2012 Wisconsin gubernatorial recall election: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description| |
{{Short description|none}} <!-- "none" is preferred when the title is already sufficiently detailed; see [[WP:SDNONE]] --> |
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{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2012}} |
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2012}} |
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{{Infobox election |
{{Infobox election |
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| next_election = 2014 Wisconsin gubernatorial election |
| next_election = 2014 Wisconsin gubernatorial election |
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| next_year = 2014 |
| next_year = 2014 |
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| election_date = June |
| election_date = June 5, 2012 |
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| image1 = |
| image1 = Barrett Walker debate (7314504544) (2).jpg |
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| nominee1 = '''[[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]]''' |
| nominee1 = '''[[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]]''' |
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| party1 = Republican Party (United States) |
| party1 = Republican Party (United States) |
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| popular_vote1 = '''1,335,585''' |
| popular_vote1 = '''1,335,585''' |
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| percentage1 = '''53. |
| percentage1 = '''53.08%''' |
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| image2 = File:Independence Day 2014 (14418050490) (Tom Barrett) (1).jpg |
| image2 = File:Independence Day 2014 (14418050490) (Tom Barrett) (1).jpg |
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| nominee2 = [[Tom Barrett (Wisconsin politician)|Tom Barrett]] |
| nominee2 = [[Tom Barrett (Wisconsin politician)|Tom Barrett]] |
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| party2 = Democratic Party (United States) |
| party2 = Democratic Party (United States) |
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| popular_vote2 = 1,164,480 |
| popular_vote2 = 1,164,480 |
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| percentage2 = 46. |
| percentage2 = 46.28% |
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| turnout = 57.8% ({{increase}} 8.1%) |
| turnout = 57.8% ({{increase}} 8.1%) |
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| map_image = {{switcher |[[File:2012 Wisconsin gubernatorial recall election results map by county.svg|250px]] |County results |[[File:2012 Wisconsin Gubernatorial election by Precinct.svg|250px]] |Precinct results |default=1}} |
| map_image = {{switcher |[[File:2012 Wisconsin gubernatorial recall election results map by county.svg|250px]] |County results |[[File:2012 Wisconsin Gubernatorial election by Precinct.svg|250px]] |Precinct results |default=1}} |
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| map_caption = '''Walker:''' {{legend0|#FFB2B2|40–50%}} {{legend0|#E27F7F|50–60%}} {{legend0|#D75D5D |60–70%}} {{legend0|#D72F30|70–80%}} {{legend0|#C21B18|80–90%}} {{legend0|#A80000|>90%}}<br />'''Barrett:''' {{legend0|#A5B0FF|40–50%}} {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}} {{legend0|#584cde|70–80%}} {{legend0|#3933e5|80–90%}} {{legend0|#0D0596|>90%}}<br/>'''Tie''': {{legend0|#ae8bb1|50%}} |
| map_caption = '''Walker:''' {{legend0|#FFB2B2|40–50%}} {{legend0|#E27F7F|50–60%}} {{legend0|#D75D5D |60–70%}} {{legend0|#D72F30|70–80%}} {{legend0|#C21B18|80–90%}} {{legend0|#A80000|>90%}}<br />'''Barrett:''' {{legend0|#A5B0FF|40–50%}} {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}} {{legend0|#584cde|70–80%}} {{legend0|#3933e5|80–90%}} {{legend0|#0D0596|>90%}}<br/>'''Tie''': {{legend0|#ae8bb1|50%}} {{legend0|#808080|No data}} |
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| title = Governor |
| title = Governor |
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| before_election = [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]] |
| before_election = [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]] |
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}} |
}} |
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{{ElectionsWI}} |
{{ElectionsWI}} |
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The '''2012 Wisconsin gubernatorial recall election''' was a special [[election]] to elect the [[Governor of Wisconsin|governor]] and [[Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin|lieutenant governor of Wisconsin]]. It resulted in voters re-electing incumbent Republican governor [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]] over the Democratic candidate [[Tom Barrett (Wisconsin politician)|Tom Barrett]] by a larger margin than |
The '''2012 Wisconsin gubernatorial recall election''' was a special [[election]] to elect the [[Governor of Wisconsin|governor]] and [[Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin|lieutenant governor of Wisconsin]]. It resulted in voters re-electing incumbent Republican governor [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]] over the Democratic candidate [[Tom Barrett (Wisconsin politician)|Tom Barrett]] by a larger margin than in [[Wisconsin gubernatorial election, 2010|2010]] when Walker also faced Barrett. Recall organizers opposed Walker's agenda, particularly his limiting of collective bargaining rights for state employees<ref name="Bauer">{{cite news|url=https://www.boston.com/news/politics/articles/2012/06/04/wisconsin_recall_battle_finally_goes_to_voters|title=Wisconsin recall battle finally goes to voters|author=Scott Bauer|newspaper=Boston Globe|agency=Associated Press|date=June 4, 2012|access-date=June 4, 2012}}</ref> and they collected over 900,000 signatures to initiate the recall election process.<ref name="Bauer"/> There was also a recall for Lieutenant Governor [[Rebecca Kleefisch]]. She won her race, defeating Democrat Mahlon Mitchell, making her the first lieutenant governor to run in and survive a recall.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news8000.com/news/Wisconsin-Lieutenant-Governor-Kleefisch-survives-recall-election/-/326/14637616/-/13r7tifz/-/index.html|title=Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Kleefisch survives recall election|publisher=News8000.com|date=2012-06-05|access-date=2012-07-23}}</ref> |
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The [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] primaries took place on May 8. The recall elections were held June 5<ref>{{cite web|last=Hall|first=Dee J.|url=http://host.madison.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/judge-oks-petition-review-extension-june-recall-election/article_67963f84-6de3-11e1-9969-0019bb2963f4.html|title=Judge OKs petition review extension, June 5 recall election|work=Wisconsin State Journal|date=March 15, 2012|access-date=March 20, 2012}}</ref> with Walker defeating Barrett. Walker was thus the first U.S. governor to continue in office after facing a recall election.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120606213327/http://nbcpolitics.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/06/05/12074595-walker-emerges-victorious-in-wisconsin-recall NBC], |
The [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] primaries took place on May 8. The recall elections were held June 5<ref>{{cite web|last=Hall|first=Dee J.|url=http://host.madison.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/judge-oks-petition-review-extension-june-recall-election/article_67963f84-6de3-11e1-9969-0019bb2963f4.html|title=Judge OKs petition review extension, June 5 recall election|work=Wisconsin State Journal|date=March 15, 2012|access-date=March 20, 2012}}</ref> with Walker defeating Barrett. Walker was thus the first U.S. governor to continue in office after facing a recall election.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120606213327/http://nbcpolitics.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/06/05/12074595-walker-emerges-victorious-in-wisconsin-recall NBC], |
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[https://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57447954-503544/wisconsin-recall-walker-opens-slight-lead-as-votes-are-counted/ CBS News].</ref> |
[https://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57447954-503544/wisconsin-recall-walker-opens-slight-lead-as-votes-are-counted/ CBS News].</ref> |
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[[2012 Wisconsin Senate recall elections|Four state senate recall elections]] took place the same day as the gubernatorial recall elections, resulting in two wins by Republican incumbents, one open seat win by a Republican, and one win by a Democratic challenger, giving Democrats control of the state Senate.<ref>{{cite news|author=Stephanie Jones|url=http://www.journaltimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/as-republicans-see-victory-wanggaard-in-razor-thin-lead-over/article_90a8c3ae-af76-11e1-ba46-0019bb2963f4.html?comment_form=true|title=Lehman declares win|publisher=Journaltimes.com|date=2012-06-05|access-date=2012-07-23}}</ref> |
[[2012 Wisconsin Senate recall elections|Four state senate recall elections]] took place the same day as the gubernatorial recall elections, resulting in two wins by Republican incumbents, one open seat win by a Republican, and one win by a Democratic challenger, giving Democrats control of the state Senate for the remainder of the year.<ref>{{cite news|author=Stephanie Jones|url=http://www.journaltimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/as-republicans-see-victory-wanggaard-in-razor-thin-lead-over/article_90a8c3ae-af76-11e1-ba46-0019bb2963f4.html?comment_form=true|title=Lehman declares win|publisher=Journaltimes.com|date=2012-06-05|access-date=2012-07-23}}</ref> |
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The recall election was just the third gubernatorial recall election in U.S. history and the first one in which the incumbent was not defeated.<ref name="Recall Election Could Foretell November Vote">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/01/us/politics/wisconsin-recall-vote-could-foretell-november-election.html |title=Recall Election Could Foretell November Vote|work=The New York Times|access-date=June 3, 2012|first=Monica|last=Davey|date=May 31, 2012}}</ref> The other recall elections were the [[1921 North Dakota gubernatorial recall election]] (which successfully recalled [[Lynn Frazier]]), the [[2003 California gubernatorial recall election]] (which successfully recalled [[Gray Davis]]), and the [[2021 California gubernatorial recall election]] (which failed to recall [[Gavin Newsom]]). |
The recall election was just the third gubernatorial recall election in U.S. history and the first one in which the incumbent was not defeated.<ref name="Recall Election Could Foretell November Vote">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/01/us/politics/wisconsin-recall-vote-could-foretell-november-election.html |title=Recall Election Could Foretell November Vote|work=The New York Times|access-date=June 3, 2012|first=Monica|last=Davey|date=May 31, 2012}}</ref> The other recall elections were the [[1921 North Dakota gubernatorial recall election]] (which successfully recalled [[Lynn Frazier]]), the [[2003 California gubernatorial recall election]] (which successfully recalled [[Gray Davis]]), and the [[2021 California gubernatorial recall election]] (which failed to recall [[Gavin Newsom]]). |
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As of {{CURRENT YEAR}}, this is the last governor election in which the Republican candidate won the counties of [[Eau Claire County, Wisconsin|Eau Claire]], [[Sauk County, Wisconsin|Sauk]], [[Green County, Wisconsin|Green]], and [[Vernon County, Wisconsin|Vernon]]. |
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Voter turnout in the election was 57.8 percent, the highest for a gubernatorial election not on a presidential ballot in Wisconsin history.<ref>{{cite web|last=Gilbert|first=Craig|url=http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/160537265.html#!page=1&pageSize=10&sort=newestfirst|title=Recall turnout June 5: high in most places, insanely high in some|publisher=JSOnline|date=2012-06-27|access-date=2012-07-23}}</ref> The election was widely covered on national television. |
Voter turnout in the election was 57.8 percent, the highest for a gubernatorial election not on a presidential ballot in Wisconsin history.<ref>{{cite web|last=Gilbert|first=Craig|url=http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/160537265.html#!page=1&pageSize=10&sort=newestfirst|title=Recall turnout June 5: high in most places, insanely high in some|publisher=JSOnline|date=2012-06-27|access-date=2012-07-23}}</ref> The election was widely covered on national television. |
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==Background== |
==Background== |
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===Pre-certification recall campaign=== |
===Pre-certification recall campaign=== |
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[[File:TAA Rally in the Capitol, 2012 (6879367837).jpg|thumb|Protests in the Capitol, February 14, 2012]] |
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[[File:20111120 49 Oak Creek, Wisconsin (6399487797) (2).jpg|thumb|Recall organizers collecting petition signatures from motorists in [[Oak Creek, Wisconsin]] in November 2011]] |
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[[File:Walker Protest Sign the Petition (6407387075).jpg|thumb|Petition signatures being collected in [[Madison, Wisconsin]] in November 2011]] |
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⚫ | Incumbent [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] [[Governor of Wisconsin|Governor]] [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]] faced a recall effort beginning in November 2011. After the contentious [[2011 Wisconsin protests|collective bargaining dispute]],<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/29/us/wisconsin-vote-is-first-shot-in-wider-union-war.html "Recall Election Tests Strategies for November"], April 28, 2012.</ref> Walker's disapproval ratings varied between 50 and 51% while his approval ratings varied between 47% and 49% in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|first=Patrick|last=Marley|url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/130173963.html|title=New poll reflects divide on bargaining limits|publisher=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel|date=September 20, 2011|access-date=January 21, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/main/2011/10/wisconsin-recall-prospects-dimming.html|title=Wisconsin Recall Prospects Dimming|publisher=Public Policy Polling|date=October 26, 2011|access-date=January 21, 2012}}</ref> |
