Democrats in Wisconsin would like nothing more than to recall Governor Scott Walker, who has been a lightening rod in the state since taking office in January. But how to go about recalling him has Democrats wringing their hands over when to launch the effort.

 

Walker rammed through legislation shortly after taking office that cut taxes for business, increased state employee responsibility for healthcare and pensions (in effect, an 8% pay cut), and eliminated most collective bargaining rights for state workers. All 14 of the state Senate Democrats fled the state to delay its passage, but their effort ultimately failed.

 

If Democrats begin collecting signatures this fall for a recall election while anti-Walker sentiments are still high, and they finish the task by the end of the year, the decision would be put to voters next spring. The problem with that for Democrats is the recall would coincide with the Republican presidential primary in Wisconsin, when GOP turnout—and Walker’s chances of survival—will be maximized.

 

The alternative is to postpone the signature drive until next year, so that the election would be scheduled for November 2012, when Democratic turnout will be high because of President Barack Obama’s reelection. But some Democrats are too anxious to wait that long and want to go after Walker right away.

 

They also fear that Republicans might start a petition drive of their own to put the recall of their own candidate on the ballot for the spring GOP primary. Afterall, this is the state party that supported six “fake” Democrats in recall primaries they engineered earlier in the month.

 

Opponents of the governor believe the recall will happen, it’s just a matter of when. They point to Walker’s declining popularity as proof. After his election last November, Walker’s overall approval rating dropped to 43%—not a terrible number, but not strong either. But a new poll shows the governor now at 37%, an indication his support may be slipping.

-Noel Brinkerhoff

 

Wisconsin Battle Brews over Date for Walker Recall Election (by Brian Lambert, MinnPost.com)

Exclusive: Top Wisconsin Dems Increasingly Worried That GOP Will Protect Scott Walker from Recall (by Greg Sargent, Washington Post)

Walker's Base Showing Signs of Stress in New Poll (by Jesse Russell, Dane101.com)