The summer recalls of state senators have wrapped up. UW-Madison Political Scientist Barry Burden says one lesson learned is that public sector unions are active in the political process and when feel threatened, “are pushing back.”
Nine lawmakers were up for recall, all three Democratic incumbents kept their seats and Dems picked up two more. Republicans cuts to collective bargaining and fiscal restraint were painted by Democrats and labor as moves out of touch with citizens. Burden says the recall results show it wasn’t that clear cut.
Republicans now hold a slim one vote majority in the Senate meaning the minority will have more power in deciding legislation. However Burden points out the GOP has already passed their most contentious measures including the budget repair bill, the biennial budget, redistricting and voter ID.
He doesn’t expect much in the way of controversial bills coming up unless approved legislations gets kicked by to the legislature due to court challenges.