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Wisconsin law made Walker ineligible for recall until at least January 3, 2012, one year after he first took office, and the Wisconsin Democratic Party called it a "priority" to remove him from office.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/Scott_Walker_Raises_25_Million_In_First_Half_Of_Year_125845278.html|title=Scott Walker Raises $2.5 Million In First Half Of Year|publisher=Nbc15.com|agency=Associated Press|date=July 19, 2011|access-date=January 21, 2012}}</ref> In the first half of 2011, Walker raised more than $2,500,000 from supporters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0811/61029.html|title=Walker recall expected to proceed|first=David|last=Catanese|publisher=Politico|date=August 10, 2011|access-date=January 21, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Stein|first=Jason|url=http://m.jsonline.com/newswatch/125889678.htm|title=Walker raises more than $2.5 million in first half of 2011|publisher=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel|date=July 20, 2011|access-date=January 21, 2012}}</ref> Walker raised $5.1 million in the second half of 2011 to battle his recall.<ref>[http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/with-half-the-money-coming-from-out-of-state-walker/article_72b7126c-2770-11e1-8ffb-001871e3ce6c.html "With half the money coming from out of state, Walker far outraising recall organizers"], ''Wisconsin State Journal'', December 15, 2011; retrieved December 17, 2011.</ref> |
Wisconsin law made Walker ineligible for recall until at least January 3, 2012, one year after he first took office, and the Wisconsin Democratic Party called it a "priority" to remove him from office.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/Scott_Walker_Raises_25_Million_In_First_Half_Of_Year_125845278.html|title=Scott Walker Raises $2.5 Million In First Half Of Year|publisher=Nbc15.com|agency=Associated Press|date=July 19, 2011|access-date=January 21, 2012}}</ref> In the first half of 2011, Walker raised more than $2,500,000 from supporters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0811/61029.html|title=Walker recall expected to proceed|first=David|last=Catanese|publisher=Politico|date=August 10, 2011|access-date=January 21, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Stein|first=Jason|url=http://m.jsonline.com/newswatch/125889678.htm|title=Walker raises more than $2.5 million in first half of 2011|publisher=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel|date=July 20, 2011|access-date=January 21, 2012}}</ref> Walker raised $5.1 million in the second half of 2011 to battle his recall.<ref>[http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/with-half-the-money-coming-from-out-of-state-walker/article_72b7126c-2770-11e1-8ffb-001871e3ce6c.html "With half the money coming from out of state, Walker far outraising recall organizers"], ''Wisconsin State Journal'', December 15, 2011; retrieved December 17, 2011.</ref> |
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In less than half of the allotted time (60 days) to collect signatures, recall organizers report collecting more than 500,000 signatures, leaving roughly one month left to collect the remaining 40,000 signatures needed to force a recall vote. On January 17, 2012, [[United Wisconsin]], the coalition that spearheaded the recall effort, along with the Democratic Party, said that one million signatures were collected, which far exceeded the 540,208 needed, and amounted to 23 percent of the state's eligible voters, 46 percent of the total votes cast in the 2010 gubernatorial election and just shy of the 1.1 million votes earned by Walker.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gab.wi.gov/sites/default/files/percent%20results%20post%20recount_120710.pdf|title=Recount results|publisher=Wisconsin Government Accountability Board|access-date=March 20, 2012|archive-date=May 21, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120521140507/http://gab.wi.gov/sites/default/files/percent%20results%20post%20recount_120710.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
In less than half of the allotted time (60 days) to collect signatures, recall organizers report collecting more than 500,000 signatures, leaving roughly one month left to collect the remaining 40,000 signatures needed to force a recall vote. On January 17, 2012, [[United Wisconsin]], the coalition that spearheaded the recall effort, along with the Democratic Party, said that one million signatures were collected, which far exceeded the 540,208 needed, and amounted to 23 percent of the state's eligible voters, 46 percent of the total votes cast in the 2010 gubernatorial election and just shy of the 1.1 million votes earned by Walker.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gab.wi.gov/sites/default/files/percent%20results%20post%20recount_120710.pdf|title=Recount results|publisher=Wisconsin Government Accountability Board|access-date=March 20, 2012|archive-date=May 21, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120521140507/http://gab.wi.gov/sites/default/files/percent%20results%20post%20recount_120710.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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On January 25, 2012, a poll released by the [[Marquette University Law School]] |
On January 25, 2012, a poll released by the [[Marquette University Law School]] indicated that Walker could win a recall election against potential candidates [[Tom Barrett (Wisconsin politician)|Tom Barrett]], [[Kathleen Falk]], [[David Obey]] or [[Timothy Cullen (Wisconsin politician)|Tim Cullen]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/289264/new-poll-delivers-scott-walker-good-news-christian-schneider|title=New Poll Delivers Scott Walker Good News|first=Christian|last=Schneider|publisher=National Review Online|date=January 25, 2012|access-date=March 20, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://law.marquette.edu/poll/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/MLSPJanToplines.pdf|title=Marquette poll|publisher=Marquette University|access-date=March 20, 2012}}</ref> This compared to a poll released by [[Public Policy Polling]] in October 2011 that also predicted Walker would win a recall election against Barrett, Falk, [[Peter Barca]], [[Steve Kagen]] or [[Ron Kind]]. The poll also showed that more people opposed (49%) than supported (48%) the recall effort.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/main/2011/10/wisconsin-recall-prospects-dimming.html|title=Wisconsin Recall Prospects Dimming|publisher=Public Policy Polling|access-date=October 28, 2011}}</ref> |
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In February 2012, Walker's campaign made an additional request for more time for the petition signatures to be verified, stating that between 10 and 20% of the signatures reviewed to that point should not be counted. Democrats argued that even if 20% of the signatures were not counted there were still 300,000 more than the required number needed to initiate the recall. Democratic Party spokesman Graeme Zielinski argued Walker was just "delaying the inevitable." Additionally, in the period while signatures were being verified Barrett and Walker were able to collect unlimited campaign donations because normal campaign fundraising limits do not apply until an election is ordered.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bauer|first=Scott|title=Governor Scott Walker seeks more time for review of recall signatures|url=http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20120216/GPG0101/202160588/Governor-Scott-Walker-seeks-more-time-review-recall-signatures|publisher=greenbaypressgazette|access-date=February 17, 2012|archive-date=January 25, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125022318/http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20120216/GPG0101/202160588/Governor-Scott-Walker-seeks-more-time-review-recall-signatures|url-status=dead}}</ref> On February 17, 2012, Dane County judge Richard Niess, who also signed the petition, denied Walker's request for additional time.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/02/judge-tells-walker-no-more-extensions-on-the-recall.php|title=Judge Tells Walker: No More Extensions On The Recall|first=Eric|last=Kleefeld|date=February 17, 2012|work=[[Talking Points Memo]]|access-date=March 1, 2012|archive-date=February 29, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120229201012/http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/02/judge-tells-walker-no-more-extensions-on-the-recall.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
In February 2012, Walker's campaign made an additional request for more time for the petition signatures to be verified, stating that between 10 and 20% of the signatures reviewed to that point should not be counted. Democrats argued that even if 20% of the signatures were not counted there were still 300,000 more than the required number needed to initiate the recall. Democratic Party spokesman Graeme Zielinski argued Walker was just "delaying the inevitable." Additionally, in the period while signatures were being verified Barrett and Walker were able to collect unlimited campaign donations because normal campaign fundraising limits do not apply until an election is ordered.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bauer|first=Scott|title=Governor Scott Walker seeks more time for review of recall signatures|url=http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20120216/GPG0101/202160588/Governor-Scott-Walker-seeks-more-time-review-recall-signatures|publisher=greenbaypressgazette|access-date=February 17, 2012|archive-date=January 25, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125022318/http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20120216/GPG0101/202160588/Governor-Scott-Walker-seeks-more-time-review-recall-signatures|url-status=dead}}</ref> On February 17, 2012, Dane County judge Richard Niess, who also signed the petition, denied Walker's request for additional time.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/02/judge-tells-walker-no-more-extensions-on-the-recall.php|title=Judge Tells Walker: No More Extensions On The Recall|first=Eric|last=Kleefeld|date=February 17, 2012|work=[[Talking Points Memo]]|access-date=March 1, 2012|archive-date=February 29, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120229201012/http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/02/judge-tells-walker-no-more-extensions-on-the-recall.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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On March 29, 2012, the [[Wisconsin Government Accountability Board]] released its final signature counts for the Walker recall petition. The GAB reported that 931,053 signatures were officially turned in, although the proponents had stated that approximately one million signatures were collected. Of that number, 26,114 were struck by GAB staff for various reasons and an additional 4,001 duplicates were struck. The final total certified by the GAB was 900,938 signatures.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gab.wi.gov/node/2294|title=Recall Petition Update 11: G.A.B. Releases Final Signature Counts for Meeting Friday|publisher=Government Accountability Board|date=March 29, 2012|access-date=May 9, 2012}}</ref> |
On March 29, 2012, the [[Wisconsin Government Accountability Board]] released its final signature counts for the Walker recall petition. The GAB reported that 931,053 signatures were officially turned in, although the proponents had stated that approximately one million signatures were collected. Of that number, 26,114 were struck by GAB staff for various reasons and an additional 4,001 duplicates were struck. The final total certified by the GAB was 900,938 signatures.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gab.wi.gov/node/2294|title=Recall Petition Update 11: G.A.B. Releases Final Signature Counts for Meeting Friday|publisher=Government Accountability Board|date=March 29, 2012|access-date=May 9, 2012}}</ref> |
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==Controversies== |
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==Controversy over recall petitions signed by Wisconsin judges and journalists== |
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Twenty-nine circuit court judges in Wisconsin signed recall petitions against Gov. Walker, according to a [[Gannett Company|Gannett Wisconsin Media]] analysis.<ref name="29 circuit court judges signed Walker recall petitions">[http://sheboyganhub.sheboyganpress.com/article/20120318/SHE0101/203180442/29-circuit-court-judges-signed-Walker-recall-petitions 29 circuit court judges signed Walker recall petitions] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103133716/http://sheboyganhub.sheboyganpress.com/article/20120318/SHE0101/203180442/29-circuit-court-judges-signed-Walker-recall-petitions |date=November 3, 2013 }}</ref> Among the signers was Dane County Judge David Flanagan, who was scrutinized after issuing a temporary restraining order March 6 against a Walker-backed [[voter ID]] law without disclosing his support of the recall.<ref name="Dane County Judge David Flanagan temporarily stops new Wisconsin voter ID law">{{cite web|last=Rodriguez|first=Barbara|url=http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20120307/APC010401/203070547/Dane-County-Judge-David-Flanagan-temporarily-stops-new-Wisconsin-voter-ID-law|title=Dane County Judge David Flanagan temporarily stops new Wisconsin voter ID law|publisher=Postcrescent.com|date=March 7, 2012|access-date=March 20, 2012}}</ref> None of the state's sixteen appeals court judges or seven [[Wisconsin Supreme Court|Supreme Court]] justices signed the recall petition. The state Supreme Court issued an advisory opinion in 2001 saying judges are allowed to sign nominating petitions, as long as the petition language only supports putting the candidate on the ballot and does not imply an endorsement.<ref name="29 circuit court judges signed Walker recall petitions"/> The [[Landmark Legal Foundation]] requested an investigation to the Wisconsin Judicial Commission regarding allegations of misconduct by the judges in question.{{citation needed|date=November 2013}} |
