Wis. Recall Elections Expected for 6 Republicans, 3 Dems

Wisconsin probably will have nine recall elections for state senators this summer, including six Republicans and three Democrats. The recall drives were sparked by Gov. Scott Walker’s push to restrict collective-bargaining rights for state workers.

Recall drives against seven other state senators eligible for recall failed to meet the filing deadline Wednesday night, The Washington Post reported.

The six Republicans are Robert Cowles of Green Bay, Alberta Darling of River Hills, Sheila Harsdorf of River Falls, Randy Hopper of Fond du Lac, Dan Kapanke of La Crosse, and Luther Olson of Ripon. The three Democrats are Dave Hansen of Green Bay, Jim Holperin of Conover, and Robert Wirch of Pleasant Prairie, according to the Post.

The state Elections Board is reviewing the signatures on the recall petitions. If there are no primaries, the board hopes to schedule as many races as possible for July 12. Races with primaries could push the general election for the seat into August, the Post reported.

Republicans have a 19-14 majority in the state Senate, and Democrats will need to gain a net of three seats to shift control. A win for the Democrats would be viewed as a repudiation of Walker’s agenda, according to the Post. A failure would be a major defeat for unions that have funneled hundreds of thousands of dollars into the effort, the Post reported.