My thoughts on the recall elections

I know Jeff has already shared his thoughts on yesterday’s elections, and while I agree with much of what he wrote, I wanted to share my own thoughts on what happened yesterday.

So here are my thoughts:

• I know folks on both sides of the political spectrum are furiously spinning the results of last night’s elections to suit their own agendas, but I personally believe that last night’s results can’t be seen as anything but a victory for Democrats. While it’s true Democrats didn’t retake control of the State Senate, winning two seats that had been held by Republicans – and that Republicans won despite a Democratic wave year in 2008 – certainly can’t be seen as a loss. Those two victories last night put Democrats two seats closer to retaking the majority in the State Senate, and that’s a great thing.
• Another great thing is the fact that Randy Hopper will no longer be able to disgrace his office by continuing to serve. As I’ve mentioned on this blog before, Randy Hopper is a despicable person, and he’s a disgrace to men everywhere who actually take their marriage vows seriously.
• Republican State Senator Dale Schultz just became the new best friend of Democrats and Republicans alike in the State Senate, as he’ll be in a unique position to be a “power player” in that chamber, given his standing as a more moderate Republican who may actually buck the Republican party line from time to time.
• Last night wasn’t an ending – it was just another step towards the ultimate goal of retaking the Assembly and Senate and getting Gov. Scott Walker out of office. Folks all over this state are energized and engaged in ways they never had been before, and I’m willing to venture a guess that once the policies enacted by Gov. Walker and his Republican rubber stamps in the legislature finally start being implemented (many haven’t yet), we may see even more folks get energized and engaged and start working towards recalling Gov. Walker.
• And finally, I’m exhausted, both physically and mentally. The past 6 months have been a whirlwind, and after next week’s elections I’ll be taking a break to recharge my batteries, take a look at my to-do list, and then come back better than ever.