Twenty-nine circuit court judges in Wisconsin signed recall petitions against Gov. Walker, according to a [[Gannett Company|Gannett Wisconsin Media]] analysis.<ref name="29 circuit court judges signed Walker recall petitions">[http://sheboyganhub.sheboyganpress.com/article/20120318/SHE0101/203180442/29-circuit-court-judges-signed-Walker-recall-petitions 29 circuit court judges signed Walker recall petitions] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103133716/http://sheboyganhub.sheboyganpress.com/article/20120318/SHE0101/203180442/29-circuit-court-judges-signed-Walker-recall-petitions |date=November 3, 2013 }}</ref> Among the signers was Dane County Judge David Flanagan, who was scrutinized after issuing a temporary restraining order March 6 against a Walker-backed [[voter ID]] law without disclosing his support of the recall.<ref name="Dane County Judge David Flanagan temporarily stops new Wisconsin voter ID law">{{cite web|last=Rodriguez|first=Barbara|url=http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20120307/APC010401/203070547/Dane-County-Judge-David-Flanagan-temporarily-stops-new-Wisconsin-voter-ID-law|title=Dane County Judge David Flanagan temporarily stops new Wisconsin voter ID law|publisher=Postcrescent.com|date=March 7, 2012|access-date=March 20, 2012}}</ref> None of the state's sixteen appeals court judges or seven [[Wisconsin Supreme Court|Supreme Court]] justices signed the recall petition. The state Supreme Court issued an advisory opinion in 2001 saying judges are allowed to sign nominating petitions, as long as the petition language only supports putting the candidate on the ballot and does not imply an endorsement.<ref name="29 circuit court judges signed Walker recall petitions"/> The [[Landmark Legal Foundation]] requested an investigation to the Wisconsin Judicial Commission regarding allegations of misconduct by the judges in question.{{citation needed|date=November 2013}}<!-- any results of request?? --> |
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It was later learned that 25 journalists at Gannett had also signed the recall petition. The newspaper group revealed the signatures in the interest of being as open as possible. Genia Lovett, representative for the organization, stated that journalists have a right to hold opinions, but must protect the credibility of their respective news organizations.<ref name="Gannett apologizes after reporters sign Walker recall petitions">{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|url=http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/144136885.html|title=Gannett apologizes after reporters sign Walker recall petitions|publisher=TMJ4|date=March 25, 2012|access-date=May 9, 2012}}</ref> |
It was later learned that 25 journalists at Gannett had also signed the recall petition. The newspaper group revealed the signatures in the interest of being as open as possible. Genia Lovett, representative for the organization, stated that journalists have a right to hold opinions, but must protect the credibility of their respective news organizations.<ref name="Gannett apologizes after reporters sign Walker recall petitions">{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|url=http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/144136885.html|title=Gannett apologizes after reporters sign Walker recall petitions|publisher=TMJ4|date=March 25, 2012|access-date=May 9, 2012}}</ref> |
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;U.S. Senators |
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⚫ | |||
;U.S. representatives |
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⚫ | *[[Paul Ryan]], [[U.S. Representative]] from {{ushr|WI|1}} (1999–2019)<ref name="Rep. Paul Ryan says he'll help Gov. Scott Walker in Wisconsin recall">{{cite web|agency=Associated Press|url=http://www.twincities.com/wisconsin/ci_20358166/rep-paul-ryan-says-hell-help-gov-scott?source=pkg|title=Rep. Paul Ryan says he'll help Gov. Scott Walker in Wisconsin recall|publisher=Twincities.com|date=April 10, 2012|access-date=June 3, 2012}}</ref> |
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⚫ | *[[Newt Gingrich]], former [[U.S. Representative]] from {{ushr|GA|6}} (1979–1999) and 50th [[Speaker of the United States House of Representatives]] (1995–1999)<ref>{{cite web|author=Staff|url=http://axiomamnesia.com/2012/05/18/newt-gingrich-pimps-presidential-campaign-mailing-list-shill-soon-to-be-recalled-wi-gov-scott-walker|title=Newt Gingrich Pimps Presidential Campaign Mailing List To Shill For Soon-To-Be-Recalled WI Gov. Scott Walker|publisher=Axiom Amnesia|date=May 18, 2012|access-date=June 3, 2012}}</ref> |
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⚫ | *[[Ron Paul]], [[U.S. Representative]] from {{ushr|TX|14}} (1997–2013), {{ushr|TX|22}} (1976–1977, 1979–1985)<ref>{{cite web|agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.twincities.com/wisconsin/ci_20286535/ron-paul-says-wisconsin-gov-scott-walker-making|title=Ron Paul says Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker making positive changes|date=March 28, 2012 |publisher=TwinCities.com|access-date=June 3, 2012}}</ref> |
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;Statewide officials |
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⚫ | |||
⚫ | *[[Ken Cuccinelli]], [[Attorney General of Virginia]] (2010–2014)<ref name="washingtonpost1">{{cite news|last=Kumar|first=Anita|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/virginia-politics/post/bob-mcdonnell-ken-cuccinelli-help-scott-walker-in-wisconsin-recall/2012/05/24/gJQASkGumU_blog.html|title=Bob McDonnell, Ken Cuccinelli help Scott Walker in Wisconsin recall|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=May 24, 2012|access-date=June 3, 2012}}</ref> |
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⚫ | *[[Nikki Haley]], [[Governor of South Carolina]] (2011–2017) and former member of the South Carolina House of Representatives (2005–2011)<ref>{{cite web|author=John Nichols|url=http://www.thenation.com/blog/168052/scott-walkers-southern-strategy-aligns-him-union-buster-nikki-haley|title=Scott Walker's Southern Strategy Aligns Him With 'Union Buster' Nikki Haley|publisher=The Nation|date=May 24, 2012|access-date=June 3, 2012}}</ref> |
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⚫ | *[[Bobby Jindal]], [[Governor of Louisiana]] (2008–2016) and former U.S. representative of Louisiana (2005–2008)<ref name="fox11online1">{{cite web|url=http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/wisconsin/louisiana-gov-bobby-jindal-to-campaign-for-wisconsin-gov-scott-walker|title=Gov. Bobby Jindal to campaign for Gov. Scott Walker |publisher=Fox11online.com|date=May 23, 2012|access-date=June 3, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20120523/APC010405/305230170/Louisiana-Governor-Bobby-Jindal-attend-rally-Wisconsin-Governor-Scott-Walker|title=Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal to attend rally for Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker|publisher=postcrescent.com|access-date=June 3, 2012}}</ref> |
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⚫ | |||
⚫ | *[[Sarah Palin]], former [[governor of Alaska]] and former Vice-Presidential nominee ([[2012 United States elections|2008]])<ref>{{cite web|author=Puddytat|url=http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/29/1078965/-Romney-and-Sarah-Palin-Support-Scott-Walker-With-Friends-Like-This-|title=Romney and Sarah Palin Support Scott Walker. With Friends Like These|publisher=Daily Kos|date=March 29, 2012|access-date=June 3, 2012}}</ref> |
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⚫ | *[[Sean Parnell]], [[Governor of Alaska]] (2009–2014) and former [[Lieutenant Governor of Alaska]] (2006–2009)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://newsminer.com/pages/full_story/push?blog-entry-Parnell+says+Wisconsin+governor+takes+-courageous-+stand+on+unions+&id=12278641&instance=blogs_editors_desk|title=Fairbanks Daily News-Miner: Parnell says Wisconsin governor takes courageous stand on unions|publisher=Newsminer.com|access-date=June 3, 2012}}</ref> |
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⚫ | *[[Mitt Romney]], former [[Governor of Massachusetts]] (2003–2007)<ref>{{cite web|last=Kornacki|first=Steve|url=http://www.salon.com/2012/06/01/scott_walkers_john_doe_scandal_explained|title=Scott Walker's "John Doe" scandal, explained – Wisconsin Recall |work=Salon.com|date=June 2012 |access-date=June 3, 2012}}</ref> |
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; Organizations |
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*[[Judicial Watch]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.judicialwatch.org/blog/2012/02/judicial-watch-announces-major-sponsorship-of-cpac-sponsors-ronald-reagan-banquet|title=Announces Major Sponsorship of CPAC: Sponsors Ronald Reagan Banquet|publisher=Judicial Watch|date=February 7, 2012|access-date=June 5, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.judicialwatch.org/judicial-watch-president-tom-fittons-introductory-remarks-cpac-2012-ronald-reagan-banquet|title=President Tom Fitton's Introductory Remarks, CPAC 2012 Ronald Reagan Banquet|publisher=Judicial Watch|access-date=June 5, 2012}}</ref> |
*[[Judicial Watch]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.judicialwatch.org/blog/2012/02/judicial-watch-announces-major-sponsorship-of-cpac-sponsors-ronald-reagan-banquet|title=Announces Major Sponsorship of CPAC: Sponsors Ronald Reagan Banquet|publisher=Judicial Watch|date=February 7, 2012|access-date=June 5, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.judicialwatch.org/judicial-watch-president-tom-fittons-introductory-remarks-cpac-2012-ronald-reagan-banquet|title=President Tom Fitton's Introductory Remarks, CPAC 2012 Ronald Reagan Banquet|publisher=Judicial Watch|access-date=June 5, 2012}}</ref> |
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⚫ | *[[NRA Political Victory Fund]]<ref>{{cite web |title=NRA-PVF Endorses Scott Walker for Governor in Wisconsin |url=https://www.nrapvf.org/articles/20120509/nra-pvf-endorses-scott-walker-for-governor-in-wisconsin |website=nrapvf.org |publisher=NRA-PVF |access-date=14 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812194611/https://www.nrapvf.org/articles/20120509/nra-pvf-endorses-scott-walker-for-governor-in-wisconsin |archive-date=12 August 2014 |language=en-US |date=9 May 2012 |quote=The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) is announcing its endorsement of Scott Walker for Governor in the June 5 Wisconsin gubernatorial recall election. |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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*[[Tea Party movement]]<ref name="huffingtonpost">{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/02/wisconsin-recall-election-scott-walker-tom-barrett_n_1564930.html|title=Wisconsin Recall Election: Scott Walker, Tom Barrett Make Final Push|work=Huffington Post|access-date=June 3, 2012|date=June 2, 2012}}</ref> |
*[[Tea Party movement]]<ref name="huffingtonpost">{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/02/wisconsin-recall-election-scott-walker-tom-barrett_n_1564930.html|title=Wisconsin Recall Election: Scott Walker, Tom Barrett Make Final Push|work=Huffington Post|access-date=June 3, 2012|date=June 2, 2012}}</ref> |
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;Newspapers |
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⚫ | *''[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/we-recommend-walker-his-removal-isnt-justified-l55ecb6-152111305.html|title=We recommend Walker; his removal isn't justified|publisher=JSOnline|date=May 19, 2012|access-date=June 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120520040030/http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/we-recommend-walker-his-removal-isnt-justified-l55ecb6-152111305.html|archive-date=May 20, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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⚫ | *''[[Green Bay Press-Gazette]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20120527/GPG0602/205270488/Editorial-Press-Gazette-endorses-Walker-recall-election|title=Editorial: Press-Gazette endorses Walker in recall election|publisher=greenbaypressgazette.com|date=May 29, 2012|access-date=June 5, 2012}}{{Dead link|date=August 2023|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> |
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*''[[Beloit Daily News]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.beloitdailynews.com/opinion/editorial-is-it-working-let-s-wait-see/article_9f707848-a6cd-11e1-851d-0019bb2963f4.html|title=EDITORIAL: Is it working? Let's wait, see|work=Beloit Daily News|access-date=June 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120605081648/http://www.beloitdailynews.com/opinion/editorial-is-it-working-let-s-wait-see/article_9f707848-a6cd-11e1-851d-0019bb2963f4.html|archive-date=June 5, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
*''[[Beloit Daily News]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.beloitdailynews.com/opinion/editorial-is-it-working-let-s-wait-see/article_9f707848-a6cd-11e1-851d-0019bb2963f4.html|title=EDITORIAL: Is it working? Let's wait, see|work=Beloit Daily News|access-date=June 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120605081648/http://www.beloitdailynews.com/opinion/editorial-is-it-working-let-s-wait-see/article_9f707848-a6cd-11e1-851d-0019bb2963f4.html|archive-date=June 5, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
||
⚫ | *''[[Green Bay Press-Gazette]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20120527/GPG0602/205270488/Editorial-Press-Gazette-endorses-Walker-recall-election|title=Editorial: Press-Gazette endorses Walker in recall election|publisher=greenbaypressgazette.com|date=May 29, 2012|access-date=June 5, 2012}}{{Dead link|date=August 2023|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> |
||
⚫ | *''[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/we-recommend-walker-his-removal-isnt-justified-l55ecb6-152111305.html|title=We recommend Walker; his removal isn't justified|publisher=JSOnline|date=May 19, 2012|access-date=June 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120520040030/http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/we-recommend-walker-his-removal-isnt-justified-l55ecb6-152111305.html|archive-date=May 20, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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;Labor unions |
|||
*Milwaukee Police Association<ref name="Milwaukee police, firefighters endorse Gov. Walker">{{cite web|url=http://fox6now.com/2012/04/02/milwaukee-police-firefighters-endorse-gov-walker|title=Milwaukee police, firefighters endorse Gov. Walker|publisher=Fox6now.com|date=April 2, 2012|access-date=June 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404135520/http://fox6now.com/2012/04/02/milwaukee-police-firefighters-endorse-gov-walker|archive-date=April 4, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> |
