maps look like. But a lawsuit has already been filed over redistricting, meaning a federal court could still weigh in on the process.

A legislative hearing on the new maps is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, and the Legislature could act on it as early as July 19 in extraordinary session.

"(Republicans) are now going to convene an extraordinary legislative session to rush a vote on their plan out of fear they will lose their majority when voters render their verdict in the upcoming recall elections," said a statement from Senate Minority Leader Mark Miller (D-Monona).

"Instead of creating any jobs for the people of Wisconsin, the only jobs they're protecting are their own."

But GOP leaders said they were simply doing their jobs.

Once a decade, every state must draw new lines for congressional and legislative districts based on new U.S. census data, which show that Wisconsin gained more than 300,000 residents since 2000. The new lines are needed to ensure the districts are of equal population.

"Republicans have been keeping our promises and getting the job done since day one. We started with jobs bills to improve the economy; we balanced the budget on time and turned a deficit into a surplus; and now we're fulfilling our constitutional requirement to properly reapportion the state's legislative and congressional districts," Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald (R-Horicon) and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) said in a joint statement.

Republican leaders said there were 11 states where some redistricting measures had already been approved by the Legislature and signed by the governor or been passed through an alternate system of redistricting used in those states.

Scott Fitzgerald spokesman Andrew Welhouse said Republicans would seek to pass separate legislation allowing the legislative and congressional maps to be redrawn before local municipalities finish drawing ward lines. Currently, state law requires the ward lines to be drawn first, which would mean that lawmakers would have to wait until long after the recall elections to pass a redistricting plan.

Welhouse said lawmakers were moving more quickly this year because of new technology, such as computerized mapping. He declined to comment on whether local communities could use that same technology to move more quickly as well.

Some communities have drawn their ward lines, but many have not. Those that have approved them may have to redraw them once the Legislature approves its maps.
Dramatic changes

Sen. Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) would see her 8th Senate District change significantly, likely becoming far more Republican. As now, the district would include parts of Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties. But it wouldn't include Shorewood, where the recall movement against her was launched last winter, and which has voted Democratic in recent state and national elections. Also gone: sections of the east side of Milwaukee.

What it lost on the east and south, Darling's district would pick up on the west and north, taking in more of Germantown and Menomonee Falls than it does now, along with Lannon and part of the Town of Lisbon.

Now, the 21st Senate District consists of most of Racine County, and the 22nd Senate District consists of most of Kenosha County.

Under the proposal, the 21st District would hold the western, Republican-leaning portions of both counties, while the 22nd District would include the city of Kenosha and much of the City of Racine, which have larger Democratic and minority populations.

With those changes, Sen. Bob Wirch (D-Pleasant Prairie), who is facing a recall election, would be drawn out of the 22nd District he has long represented. He called the changes "shameful political gerrymandering."

Democrats said two Democrats challenging Republican senators in recall elections - Rep. Fred Clark of Baraboo and former Brown County Executive Nancy Nusbaum - were drawn out of the districts they are seeking. That would mean if they won this summer's recall elections, they could serve briefly but would then have to move or run in a different district in November 2012.

In the Assembly, 11 pairs of sitting lawmakers are drawn into the same districts, and 11 other districts are left without incumbents. In three districts, Republicans would have to run against each other; in two districts, Democrats would have to run against each other; and in six, a Republican would have to run against a Democrat - in districts that Democrats said leaned Republican.

Cullen Werwie, a spokesman for Republican Gov. Scott Walker, said the governor would examine the bill when it reaches his desk and declined to comment on whether it was appropriate to vote on it before the recall elections.

"It's up to the Legislature right now," Werwie said.

Sen. Randy Hopper (R-Fond du Lac), who is facing a recall election, said he didn't know if voters would have a problem with lawmakers approving new maps just before the recall elections. Asked if he thought the timing was fair, he said, "That's leadership's call."

Republicans currently run all of state government, but run the risk of losing the Senate this summer because of unprecedented recall elections against six Republicans and three Democrats. Republicans have a 19-14 majority, and Democrats would need to net three seats to gain control of the chamber.

Courts have drawn Wisconsin's maps for the past three redistricting cycles, but that's because control of the Legislature was split between the two parties, which were unable to agree on a plan.

Under the federal Voting Rights Act, districts must be drawn in ways that ensure minorities have an opportunity to elect candidates of their choice.

This month, former Senate Democratic leader Judy Robson of Beloit and 14 other citizens asked for a three-judge panel to develop a redistricting plan if lawmakers do not put a constitutional plan in place in a timely fashion.

GOP legislative leaders have retained Michael Best & Friedrich and the Troupis Law Office to draw the maps. So far they have reported spending $300,000 in taxpayer money for those maps, but lawmakers have not said how much they expect the legal work to cost in total.

At Wednesday's hearings, Senate and Assembly committees will consider a bill that would dictate how challenges to the maps in state court can be conducted. Under the bill, the Supreme Court would have to assign a panel of judges from three circuit courts to hear the challenges.

