It’s got to be a referendum on, ‘Do you like or dislike, not just the president, but his policies?’ But there’s got to be something more. People don’t just vote somebody out — they’ve got to vote somebody in.Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker • Commenting on what he perceives as weak strategy from Mitt Romney’s campaign — tearing-down President Obama instead of promoting himself — during a discussion with MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough. Walker also rebutted the popular claim that Mitt Romney is disconnected from “normal” people, and cannot relate to everyday struggles. “When he was with Paul Ryan and I in Jamesville a few weeks ago, he was great,” said Walker, adding, “He relates to people well, relates to small-business owners well. I would like to see more of that.” source (via • follow)
It ranges from 28 to 42 percent already; it is a huge turnout. We could hit 80 to 88 percent.Dane County Clerk Karen Peters • Discussing voter turnout for Tuesday’s recall election in Wisconsin, pitting Democrat Tom Barrett against Republican incumbent Governor Scott Walker. Peters’ estimates are based on historical tendencies for polling numbers to double during the 11am-4pm and 4pm-8pm time periods. In addition to Governor Scott Walker, Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch and four state Senators also face recall opponents of their own. Wisconsin readers, how long did you have to wait in line to vote today? source (via • follow)
It’s election time! Today will mark the third time in history that a US state heads to the polls to with the potential of firing a sitting governor. The saga began with Governor Scott Walker’s controversial budget repair bill in 2011, and will come to an end today (well, at least symbolically). In case you’re rusty on who’s running and why, here’s the skinny on the two major-party candidates.
» So who’s gonna win? It’s extremely close right now. Public Policy Polling’s most recent poll shows Walker ahead by three points, but Barrett closing the gap and within the margin of error. So it could go either way; it all depends on voter turnout. (So vote!) We’ll be covering it tonight, folks — we’ll keep you posted. (photo via WisPolitics.com, from last week’s debate)
In fact, they exceeded the minimum amount of signatures required by almost 400,000. Now, pending approval by the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board tomorrow (a formality), the recall will be finalized and put into motion. The primaries for recall candidates will be held May 8th of this year, and the general is scheduled for June 5th.
The Details: Stick with us here. In order to recall Walker, Democrats need to gather around 540,000 signatures (that number being 25% of the total votes cast for Governor last year); once this process starts, they’ll have sixty days to hit that target. If and when they do, state election officials will likely schedule the recall on the same day as the next major statewide election. The question is: When should Democratic operatives start gathering signatures?
» The kicker: State Republicans, who would prefer the first scenario, are said to be considering launching a fake “Recall Walker” signature-gathering campaign in the fall, in order to force an early recall. Seriously, guys—who ever said politics was boring?
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