*Milwaukee Police Association<ref name="Milwaukee police, firefighters endorse Gov. Walker">{{cite web|url=http://fox6now.com/2012/04/02/milwaukee-police-firefighters-endorse-gov-walker|title=Milwaukee police, firefighters endorse Gov. Walker|publisher=Fox6now.com|date=April 2, 2012|access-date=June 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404135520/http://fox6now.com/2012/04/02/milwaukee-police-firefighters-endorse-gov-walker|archive-date=April 4, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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*Milwaukee Professional Firefighters Association<ref name="Milwaukee police, firefighters endorse Gov. Walker"/> |
*Milwaukee Professional Firefighters Association<ref name="Milwaukee police, firefighters endorse Gov. Walker"/> |
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;Individuals |
|||
⚫ | *[[NRA Political Victory Fund]]<ref>{{cite web |title=NRA-PVF Endorses Scott Walker for Governor in Wisconsin |url=https://www.nrapvf.org/articles/20120509/nra-pvf-endorses-scott-walker-for-governor-in-wisconsin |website=nrapvf.org |publisher=NRA-PVF |access-date=14 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812194611/https://www.nrapvf.org/articles/20120509/nra-pvf-endorses-scott-walker-for-governor-in-wisconsin |archive-date=12 August 2014 |language=en-US |date=9 May 2012 |quote=The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) is announcing its endorsement of Scott Walker for Governor in the June 5 Wisconsin gubernatorial recall election. |url-status=live}}</ref> |
||
*[[Herman Cain]], radio host, former chairman of the [[Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City]] and former candidate for president of the United States in 2012<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wisdems.org/news/press/view/2012-03-icymi-failed-presidential-hopeful-and-tea-party-extr|title=ICYMI: Failed Presidential Hopeful and Tea Party Extremist Herman Cain Bagging Cash for Scott Walker, Dissing Mitt Romney|publisher=Wisdems.org|date=March 9, 2012|access-date=June 3, 2012}}</ref> |
*[[Herman Cain]], radio host, former chairman of the [[Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City]] and former candidate for president of the United States in 2012<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wisdems.org/news/press/view/2012-03-icymi-failed-presidential-hopeful-and-tea-party-extr|title=ICYMI: Failed Presidential Hopeful and Tea Party Extremist Herman Cain Bagging Cash for Scott Walker, Dissing Mitt Romney|publisher=Wisdems.org|date=March 9, 2012|access-date=June 3, 2012}}</ref> |
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⚫ | |||
⚫ | *[[Ken Cuccinelli]], [[ |
||
⚫ | *[[Newt Gingrich]], former U.S. |
||
⚫ | *[[Nikki Haley]], [[ |
||
⚫ | *[[Bobby Jindal]], [[ |
||
*[[Rush Limbaugh]], radio host<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/daily/2012/05/31/scott_walker_vs_barack_obama|title=Scott Walker vs. Barack Obama|publisher=Rushlimbaugh.com|date=May 31, 2012|access-date=June 5, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/daily/2012/06/04/democrat_desperation_time_in_wisconsin|title=Democrat Desperation Time in Wisconsin|publisher=Rushlimbaugh.com|date=January 27, 2006|access-date=June 5, 2012}}</ref> |
*[[Rush Limbaugh]], radio host<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/daily/2012/05/31/scott_walker_vs_barack_obama|title=Scott Walker vs. Barack Obama|publisher=Rushlimbaugh.com|date=May 31, 2012|access-date=June 5, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/daily/2012/06/04/democrat_desperation_time_in_wisconsin|title=Democrat Desperation Time in Wisconsin|publisher=Rushlimbaugh.com|date=January 27, 2006|access-date=June 5, 2012}}</ref> |
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*[[Michelle Malkin]], author, blogger and commentator<ref>{{cite web|last=Malkin|first=Michelle|url=http://michellemalkin.com/2012/03/28/the-war-on-wisconsin|title=The war on Wisconsin; Update: Sarah Palin's call to arms|publisher=Michelle Malkin|date=March 28, 2012|access-date=June 5, 2012}}</ref> |
*[[Michelle Malkin]], author, blogger and commentator<ref>{{cite web|last=Malkin|first=Michelle|url=http://michellemalkin.com/2012/03/28/the-war-on-wisconsin|title=The war on Wisconsin; Update: Sarah Palin's call to arms|publisher=Michelle Malkin|date=March 28, 2012|access-date=June 5, 2012}}</ref> |
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⚫ | *[[Michael Reagan]], radio and television host<ref>{{cite news|author=Staff|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/28/michael-reagan-scott-walker_n_1551273.html|title=Michael Reagan Says 'Win One For The Gipper' In Pro-Scott Walker Ad|work=Huffington Post|date=May 28, 2012|access-date=June 3, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Michael Reagan|url=http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20110224/OPINION0106/102240322/Michael-Reagan-War-cry-Wisconsin-should-Remember-PATCO-?nclick_check=1|title=Michael Reagan: War cry in Wisconsin should be 'Remember PATCO!'|publisher=Shreveport Times|access-date=August 3, 2013}}</ref>}} |
||
⚫ | |||
⚫ | *[[Sarah Palin]], former [[governor of Alaska]] and former Vice-Presidential nominee ([[2012 United States elections|2008]])<ref>{{cite web|author=Puddytat|url=http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/29/1078965/-Romney-and-Sarah-Palin-Support-Scott-Walker-With-Friends-Like-This-|title=Romney and Sarah Palin Support Scott Walker. With Friends Like These|publisher=Daily Kos|date=March 29, 2012|access-date=June 3, 2012}}</ref> |
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⚫ | *[[Sean Parnell]], [[ |
||
⚫ | *[[Ron Paul]], U.S. |
||
⚫ | *[[Michael Reagan]], radio and television host<ref>{{cite news|author=Staff|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/28/michael-reagan-scott-walker_n_1551273.html|title=Michael Reagan Says 'Win One For The Gipper' In Pro-Scott Walker Ad|work=Huffington Post|date=May 28, 2012|access-date=June 3, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Michael Reagan|url=http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20110224/OPINION0106/102240322/Michael-Reagan-War-cry-Wisconsin-should-Remember-PATCO-?nclick_check=1|title=Michael Reagan: War cry in Wisconsin should be 'Remember PATCO!'|publisher=Shreveport Times|access-date=August 3, 2013}}</ref> |
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⚫ | *[[Mitt Romney]], former [[ |
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⚫ | *[[Paul Ryan]], U.S. |
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⚫ | *[[Rick Santorum]], former U.S. senator |
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===Results=== |
===Results=== |
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====Declared==== |
====Declared==== |
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*[[Tom Barrett (Wisconsin politician)|Tom Barrett]], Mayor of [[Milwaukee]], former U.S. Representative, candidate for governor in [[2002 Wisconsin gubernatorial election|2002]] and nominee in [[2010 Wisconsin gubernatorial election|2010]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0312/74691.html|title=Tom Barrett, Milwaukee mayor, enters Wisconsin recall|date=March 30, 2012|access-date=April 2, 2012|work=[[Politico]]|first=Mackenzie|last=Weinger}}</ref> |
*[[Tom Barrett (Wisconsin politician)|Tom Barrett]], Mayor of [[Milwaukee]], former U.S. Representative, candidate for governor in [[2002 Wisconsin gubernatorial election|2002]] and nominee in [[2010 Wisconsin gubernatorial election|2010]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0312/74691.html|title=Tom Barrett, Milwaukee mayor, enters Wisconsin recall|date=March 30, 2012|access-date=April 2, 2012|work=[[Politico]]|first=Mackenzie|last=Weinger}}</ref> |
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*[[Kathleen Falk]], former [[Dane County, Wisconsin|Dane County]] Executive, candidate for governor in [[2002 Wisconsin gubernatorial election|2002]] and nominee for [[Attorney General of Wisconsin|Attorney General]] in [[ |
*[[Kathleen Falk]], former [[Dane County, Wisconsin|Dane County]] Executive, candidate for governor in [[2002 Wisconsin gubernatorial election|2002]] and nominee for [[Attorney General of Wisconsin|Attorney General]] in [[2006 Wisconsin Attorney General election|2006]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Kurtenbach|first=Bridget|url=http://www.wqow.com/story/16544954/kathleen-falk-announces-candidacy-for-governor|title=Kathleen Falk announces candidacy for governor|publisher=WQOW TV|date=January 18, 2012|access-date=March 20, 2012}}</ref> |
||
*Gladys Huber, activist<ref name="fox11online2">{{cite web|url=http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/wisconsin/la-follette-praises-barrett-in-primary-win|title=La Follette praises Barrett in primary win|publisher=Fox11online.com|access-date=June 5, 2012}}</ref><ref name="fox6now1">{{cite web|url=http://fox6now.com/2012/05/09/democrats-show-unity-in-race-for-governor-of-wisconsin|title=Democrats show unity in race for governor of Wisconsin|publisher=Fox6now.com|date=May 9, 2012|access-date=June 5, 2012}}</ref> |
*Gladys Huber, activist<ref name="fox11online2">{{cite web|url=http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/wisconsin/la-follette-praises-barrett-in-primary-win|title=La Follette praises Barrett in primary win|publisher=Fox11online.com|access-date=June 5, 2012}}</ref><ref name="fox6now1">{{cite web|url=http://fox6now.com/2012/05/09/democrats-show-unity-in-race-for-governor-of-wisconsin|title=Democrats show unity in race for governor of Wisconsin|publisher=Fox6now.com|date=May 9, 2012|access-date=June 5, 2012}}</ref> |
||
*[[Douglas La Follette]], [[Secretary of State of Wisconsin|Wisconsin Secretary of State]], candidate for [[Wisconsin's 1st congressional district|WI-01]] in [[Doug La Follette#U.S. House (1970)|1970 |
*[[Douglas La Follette]], [[Secretary of State of Wisconsin|Wisconsin Secretary of State]], candidate for [[Wisconsin's 1st congressional district|WI-01]] in [[Doug La Follette#U.S. House (1970)|1970]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.channel3000.com/news/La-Follette-Moves-Closer-To-Run-For-Governor/-/1648/10370764/-/12jeli3z/-/index.html|title=La Follette Moves Closer To Run For Governor|publisher=[[WISC-TV]]|date=February 22, 2012|access-date=March 20, 2012}}</ref> |
||
*[[Kathleen Vinehout]], [[Wisconsin State Senate|state senator]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/138938289.html|title=Sen. Vinehout to jump in to governor's recall race|date=February 8, 2012|access-date=March 31, 2012|work=[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]]|first=Jason|last=Stein}}</ref> |
*[[Kathleen Vinehout]], [[Wisconsin State Senate|state senator]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/138938289.html|title=Sen. Vinehout to jump in to governor's recall race|date=February 8, 2012|access-date=March 31, 2012|work=[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]]|first=Jason|last=Stein}}</ref> |
||
====Declined==== |
====Declined==== |
||
*[[Peter W. Barca]], State Assembly Minority Leader<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/145419085.html|title=Rep. Barca won't run in recall|date=March 31, 2012|access-date=March 31, 2012|work=[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]]|first=Jason|last=Stein}}</ref> |
*[[Peter W. Barca]], State Assembly Minority Leader<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/145419085.html|title=Rep. Barca won't run in recall|date=March 31, 2012|access-date=March 31, 2012|work=[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]]|first=Jason|last=Stein}}</ref> |
||
*[[Timothy Cullen |
*[[Timothy Cullen|Tim Cullen]], state senator<ref name="cullen"/> |
||
*[[Jon Erpenbach]], state senator<ref name="erpenbach"/> |
*[[Jon Erpenbach]], state senator<ref name="erpenbach"/> |
||
*[[Russ Feingold]], former U.S. Senator<ref>{{cite news|last=Weiner|first=Rachel|title=Russ Feingold not running in 2012|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/post/russ-feingold-not-running-in-2012/2011/08/19/gIQALSkjPJ_blog.html|access-date=February 28, 2012|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=August 19, 2011}}</ref> |
*[[Russ Feingold]], former U.S. Senator<ref>{{cite news|last=Weiner|first=Rachel|title=Russ Feingold not running in 2012|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/post/russ-feingold-not-running-in-2012/2011/08/19/gIQALSkjPJ_blog.html|access-date=February 28, 2012|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=August 19, 2011}}</ref> |
||
*[[Ron Kind]], U.S. Representative<ref>{{cite news|last=Johnson|first=Shawn|title=Barrett picks up key endorsements|url=http://www.superiortelegram.com/event/article/id/64866/group/News|access-date=April 6, 2012|newspaper=Superior Telegraph|date=April 5, 2012}}</ref> |
*[[Ron Kind]], U.S. Representative<ref>{{cite news|last=Johnson|first=Shawn|title=Barrett picks up key endorsements|url=http://www.superiortelegram.com/event/article/id/64866/group/News|access-date=April 6, 2012|newspaper=Superior Telegraph|date=April 5, 2012}}</ref> |
||
*[[ |
*[[Dave Obey]], former U.S. Representative<ref>{{cite web|last=Catanese|first=David|url=http://www.politico.com/blogs/david-catanese/2012/04/obey-endorses-tom-barrett-in-walker-recall-119983.html|title=Obey endorses Tom Barrett in Walker recall|publisher=Politico|date=April 9, 2012|access-date=May 9, 2012}}</ref> |
||
===Endorsements=== |
===Endorsements=== |
||
Line 173: | Line 185: | ||
*[[Steve Kagen]], former U.S. representative<ref name=3local>{{cite web|url=http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20120409/GPG0101/120409153/Tom%20Barrett%20picks%20up%203%20local%20endorsements%20in%20bid%20to%20replace%20Wisconsin%20Gov.%20Scott%20Walker?nclick_check=1|title=Barrett picks up 3 local endorsements in bid to replace Gov. Walker|date=May 6, 2014|work=greenbaypressgazette.com}}</ref> |
*[[Steve Kagen]], former U.S. representative<ref name=3local>{{cite web|url=http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20120409/GPG0101/120409153/Tom%20Barrett%20picks%20up%203%20local%20endorsements%20in%20bid%20to%20replace%20Wisconsin%20Gov.%20Scott%20Walker?nclick_check=1|title=Barrett picks up 3 local endorsements in bid to replace Gov. Walker|date=May 6, 2014|work=greenbaypressgazette.com}}</ref> |
||
*[[Ron Kind]], U.S. representative<ref name=wrn/> |
*[[Ron Kind]], U.S. representative<ref name=wrn/> |
||
* |
*Arthur Kohl-Riggs, political activist<ref>{{cite web|author=Nayantara Mukherji|url=http://www.isthmus.com/daily/article.php?article=36700|title=Arthur Kohl-Riggs and supporters hope to send recall message to Dems and GOP alike| date=May 9, 2012 |publisher=Isthmus.com|access-date=June 5, 2012}}</ref> |
