The 2011 Wisconsin Recall Initiative

Recall The 8 Wisconsin Republican Senators

Recall The 8 Wisconsin Republican Senators website was the result of Govenor Walker signing into law a provision that ended collective bargaining for public employees. It was a heady time. Of the nine recall elections, Democrats held on to all three of their challenged seats while Republicans lost only two of their six challenged seats. Although the Democrats ultimately failed to take the Senate by just one seat, this site shows democracy in action.

Content is from the site's 2001 archived pages, as well as from other outside sources.

In January of 2011, Republicans swept Wisconsin state government, assuming the governorship and both houses of the legislature. Republicans in the legislature, in conjunction with Gov. Scott Walker, put forward an austerity budget that ended collective bargaining for public employees. Democrats fled the state to avoid voting on the measure while thousands of protesters gathered at the state capitol in opposition to the law. After weeks of stalemate, Republicans separated the union provision from the rest of the budget, allowing them to vote on it without a quorum. After Walker signed the measure into law, there was an immediate backlash. Democrats began gathering signatures on recall petitions against all eight eligible Republican state senators. Republicans responded by attempting to recall all eight eligible Democratic state senators, arguing that they shirked their duties by fleeing the state.

60 Days To Recall the Republican 8 Posted on March 3, 2011 by RecallRepublican8

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In 60 days you can take Wisconsin back.

It’s that simple. This morning citizens from around the state took the first steps by filing recall papers against key Republican Senators who have stood with Scott Walker and pushed his partisan power grab that will strip thousands of middle class teachers, nurses, librarians and other workers of their right to collective bargaining. And we learned just last night that their disastrous budget that will cut millions from our schools and universities. In 60 days you can take Wisconsin back by recalling the Republican Senators who have decided to push Scott Walker’s divisive attack on the rights of workers and his assault on schools, universities and local communities. Can you contribute $60 today to support the Democratic Party’s recall efforts? Make no mistake, these Republican Senators are vulnerable to recall for their radical partisan overreach. Senator Randy Hopper won his last election by just 184 votes. And Alberta Darling won her last race by only 1,007. By recalling just three of the eight Senators we are targeting, we can regain control of the Senate. But we need your help today. The clock is ticking and we have just 60 days to collect the signatures we need to force a recall. Every day and every dollar counts. Scott Walker’s Republican allies in the Senate have stood by for days while Walker has refused to negotiate on his partisan power grab disguised as a budget repair bill. Walker and his allies had no intention of listening to the people. That’s why Republicans unplugged the state legislative hotline for the first time in years. Yesterday we saw the Republicans for who they are. A party so indebted to the Koch brothers and big business that they will raise taxes on our poorest families by $41 million dollars and push our schools and communities to the breaking point. Republican Senators have applauded even as Walker proposes to end the state’s decades old recycling program, showing that they will do anything in their power to harm our environment. Please, contribute $60 to help us recall the Republican Senators who have decided to push Scott Walker’s extreme partisan agenda that has already put worker rights at risk and now is targeting our children, families and communities.

If we can recall at least three Senators and regain control of the Senate, we can end the ugly games Republicans in the legislature have played in the last few days — unplugging phone lines, bolting windows inside the Capitol shut, and withholding the paychecks of Democratic legislators. By recalling Republican Senators in the next 60 days and retaking the Senate, Democrats will be able to push harder than ever for Wisconsin workers and families and fight back against Walker and his Republican allies. Sincerely, Mike Tate

