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“That close margin had political insiders from both sides talking about the possibility of a recount, which Wisconsin has avoided in statewide races in recent decades. Any recount could be followed by lawsuits - litigation that potentially would be decided by the high court.”
The paper makes this additional point: "In the contest for a 10-year term, Kloppenburg is trying to accomplish the rare feat of unseating a sitting justice. Michael Gableman defeated then-Justice Louis Butler in 2008, but before that it had been 41 years since an incumbent lost a race for a high court seat. Unlike Butler, who was appointed to the post, Prosser was elected to his current term."
In the other race -- for Gov. Scott Walker’s old job as Milwaukee County executive -- “Chris Abele - a 44-year-old philanthropist, scion of a wealthy Boston family and political neophyte - handily defeated state Rep. Jeff Stone (R-Greendale),” the Journal Sentinel also reports.
More: “Abele campaigned with $1 million of his own money as someone with fresh ideas to tackle the county's nagging financial problems. Though light on specifics, Abele outlined an approach that emphasizes efficiency moves. He put much of his advertising firepower into trying to fuse Stone with Gov. Scott Walker and his controversial push to end most collective bargaining for public employees.”
The numbers: Per AP, Abele got 134,848; Stone 87,913.
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I can't believe the election was this close for the supreme court. My money is still on Kloppeburg. I'm happy Stone, Walker's buddy, is out.
So as of a minute ago, according to source cited below, Kloppenburg is ahead by a mere 209 votes. You go girl!
http://elections.todaystmj4.com/G8801.htm
Now she's ahead by 224. Sock it to 'em . . . in a gentle ladylike manner, unlike "I'll destroy you B#$%h" Prosser!
If you want a good laugh read below;
"If an appeal is filed from a recount determination in an election which is held in more than one judicial circuit, the chief judge of the judicial administrative district in which the election is held must consolidate all appeals relating to that election and appoint a circuit judge to hear the appeal. If the election is held in more than one judicial administrative district, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court must make the appointment. [s. 9.01 (6) (b), Stats.]"
I bet he is regretting that "Bi$%h" comment directed at the Chief Justice now!
The good news is: the hard core democrats and republicans vote the way they always do, there must have been a huge swing of independent voters to the democratic candidates, and on the day of the elections Walker keeps the momentum going with more revelations about his phony dealings. Bottom line is that fair minded people regardless of political party affiliation don't go for the shtuff Scott Walker and the state republicans are pulling.