||
*[[Herb Kohl]], U.S. Senator from Wisconsin<ref name=herb>{{cite web|url=http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entries/sen-herb-kohl-endorses-tom-barrett-in-wisconsin|title=Sen. Herb Kohl Endorses Tom Barrett In Wisconsin Recall Democratic Primary|date=April 12, 2012|access-date=April 12, 2012|work=talkingpointsmemo.com}}</ref> |
*[[Herb Kohl]], U.S. Senator from Wisconsin<ref name=herb>{{cite web|url=http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entries/sen-herb-kohl-endorses-tom-barrett-in-wisconsin|title=Sen. Herb Kohl Endorses Tom Barrett In Wisconsin Recall Democratic Primary|date=April 12, 2012|access-date=April 12, 2012|work=talkingpointsmemo.com}}</ref> |
||
*[[Dennis Kucinich]], former U.S. representative of Ohio and former [[List of mayors of Cleveland|mayor of Cleveland]]<ref>{{cite web|author=Kucinich, Dennis|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqhtUTyqVOY|title=Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker Admits It|publisher=YouTube|date=April 14, 2011|access-date=June 3, 2012}}</ref> |
*[[Dennis Kucinich]], former U.S. representative of Ohio and former [[List of mayors of Cleveland|mayor of Cleveland]]<ref>{{cite web|author=Kucinich, Dennis|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqhtUTyqVOY|title=Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker Admits It|publisher=YouTube|date=April 14, 2011|access-date=June 3, 2012}}</ref> |
||
*[[Douglas La Follette]], [[Secretary of State of Wisconsin|Wisconsin Secretary of State]]<ref name="fox11online2"/><ref name="fox6now1"/> |
*[[Douglas La Follette]], [[Secretary of State of Wisconsin|Wisconsin Secretary of State]]<ref name="fox11online2"/><ref name="fox6now1"/> |
||
*[[Tom Nelson (Wisconsin politician)|Tom Nelson]], [[Outagamie County, Wisconsin|Outagamie County county executive]]<ref name=3local/> |
*[[Tom Nelson (Wisconsin politician)|Tom Nelson]], [[Outagamie County, Wisconsin|Outagamie County county executive]]<ref name=3local/> |
||
* |
*Nancy Nusbaum, former county executive of [[Brown County, Wisconsin|Brown County]]<ref name=3local/> |
||
*[[Barack Obama]], president of the United States and former U.S. Senator of Illinois<ref name="huffingtonpost"/><ref>{{cite news|author=Staff|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/31/tom-barrett-scott-walker_n_1561152.html|title=Tom Barrett Will Stress Scott Walker's 'Failure To Lead' In Final Debate|work=Huffington Post|access-date=June 3, 2012|date=May 31, 2012}}</ref> |
*[[Barack Obama]], president of the United States and former U.S. Senator of Illinois<ref name="huffingtonpost"/><ref>{{cite news|author=Staff|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/31/tom-barrett-scott-walker_n_1561152.html|title=Tom Barrett Will Stress Scott Walker's 'Failure To Lead' In Final Debate|work=Huffington Post|access-date=June 3, 2012|date=May 31, 2012}}</ref> |
||
*[[Dave Obey]], former U.S. representative<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.politico.com/blogs/david-catanese/2012/04/obey-endorses-tom-barrett-in-walker-recall-119983.html|title=Obey endorses Tom Barrett in Walker recall|date=April 9, 2012|access-date=April 10, 2012|work=politico.com}}</ref> |
*[[Dave Obey]], former U.S. representative<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.politico.com/blogs/david-catanese/2012/04/obey-endorses-tom-barrett-in-walker-recall-119983.html|title=Obey endorses Tom Barrett in Walker recall|date=April 9, 2012|access-date=April 10, 2012|work=politico.com}}</ref> |
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Line 195: | Line 207: | ||
*[[Sondy Pope-Roberts]], Wisconsin State Assemblywoman<ref name=falkendorsements/> |
*[[Sondy Pope-Roberts]], Wisconsin State Assemblywoman<ref name=falkendorsements/> |
||
*[[Christine Sinicki]], Wisconsin State Assemblywoman<ref name=falkendorsements/> |
*[[Christine Sinicki]], Wisconsin State Assemblywoman<ref name=falkendorsements/> |
||
*[[Chris Taylor ( |
*[[Chris Taylor (Wisconsin politician)|Chris Taylor]], Wisconsin State Assemblywoman<ref name=falkendorsements/> |
||
*[[Richard J. Phelps]], former [[Dane County, Wisconsin|Dane County]] executive<ref name=falkendorsements/> |
*[[Richard J. Phelps]], former [[Dane County, Wisconsin|Dane County]] executive<ref name=falkendorsements/> |
||
*[[Wisconsin Education Association Council]]<ref name=falkendorsements/> |
*[[Wisconsin Education Association Council]]<ref name=falkendorsements/> |
||
Line 272: | Line 284: | ||
[[File:Wisconsin gubernatorial recall Democratic primary county map.svg|thumb|Primary results by county: |
[[File:Wisconsin gubernatorial recall Democratic primary county map.svg|thumb|Primary results by county: |
||
{{collapsible list |
{{collapsible list |
||
| title = Barrett|{{legend|#BDD3FF|30-40%}}|{{legend|#A5B0FF|40-50%}}|{{legend|#7996E2|50-60%}}|{{legend|#6674DE|60-70%}}|{{legend|#584CDE|70-80%}} |
|||
| title = Barrett |
|||
|{{legend|#011966|Barrett—71-80%}} |
|||
|{{legend|#0030c0|Barrett—61-70%}} |
|||
|{{legend|#154bef|Barrett—51-60%}} |
|||
|{{legend|#4872f1|Barrett—41-50%}} |
|||
|{{legend|#00ffff|Barrett—31-40%}} |
|||
}} |
}} |
||
{{collapsible list |
{{collapsible list |
||
| title = Falk|{{legend|#ACF2F2|30-40%}}|{{legend|#7DDDDD|40-50%}}|{{legend|#51C2C2|50-60%}} |
|||
| title = Falk |
|||
|{{legend|#006400|Falk—51-60%}} |
|||
|{{legend|#59d622|Falk—41-50%}} |
|||
|{{legend|#90ee90|Falk—31-40%}} |
|||
}} |
}} |
||
]] |
]] |
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Line 337: | Line 341: | ||
===Debates=== |
===Debates=== |
||
[[File:Barrett Walker debate (7314504398) (1).jpg|thumb|Barrett (left) and Walker (right) debating on May 31]] |
|||
*[https://www.c-span.org/video/?306125-1/wisconsin-governors-recall-election-debate Complete video of debate], May 25, 2012 - [[C-SPAN]] |
*[https://www.c-span.org/video/?306125-1/wisconsin-governors-recall-election-debate Complete video of debate], May 25, 2012 - [[C-SPAN]] |
||
*[https://www.c-span.org/video/?306329-1/wisconsin-governors-recall-election-debate Complete video of debate], May 31, 2012 - [[C-SPAN]] |
*[https://www.c-span.org/video/?306329-1/wisconsin-governors-recall-election-debate Complete video of debate], May 31, 2012 - [[C-SPAN]] |
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Line 957: | Line 963: | ||
{{Election box hold with party link no swing |
{{Election box hold with party link no swing |
||
| winner = Republican Party (United States) |
| winner = Republican Party (United States) |
||
}} |
|||
{{Election box end}} |
|||
[[File:2012 Wisconsin lieutenant gubernatorial recall election results map by county.svg|thumb|250px|Lieutenant gubernatorial recall election results by county |
|||
{{collapsible list |
|||
| title = {{legend|#E27F7F|Kleefisch}}|{{legend0|#E27F7F|50–60%}}|{{legend0|#D75D5D |60–70%}}|{{legend0|#D72F30|70–80%}}}} |
|||
{{collapsible list |
|||
| title = {{legend|#7996e2|Mitchell}}|{{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}}|{{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}}|{{legend0|#584cde|70–80%}}}} |
|||
]] |
|||
{{Election box begin no change |
|||
| title = 2012 Wisconsin lieutenant governor recall election results<ref>{{cite news|url=http://elections.huffingtonpost.com/2012/wisconsin-recall-results |title=Wisconsin Recall Election Results Map |publisher=Elections.huffingtonpost.com |access-date=2012-07-23}}</ref> |
|||
}} |
|||
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |
|||
| style="text-align:left;"| [[File:America Symbol.svg|14px]] |
|||
| candidate = [[Rebecca Kleefisch]] (incumbent) |
|||
| party = Republican Party (United States) |
|||
| votes = 1,301,739 |
|||
| percentage = 52.9 |
|||
}} |
|||
{{Election box candidate with party link no change |
|||
| candidate = Mahlon Mitchell |
|||
| party = Democratic Party (United States) |
|||
| votes = 1,156,520 |
|||
| percentage = 47.1 |
|||
}} |
|||
{{Election box total no change |
|||
| votes = 2,458,259 |
|||
| percentage = 100.0 |
|||
}} |
|||
{{Election box hold with party link no swing |
|||
| winner = Republican Party (United States) |
|||
| loser = Democratic Party (United States) |
|||
}} |
}} |
||
{{Election box end}} |
{{Election box end}} |
||
Line 1,737: | Line 1,712: | ||
* [[Green County, Wisconsin|Green]] (largest municipality: [[Monroe, Wisconsin|Monroe]]) |
* [[Green County, Wisconsin|Green]] (largest municipality: [[Monroe, Wisconsin|Monroe]]) |
||
*[[Trempealeau County, Wisconsin|Trempealeau]] (largest city: [[Arcadia, Wisconsin|Arcadia]]) |
*[[Trempealeau County, Wisconsin|Trempealeau]] (largest city: [[Arcadia, Wisconsin|Arcadia]]) |
||
==Analysis== |
==Analysis== |
||
Line 1,747: | Line 1,723: | ||
On July 31, 2014, Scott Bauer reported for the [[Associated Press]]: <blockquote>''The Wisconsin Supreme Court on Thursday [July 31, 2014] upheld the 2011 law that effectively ended collective bargaining for most [Wisconsin] public workers, sparked massive protests and led to Republican Gov. Scott Walker's recall election and rise to national prominence. The 5-2 ruling upholds Walker's signature policy achievement in its entirety and is a major victory for the potential 2016 GOP presidential candidate, who is seeking re-election this year. The ruling also marks the end of the three-year legal fight over the law, which prohibits public-employee unions from collectively bargaining for anything beyond wage increases based on inflation. A federal appeals court twice upheld the law as constitutional. "No matter the limitations or 'burdens' a legislative enactment places on the collective-bargaining process, collective bargaining remains a creation of legislative grace and not constitutional obligation", Justice [[Michael Gableman]] wrote.''<ref>[http://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/wisconsin-court-upholds-2011-law "2011 law which led to recall election is upheld by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, 5-2"], talkingpointsmemo.com; accessed August 19, 2014.</ref></blockquote> |
On July 31, 2014, Scott Bauer reported for the [[Associated Press]]: <blockquote>''The Wisconsin Supreme Court on Thursday [July 31, 2014] upheld the 2011 law that effectively ended collective bargaining for most [Wisconsin] public workers, sparked massive protests and led to Republican Gov. Scott Walker's recall election and rise to national prominence. The 5-2 ruling upholds Walker's signature policy achievement in its entirety and is a major victory for the potential 2016 GOP presidential candidate, who is seeking re-election this year. The ruling also marks the end of the three-year legal fight over the law, which prohibits public-employee unions from collectively bargaining for anything beyond wage increases based on inflation. A federal appeals court twice upheld the law as constitutional. "No matter the limitations or 'burdens' a legislative enactment places on the collective-bargaining process, collective bargaining remains a creation of legislative grace and not constitutional obligation", Justice [[Michael Gableman]] wrote.''<ref>[http://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/wisconsin-court-upholds-2011-law "2011 law which led to recall election is upheld by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, 5-2"], talkingpointsmemo.com; accessed August 19, 2014.</ref></blockquote> |
||
Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson and Justice Ann Walsh Bradley dissented from the ruling, arguing the law unconstitutionally infringes on protected rights. |
Chief Justice [[Shirley Abrahamson]] and Justice [[Ann Walsh Bradley]] dissented from the ruling, arguing the law unconstitutionally infringes on protected rights. |
||
===Investigation of alleged illegal campaign coordination=== |
===Investigation of alleged illegal campaign coordination=== |
||
In August 2012, the first investigation, which had been launched by [[John T. Chisholm|John Chisholm]], Milwaukee County District Attorney, a Democrat, into missing funds, was rolled into a second [[Wisconsin Circuit Court#Grand jury and John Doe proceedings|John Doe probe]] based on a theory that Governor Walker's campaign had illegally coordinated with conservative groups engaged in issue advocacy during the recall elections.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kittle|first1=MD|url=http://watchdog.org/149217/john-doe-wall-street-journal-investigation/|title='Never-ending' John Doe never ended, WSJ reports|newspaper=Wisconsin Reporter|date=June 9, 2014|access-date=April 13, 2015}}</ref> The initial John Doe judge, now retired Kenosha County Circuit Judge Barbara A. Kluka, overseeing the John Doe investigation issued 30 subpoenas and 5 search warrants. She also issued a secrecy order which meant that those being investigated were legally bound from discussing any facet of the investigation publicly.<ref>[https://www.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304799404579155953286552832 "Wisconsin Political Speech Raid"], ''Wall Street Journal''; November 18, 2013.</ref> Shortly thereafter, she recused herself from the investigation.<ref>[http://watchdog.org/113658/judge-investigation-democrat "Judge in Democrat-led John Doe probe recuses herself"], ''Wisconsin Reporter''; October 30, 2013.</ref> Kluka's replacement, Judge Gregory Peterson, quashed several subpoenas in January 2014, saying "there was no probable cause shown that they violated campaign finance laws".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kittle|first1=MD|url=http://watchdog.org/149217/john-doe-wall-street-journal-investigation|title='Never-ending' John Doe never ended, WSJ reports|newspaper=Wisconsin Reporter|date=June 9, 2014|access-date=April 13, 2015}}</ref><ref>[http://watchdog.org/115840/judge-milwaukee-investigation Milwaukee John Doe investigation], watchdog.org; accessed September 15, 2015.</ref> |