Those suing would be barred from substituting any of the judges. Appeals of the panel's rulings would be heard directly by the Supreme Court, without going through the appeals court. Those changes would not affect the lawsuit that has already been filed because that case is in federal court.

[CosmicCowboy]

Looks like the real democrats lost too...

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/article_0eab6966-c2a9-11e0-a206-001cc4c03286.html

[Viva Las Espuelas]

D'oh!

[MannyIsGod]

They won 2 outright and there will probably be challenges in another. I'm sure the GOP will try to spin this as a win but the way I see it the fact they had 6 members in recall elections is already an indicator you lost. The fact that they then lost 2 of the elections outright is even more damming.

However, perception is reality so all that will matter in the end is the spin.

[CosmicCowboy]

They won 2 outright and there will probably be challenges in another. I'm sure the GOP will try to spin this as a win but the way I see it the fact they had 6 members in recall elections is already an indicator you lost. The fact that they then lost 2 of the elections outright is even more damming.

However, perception is reality so all that will matter in the end is the spin.

Actually, all that matters in the end is they went through the recall election and still control the legislature. That's not spin, that's fact.

[MannyIsGod]

Oh, that's all that mattes huh?

Yeah - there's NO spin in your statement at all. The over simplification in it isn't spin. Not at all.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

:lol
So the recall is telling but the ones that won after the recall is nothing. Gotcha!

[boutons_deux]

"Why would the party even bother spending money with this"

huh?

Wisconsin Recall Elections: The Dark Money Pours In

outside advocacy groups have flooded Wisconsin with millions in campaign spending. McCabe estimates that nearly $31 million has been spent on the recalls in about four months' time. It's a staggering sum considering $3.75 million was spent on the entire slate of state races in 2010. Recall spending "is totally off the charts," he says. "This is so out of whack from everything we've ever seen."

While the spending is more or less even, here's the big difference between the two sides: The left-leaning groups usually disclose their donors, while the right-leaning groups mostly don't. For McCabe, the geyser of dark money is the big story of the recalls. He says two-thirds of the recall spending derives from undisclosed sources, and he blames the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision for allowing so much anonymous spending.

http://motherjones.com/politics/2011/08/wisconsin-recall-americans-prosperity-dark-money

=======

VRWC, nationwide, obviously saw, with their dollar-sign eyes, that the recall was critical to their campaign to fuck up America for profit.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

You need to get a show with that young turks guy, manny. You guys were made for each other.

[MannyIsGod]

:lol
So the recall is telling but the ones that won after the recall is nothing. Gotcha!

I never said it was nothing. I never even inferred as much. Obviously winning the recall is extremely important. However, the fact that you're IN a recall election shows how badly you're doing.

A recall is not normal. It takes an extraordinary amount of effort to even get one - let alone win one. There is definite momentum the democrats will have off of this - not to mention a grass roots network - that will carry over into the next election.

That is important.

[xrayzebra]

Oh, that's all that mattes huh?

Yeah - there's NO spin in your statement at all. The over simplification in it isn't spin. Not at all.

Hey Manny, give it up. The dimm-o-craps got a mud hole stomped in their
ass and walked dry. They spent millions from all over the United States
and brought in every big gun they could. AND LOST. You know it and
they know it. And I and a lot of other conservatives know it.

:toast

[xrayzebra]

"Why would the party even bother spending money with this"

huh?

Wisconsin Recall Elections: The Dark Money Pours In

outside advocacy groups have flooded Wisconsin with millions in campaign spending. McCabe estimates that nearly $31 million has been spent on the recalls in about four months' time. It's a staggering sum considering $3.75 million was spent on the entire slate of state races in 2010. Recall spending "is totally off the charts," he says. "This is so out of whack from everything we've ever seen."

While the spending is more or less even, here's the big difference between the two sides: The left-leaning groups usually disclose their donors, while the right-leaning groups mostly don't. For McCabe, the geyser of dark money is the big story of the recalls. He says two-thirds of the recall spending derives from undisclosed sources, and he blames the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision for allowing so much anonymous spending.

http://motherjones.com/politics/2011/08/wisconsin-recall-americans-prosperity-dark-money

=======

VRWC, nationwide, obviously saw, with their dollar-sign eyes, that the recall was critical to their campaign to fuck up America for profit.


Yeah, why don't you tell us why. Is this going to be your spin for Obama
and gang. The election there didn't matter, really........:lol

[DarrinS]

Oops

[jack sommerset]

Hey Manny, give it up. The dimm-o-craps got a mud hole stomped in their
ass and walked dry. They spent millions from all over the United States
and brought in every big gun they could. AND LOST. You know it and
they know it. And I and a lot of other conservatives know it.

:toast

No shit. With all the coverage of those freaks filling up the capital streets and buildings, the firefighters and police officers walking with them, support from unions with all the rallys and moneys, support from the President, they still fucking lost. They, the dems had all the attention, had the floor of not just Wisconsin but this nation for this BULLSHIT and they got their ass handed to them, again. No spin. 30 million dollars to put on this freak show. Goddamn irresponsible.

