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Dems Survive Wisconsin Recall

Runaway lawmakers keep seats; GOP keeps state senate

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 17, 2011 1:21 AM CDT | Updated Aug 17, 2011 5:50 AM CDT

(Newser) – Two more Democratic state senators have survived recall votes in Wisconsin, ending the state's recall saga with the Republicans still in charge of the legislature—but with only a one-seat majority. Another Democrat survived an earlier recall vote, and four of six targeted Republicans held their seats after recall votes last week. The Democrats targeted yesterday were among 14 who fled the state earlier this year in an attempt to thwart anti-union legislation.

The state Democratic Party chairman said the recall votes had "fundamentally changed the face of power in the Wisconsin Legislature," while Republican Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald described yesterday's votes as a rejection of the recall process. "Each side can claim they did pretty good, and that they walked off the field alive and kicking," a University of Wisconsin political science professor tells the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.

Democratic Sen. Bob Wirch of Pleasant Prairie talks the press earlier this year. Wirch and his colleague Jim Holperin won yesterday's recall votes. (AP Photo/Scott Bauer, File)

Volunteers deliver petitions to recall Wisconsin Senators Robert Wirch and Jim Holperin earlier this year. Both Democrats kept their seats. (AP Photo/Wisconsin State Journal/John Hart, File)

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Dems Survive Wisconsin Recall

Runaway lawmakers keep seats; GOP keeps state senate

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