In August 2012, the first investigation, which had been launched by [[John T. Chisholm|John Chisholm]], Milwaukee County District Attorney, a Democrat, into missing funds, was rolled into a second [[Wisconsin Circuit Court#Grand jury and John Doe proceedings|John Doe probe]] based on a theory that Governor Walker's campaign had illegally coordinated with conservative groups engaged in issue advocacy during the recall elections.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kittle|first1=MD|url=http://watchdog.org/149217/john-doe-wall-street-journal-investigation/|title='Never-ending' John Doe never ended, WSJ reports|newspaper=Wisconsin Reporter|date=June 9, 2014|access-date=April 13, 2015}}</ref> The initial John Doe judge, now retired Kenosha County Circuit Judge Barbara A. Kluka, overseeing the John Doe investigation issued 30 subpoenas and 5 search warrants. She also issued a secrecy order which meant that those being investigated were legally bound from discussing any facet of the investigation publicly.<ref>[https://www.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304799404579155953286552832 "Wisconsin Political Speech Raid"], ''Wall Street Journal''; November 18, 2013.</ref> Shortly thereafter, she recused herself from the investigation.<ref>[http://watchdog.org/113658/judge-investigation-democrat "Judge in Democrat-led John Doe probe recuses herself"], ''Wisconsin Reporter''; October 30, 2013.</ref> Kluka's replacement, Judge [[Gregory Peterson]], quashed several subpoenas in January 2014, saying "there was no probable cause shown that they violated campaign finance laws".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kittle|first1=MD|url=http://watchdog.org/149217/john-doe-wall-street-journal-investigation|title='Never-ending' John Doe never ended, WSJ reports|newspaper=Wisconsin Reporter|date=June 9, 2014|access-date=April 13, 2015}}</ref><ref>[http://watchdog.org/115840/judge-milwaukee-investigation Milwaukee John Doe investigation], watchdog.org; accessed September 15, 2015.</ref> |
||
The special prosecutor {{Who|date=April 2015}} took the unusual step of filing a supervisory writ, essentially appealing Judge Peterson's decision, with the same appeals court that had denied a motion to stop the investigation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://watchdog.org/130571/prosecutor-john-doe-law|title=''Wisconsin Reporter'', "John Doe special prosecutor appeals judge's ruling quashing subpoenas", February 28, 2014.|accessdate=December 30, 2022}}</ref> On July 16, 2015, the Wisconsin Supreme Court closed the investigation into whether Governor Walker's campaign had illegally coordinated with outside groups by a 4–2 vote. Justice Michael J. Gableman in writing for the majority stated, "To be clear, this conclusion ends the John Doe investigation because the special prosecutor's legal theory is unsupported in either reason or law. Consequently, the investigation is closed."<ref>{{Cite news|title=Scott Walker clears big legal hurdle in Wisconsin|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2015/07/16/scott-walker-clears-big-legal-hurdle-in-wisconsin/|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=2015-07-16|access-date=2015-09-15|issn=0190-8286|language=en|first1=Jose A.|last1=DelReal|first2=Jenna|last2=Johnson}}</ref> |
The special prosecutor {{Who|date=April 2015}} took the unusual step of filing a supervisory writ, essentially appealing Judge Peterson's decision, with the same appeals court that had denied a motion to stop the investigation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://watchdog.org/130571/prosecutor-john-doe-law|title=''Wisconsin Reporter'', "John Doe special prosecutor appeals judge's ruling quashing subpoenas", February 28, 2014.|accessdate=December 30, 2022}}</ref> On July 16, 2015, the Wisconsin Supreme Court closed the investigation into whether Governor Walker's campaign had illegally coordinated with outside groups by a 4–2 vote. Justice [[Michael J. Gableman]] in writing for the majority stated, "To be clear, this conclusion ends the John Doe investigation because the special prosecutor's legal theory is unsupported in either reason or law. Consequently, the investigation is closed."<ref>{{Cite news|title=Scott Walker clears big legal hurdle in Wisconsin|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2015/07/16/scott-walker-clears-big-legal-hurdle-in-wisconsin/|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=2015-07-16|access-date=2015-09-15|issn=0190-8286|language=en|first1=Jose A.|last1=DelReal|first2=Jenna|last2=Johnson}}</ref> |
||
The director of Wisconsin Club for Growth (the Wisconsin arm of the national [[Club for Growth]]), Eric O'Keefe, defied the gag order, and filed a lawsuit alleging the probe was partisan and violated [[First Amendment to the United States Constitution|First Amendment]] rights to free expression. In a May 6, 2014 order, [[Rudolph T. Randa|Judge Rudolph T. Randa]] found the investigation had no legal basis.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2014/05/06/in-victory-for-walker-and-allies-federal-judge-halts-wisconsin-campaign-finance-probe|title=Judge Halts Probe|quote=The defendants are pursuing criminal charges through a secret John Doe investigation against the plaintiffs for exercising issue advocacy speech rights that on their face are not subject to the regulations or statutes the defendants seek to enforce. This legitimate exercise of O'Keefe's rights as an individual, and WCFG's rights as a 501(c)(4) corporation, to speak on the issues has been characterized by the defendants as political activity covered by Chapter 11 of the Wisconsin Statutes, rendering the plaintiffs a subcommittee of the Friends of Scott Walker and requiring that money spent on such speech be reported as an in-kind campaign contribution. This interpretation is simply wrong.|newspaper=The Washington Post|first=Rosalind S.|last=Helderman|date=May 6, 2014}}</ref> |
The director of [[Wisconsin Club for Growth]] (the Wisconsin arm of the national [[Club for Growth]]), [[Eric O'Keefe (political activist)|Eric O'Keefe]], defied the gag order, and filed a lawsuit alleging the probe was partisan and violated [[First Amendment to the United States Constitution|First Amendment]] rights to free expression. In a May 6, 2014 order, [[Rudolph T. Randa|Judge Rudolph T. Randa]] found the investigation had no legal basis.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2014/05/06/in-victory-for-walker-and-allies-federal-judge-halts-wisconsin-campaign-finance-probe|title=Judge Halts Probe|quote=The defendants are pursuing criminal charges through a secret John Doe investigation against the plaintiffs for exercising issue advocacy speech rights that on their face are not subject to the regulations or statutes the defendants seek to enforce. This legitimate exercise of O'Keefe's rights as an individual, and WCFG's rights as a 501(c)(4) corporation, to speak on the issues has been characterized by the defendants as political activity covered by Chapter 11 of the Wisconsin Statutes, rendering the plaintiffs a subcommittee of the Friends of Scott Walker and requiring that money spent on such speech be reported as an in-kind campaign contribution. This interpretation is simply wrong.|newspaper=The Washington Post|first=Rosalind S.|last=Helderman|date=May 6, 2014}}</ref> |
||
One day later, a three-judge panel ([[Diane Wood|Wood]], [[William J. Bauer|Bauer]] and [[Frank H. Easterbrook|Easterbrook]]) of the [[United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit]] in Chicago stayed Judge Randa's preliminary injunction, ruling he had overstepped his authority as prosecutors had already appealed an earlier decision in the case. Randa could issue his injunction only if he certified their appeal as frivolous. The appeals court also ruled that Judge Randa could not order prosecutors to destroy evidence collected in the five-county probe.<ref>[http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/halt-to-john-doe-probe-lifts-obstacle-to-scott-walker-re-election-bid-b99264574z1-258293621.html 7th Circuit United States Court of Appeals overturns Randa decision], jsonline.com; retrieved September 12, 2014.</ref><ref>[http://host.madison.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/judge-s-order-tossing-john-doe-investigation-is-stayed/article_12911db4-70c9-50ac-935b-27f5f61329de.html "Judge's order tossing 'John Doe' investigation is stayed"], ''[[Wisconsin State Journal]]'', May 7, 2014; retrieved May 14, 2014.</ref><ref>[http://watchdog.org/123377/john-doe-conservatives-wall-street-journal RE "John Doe" investigations against Republicans and conservatives in Wisconsin], watchdog.org; accessed July 31 |
One day later, a three-judge panel ([[Diane Wood|Wood]], [[William J. Bauer|Bauer]] and [[Frank H. Easterbrook|Easterbrook]]) of the [[United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit]] in Chicago stayed Judge Randa's preliminary injunction, ruling he had overstepped his authority as prosecutors had already appealed an earlier decision in the case. Randa could issue his injunction only if he certified their appeal as frivolous. The appeals court also ruled that Judge Randa could not order prosecutors to destroy evidence collected in the five-county probe.<ref>[http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/halt-to-john-doe-probe-lifts-obstacle-to-scott-walker-re-election-bid-b99264574z1-258293621.html 7th Circuit United States Court of Appeals overturns Randa decision], jsonline.com; retrieved September 12, 2014.</ref><ref>[http://host.madison.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/judge-s-order-tossing-john-doe-investigation-is-stayed/article_12911db4-70c9-50ac-935b-27f5f61329de.html "Judge's order tossing 'John Doe' investigation is stayed"], ''[[Wisconsin State Journal]]'', May 7, 2014; retrieved May 14, 2014.</ref><ref>[http://watchdog.org/123377/john-doe-conservatives-wall-street-journal RE "John Doe" investigations against Republicans and conservatives in Wisconsin], watchdog.org; accessed July 31, 2014.</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Prosecutors Allege Scott Walker At Center Of Campaign Finance Criminal Conspiracy|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/19/scott-walker-investigation_n_5512463.html|work=The Huffington Post|access-date=June 20, 2014|date=June 19, 2014}}</ref> Judge Randa quickly certified the appeal as frivolous and the appeals court upheld the preliminary injunction ruling that he did have the authority to issue the injunction.<ref>[http://watchdog.org/149277/court-john-doe-judge "Appeals court judge upholds judge's order shutting down John Doe probe"], ''Wisconsin Reporter'', June 9, 2014.</ref> |
||
At the request of the Wisconsin Club for Growth, the court unsealed documents from the investigation on June 19, 2014.<ref name="mjs1">{{cite news|last1=Marley|first1=Patrick|last2=Bice|first2=Daniel|last3=Glauber|first3=Bill|url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/john-doe-prosecutors-allege-scott-walker-at-center-of-criminal-scheme-263839791.html|title=John Doe prosecutors allege Scott Walker at center of 'criminal scheme'|newspaper=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel|date=June 19, 2014|access-date=June 19, 2014}}</ref> These documents reveal the prosecutors' theory that Governor Walker was at the center of a plan to illegally coordinate fundraising efforts with a number of outside conservative groups to help him in the 2012 recall election, bypassing state election laws. A theory that had been ruled as having no legal basis by two judges.<ref>[http://watchdog.org/143058/john-doe-judge-injunction "Judge stops WI prosecutors' John Doe probe into conservatives"], ''Wisconsin Reporter'', May 6, 2014.</ref> |
At the request of the Wisconsin Club for Growth, the court unsealed documents from the investigation on June 19, 2014.<ref name="mjs1">{{cite news|last1=Marley|first1=Patrick|last2=Bice|first2=Daniel|last3=Glauber|first3=Bill|url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/john-doe-prosecutors-allege-scott-walker-at-center-of-criminal-scheme-263839791.html|title=John Doe prosecutors allege Scott Walker at center of 'criminal scheme'|newspaper=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel|date=June 19, 2014|access-date=June 19, 2014}}</ref> These documents reveal the prosecutors' theory that Governor Walker was at the center of a plan to illegally coordinate fundraising efforts with a number of outside conservative groups to help him in the 2012 recall election, bypassing state election laws. A theory that had been ruled as having no legal basis by two judges.<ref>[http://watchdog.org/143058/john-doe-judge-injunction "Judge stops WI prosecutors' John Doe probe into conservatives"], ''Wisconsin Reporter'', May 6, 2014.</ref> |
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*[[2011 Wisconsin Act 10]] |
*[[2011 Wisconsin Act 10]] |
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*[[Recall elections in Wisconsin]] |
*[[Recall elections in Wisconsin]] |
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*[[2012 Wisconsin lieutenant gubernatorial recall election]] |
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*[[Wisconsin Supreme Court election, 2011]] |
*[[Wisconsin Supreme Court election, 2011]] |
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*[[Wisconsin Senate recall elections, 2011]] |
*[[Wisconsin Senate recall elections, 2011]] |
Revision as of 14:44, 4 July 2024
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Walker: 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% >90% Barrett: 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% >90% Tie: 50% No data | |||||||||||||||||
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Elections in Wisconsin |
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The 2012 Wisconsin gubernatorial recall election was a special election to elect the governor and lieutenant governor of Wisconsin. It resulted in voters re-electing incumbent Republican governor Scott Walker over the Democratic candidate Tom Barrett by a larger margin than in 2010 when Walker also faced Barrett. Recall organizers opposed Walker's agenda, particularly his limiting of collective bargaining rights for state employees[1] and they collected over 900,000 signatures to initiate the recall election process.[1] There was also a recall for Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch. She won her race, defeating Democrat Mahlon Mitchell, making her the first lieutenant governor to run in and survive a recall.[2]
The Democratic primaries took place on May 8. The recall elections were held June 5[3] with Walker defeating Barrett. Walker was thus the first U.S. governor to continue in office after facing a recall election.[4]
Four state senate recall elections took place the same day as the gubernatorial recall elections, resulting in two wins by Republican incumbents, one open seat win by a Republican, and one win by a Democratic challenger, giving Democrats control of the state Senate for the remainder of the year.[5]
The recall election was just the third gubernatorial recall election in U.S. history and the first one in which the incumbent was not defeated.[6] The other recall elections were the 1921 North Dakota gubernatorial recall election (which successfully recalled Lynn Frazier), the 2003 California gubernatorial recall election (which successfully recalled Gray Davis), and the 2021 California gubernatorial recall election (which failed to recall Gavin Newsom).
