PrintOne downer on a good night: Wisconsin Dems possibly take senate
The only thing that went wrong last night was that Republicans possibly lost control of the state senate.
Democrats appeared to have assumed control of the state Senate with results posted early Wednesday showing former Sen. John Lehman (D-Racine) defeating incumbent Van Wanggaard in a tight race.
Republicans held on to three other state Senate seats in Tuesday's recall voting. Democratic challengers lost recalls bids against Sens. Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) and Terry Moulton (R-Chippewa Falls.).
Rep. Jerry Petrowski (R-Stettin) was elected to fill the vacancy left by Sen. Pam Galloway (R-Wausau), who resigned earlier this year after opponents gathered enough signatures to initiate a recall election.
All eyes Wednesday will be on the 21st District. Results posted early Wednesday showed Lehman with 36,255 votes to 35,476 for Wanggaard with 100% of precincts reporting. The margin of 779 could bring a recount.
Even though it's only 779 votes, the total number of votes cast - 71,700 - would indicate that it is unlikely a recount would change the outcome.
It might not matter. There's a pretty good chance the senate won't even convene until after the November election.
With all the recall races over, let's look at the results, shall we?
Number of recall races in 2011-12 (including governor): 15
Number of Democratic wins: 3
A record like that would get most coaches fired.
