LEGISLATIVE The historic recalls are over.
By Scott Stenger Stenger Government Relations
FEATURED
CHARITY BUSINESS
What began last February ended with the Recall Election of
NOTES AFFILIATES
SPOTLIGHT
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SPOTLIGHT
s the 2011 legislative session began Republicans held an 18-15 majority in the State Senate. Through the course of two recall elections, one in August 2011 and the other June 5th, State Senate Democrats defeated three incumbent Republican Senators to take a 17-16 majority in the State Senate.
DISTRIBUTOR Governor Scott Walker and Lt.
Governor Rebecca Kleefisch on
June 5th. Governor Walker and Lt Governor Kleefisch easily survived the recall elections and will serve out their term which goes until January 3, 2015. While Democrats were not successful in recalling Governor Walker they did take control of the State Senate.
In addition to the US Senate race, there will be a number of primaries for State Senate and State Assembly races. The August 14th primary will trim the Republican field to take on Democrat Tammy Baldwin to fill the seat of retiring Senator Herb Kohl. Four Republicans are running to take on Baldwin: Tommy Thompson, Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald, Eric Hovde and Mark Neumann.
SPOTLIGHT
The even numbered seats of the State Senate are up for election in November. With the upcoming November election, their majority may be short lived as Democrats will have a difficult job of defending three seats while Republicans have no seats in play. Republicans need to win one of three targeted seats to recapture the majority. In the State Assembly Republicans hold a 59-38-1 majority and all 99 seats are up for election this fall. There are two significant changes voters should be aware of going into the 2012 elections. The Primary date was pushed back one month to August 14th and candidates for the state Legislature will be running in newly drawn legislative districts. It is important to make note of these changes now to make certain you are fully informed what district you are in and to make plans to vote via absentee ballot if you are out of town for the August 14th primary. Tavern League of Wisconsin President Rob Swearingen is running for the State Assembly in the 34th District and will have a primary election on August 14th.
The other big change this year is the new legislative districts candidates are running in. Every 10 years the Legislature must redraw State Senate and State Assembly districts to reflect the shift in population. The newly created districts will be in place for the August 14th primary and the November 6th general election. The new maps have made significant changes in districts across the state. It is recommended that you check to see what State Senate and State Assembly district you are in prior to the primary and general elections.
The change in the Primary date was a result of a federal deadline to mail overseas ballots. As a result the Primary will be in the summer which will likely impact turnout. Early estimates are voter turnout in August will only be around 10%. The Republican US Senate race is the only statewide race to appear on the August 14th ballot. 36
On Premise 2012 July/August
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