As of 2024, this is the last governor election in which the Republican candidate won the counties of Eau Claire, Sauk, Green, and Vernon.
Voter turnout in the election was 57.8 percent, the highest for a gubernatorial election not on a presidential ballot in Wisconsin history.[7] The election was widely covered on national television.
Background
Pre-certification recall campaign
Incumbent Republican Governor Scott Walker faced a recall effort beginning in November 2011. After the contentious collective bargaining dispute,[8] Walker's disapproval ratings varied between 50 and 51% while his approval ratings varied between 47% and 49% in 2011.[9][10]
Wisconsin law made Walker ineligible for recall until at least January 3, 2012, one year after he first took office, and the Wisconsin Democratic Party called it a "priority" to remove him from office.[11] In the first half of 2011, Walker raised more than $2,500,000 from supporters.[12][13] Walker raised $5.1 million in the second half of 2011 to battle his recall.[14]
In less than half of the allotted time (60 days) to collect signatures, recall organizers report collecting more than 500,000 signatures, leaving roughly one month left to collect the remaining 40,000 signatures needed to force a recall vote. On January 17, 2012, United Wisconsin, the coalition that spearheaded the recall effort, along with the Democratic Party, said that one million signatures were collected, which far exceeded the 540,208 needed, and amounted to 23 percent of the state's eligible voters, 46 percent of the total votes cast in the 2010 gubernatorial election and just shy of the 1.1 million votes earned by Walker.[15]
On January 25, 2012, a poll released by the Marquette University Law School indicated that Walker could win a recall election against potential candidates Tom Barrett, Kathleen Falk, David Obey or Tim Cullen.[16][17] This compared to a poll released by Public Policy Polling in October 2011 that also predicted Walker would win a recall election against Barrett, Falk, Peter Barca, Steve Kagen or Ron Kind. The poll also showed that more people opposed (49%) than supported (48%) the recall effort.[18]
In February 2012, Walker's campaign made an additional request for more time for the petition signatures to be verified, stating that between 10 and 20% of the signatures reviewed to that point should not be counted. Democrats argued that even if 20% of the signatures were not counted there were still 300,000 more than the required number needed to initiate the recall. Democratic Party spokesman Graeme Zielinski argued Walker was just "delaying the inevitable." Additionally, in the period while signatures were being verified Barrett and Walker were able to collect unlimited campaign donations because normal campaign fundraising limits do not apply until an election is ordered.[19] On February 17, 2012, Dane County judge Richard Niess, who also signed the petition, denied Walker's request for additional time.[20]
In March Milwaukee city officials asked Milwaukee Public Schools to contribute nearly $10 million more to the pension plan because of financial market downturns. The teachers' union, school board and the superintendent asked the legislature for the opportunity to negotiate to reduce costs.[21] Milwaukee schools didn't take part in a 90-day window that had since closed, which allowed unions and municipal employees to make contract adjustments. The Assembly and Senate agreed to allow Milwaukee schools to reopen negotiations for compensation or fringe-benefit concessions without nullifying existing union contracts. The measure giving them 90 days passed the Assembly and Senate. Governor Scott Walker supported the measure. Other teachers' unions asked Milwaukee to withdraw its request, saying it would give Walker a political advantage in the recall election.[22]
Certification
On March 29, 2012, the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board released its final signature counts for the Walker recall petition. The GAB reported that 931,053 signatures were officially turned in, although the proponents had stated that approximately one million signatures were collected. Of that number, 26,114 were struck by GAB staff for various reasons and an additional 4,001 duplicates were struck. The final total certified by the GAB was 900,938 signatures.[23]
Controversies
Twenty-nine circuit court judges in Wisconsin signed recall petitions against Gov. Walker, according to a Gannett Wisconsin Media analysis.[24] Among the signers was Dane County Judge David Flanagan, who was scrutinized after issuing a temporary restraining order March 6 against a Walker-backed voter ID law without disclosing his support of the recall.[25] None of the state's sixteen appeals court judges or seven Supreme Court justices signed the recall petition. The state Supreme Court issued an advisory opinion in 2001 saying judges are allowed to sign nominating petitions, as long as the petition language only supports putting the candidate on the ballot and does not imply an endorsement.[24] The Landmark Legal Foundation requested an investigation to the Wisconsin Judicial Commission regarding allegations of misconduct by the judges in question.[citation needed]
It was later learned that 25 journalists at Gannett had also signed the recall petition. The newspaper group revealed the signatures in the interest of being as open as possible. Genia Lovett, representative for the organization, stated that journalists have a right to hold opinions, but must protect the credibility of their respective news organizations.[26]
Other media organizations had staff who signed the recall petition.[27] Rob Starbuck, the morning news anchor for Madison, Wisconsin, television station WISC-TV, signed the Walker recall petition. The station stated that the signing was in violation of the station's policy for newsroom employees. Television stations WISN, WTMJ, WITI, WDJT and radio station WTMJ in Milwaukee discovered that some staff members signed petitions to recall Walker. Some employees at WTMJ claimed signing the recall petition was not a political act, but rather, similar to casting a vote. WTMJ stated it did not agree and indicated they would take measures to make sure their reporting was fair and balanced, and to ensure no future similar controversies. The WITI television journalist who had signed the petition was reassigned and prohibited from covering Walker-related stories.[28][29]
The cost of the recall election had also drawn criticism. An estimate provided by the state Government Accountability Board showed a cost of $9 million for a statewide election. Since a primary election was also conducted for this race, Representative Robin Vos estimated the cost would be double, around $18 million.[30]
Costs and spending
The recall elections were the most expensive elections in Wisconsin history.[31] According to the advocacy group Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, candidates and outside groups spent more than $80 million in the governor's recall race. This compares to $37.4 million spent on the 2010 Wisconsin gubernatorial election.[32]
According to USA Today, "More than $62 million was spent by the candidates and outside groups. Much of the $30 million raised by Walker came from outside the state. Barrett ... spent about $4 million; most of his donors live in Wisconsin."[33] Barrett also benefited from spending by labor unions throughout the recall, estimated at another $20 million. [citation needed] Kathleen Falk, who was defeated by Barrett in the Democratic primary raised about $5.2 million from public-sector unions inside and outside the state. The cost of the recall elections for the governor and lieutenant governor to Wisconsin taxpayers was $18 million.[32]
Republican primary
Candidates
- Arthur Kohl-Riggs, activist[34]
- Scott Walker, incumbent governor
Endorsements
- U.S. Senators
- Rick Santorum, former U.S. senator from Pennsylvania (1995–2007)[35]
- U.S. representatives
- Paul Ryan, U.S. Representative from Wisconsin's 1st congressional district (1999–2019)[36]
- Newt Gingrich, former U.S. Representative from Georgia's 6th congressional district (1979–1999) and 50th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives (1995–1999)[37]
- Ron Paul, U.S. Representative from Texas's 14th congressional district (1997–2013), Texas's 22nd congressional district (1976–1977, 1979–1985)[38]
- Statewide officials
- Chris Christie, Governor of New Jersey (2010–2018)[39]
- Ken Cuccinelli, Attorney General of Virginia (2010–2014)[40]
- Nikki Haley, Governor of South Carolina (2011–2017) and former member of the South Carolina House of Representatives (2005–2011)[41]
- Bobby Jindal, Governor of Louisiana (2008–2016) and former U.S. representative of Louisiana (2005–2008)[42][43]
- Bob McDonnell, Governor of Virginia (2010–2014) and former Attorney General of Virginia (2006–2009)[40]
- Sarah Palin, former governor of Alaska and former Vice-Presidential nominee (2008)[44]
- Sean Parnell, Governor of Alaska (2009–2014) and former Lieutenant Governor of Alaska (2006–2009)[45]
- Mitt Romney, former Governor of Massachusetts (2003–2007)[46]
- Organizations
- Newspapers
- Labor unions
- Individuals
- Herman Cain, radio host, former chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and former candidate for president of the United States in 2012[55]
- Rush Limbaugh, radio host[56][57]
- Michelle Malkin, author, blogger and commentator[58]
- Michael Reagan, radio and television host[59][60]
Results
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Scott Walker (incumbent) | 626,538 | 96.92 | |
Republican | Arthur Kohl-Riggs | 19,920 | 3.08 | |
Total votes | 646,458 | 100.00 |
Democratic primary
Candidates
Declared
- Tom Barrett, Mayor of Milwaukee, former U.S. Representative, candidate for governor in 2002 and nominee in 2010[62]
- Kathleen Falk, former Dane County Executive, candidate for governor in 2002 and nominee for Attorney General in 2006[63]
- Gladys Huber, activist[64][65]
- Douglas La Follette, Wisconsin Secretary of State, candidate for WI-01 in 1970[66]
- Kathleen Vinehout, state senator[67]
Declined
- Peter W. Barca, State Assembly Minority Leader[68]
- Tim Cullen, state senator[69]
- Jon Erpenbach, state senator[70]
- Russ Feingold, former U.S. Senator[71]
- Ron Kind, U.S. Representative[72]
- Dave Obey, former U.S. Representative[73]
Endorsements
- The Capital Times[74]
- Sierra Club[75]
- Terese Berceau, state Assemblywoman[76]
- Bill Clinton, former President of the United States and former governor of Arkansas[77]
- Hillary Clinton, United States Secretary of State, former candidate for president of the United States in 2008 and former U.S. senator of New York[77]
- Tim Cullen, state senator[69]
- Jon Erpenbach, Wisconsin State Senator[70]
- Kathleen Falk, former Dane County executive[78]
- Russ Feingold, former U.S. Senator (D-WI)[79][80]
- Steve Kagen, former U.S. representative[81]
- Ron Kind, U.S. representative[76]
- Arthur Kohl-Riggs, political activist[82]
- Herb Kohl, U.S. Senator from Wisconsin[83]
- Dennis Kucinich, former U.S. representative of Ohio and former mayor of Cleveland[84]
- Douglas La Follette, Wisconsin Secretary of State[64][65]
- Tom Nelson, Outagamie County county executive[81]
- Nancy Nusbaum, former county executive of Brown County[81]
- Barack Obama, president of the United States and former U.S. Senator of Illinois[50][85]
- Dave Obey, former U.S. representative[86]