Chair, Democratic Party of Wisconsin P.S. — Republicans made it clear whose side they are on when they refused to lift a finger to save collective bargaining, even after workers offered all the financial concessions sought by Scott Walker. We have 60 days to turn this state around. Whether you have $60 or even $6, contribute and help us recall the Republican Senators and take Wisconsin back. Opportunities to Help Recall The Republican 8 Posted on March 11, 2011 by RecallRepublican8 Thousands of citizen activists are gathering signatures to recall the Republican 8. These 8 Republican Senators stood with Scott Walker and rammed through his extreme agenda that ends 50 years of civil rights and strips teachers, nurses, librarians and other workers of their right to collective bargaining. Can you volunteer to help recall the Republican 8? Dane County Area Volunteer Opportunities Posted on March 22, 2011 by RecallRepublican8 FYI: We hope to eventually provide buses for these road trips. In the meantime, we ask that folks group up with others and carpool. If you plan to carpool with others, please reserve the times below for the entire trip. Volunteers will travel to the district offices and be given instructions on how to collect signatures in that district. If you would like to travel to the district at a different time, please contact Nick. He will put you in contact with the staffers from that area. Depart:10am, Return:4pm–6pm Information: Meeting place of each trip could differ weekend to weekend, check with Nick for this week’s meeting place. Destination of each trip depends on the district that is in the most need of volunteer help. Destinations will change as we get closer to achieving the number of signatures needed. Other Events: Information will be available as we become aware of other events. If you know of an upcoming event, please contact Nick. Please note: This schedule is a general outline of future events. Because of the unique nature of campaigns, events can change date,time, and location with short notice. Please email Nick to confirm that this information is accurate before showing up to volunteer. Doing so will help limit mis-communications and mistakes. Thank you in advance for your hard work and determination! Recall Road Trips Posted on March 31, 2011 by RecallRepublican8 Want to help recall the Republican 8? Want to stand up for worker’s rights and stop Governor Walker’s extreme agenda? Want to meet like-minded folks committed to fight for what’s right and move Wisconsin forward? Then it’s time for a road trip! We are organizing Recall Road Trips to help volunteers get to the districts where they can be most helpful. So far we’ve made incredible progress but we have to keep pushing forward. We will not stop until every last signature is gathered and the people’s voice is heard! Anyone interested in a Recall Road Trip should contact Nick Niles at 608-260-1924 or send him an email at nickn@wisconsinprogress.orgs Road Trip Schedule: When: Every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday after April 5th Where: Brittingham Park Parking Lots (On West Washington Ave between Park and Regent Streets) Meeting Time: 9:30AM Return Time: 5:00PM – 6:30PM

Who Are the WI Republican 8?

Recall

Alberta Darling

Dan Kapanke

Glenn Grothman

uther Olsen

Mary Lazich

Randy Hopper

Robert Cowles

Sheila Harsdorf

“An Inspiration to Working People Everywhere” – 12,500 Thank You Notes Posted on May 8, 2011 by RecallRepublican8 “You make me proud to be a Democrat.” “You give me hope.” “Thank you for standing up for what is right.” These are just 4 of over 12,500 thank you letters that thousands of people across the United States and the world have written for all of your efforts during this process. It is an extremely powerful collection of words of gratitude, encouragement and inspiration. You can view all 12,500 right here. While we have forced 6 recall elections to date for this summer to put the State Senate back on the side of working Wisconsinites, the work is not over. It’s clear that the corporate special interests will work and spend The efforts of ordinary Wisconsinites has inspired working people across our great country to stand up against the efforts of right-wing corporate extremists to strip working people of their rights. We will continue to fight against Governor Walker’s extremist agenda This is what democracy looks like. Gerald

Nelson

AB

Grande Prairie

Because of your fantastic efforts, we will avoid the following: a country (continent?) of mostly gated estates, gated mansions, gated communities and the rest, trailer parks and slums. Mike

Monteleone

AE

APO, AE

Thank you, thank you, thank you for initiating this and following through. I’m proud that the spine started stiffening in Wisconsin. Wilma

Hollander

AE

APO

I cannot thank you enough. Your sense of democracy and dedication is inspiring to all of us who would love to come and join you in your efforts but cannot because we are working overseas. Billy

