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A vote of No Confidence
Author: BobR
Date: 08/10/2011 12:49:10
In an unprecedented move in Wisconsin politics yesterday, there were six recall elections targeting Republican state senators. All of these recalls were in response to the punitive legislation passed by them (and signed into law by Governor Walker) to deny union rights to state workers. The results are in.
Out of the six, the Democrats took two. They had hoped to take 3 to tip the control of the state Senate into Democratic hands. They were not able to achieve that goal. The were able, however, to narrow the margin to a point where it might be possible to sway a more moderate Republican to vote with the Democrats. Despite not reaching their goal, this will still have state Democrats claiming victory.
In retaliation for the recalls against Republicans, the Republicans decided to stage recalls against several Democratic state senators. One successfully defended his seat in a July 19th special election, two more face a recall election next week. They are expected to prevail as well.
Some of the results last night went as expected. The 2nd and 10th districts were called fairly early, followed later by the 14th (which was neck-and-neck the whole night). The 32nd district was the first called for a Democrat, and the 18th was called a bit later. That left the 8th district, which was swinging back and forth as the results rolled in.
One of the last precincts to report in that district was managed by none other than Kathy Nickolaus, who has been implicated - though never convicted - of vote tampering (I've written about her previously). There was speculation that she was holding back the results to see how many votes she'd need to deliver to ensure Republican Alberta Darling won, but those accusations were withdrawn:
I am curious to learn of the details of when the results came from her county, and what they were exactly. How she still has a job there, I don't know.
Ultimately, these are short-lived gains. With the results of the 2010 census, the state has a requirement to redraw district lines. The Republicans did so, in a heavily gerrymandered way to favor themselves, and Governor Walker signed it into law:
For now, Wisconsin democrats may be able to hold off any more radical (reactionary) change, but they are going to have to fight this battle again in a little over 12 months. It will be a presidential election, so the turnout may be better, but they are still battling on a tilted playing field with crooked refs calling the game.
Out of the six, the Democrats took two. They had hoped to take 3 to tip the control of the state Senate into Democratic hands. They were not able to achieve that goal. The were able, however, to narrow the margin to a point where it might be possible to sway a more moderate Republican to vote with the Democrats. Despite not reaching their goal, this will still have state Democrats claiming victory.
In retaliation for the recalls against Republicans, the Republicans decided to stage recalls against several Democratic state senators. One successfully defended his seat in a July 19th special election, two more face a recall election next week. They are expected to prevail as well.
Some of the results last night went as expected. The 2nd and 10th districts were called fairly early, followed later by the 14th (which was neck-and-neck the whole night). The 32nd district was the first called for a Democrat, and the 18th was called a bit later. That left the 8th district, which was swinging back and forth as the results rolled in.
One of the last precincts to report in that district was managed by none other than Kathy Nickolaus, who has been implicated - though never convicted - of vote tampering (I've written about her previously). There was speculation that she was holding back the results to see how many votes she'd need to deliver to ensure Republican Alberta Darling won, but those accusations were withdrawn:
Before all the votes had been counted Tuesday night, the Democratic Party of Wisconsin accused Waukesha County clerk Kathy Nickolaus of tampering in the 8th State Senate District race between by "sitting on ballots."
"The race to determine control of the Wisconsin Senate has fallen in the hands of the Waukesha County clerk, who has already distinguished herself as incompetent, if not worse," Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Mike Tate said in a statement.
"She is once more tampering with the results of a consequential election and in the next hours we will determine our next course of action. For now, Wisconsin should know that a dark cloud hangs over these important results."
[..]
About an hour later after issuing their first statement, the Democratic Party of Wisconsin retracted their accusation against Nickolaus.
"Though we believe that Sandy Pasch was able to battle Alberta Darling to a virtual tie, on her turf, we will not pursue questions of irregularities," Tate said in a statement. "Those heat-of-the-moment statements came in light of the uncertainties that arose from a recent election, known too well."
I am curious to learn of the details of when the results came from her county, and what they were exactly. How she still has a job there, I don't know.
Ultimately, these are short-lived gains. With the results of the 2010 census, the state has a requirement to redraw district lines. The Republicans did so, in a heavily gerrymandered way to favor themselves, and Governor Walker signed it into law:
Federal judges in Milwaukee refused to take over the redistricting process in July, but a federal lawsuit alleging the new district boundaries are unconstitutional is still pending.
"The maps passed by the Legislature meet the objective criteria laid out by the courts including communities of interest, fair minority representation, and compact, contiguous districts," Walker spokesman Cullen Werwie said in a brief statement.
Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Mike Tate accused Walker of trying to distract attention away from the state Senate recall elections by waiting until Tuesday to sign the redistricting legislation.
"We know that Scott Walker wants to change the conversation - but seeking out news coverage in the last hours of the historic movement to turn back his agenda, and doing so to discuss his radical redistricting plan, is as galling as it is tacky," Tate said.
For now, Wisconsin democrats may be able to hold off any more radical (reactionary) change, but they are going to have to fight this battle again in a little over 12 months. It will be a presidential election, so the turnout may be better, but they are still battling on a tilted playing field with crooked refs calling the game.
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 08/10/2011 12:55:44
Mondobubba on 08/10/2011 12:55:44
Morning 
Comment by 
wickedpam on 08/10/2011 13:01:01
wickedpam on 08/10/2011 13:01:01
Morning 
Comment by 
Raine on 08/10/2011 13:01:03
good morning. So close, so close.
Raine on 08/10/2011 13:01:03
good morning. So close, so close.
Comment by 
Scoopster on 08/10/2011 13:05:32
Scoopster on 08/10/2011 13:05:32
Good morning all.. 
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/10/2011 13:06:20
Mondobubba on 08/10/2011 13:06:20
The MSM, inside the Beltway consensus seems to be big loss for Wisconsin Dems! People are happy with their representations (Oh yeah, lots of outside money running attack ads).
Comment by wickedpam on 08/10/2011 13:07:26
wickedpam on 08/10/2011 13:07:26
I feel rather dismayed this morning
Comment by Raine on 08/10/2011 13:14:03
Raine on 08/10/2011 13:14:03
I still want to see the final tallies from that one district.
Comment by wickedpam on 08/10/2011 13:15:57
same here, I don't trust that woman, she's messed with stuff before on numerous occasions I don't see why she wouldn't now
wickedpam on 08/10/2011 13:15:57
Quote by Raine:
I still want to see the final tallies from that one district.
same here, I don't trust that woman, she's messed with stuff before on numerous occasions I don't see why she wouldn't now
Comment by Raine on 08/10/2011 13:24:59
Raine on 08/10/2011 13:24:59
Neo-Nazis tricked by T-shirt that changed message after it was washed....
This is just kinda awesome.
This is just kinda awesome.
Comment by wickedpam on 08/10/2011 13:28:00
pretty ingenious
wickedpam on 08/10/2011 13:28:00
Quote by Raine:
Neo-Nazis tricked by T-shirt that changed message after it was washed....
This is just kinda awesome.
pretty ingenious
Comment by Raine on 08/10/2011 13:29:37
Maybe this will help you feel better about last night.
Raine on 08/10/2011 13:29:37
Quote by wickedpam:
I feel rather dismayed this morning
Comment by wickedpam on 08/10/2011 13:40:39
I can see that theres a ray of hope. Its a matter of getting people involved.
Maybe it just news that next week that 2 of the Dems are facing a recall election, the redrawing of districts to favor repubs, and the money that poor into the state
wickedpam on 08/10/2011 13:40:39
Quote by Raine:Maybe this will help you feel better about last night.Quote by wickedpam:
I feel rather dismayed this morning
I can see that theres a ray of hope. Its a matter of getting people involved.
Maybe it just news that next week that 2 of the Dems are facing a recall election, the redrawing of districts to favor repubs, and the money that poor into the state
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/10/2011 13:52:43
Mondobubba on 08/10/2011 13:52:43
Comment by Scoopster on 08/10/2011 14:00:53
And don't forget.. this is just the opening volley.
In January, we go after Walker, the other state executive officers, and the other State Senators who would be eligible for a recall vote at that time, including Fitzgerald.
Scoopster on 08/10/2011 14:00:53
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Maybe this will help you feel better about last night.Quote by wickedpam:
I feel rather dismayed this morning
I can see that theres a ray of hope. Its a matter of getting people involved.
Maybe it just news that next week that 2 of the Dems are facing a recall election, the redrawing of districts to favor repubs, and the money that poor into the state
And don't forget.. this is just the opening volley.
In January, we go after Walker, the other state executive officers, and the other State Senators who would be eligible for a recall vote at that time, including Fitzgerald.
Comment by wickedpam on 08/10/2011 14:02:10
That is true - must be my impatience showing
wickedpam on 08/10/2011 14:02:10
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Maybe this will help you feel better about last night.Quote by wickedpam:
I feel rather dismayed this morning
I can see that theres a ray of hope. Its a matter of getting people involved.
Maybe it just news that next week that 2 of the Dems are facing a recall election, the redrawing of districts to favor repubs, and the money that poor into the state
And don't forget.. this is just the opening volley.
