Slog
News & ArtsWednesday, May 4, 2011
Politics Wisconsin Dems Flip GOP Seat in State House Special Election
Posted by Goldy on Wed, May 4, 2011 at 9:47 AM
Yes, elections have consequences. But there are also consequences for what you do in office once you win it:
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Democrat Steve Doyle defeated Republican John Lautz for the Wisconsin District 94 Assembly, flipping a seat held by Republicans for 16 years in a race that focused attention on Republican Gov. Scott Walker's plan to curtail collective bargaining right for most public employees.
With 92 percent of precincts reporting, Doyle won 54 percent to 46 percent, based on unofficial results in Tuesday's special election. The race flips a GOP Assembly seat for the Democrats, who remain in the minority.
Yup, the GOP lost a seat it had held since 1994, despite outspending the Democrats. And even more encouraging for Wisconsin Dems, the predominately rural District 94 lies within the district of Republican State Sen. Dan Kapanke, who is up for recall. Oh to be a Wisconsin blogger.
1
I hope this translates into big losses for Rs all across the country in the next election when we reelect Barack Obama, our hero president, slayer of monsters!
4
Because what Wisconsin bloggers say is supremely relevant to the outcome of these events in Wisconsin. But bloggers only control politics their own state.
6
and the democrats who will be swept into office in 2012 will be swept out in 2014 as they also refuse to execute the will of the people. and then the republicans who are swept into office in 2014.... tough to get too excited about switching back & forth between two parties both committed to harming the vast majority of the populace (for the benefit of the few). one via death by a 1000 cuts, the other w/ a sword to the stomach.
7
its funny Goldy still hasn't commented on how Democrats in Massachusetts have stripped Unions of their rights
8
I grew up in Wisconsin, and the prevailing worth of a person there is based on his trustworthiness. If you're a shady character, word gets around and people won't do business with you anymore. They won't vote for you anymore. Going back on your word is about the worst thing a politician could do in Wisconsin, and is the mark of "Chicago Politics," which no one in Milwaukee at least wants to deal with or be a part of.
I'm not surprised power has switched parties, and I won't be surprised when it switches back again.
I'm not surprised power has switched parties, and I won't be surprised when it switches back again.
9
I'd like to know more about this story, because the seat wasn't just held by the GOP since 1994, it was held by the same individual that whole time, who left it only to join Walker's administration. We can assume that having the incumbency probably helped him hold it all this time, and it's possible that he is the kind of guy who is moderate and/or pragmatic enough not to be turned out of office, no matter which way the political winds blow.
The question it raises is, What kind of district did he represent? Is it largely conservative, or is it more competitive? Without knowing that, I wouldn't rush out and say this is a harbinger of how the recall elections will play out.
The question it raises is, What kind of district did he represent? Is it largely conservative, or is it more competitive? Without knowing that, I wouldn't rush out and say this is a harbinger of how the recall elections will play out.
10
I have given Goldy shit for a few things, but I really appreciate the coverage of the union-busting efforts in Wisconsin, and the subsequent recall campaigns. Good stuff.
13
I come from La Crosse, the largest town in that district. It's a boring ass place to live, unless you're an alcoholic, in which case it's Shangri-La. Still, it's pretty progressive, in a very non-confrontational kind of way. It has a well established gay scene, a really good education/college system, and the locals usually keep any wingnut batshit to themselves. The redneckery never gets too out of control.
My town did recently elect a 24 year old puppet mayor who only won because his family are the town garbagemen, and he speaks only in buzzwords and talking points (I interviewed him once, and it was just pointless). He's far too George W. for my tastes, and La Crosse voters were pretty dumb to elect him.
Then again, La Crosse is also a place which has suffered greatly from industries shutting down and/or relocating (including - go figure - the town brewery), so there's a big pro-labor undercurrent that woke up this year.
I don't think I could ever go back, because it is an ambition graveyard, but my opinion of my hometown has improved over the years.
My town did recently elect a 24 year old puppet mayor who only won because his family are the town garbagemen, and he speaks only in buzzwords and talking points (I interviewed him once, and it was just pointless). He's far too George W. for my tastes, and La Crosse voters were pretty dumb to elect him.
Then again, La Crosse is also a place which has suffered greatly from industries shutting down and/or relocating (including - go figure - the town brewery), so there's a big pro-labor undercurrent that woke up this year.
I don't think I could ever go back, because it is an ambition graveyard, but my opinion of my hometown has improved over the years.
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