Griffin

AE

APO

At times, I felt as if your radical govenor was going to get his way. I followed the events online daily. I was in disbelief that rights were about to be torn away from so many americans in such a callous and unfair manner. Now, due to so many selfless Wisconsinites going into action and fighting against this unjust grab for power, those that would undermine this democracy have been exposed for what they are. I and every american, who believes in the freedom that the United States of America symbolizes, thank you. Keep the faith and keep up the pressure. Mike

Kenny

AK

anchorage

You have very effectively let it be known to those who shame our democracy while destroying our middle class and millions of working Americans, just which side you are on. Thank you very much for your efforts. Dan

LaSota

AK

Fairbanks

You guys were and are on the front lines to turn back the assault against workers and the middle class. I was glued to progressive websites, hitting refresh quite often, looking for more news of your brave actions. You given us all reason to wake up and cheer. Thanks for all your work! Dan LaSota, Fairbanks, Alaska Dianne

Wagner

AK

Wasilla

You are fighting for all of us, not just WI!!! Alaska is watching you closely. Representative Gatto tried a similar anti-union bill up here and was quickly set down–thanks to you guys. keep fighting for American workers! Nancy

Sisinyak

AK

Fairbanks

Wisconsin workers rock! Kudos to my brothers and sisters for your dedication and hard work. Give ‘em all he’ll. Signed, Blue in red Alaska Fred

Athorp

AK

Ketchikan

We Alaskan’s are proud of you! Marisa

Scionti

AK

Anchorage

The people united will never be defeated! Thank you for all your perserverance – your energy and determination is inspiring and history is on our side. Stuart

Cohen

AK

Juneau

Thanks for your work. We here in Alaska are watching. Rob

Clingan

AK

Elim

Thanks for helping unemploy several Wisconsin Republicans! Lois

Epstein

AK

Anchorage

Thank you, Wisconsin volunteers, for your commitment to a sane and compassionate politics. We’re supporting you here in the State of Alaska which is not filled only with Sarah Palin and Joe Miller dittoheads. Nancy

Strand

AK

Petersburg

Thank you very much. I believe your actions in Wisconsin helped avert a similar attempt by the Alaska State Legislature to take the right to bargain collectively from public employees, both at a state level and a municipal level, away. Your taking this big risk has saved more than you possibly imagined when it all started. Maryann

Clark

AK

Palmer

Thank you so very much for the good work you have done. I am a WIsconsinite myself (born and raised in Sheboygan), who now lives in Alaska. I watched the events in Madison closely and also sent some pizzas and water bottles from Ian’s to the crowd. How I wish I could have been there to demonstrate against Walker and his harebrained ideas, or to help you gather recall signatures. Those of us who care very much about WIsconsin owe you a great debt of gratitude. I cannot thank you enough!

"I know you're all down on Alberta Darling, but wanted to give you another side. She assisted us in getting rid of a crippling tax mistake that took up time and money to fight. Our small jewelry business sells all kinds of sterling silver jewelry through a number of retailers and our own websites. Sterling silver jewelry has been good to us. Our gorgeous sterling silver rings designs have gained a large satisfied customer base who keep reminding us why we're in business. But when the state started claiming we owed back taxes amounting to the value of our business, we panicked. A chance meeting between an aide and the marketing manager enabled us to get our case before someone who could act for us and correct this huge error. She may support Walker, but Alberta Darling came through for us when we most needed help." Trenton Baynard





Weekend Staging Locations to Recall Alberta Darling

Posted on March 10, 2011 by RecallAlbertaDarling

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Alberta Darling stood with Scott Walker and 17 other Republican Senators to strip teachers, nurses and other public workers of their right to collective bargaining. Can you volunteer this weekend to help gather signatures to recall Alberta Darling?

You can register to volunteer here.

Thursday, March 10th

Sweet & Associates

2510 E Capitol Dr., Milwaukee

Time: 10am-7pm

Friday, March 11th

Sweet & Associates

2510 E Capitol Dr., Milwaukee

Time: 10am-7pm

Saturday, March 12th

Sweet & Associates

2510 E Capitol Dr., Milwaukee

Time: 9am-7pm

Sunday, March 13th

Sweet & Associates

2510 E Capitol Dr., Milwaukee

Time: 10am-7pm

60 Days To Recall Alberta Darling

Posted on March 3, 2011 by admin

In 60 days you can take Wisconsin back.