[MannyIsGod]

Except they won too. Remember when you said there wouldn't even be an election, JS? So now, there was not only even an election, but six of them and 2 where Democrats won and you're still trying to move the goalposts to make it seem like a Democrat loss. Nice.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

When you have your eye on the R and D, you instantly lose, coach.

[jack sommerset]

Except they won too. Remember when you said there wouldn't even be an election, JS? So now, there was not only even an election, but six of them and 2 where Democrats won and you're still trying to move the goalposts to make it seem like a Democrat loss. Nice.

Son, they lost. They cried, kicked, screamed, hid, marched, spent shitloads of money to get this insane election and they lost, again. Our ears were wide open. We listened. Wisconsin people voted again and the gop kept the senate. Move on.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

I'm sure Wesley Crusher and Ed Schultz have a long face today.

[ElNono]

The people have spoken. I don't think there's much more to add. Hope they get what they wanted.

[ManuBalboa]

D'oh!


They won 2 outright and there will probably be challenges in another. I'm sure the GOP will try to spin this as a win but the way I see it the fact they had 6 members in recall elections is already an indicator you lost. The fact that they then lost 2 of the elections outright is even more damming.

However, perception is reality so all that will matter in the end is the spin.


Actually, all that matters in the end is they went through the recall election and still control the legislature. That's not spin, that's fact.


Oh, that's all that mattes huh?

Yeah - there's NO spin in your statement at all. The over simplification in it isn't spin. Not at all.

http://www.motifake.com/image/demotivational-poster/0911/im-not-in-denial-denial-reality-japanese-rockabilly-demotivational-poster-1259575578.jpg

[xrayzebra]

I'm sure Wesley Crusher and Ed Schultz have a long face today.

No they are falling back on plan "B" calling Brother Holder and wanting him
to do his magic and investigate and sue until they get their way.

Damn bad Republicans won. There has just gota be an injustice in their
somewhere. :wow

[DarrinS]

How could this happen after Sharpton fired up the base?

2CifYWxJXaI

Uh, what?

[Wild Cobra]

How could this happen after Sharpton fired up the base?

2CifYWxJXaI

Uh, what?
Did he have a silent stroke?

[SnakeBoy]

I never said it was nothing. I never even inferred as much. Obviously winning the recall is extremely important. However, the fact that you're IN a recall election shows how badly you're doing.


:lol That's great spin. It's a big win for the GOP just admit it.

Take a look at Professors post for proof of just how well the GOP is doing. Just how damaging the midterm elections were to Democrats cannot be overstated.

[MannyIsGod]

The redistricting had absolutely nothing to do with this election. That was sealed in the last election because it was a census year. Thats OLD news. The GOP had a wave in the last round of elections but if you're using that as an indicator that they're doing well NOW I think you're ignoring a lot more pertinent information.

If you and others want to believe that the GOP losing two seats in the WI senate in a midcycle recall election then you're more than welcome to but realize that you're celebrating the loss of two seats in a recall election. Seems rather odd to me.

[Big P]

How could this happen after Sharpton fired up the base?

2CifYWxJXaI

Uh, what?

:blah:lmao

[Crookshanks]

Manny - one of the seats lost was in a pretty strong democrat district and the republican barely won the 1st time around. The other seat lost was because the guy had an infidelity issue. That was in a strong republican district and the republicans will probably win the seat back in the next election. There's no way you can spin this as a win for the democrats. Add all the races together, and 53% of the vote went for republicans - I'd say they're in pretty good shape.

[SnakeBoy]

The redistricting had absolutely nothing to do with this election.

I wasn't implying that it did. What I meant was if you take this GOP victory and couple it with them being in charge of redistricting they are doing very well, not badly as you want to believe.

[boutons_deux]

Wisconsin Democrats vow to recall Gov. Scott Walker

After defeating two Republican state senators in recall elections on Tuesday, Wisconsin Democrats promised to launch a recall campaign against Republican Governor Scott Walker.

"We will not stand down — and next year, we will recall Scott Walker from office," Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Mike Tate said in a speech sent to The Washington Post. "We will begin to repair the damage done to this state and we will begin anew with a Democratic Governor who will fight for our children, who will fight for our families, our teachers and our firefighters. We will fight for the people — not the powerful."

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/08/10/wisconsin-democrats-vow-to-recall-gov-scott-walker/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheRawStory+%28The+Raw+Story% 29

======

So the evil Walker and his hitmen have plenty of time to do a lot more damage to WI.

[TheProfessor]

There's no way you can spin this as a win for the democrats.
Two ways, actually. First is that this may foment progressive forces against Scott Walker for his own recall election. He's already striking a far more conciliatory tone (http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/127457238.html). Second is that it puts state Senator Dale Schultz in the spotlight, since he was the only Republican to vote against Walker's Budget Repair Bill. If Schultz decides to vote against other Republican legislation, that would give Democrats the advantage in the state Senate. This assumes that the two Democrats still up for recall manage to make it through.

I would agree on the whole that Republicans are not badly situated in Wisconsin, but this does change the political landscape going into 2012.