Kloppenburg Declares Victory in Wisconsin Race Walker Bill Turned Competitive

[Swede]

The Democratic momentum that pulsated through Tuesday's election also bodes ill for Walker's job security. To trigger a gubernatorial special election, organizers would need to collect 541,000 signatures in support of recalling Walker. On Tuesday, 738,000 votes were cast for the Democrat-backed Kloppenburg.

Turnout from Tuesday's election was three times higher than state officials anticipated and three million dollars from out of state were poured into these two tiny regional elections (Dane County Executive, Wisconsin Supreme Court), reflecting the national passions Walker's efforts have stirred.

Tuesday's vote also has significant implications for the 2012 presidential election. Wisconsin is a leading swing state and has been won by very small margins on and off by the competing parties. It's difficult for a presidential candidate to capture the necessary electoral votes to win office without Wisconsin in his column. If sustained, the Democratic energy on display Tuesday could signal a coming political bonanza for President Obama next year in his re-election quest.

http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/04/kloppenburg-declares-victory-in-wisconsin-race-walker-bill-turned-competitive/236921/