(Wisconsin) Senate power shifts to Dems as Lehman narrowly defeats Wanggaard

[kpete]

Source: Wisconsin State Journal

Control of the state Senate appeared to have been wrested from Republican control early Wednesday as late results showed former state Sen. John Lehman beating incumbent Sen. Van Wanggaard by less than 1,000 votes.

With all wards reporting, Lehman came out on top with 36,255 votes to Wanggaard's 35,476 in preliminary returns. It was unclear early Wednesday if there would be a recount of the vote.

Lehman declared victory, although Wanggaard refused to concede, saying he will review the results.

Though taking control of the Senate is a huge moral victory for the Democrats, they won't be able to do much with it, at least for a while. The Legislature isn't scheduled to convene again until January, and Democrats will have to defend their majority in November's elections.

Read more: http://m.host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/power-shifts-to-dems-in-senate-as-lehman-narrowly-defeats/article_d58c2808-af8a-11e1-9e0b-001a4bcf887a.html

[catbyte]

1. Whoopdee doo

Pardon me for not turning cartwheels. I belong to a union at a public university in Michigan and we're fucked. I can see Snyder licking his chops now. There's no hope anywhere.

I think I will just go and hang out with my cats.

Diane
Anishinaabe in MI & mom to Leo, Taz & Nigel, members of Dogs Against Romney, Cat Division
"Dogs Aren’t Luggage Even Though They Are Lower Life Forms--HISS!”

[FBaggins]

2. Pyrrhus would be so pleased. n/t

[snacker]

3. This is good news...

Remember, we've got some strong Dem state senators here (the Fab 14)...control of the state senate is a big deal.

Big Picture in WI: The GOP spent tons of $$$ and gained nothing. Dems gained control of the senate.

[Orsino]

4. The tons of $$$ the GOP spent is nothing.

They could easily muster it again and again, no matter how many recalls we force.

The Senate turnover, however, means a potential neutering of any more legislation Walker's master want. Not relevant until next year, I suppose, but it's something.

[uponit7771]

5. +1