More Election Observations

My random thoughts about yesterday's elections.

Positives

Governor Doyle won decisively. He beat both Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce and the Wisconsin REALTORS Association, who spent heavily against him. WMC even played coy with Doyle for awhile, before showing their true colors. The unions that were not always pleased with his first four years were there for him 110% at election time, showing their true colors as well. My hope is that Governor Doyle rewards his friends and punishes his enemies.

Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton was reelected, putting her in strong position for future statewide office.

The Democratic trend was so strong that not only was Sec. of State Doug LaFollette reelected, but virtually unknown Democrat Dawn Marie Sass was elected State Treasurer.

The State Sentate flipped, making the Governor and the Democrats agenda much more possible. Look for Sen. Judy Robson to continue as leader and Sen. Russ Decker to be the new co-chair of the Joint Finance Committee.

The State Assembly had big gains, somewhere in the 7-8 seat range. If the eight seats hold out, the new balance will be 52-47, the closest margin in decades. Ironically, many of those victories were due in part to the Constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage. Look for a more aggressive Democratic minority, led by Rep. Jim Kreuser.

John Gard LOST. And he cried in his concession speech. Waaaaaaaa. Karma. Proof there is karma.

Negatives

Obviously per my previous post, the marriage amendment went down. But overall, a lot of good will happen because of the strong effort of Fair Wisconsin. And Arizona - a state with full public funding of elections - beat back their discriminatory amendment.

Kathleen Falk lost to WMC's $2.5 million spent against her. Oh, and Van Hollen took the AG's spot thanks to WMC. Look for Van Hollen to introduce a limited gay marriage amendment to allow him to marry James Buchen of WMC.


End Results

The Democrats will be in STRONG position to hold the State Senate and win control of the State Assemby in two years. The rightward shift may have finally stopped....right on John Gard's behind.