The right to recall an elected state official has been enshrined in Wisconsin’s constitution since 1926, and protecting this right was part of the progressive platform in the early 1900s to bring direct democracy to voters – along with referenda, direct primary elections and women’s suffrage.
The current recall effort in Wisconsin, though constitutionally protected, is unprecedented both in size and scope, according to Rebecca Mason, litigation attorney at Godfrey & Kahn S.C., Milwaukee.
Barring legal delays, at least nine special recall elections could be held this summer – an unprecedented political happening in a turbulent political year.
Republicans hold a 19-14 majority in the state Senate now, so Democrats would have to net three seats to take back control of the chamber.
If signatures are validated, the Government Accountability Board (GAB) is hoping to schedule eight of the elections on July 12 – over the objections of state Democrats. Scheduling of the ninth, involving GOP Sen. Rob Cowles of Green Bay, is up in the air. Six of the nine pending recall elections target incumbent Republicans.
Petition deadlines for two Democratic senators, Mark Miller of Monona and Julie Lassa of Stevens Point, were still pending as this magazine was going to press.
Here’s a list of the potential recalls, with the most advanced campaigns listed first:
- Sen. Dan Kapanke, R-La Crosse, to be challenged by Rep. Jen Shilling, D-La Crosse.
- Sen. Randy Hopper, R-Fond du Lac, to be challenged by Oshkosh Ald. Jessica King.
- Sen. Luther Olsen, R-Ripon, to be challenged by Rep. Fred Clark, D-Baraboo.
- Sen. Sheila Harsdorf, R-River Falls, to be challenged by Ellsworth teacher Shelly Moore.
- Sen. Dave Hansen, D-Green Bay, who so far has is being challenged by Brown County Board Vice Chair Mary Scray.
Petition signatures also have been filed against GOP Sen. Albert Darling of River Hills, GOP Sen. Rob Cowles of Green Bay, Dem Sen. Bob Wirch of Pleasant Prairie and Dem Sen. Jim Holperin of Conover.
Efforts to recall GOP Sens. Glenn Grothman of West Bend and Mary Lazich of New Berlin have fallen short, as have efforts against Dems Spencer Coggs of Milwaukee, Fred Risser of Madison and Lena Taylor of Milwaukee.
The local effort to recall Miller missed its deadline to file signatures, but a Utah-based group had until May 5 to file recall petitions against the Senate minority leader. That group, however, has largely not worked with local organizers and hasn’t filed petitions in any of the recalls it initiated.
The last remaining active recall effort is the one targeting Lassa. Opponents face a May 16 deadline in their effort.
“The incumbent is automatically a candidate in the recall election and need not file nomination papers. Any person wishing to challenge the incumbent has two weeks from the date of GAB’s certification to gather the necessary signatures to qualify for the ballot,” Mason said. “Whether any of the state senators ultimately face a recall election, the mere attempt is extraordinary.”
Track developments in the WisPolitics.com Election Blog: http://elections.wispolitics.com.