It’s that simple.

This morning citizens from around the state took the first steps by filing recall papers against key Republican Senators who have stood with Scott Walker and pushed his partisan power grab that will strip thousands of middle class teachers, nurses, librarians and other workers of their right to collective bargaining. And we learned just last night that their disastrous budget that will cut millions from our schools and universities.

In 60 days you can take Wisconsin back by recalling the Republican Senators who have decided to push Scott Walker’s divisive attack on the rights of workers and his assault on schools, universities and local communities. Can you contribute $60 today to support the Democratic Party’s recall efforts?

Make no mistake, these Republican Senators are vulnerable to recall for their radical partisan overreach. Alberta Darling won her last race by only 1,007. By recalling just three of the eight Senators we are targeting, we can regain control of the Senate.

But we need your help today. The clock is ticking and we have just 60 days to collect the signatures we need to force a recall. Every day and every dollar counts.

Scott Walker’s Republican allies in the Senate have stood by for days while Walker has refused to negotiate on his partisan power grab disguised as a budget repair bill. Walker and his allies had no intention of listening to the people. That’s why Republicans unplugged the state legislative hotline for the first time in years.

Yesterday we saw the Republicans for who they are. A party so indebted to the Koch brothers and big business that they will raise taxes on our poorest families by $41 million dollars and push our schools and communities to the breaking point. Republican Senators have applauded even as Walker proposes to end the state’s decades old recycling program, showing that they will do anything in their power to harm our environment

.

Please, contribute $60 to help us recall the Republican Senators who have decided to push Scott Walker’s extreme partisan agenda that has already put worker rights at risk and now is targeting our children, families and communities.

If we can recall at least three Senators and regain control of the Senate, we can end the ugly games Republicans in the legislature have played in the last few days — unplugging phone lines, bolting windows inside the Capitol shut, and withholding the paychecks of Democratic legislators.

By recalling Republican Senators in the next 60 days and retaking the Senate, Democrats will be able to push harder than ever for Wisconsin workers and families and fight back against Walker and his Republican allies.

Sincerely,

Mike Tate

Chair, Democratic Party of Wisconsin

P.S. — Republicans made it clear whose side they are on when they refused to lift a finger to save collective bargaining, even after workers offered all the financial concessions sought by Scott Walker. We have 60 days to turn this state around. Whether you have $60 or even $6, contribute and help us recall the Republican Senators and take Wisconsin back.

Recall the WI Republican 8

We’re Building Momentum, Volunteer Today

Posted on March 14, 2011 by admin

According to a Washington Post advance look at new polling by Survey USA, there are strong majorities in favor of recalling Sens. Dan Kapanke and Randy Hopper. According to Survey USA, Kapanke and Hopper would lose hypothetical recall elections by 16 and 11 points respectively, with 57-41 against Kapanke and 54-43 opposed to Hopper.

The Republican Senate put narrow partisan and corporate interests ahead of the working people of Wisconsin. Unfortunately for them, the working people of Wisconsin are not taking their assault sitting down. Hundreds of thousands of Wisconsinites have demonstrated their opposition to this power grab, and thanks to you, we are making real progress on forcing recall elections of the Republican 8.

After the events of Wednesday night, the State of Wisconsin needs your help more than ever. Over 50 years of progress was destroyed in a mere 30 minutes behind closed doors, displaying Scott Walker and the GOP’s intentions of union-busting at all costs. We must hold them accountable.

Can you please volunteer today? We are canvassing in all of the 8 districts eligible for this weekend, and we need your help. Please volunteer today to help keep the fight alive. Together, we will not be defeated.

