Were the Wisconsin Recall Elections a Failure for Union Groups?

Reader Comments
Back to article

"...unions spent only 10% of what the conservatives spent..."
With distorted reporting like that Rick of IA should apply for a job at ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, or MSNBC.
Should also be collaborating with the writer who commented that "...kids would soon be starving and would be uneducated..." They only forgot to include that Grandma would be thrown under the bus, too. If you're going to be in for a penny's worth of distortion, why not go for the full pound?
Riddle me this: If big corporations and their greeeeeeeedy, greeeeeedy profits are soooooo bad, why do ALL of the unions invest in them to grow retirement and other accounts.
I KNOW - Let's close down all those greeeeeedy corporations or create such an unfriendly business climate that they export all their work out of country (as the illustrious Democrat Bill Clinton provided for when enacting NAFTA). THEN when unemployment reaches 20% and people are truly starving, repeat the mantra of how greeeeedy and bad they all are.
You can only bite the hand that feeds you for so long before the feeding stops.

Don of WI 7:42PM August 12, 2011

Despite all the headlines Republicans in Wisconsin know they essentially lost control of the Senate because one Republican Senator, an old fashioned Republican, will vote with the Democrats on most issues like labor rights, public education, etc.
Mind you this was a win for Democrats, beating two Republicans in historically Republicans districts.
So there's more recall elections coming up and Republicans are pouring out-of-state money into Wisconsin to try to persuade - maybe bamboozle, perhaps outright buying of votes - with unlimited anonymous money that is corrupting our elections.
These were the most expensive state elections in history, and it was Republicans who were moneybombing the state spending upwards of 40 million dollars. labor spent money too, but only about a tenth of the conservatives are spending.

Rick of IA 12:38AM August 12, 2011

I live in the district that came down to the wire, between Pasch (D) and Darling (R). Canvassing across the district, and biking it daily, I felt a deep 50/50 divide, but the numbers proved me wrong. I was also active at the protests in Madison. While, as some of pointed out, the deep analysis looks promising for Democrats, the end product felt like a disappointment. It may prove to be a victory in detailed, analytical terms, but, viscerally, it felt like a defeat, and that's how it will likely play in the media. I am disappointed that people in my district chose polices that are selfish and cruel, in electing Darling (R), and it does not reflect well on some people in Wisconsin. Passing all the large houses and sports cars with Darling signs is a constant reminder of the power of greed over the common good. And, no, these aren't "job creators."

J of WI 4:38PM August 11, 2011

Considering the amount of money that big labor spent on this recall it has to be a failure. The goal was to win control and they didn't do that. The taxpayers have spoken and they don't want the unions picking their pockets anymore.

Rob of MD 7:42AM August 11, 2011

If the Republicans lost two seats they had just recently won, then that is a major shift. If not a single democrat falls in their recalls, or if they win by a wider margin than they won when elected, then that is indeed good news for the Democrats.
http://bit.ly/pVcjSh

Kristineallen of CA 4:20AM August 11, 2011

If you want to get really technical about what percentage of republican voters turned away from the republican agenda, take a look at the numbers for each district who wherein elections were held, and compare them to the last. You can find them on Wisconsin's Government Accountability Board's website, as well as searching the Internet.
Many of the remaining 4 districts had a much higher number voting democrat, rather than republican than the last vote IN EACH DISTRICT.
There is a reason Walker is now wanting to talk to the democrats about a job plan. People are hurting, and they are blaming Walker and his party. He knows the more people that feel the pain, he will not stand a chance at the time of his recall election and/or his next election in 3 years 4 1/2 months. I am not exactly sure how many districts there are in Wisconsin, but, no matter, you can assume that 1/3 of who voted for him, will not vote for him again unless he does an about face and start working for the people, and not the elite.

JamieJAP of NV 12:43AM August 11, 2011

It seems the people are waking up, but not quick enough that it will stop any further damage in Wisconsin, much less any other place in the U.S. Only 6 districts voted. Two of them voted down the Republicans. That is 1/3 of the Republican base turning away from the Republican agenda. Seems pretty significant to me.
Once the people really start feeling the pain of what is about to happen to America. Many more people will realize how the republican's have reduced their say, and their quality of life.
I said it before, and I'll say it again. Unions are who bring you a podium for a voice, and FAIR PAY. That as soon as they succeed with busting Unions who support any government group, such as teachers, fire fighters, law enforcement, etc., the private sector will be next. Viola... up pops Verizon.
The republicans will begin bring back their corporate boss' jobs, ONCE THEY REDUCE YOUR WAGES. They will be eating steak and lobster (and better), you will be eating beans and have no health insurance, nor retirement benefits. Your kids will be hungry and uneducated.
But, I do believe the Democrats are truly in on this plan with them. We are only kept at bay, they are keeping us cool and calm while they manipulate us by telling us they are fighting for us. Are they?
Mark my words, you will see many businesses cutting wages even more, and taking away benefits, unionized or not. I am not hanging around to watch the suffering. I have seen enough with the 30 million unemployed already. The anger that will come from this is going to be HUGE. You really think the people of the U.S. are going to react any different than how the anger and frustration of those in London are acting out? Satan has won!

Jamie of NV 12:21AM August 11, 2011

Fox prime time audience at least matches all the news put together on cable. After terrible Monday Market DROP, FOX audience SOURED. You could hear crickets on CNN and the other news audience. People SHOWED who they TRUST.
Fair & Balanced. Not obamaism...
____
Judy of ND_They kicked out man that left his wife for a staffer. Other loss was in heavy Democrat district.
Still control...

Bill Hedges of MO 9:43PM August 10, 2011

Here, here to Coldiron from HI. You should see the mess in NJ!!! Fortunately we're getting some of that under control, although taxes are STILL among highest in country and the unions are fighting tooth and nail and yelling bloody murder. RIGHT!! If you believe ANY union is being shortchanged I've got a bridge across the river to sell ya. Looking at the union contract language for our teachers is mind-boggling. It's unbelievable that we can provide unreal contract benefits to teachers who render 4th rate benefits to our kids!! Like the saying goes: Those who can, do; those who can't, teach; those who can't teach, find a union job with the Gov't!!

Stin of NJ 9:25PM August 10, 2011

The cycle is undeniable: Unions contribute to Democrats elections; Democrats rubber-stamp whatever demands the public worker's unions demand. Round and round the corruption merry-go-round goes. Inevitably, however, this process can only result in one fiscal reality - bankrupting the state. Neil Abercrombie was elected Governor overwhelmingly in Hawaii based upon support from Hawaii's unions after pledging support, in particular, to the Hawaii State Teacher's Association (HSTA). Now that they're in contract negotiations, HSTA is asking Abercrombie to pay-up. Surprise, surprise - Hawaii, like many States, is broke. And with a balanced-budget law, there's nothing left to give. So the HSTA is standing firm, and now Abercrombie has to stand firm. Laughable. As the average Hawaii resident says: they deserve each other. Hey Wisconsin, wake up and taste the coffee: How much of your State's budget goes to workers of public sector unions?? Those voting for recall of the only legislator's with the spine to stand up to the unions hear this message: You deserve each other, and the inevitable fiscal mess that these cozy bedfellows contrive!

D. Coldiron of HI 9:17PM August 10, 2011