In January, we go after Walker, the other state executive officers, and the other State Senators who would be eligible for a recall vote at that time, including Fitzgerald.
That is true - must be my impatience showing
Comment by Scoopster on 08/10/2011 14:04:05
we'll get there.. hey we outlasted 8 years of Dubya didn't we?
Scoopster on 08/10/2011 14:04:05
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Scoopster:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Maybe this will help you feel better about last night.Quote by wickedpam:
I feel rather dismayed this morning
I can see that theres a ray of hope. Its a matter of getting people involved.
Maybe it just news that next week that 2 of the Dems are facing a recall election, the redrawing of districts to favor repubs, and the money that poor into the state
And don't forget.. this is just the opening volley.
In January, we go after Walker, the other state executive officers, and the other State Senators who would be eligible for a recall vote at that time, including Fitzgerald.
That is true - must be my impatience showing
we'll get there.. hey we outlasted 8 years of Dubya didn't we?
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/10/2011 14:06:38
Mondobubba on 08/10/2011 14:06:38
So, who else has read Ryan Lizza's profile of Crazy Eyes in this week's New Yorker?
Comment by wickedpam on 08/10/2011 14:08:24
we did indeed :D
wickedpam on 08/10/2011 14:08:24
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Scoopster:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Maybe this will help you feel better about last night.Quote by wickedpam:
I feel rather dismayed this morning
I can see that theres a ray of hope. Its a matter of getting people involved.
Maybe it just news that next week that 2 of the Dems are facing a recall election, the redrawing of districts to favor repubs, and the money that poor into the state
And don't forget.. this is just the opening volley.
In January, we go after Walker, the other state executive officers, and the other State Senators who would be eligible for a recall vote at that time, including Fitzgerald.
That is true - must be my impatience showing
we did indeed :D
Comment by Raine on 08/10/2011 14:38:00
Raine on 08/10/2011 14:38:00
I love happy Clappy Scoop! 
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/10/2011 14:39:44
Mondobubba on 08/10/2011 14:39:44
:looks directly into camera: Mala, it gets better. 
Comment by wickedpam on 08/10/2011 14:41:44
aaww thanks
wickedpam on 08/10/2011 14:41:44
Quote by Mondobubba:
:looks directly into camera: Mala, it gets better.
aaww thanks
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/10/2011 14:42:07
Mondobubba on 08/10/2011 14:42:07
:dons creeping Islamic conspiracy tin foil hat: We must stop the Islamasation of Amuricah! No more algebra! First it is this A-rab math the next thing it is Sariah law in our courts! Why isn't Michelle Geller all over this?
Comment by wickedpam on 08/10/2011 14:53:55
And I see Crazy as the crazy eyes in #7
wickedpam on 08/10/2011 14:53:55
Quote by Raine:
I saw this over on Chris LaVoie's page. and
I. Love. This.
And I see Crazy as the crazy eyes in #7
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/10/2011 14:58:24
In number 7, do you think Marcus picked out the dress and shawl that Michele's wearing?
Mondobubba on 08/10/2011 14:58:24
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
I saw this over on Chris LaVoie's page. and
I. Love. This.
And I see Crazy as the crazy eyes in #7
In number 7, do you think Marcus picked out the dress and shawl that Michele's wearing?
Comment by wickedpam on 08/10/2011 15:01:43
hhmm hard to say, they don't have coordinating accessories
wickedpam on 08/10/2011 15:01:43
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
I saw this over on Chris LaVoie's page. and
I. Love. This.
And I see Crazy as the crazy eyes in #7
In number 7, do you think Marcus picked out the dress and shawl that Michele's wearing?
hhmm hard to say, they don't have coordinating accessories
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/10/2011 15:01:48
Mondobubba on 08/10/2011 15:01:48
Wow! What was that sound? Oh nothing just the Dow Jones crashing 402 points today. Nothing to see here move along...
Comment by Raine on 08/10/2011 15:19:15
"it's super Plus, don;t make me!"
Raine on 08/10/2011 15:19:15
"it's super Plus, don;t make me!"
Comment by Raine on 08/10/2011 15:20:21
I've decided to back away from the DJIA for a few hours.
Raine on 08/10/2011 15:20:21
Quote by Mondobubba:
Wow! What was that sound? Oh nothing just the Dow Jones crashing 402 points today. Nothing to see here move along...
Comment by wickedpam on 08/10/2011 15:22:07
I've decided not to look at it at all - its going to be all over the place for months
wickedpam on 08/10/2011 15:22:07
Quote by Raine:I've decided to back away from the DJIA for a few hours.Quote by Mondobubba:
Wow! What was that sound? Oh nothing just the Dow Jones crashing 402 points today. Nothing to see here move along...