Election Day! Posted on August 9, 2011 by WisDems

If you live in any of the recall districts please go to our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/takingbackwisconsin and post your voter Number to this thread. It will be monitored by the State Wide Boiler room to track turn out. Thank you! Join us for an Election Night party! Posted on August 8, 2011 by WisDems Finish What We Started Posted on August 5, 2011 by WisDems

With GOTV weekend upon us, this is it. Just 4 days remain until Election Day on Tuesday, August 9th. We cannot stress enough how much each volunteering shift means to these elections. The results will be close in each district, and each phone call or canvassing shift could mean the difference between victory and defeat. Let’s not forget how this started in February. On Tuesday, we take back Wisconsin! Sign up for one or more volunteering shifts.

FAQ About Recall Elections

Q: Why these eight?

A: Wisconsin law states that an official must be in office for one year before a recall can be initiated. The remaining Republican Senators, and Scott Walker, won’t be eligible for recall until January 2012.

Q: Do I have to live in the Senate District to sign a recall form?br> A: Yes. You have to live in the district and be an eligible voter.

Q: How can I find out who my Senator is?

A: The Wisconsin State Legislature website offers a tool to determine who your legislators are. Click here to find out.

Q: Do I have to currently be registered to vote to sign a recall form?

A. No, but you do need to be eligible to vote in the district. (i.e., 18 and not currently serving a sentence including probation or parole for a felony conviction, and not otherwise disqualified from voting)

Q. Do I have to live in the Senate District to help collect signatures?

A. No, but you do need to be eligible to vote. (i.e., 18 and not currently serving a sentence including probation or parole for a felony conviction, and not otherwise disqualified from voting)

Q: How many days are allowed to collect the signatures?

A: 60 days from the filing of the initial recall paperwork

Q: How many signatures are needed to recall my Senator?

A: A recall requires 25% of the number of all votes cast for governor in the incumbent’s district in the last gubernatorial election. Click here to find the estimated number of signatures needed for each of the Republican 8.

Q: How does a recall election happen?

A: The Recall Committee must collect signatures equaling 25% of the number of all votes cast for governor in the incumbent’s district in the last gubernatorial election. These signatures must be filed with the Government Accountability Board within 60 days of the start of the recall effort.

A recall election is called, where the incumbent is automatically placed on the ballot (unless they file within 10 days that they do not want to be on the ballot) along with any candidate that qualifies to oppose the incumbent.

Q: If I sign a petition, does it mean I have to vote for or against the Senator being recalled in a recall election?

A: No. Signing simply says you agree that there should be a recall election. Signers are free to vote for whomever they’d like during that election.

95 Responses to FAQ About Recall Elections

Michael says:

March 5, 2011 at 1:52 am

Looking forward to your site including more information. Ie, why these 8, and not others.

Also, you might answer questions about why not recalling the gov.

Reply

Pattie says:

March 6, 2011 at 3:19 am

They have to be in office a year to recall….the others aren’t that is why the recall on Walker cannot start till later this year too for 2012.

Reply

T. Xiong says:

March 6, 2011 at 3:41 am

In order for a senator to be recalled they must have held office for at least a year. These are the 8 that have been in office for a year or more, while the others are to new. This goes for the Governor-who cannot be recalled until a year from his appointment which is Jan. of 2012. Most likely recall effort will go underway for Walker during that time.

Reply

Derek Erlenborn says:

March 6, 2011 at 3:52 pm

These eight are eligible for recall and represent our only chance of defeating these bills. Walker cannot be recalled until one year after he is in office.

