The state lawmakers chosen by Democrats in the legislature to lead their respective chambers did not survive their re-election bids. Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker was defeated by Wausau doctor Pam Galloway 53-to-47 percent.
Galloway credits the win to her message of CPR: control taxes, promote jobs and reduce spending. She was very active with that message while knocking on doors throughout the 29th Senate district.
“I just explained that the government doesn’t create jobs. We just create an enabling environment to create jobs,” says Galloway.
Decker claims he was a victim of several hundred thousand dollars in outside spending.
“These massive corporations like AT & T, Wal-Mart and the big banks, insurance companies are going to be funding elections and I don’t see how the average working person that’s a Democrat or an Independent or a Libertarian can even put with that,” says the 20-year-incumbent.
Decker says voters took out their frustrations on the Democrats in office, “I accept that. You move on. This is democracy.”
Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan of Janesville lost his re-election bid to former auto-worker Jim Knilans 51-to-48 percent.
WSAU