I've decided not to look at it at all - its going to be all over the place for months
Comment by Will in Chicago on 08/10/2011 15:22:49
Will in Chicago on 08/10/2011 15:22:49
Good morning, bloggers!!!
I am feeling pretty happy that the voters in Wisconsin made some progress. We now have to gear up and look towards January.
I am feeling pretty happy that the voters in Wisconsin made some progress. We now have to gear up and look towards January.
Comment by Raine on 08/10/2011 15:34:37
I gotta speculate that queensarah is pissed the Michelle done stoled her crown -- and I bet that Michelle is pissed she caught Marcus wearing it the other night.
Raine on 08/10/2011 15:34:37
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
I saw this over on Chris LaVoie's page. and
I. Love. This.
And I see Crazy as the crazy eyes in #7
In number 7, do you think Marcus picked out the dress and shawl that Michele's wearing?
hhmm hard to say, they don't have coordinating accessories
Comment by Raine on 08/10/2011 15:35:38
I agree with that assessment, Will.
It is progress. Progress doen't mean RIGHT NOW -- it just needs to, well, progress.
Raine on 08/10/2011 15:35:38
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Good morning, bloggers!!!
I am feeling pretty happy that the voters in Wisconsin made some progress. We now have to gear up and look towards January.
I agree with that assessment, Will.
It is progress. Progress doen't mean RIGHT NOW -- it just needs to, well, progress.
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/10/2011 15:35:58
let me just say this, somebody was watching "What Not to Wear" and picking up on the pop of color that StacyandClinton were always talking about. :coughMarcusBachmanncough:
Mondobubba on 08/10/2011 15:35:58
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
I saw this over on Chris LaVoie's page. and
I. Love. This.
And I see Crazy as the crazy eyes in #7
In number 7, do you think Marcus picked out the dress and shawl that Michele's wearing?
hhmm hard to say, they don't have coordinating accessories
let me just say this, somebody was watching "What Not to Wear" and picking up on the pop of color that StacyandClinton were always talking about. :coughMarcusBachmanncough:
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/10/2011 15:38:22
Mondobubba on 08/10/2011 15:38:22
Quote by Raine:I gotta speculate that queensarah is pissed the Michelle done stoled her crown -- and I bet that Michelle is pissed she caught Marcus wearing it the other night.Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
I saw this over on Chris LaVoie's page. and
I. Love. This.
And I see Crazy as the crazy eyes in #7
In number 7, do you think Marcus picked out the dress and shawl that Michele's wearing?
hhmm hard to say, they don't have coordinating accessories
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/10/2011 15:39:09
Coordinating accessories are tacky. Just sayin...
Mondobubba on 08/10/2011 15:39:09
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
I saw this over on Chris LaVoie's page. and
I. Love. This.
And I see Crazy as the crazy eyes in #7
In number 7, do you think Marcus picked out the dress and shawl that Michele's wearing?
hhmm hard to say, they don't have coordinating accessories
Coordinating accessories are tacky. Just sayin...
Comment by wickedpam on 08/10/2011 15:47:32
wickedpam on 08/10/2011 15:47:32
I didn't say it wasn't tacky, I said they didn't coordinate - they strike me as a couple who does that - his tie, her shoes or whatever 
Comment by Raine on 08/10/2011 15:47:53
Raine on 08/10/2011 15:47:53
I have to say, I like Chris' version of Eric cantor -- Jim's sounds just like Al Gore.
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/10/2011 15:55:01
No self-respect (closeted) gay man would do that!
Mondobubba on 08/10/2011 15:55:01
Quote by wickedpam:
I didn't say it wasn't tacky, I said they didn't coordinate - they strike me as a couple who does that - his tie, her shoes or whatever
No self-respect (closeted) gay man would do that!
Comment by wickedpam on 08/10/2011 15:57:48
Chris can nail that Richmond accent
wickedpam on 08/10/2011 15:57:48
Quote by Raine:
I have to say, I like Chris' version of Eric cantor -- Jim's sounds just like Al Gore.
Chris can nail that Richmond accent
Comment by wickedpam on 08/10/2011 15:59:28
If he's closeted does he really respect himself?
wickedpam on 08/10/2011 15:59:28
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:
I didn't say it wasn't tacky, I said they didn't coordinate - they strike me as a couple who does that - his tie, her shoes or whatever
No self-respect (closeted) gay man would do that!
If he's closeted does he really respect himself?