Reply

Curt says:

May 1, 2011 at 6:11 pm

The petition papers can be filed when the GAB opens on Jan. 3, 2012, at 7:45 AM, and petitions would circulate 60 days before that. There’s a running countdown to that time at http://misleadingwisconsin.blogspot.com/





Wisconsin recall election 2011: Democrats fail to take Senate majority by one seat Voters in Wisconsin recalled two of the six Republican State Senators in Tuesday’s recall elections, which left the Democrats one seat short of a majority in the Senate. As Rachel Weiner reported: Democrats fell one seat short of a chance at taking back the Wisconsin state senate Tuesday, a result that will disappoint organized labor nationally. According to the Associated Press, State Sens. Dan Kapanke andRandy Hopper were recalled, while Sens. Robert Cowles, Alberta Darling, Sheila Harsdorf and Luther Olsen held onto their seats. Before Tuesday’s elections Republicans controlled the state senate 19 to 14; they now have a 17 to 16 edge. Two Democrats face recall elections next Tuesday. The party needed to net three wins to regain the upper chamber, which they lost in 2010. That is now impossible. The recalls were sparked by Republican legislation to end collective bargaining for public employees in the state, a move that inspired major protests in February and March. Democratic lawmakers fled Wisconsin to avoid voting on the bill; Republicans passed it without them. The recall campaigns on both sides began soon after. Democrats’ chances came down to Darling’s race against state Rep.Sandy Pasch (D), which was not decided until early Wednesday morning. Democrats have questioned the results given that Waukesha County was one of the last to finish reporting. In April’s Supreme Court election — also seen as a referendum on collective bargaining — challengerJoAnne Kloppenburg appeared to have beaten Judge David Prosser, before thousands of lost ballots were found in Waukesha. Wisconsin voters went to polls Tuesday to vote in recall elections for eight state senators, but the ramifications of the election will be nation-wide, as both parties will look closely at the results as a bellweather for elections to come. As Rachel Weiner explained: * Why is this happening? In January, Republicans swept Wisconsin state government, assuming the governorship and both houses of the legislature. Republicans in the legislature, in conjunction with Gov. Scott Walker, put forward an austerity budget that ended collective bargaining for public employees. Democrats fled the state to avoid voting on the measure. Thousands of protesters gathered at the state capitol in opposition to the law. After weeks of stalemate, Republicans separated the union provision from the rest of the budget, allowing them to vote on it without a quorum. Walker signed the measure into law, provoking an immediate backlash. Democrats began gathering signatures on recall petitions against all eight eligible (see below) Republican state senators. Republicans responded by attempting to recall all eight eligible Democratic state senators, arguing that they shirked their duties by fleeing the state. * Who is eligible for recall? In Wisconsin, any elected state official who is more than a year into his or her term can be recalled. That requirement is why Gov. Walker, about half the state Senate, and all of the House were not vulnerable to recall. To recall a state senator, petitioners must gather signatures equal to 25 percent of the votes cast for governor in that district in the last gubernatorial election. They have 60 days to do so. Eight Democrats and eight Republicans had been in office long enough to be targeted. Campaigns were launched against all sixteen, but petitioners only gathered enough signatures to recall six Republicans and three Democrats. A record-breaking spree of donations flooded into the state before the recall elections, as both Democrats and Republicans nationwide attempted to tip the scales in the final days. As Michael Fletcher reported: Record-breaking donations are pouring into Wisconsin for state Senate recall elections on Tuesday that could help shape the future of the national GOP agenda. The recall effort was triggered by Republican Gov. Scott Walker’s move to sharply curtail collective-bargaining rights for public employees in the state. That decision ignited huge protests at the state Capitol this year. But the campaigns are now tackling the issues at the heart of the national Republican political agenda. They include refusing to raise taxes even on corporations and the wealthy for fear of dampening job creation, and relying solely on cuts to government programs to close yawning budget gaps. Outside groups — led by national unions on the Democratic side and limited government groups such as the Wisconsin Club for Growth on the Republican side — have shoveled more than $25 million into the recall effort, with both sides spending about the same amount. The candidates, meanwhile, have raised more than $5 million. The staggering dollar amounts being showered on the eight recall campaigns — which after a July 19 election and Tuesday’s six contests will conclude with two elections on Aug. 16 — are shattering state records. In 2010, when the 99-member assembly and half the 33-member state Senate was up for election, outside organizations spent $3.75 million in Wisconsin — 15 percent of this year’s total.

RecallTheRepublican8.com