Comment by wickedpam on 08/10/2011 16:16:40
wickedpam on 08/10/2011 16:16:40
And off goes Thom
Comment by Raine on 08/10/2011 16:16:58
Raine on 08/10/2011 16:16:58
See, this is funny and sad.
I am LITERALLy listening to legit news sources about a story that Anonymous plans on killing FB on November 5.
Yes, THAT November 5.
CBS and CNN are two of the outlets reporting it. So I decided to do a little search about this mysterious report. Look at what I stumbled upon:
Wait tho --
Anonymous can't seem to control anonymous. It sort of reminds me of the Tea Party being embraced by the GOP.
Either way -- the Media should do better friggin' research an this crap. They are LITERALLY reporting a rumor as an impending fact.
I am LITERALLy listening to legit news sources about a story that Anonymous plans on killing FB on November 5.
Yes, THAT November 5.
CBS and CNN are two of the outlets reporting it. So I decided to do a little search about this mysterious report. Look at what I stumbled upon:
Anonymous does not support killing Facebook on November 5
...snip...
dates are also questionable: why didn’t this news spread like wildfire three weeks ago? Whenever Anonymous or LulzSec declare a new target, the world definitely notices. Furthermore, while Guy Fawkes Day is a perfectly understandable choice, it’s very far away. There are 112 days between July 16, 2011 and November 5, 2011: Anonymous rarely gives more than a few days notice, if at all.
If Facebook is indeed attacked on November 5, 2011, it does not appear that Anonymous as a whole will be supporting the hacks.
Anonymous can't seem to control anonymous. It sort of reminds me of the Tea Party being embraced by the GOP.
Either way -- the Media should do better friggin' research an this crap. They are LITERALLY reporting a rumor as an impending fact.
Comment by 
livingonli on 08/10/2011 16:32:45
livingonli on 08/10/2011 16:32:45
Good day folks. Back on the anti-depressants which allowed me to sleep better this morning and I do have to get up early tomorrow to get my car serviced since it wigged out again in the rain yesterday. It does seem to be an issue with the battery and running a lot of equipment (radio, AC, wipers and lights) in stop and go traffic.
Comment by wickedpam on 08/10/2011 16:45:04
Have them check to see if its the original wires - I just had a spark plug issue have found out that I still had my original wires! That's 10+ years old.
As for lights - I go though bulbs like crazy and so does every Hyndai owner I know - I think its just an issue with the brand.
wickedpam on 08/10/2011 16:45:04
Quote by livingonli:
Good day folks. Back on the anti-depressants which allowed me to sleep better this morning and I do have to get up early tomorrow to get my car serviced since it wigged out again in the rain yesterday. It does seem to be an issue with the battery and running a lot of equipment (radio, AC, wipers and lights) in stop and go traffic.
Have them check to see if its the original wires - I just had a spark plug issue have found out that I still had my original wires! That's 10+ years old.
As for lights - I go though bulbs like crazy and so does every Hyndai owner I know - I think its just an issue with the brand.
Comment by 
BobR on 08/10/2011 17:06:05
two things:
1) Does it seem to happen more in the rain? There may an insulation problem, and the water is shorting things out.
2) How old is the battery? It might be on its way out.. or - it may be low on water. If you can, pop the top(s) off the cells and see if any look low. Sometimes the summer heat causes the water/acid to evaporate. You can add a little distilled water to the cells and see if that helps.
BobR on 08/10/2011 17:06:05
Quote by livingonli:
Good day folks. Back on the anti-depressants which allowed me to sleep better this morning and I do have to get up early tomorrow to get my car serviced since it wigged out again in the rain yesterday. It does seem to be an issue with the battery and running a lot of equipment (radio, AC, wipers and lights) in stop and go traffic.
two things:
1) Does it seem to happen more in the rain? There may an insulation problem, and the water is shorting things out.
2) How old is the battery? It might be on its way out.. or - it may be low on water. If you can, pop the top(s) off the cells and see if any look low. Sometimes the summer heat causes the water/acid to evaporate. You can add a little distilled water to the cells and see if that helps.
Comment by livingonli on 08/10/2011 17:08:11
livingonli on 08/10/2011 17:08:11
It just seems like when I run all of these things unless I am at highway speed that it seems to put a drain on the battery. Since I live near my job and most of the places I go to are nearby this could be an issue. I should find out tomorrow what's causing it when they look at my car. At least the battery would be cheaper to replace than the alternator.
Comment by Scoopster on 08/10/2011 17:15:53
Scoopster on 08/10/2011 17:15:53
oh wow.. this is PRICELESS