- Martin O'Malley, governor of Maryland, chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, and former mayor of Baltimore[87][88][89][90]
- Tony Staskunas, Wisconsin State Assemblyman[76]
- Webster Tarpley, author, historian and journalist[91]
- Kathleen Vinehout, Wisconsin State Senator[64][65]
- Vel Phillips, Former Wisconsin Secretary of State[92]
- Brett Hulsey, then-Wisconsin State Assemblyman from the 77th district[92]
- Sondy Pope-Roberts, Wisconsin State Assemblywoman[92]
- Christine Sinicki, Wisconsin State Assemblywoman[92]
- Chris Taylor, Wisconsin State Assemblywoman[92]
- Richard J. Phelps, former Dane County executive[92]
- Wisconsin Education Association Council[92]
- EMILY's List[92]
- Women's Campaign Fund[93]
- Sierra Club[92]
Polling
Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Tom Barrett |
Kathleen Falk |
Doug La Follette |
Kathleen Vinehout |
Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Marquette University | April 26–29, 2012 | 451 | ± 4% | 48% | 21% | 8% | 6% | 19% |
Public Policy Polling | April 13–15, 2012 | 810 | ± 3.4% | 38% | 24% | 9% | 6% | 22% |
Marquette University | March 22–25, 2012 | 373 | ± 5.1% | — | 54% | 15% | 12% | 19% |
36% | 29% | 8% | 8% | 18% | ||||
Public Policy Polling | February 23–26, 2012 | 425 | 45% | 18% | 14% | 6% | 17% | |
— | 41% | 23% | 13% | 22% |
Results
- 30-40%
- 40-50%
- 50-60%
- 60-70%
- 70-80%
- 30-40%
- 40-50%
- 50-60%
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Tom Barrett | 390,109 | 58.20 | |
Democratic | Kathleen Falk | 228,940 | 34.16 | |
Democratic | Kathleen Vinehout | 26,926 | 4.02 | |
Democratic | Douglas La Follette | 19,461 | 2.90 | |
Democratic | Gladys Huber | 4,842 | 0.72 | |
Total votes | 670,278 | 100 |
General Election
Candidates
- Scott Walker (Republican), incumbent governor
- Tom Barrett (Democratic), Mayor of Milwaukee
- Nathan Graewin (Libertarian)
- Hariprasad Trivedi (Independent)[94]
- Steven Zelinski (Write-in)[95]
Campaign
In April the Milwaukee Police Association and Milwaukee Professional Firefighters Association unions endorsed Governor Walker in the recall election.[96] After Barrett won the Democratic primary, Walker stated, "As Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett enters the general election in his soon to be third statewide losing campaign, he will surely find that his record of raising taxes and promises to continue to do so will not resonate with voters."[97] After his primary victory Barrett said, "We cannot fix Wisconsin with Walker as governor, this election is not about fighting past battles, it is about moving forward together to create jobs and get our economy moving again."[98]
Debates
- Complete video of debate, May 25, 2012 - C-SPAN
- Complete video of debate, May 31, 2012 - C-SPAN
Polls
DV | Decided voters |
---|---|
LV | Likely voters |
RV | Registered voters |
Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Scott Walker (R) |
Tom Barrett (D) |
Other | Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
We Ask America | June 3, 2012 | 1,570 LV | ± 2.5% | 54% | 42% | — | 4% |
Public Policy Polling | June 2–3, 2012 | 1,226 LV | ± 2.8% | 50% | 47% | — | 3% |
Angus Reid Public Opinion | May 30 – June 2, 2012 | 507 DV | ± 4.4% | 53% | 47% | — | — |
Marquette University | May 23–26, 2012 | 600 LV | ± 4.1% | 52% | 45% | — | 3% |
We Ask America | May 23, 2012 | 1,409 LV | ± 2.61% | 54% | 42% | — | 4% |
St. Norbert College | May 17–22, 2012 | 406 LV | ± 5% | 50% | 45% | — | 5% |
Reason-Rupe | May 14–18, 2012 | 609 LV | ± 4% | 50% | 42% | — | 6% |
We Ask America | May 13, 2012 | 1,219 LV | ± 2.81% | 52% | 43% | — | 5% |
Public Policy Polling | May 11–13, 2012 | 833 LV | ± 3.4% | 50% | 45% | 2% | 3% |
Marquette University | May 9–12, 2012 | 600 LV | ± 4.1% | 50% | 44% | — | 3% |
Rasmussen Reports | May 9, 2012 | 500 LV | ± 4.5% | 50% | 45% | 2% | 2% |
Marquette University | April 26–29, 2012 | 705 RV | ± 4% | 46% | 47% | 3% | 4% |
628 LV | 47% | 46% | 3% | 4% | |||
Public Policy Polling | April 13–15, 2012 | 1,136 | ± 2.9% | 50% | 45% | 2% | 3% |
Marquette University | March 22–25, 2012 | 707 | ± 3.7% | 47% | 45% | 3% | 5% |
Public Policy Polling | February 23–26, 2012 | 900 | ± 3.3% | 46% | 49% | — | 5% |
Marquette University | January 19–22, 2012 | 701 | ± 3.7% | 50% | 44% | 2% | 4% |
Public Policy Polling | October 20–23, 2011 | 1,170 | ± 2.9% | 48% | 46% | — | 6% |
Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Scott Walker (R) |
Generic Democrat | Other | Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Marist | March 26–27, 2012 | 2,792 | ± 1.9% | 46% | 48% | — | 6% |
Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Scott Walker (R) |
Kathleen Falk (D) |
Other | Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Marquette University | April 26–29, 2012 | 705 | ± 4% | 49% | 42% | 6% | 3% |
Public Policy Polling | April 13–15, 2012 | 1136 | ± 2.9% | 50% | 43% | 3% | 3% |
Marquette University | March 22–25, 2012 | 707 | ± 3.7% | 49% | 45% | 2% | 5% |
Public Policy Polling | February 23–26, 2012 | 900 | ± 3.3% | 47% | 48% | — | 5% |
Marquette University | January 19–22, 2012 | 701 | ± 3.7% | 49% | 42% | 2% | 6% |
Public Policy Polling | October 20–23, 2011 | 1,170 | ± 2.9% | 49% | 41% | — | 10% |
Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Scott Walker (R) |
Doug La Follette (D) |
Other | Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Marquette University | April 26–29, 2012 | 705 | ± 4% | 49% | 40% | 7% | 4% |
Public Policy Polling | April 13–15, 2012 | 1136 | ± 2.9% | 51% | 40% | 3% | 6% |
Marquette University | March 22–25, 2012 | 707 | ± 3.7% | 49% | 42% | 3% | 6% |
Public Policy Polling | February 23–26, 2012 | 900 | ± 3.3% | 46% | 45% | — | 9% |
Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Scott Walker (R) |
Kathleen Vinehout (D) |
Other | Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Marquette University | April 26–29, 2012 | 705 | ± 4% | 49% | 40% | 6% | 5% |
Public Policy Polling | April 13–15, 2012 | 1136 | ± 2.9% | 50% | 38% | 5% | 7% |
Marquette University | March 22–25, 2012 | 707 | ± 3.7% | 49% | 41% | 3% | 6% |
Public Policy Polling | February 23–26, 2012 | 900 | ± 3.3% | 46% | 44% | — | 10% |
Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Scott Walker (R) |
Peter Barca (D) |
Other | Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Public Policy Polling | February 23–26, 2012 | 900 | ± 3.3% | 48% | 46% | — | 7% |
Public Policy Polling | October 20–23, 2011 | 1,170 | ± 2.9% | 48% | 42% | — | 10% |
Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Scott Walker (R) |
Tim Cullen (D) |
Other | Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Marquette University | January 19–22, 2012 | 701 | ± 3.7% | 50% | 40% | 3% | 7% |
Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Scott Walker (R) |
Jon Erpenbach (D) |
Other | Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Public Policy Polling | February 23–26, 2012 | 900 | ± 3.3% | 47% | 44% | — | 9% |
Public Policy Polling | October 20–23, 2011 | 1,170 | ± 2.9% | 47% | 40% | — | 13% |
Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Scott Walker (R) |
Russ Feingold (D) |
Other | Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Public Policy Polling | February 23–26, 2012 | 900 | ± 3.3% | 45% | 52% | — | 4% |
Public Policy Polling | October 20–23, 2011 | 1,170 | ± 2.9% | 46% | 49% | — | 5% |
Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Scott Walker (R) |
Steve Kagen (D) |
Other | Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Public Policy Polling | October 20–23, 2011 | 1,170 | ± 2.9% | 47% | 39% | — | 14% |
Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Scott Walker (R) |
Ron Kind (D) |
Other | Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Public Policy Polling | February 23–26, 2012 | 900 | ± 3.3% | 45% | 46% | — | 9% |
Public Policy Polling | October 20–23, 2011 | 1,170 | ± 2.9% | 47% | 41% | — | 12% |
Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Scott Walker (R) |
David Obey (D) |
Other | Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Public Policy Polling | February 23–26, 2012 | 900 | ± 3.3% | 47% | 45% | — | 7% |
Marquette University | January 19–22, 2012 | 701 | ± 3.7% | 49% | 43% | 3% | 6% |
Public Policy Polling | October 20–23, 2011 | 1,170 | ± 2.9% | 47% | 42% | — | 10% |
Predictions
Source | Ranking | As of |
---|---|---|
Sabato's Crystal Ball[99] | Lean R | May 29, 2012 |
Results
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Scott Walker (incumbent) | 1,335,585 | 53.08% | +0.79% | |
Democratic | Tom Barrett | 1,164,480 | 46.28% | −0.24% | |
Independent | Hariprasad Trivedi | 14,463 | 0.57% | — | |
Write-in | 1,537 | 0.06% | +0.06% | ||
Total votes | 2,516,065 | 100.00% | |||
Republican hold |
County results
County | Won by |
Walker % |
Walker votes |
Barrett % |
Barrett votes |
Trivedi % | Trivedi votes | Voter turnout |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Adams | Walker | 54.5 | 4,497 | 44.3 | 3,658 | 1.2 | 97 | 47% |
Ashland | Barrett | 38.1 | 2,598 | 61.2 | 4,174 | 0.7 | 50 | 55% |
Barron | Walker | 59.3 | 10,420 | 39.9 | 7,015 | 0.8 | 136 | 49% |
Bayfield | Barrett | 39.8 | 3,269 | 59.5 | 4,889 | 0.7 | 55 | 68% |
Brown | Walker | 59.7 | 61,969 | 39.7 | 41,238 | 0.6 | 619 | 56% |
Buffalo | Walker | 60.8 | 3,403 | 38.4 | 2,148 | 0.8 | 44 | 53% |
Burnett | Walker | 60.8 | 3,998 | 38.6 | 2,536 | 0.6 | 40 | 53% |
Calumet | Walker | 66.3 | 15,004 | 33.2 | 7,515 | 0.5 | 107 | 63% |
Chippewa | Walker | 58.3 | 14,877 | 40.8 | 10,419 | 0.9 | 244 | 54% |
Clark | Walker | 68.7 | 8,133 | 30.5 | 3,618 | 0.8 | 86 | 48% |
Columbia | Barrett | 49.4 | 12,912 | 50.0 | 13,070 | 0.6 | 161 | 60% |
Crawford | Walker | 51.1 | 3,357 | 48.1 | 3,160 | 0.8 | 61 | 51% |
Dane | Barrett | 30.4 | 77,595 | 69.1 | 176,407 | 0.5 | 1,239 | 67% |
Dodge | Walker | 63.6 | 24,851 | 35.7 | 13,958 | 0.7 | 242 | 56% |
Door | Walker | 56.8 | 8,401 | 42.7 | 6,308 | 0.5 | 75 | 65% |
Douglas | Barrett | 35.0 | 6,374 | 64.4 | 11,711 | 0.6 | 106 | 52% |
Dunn | Walker | 53.9 | 8,417 | 45.4 | 7,099 | 0.7 | 114 | 45% |
Eau Claire | Walker | 49.8 | 20,740 | 49.4 | 20,595 | 0.8 | 325 | 54% |
Florence | Walker | 64.8 | 1,338 | 34.7 | 717 | 0.5 | 10 | 57% |
Fond du Lac | Walker | 63.9 | 29,060 | 35.4 | 16,105 | 0.7 | 309 | 58% |
Forest | Walker | 58.8 | 2,180 | 40.0 | 1,485 | 1.2 | 44 | 51% |
Grant | Walker | 52.0 | 9,498 | 47.2 | 8,623 | 0.8 | 137 | 45% |
Green | Walker | 51.1 | 8,407 | 48.5 | 7,981 | 0.4 | 71 | 59% |
Green Lake | Walker | 68.9 | 5,800 | 30.4 | 2,564 | 0.7 | 54 | 57% |
Iowa | Barrett | 46.4 | 4,957 | 52.9 | 5,660 | 0.7 | 77 | 60% |
Iron | Walker | 55.7 | 1,613 | 43.8 | 1,267 | 0.5 | 14 | 59% |
Jackson | Walker | 53.6 | 4,074 | 45.6 | 3,466 | 0.8 | 62 | 48% |
Jefferson | Walker | 60.0 | 22,475 | 39.2 | 14,698 | 0.8 | 274 | 59% |
Juneau | Walker | 55.8 | 5,429 | 43.4 | 4,225 | 0.8 | 83 | 46% |
Kenosha | Barrett | 49.1 | 28,935 | 50.3 | 29,638 | 0.6 | 349 | 48% |
Kewaunee | Walker | 64.1 | 6,108 | 35.5 | 3,388 | 0.4 | 42 | 61% |
La Crosse | Barrett | 47.5 | 22,608 | 51.8 | 24,651 | 0.7 | 382 | 53% |
Lafayette | Walker | 56.7 | 3,887 | 42.6 | 2,923 | 0.7 | 46 | 55% |
Langlade | Walker | 65.6 | 5,621 | 33.7 | 2,898 | 0.7 | 71 | 55% |
Lincoln | Walker | 56.9 | 7,201 | 42.3 | 5,351 | 0.8 | 106 | 56% |
Manitowoc | Walker | 64.1 | 23,085 | 35.2 | 12,682 | 0.7 | 268 | 57% |
Marathon | Walker | 62.1 | 36,352 | 37.2 | 21,809 | 0.7 | 398 | 58% |
Marinette | Walker | 61.9 | 10,267 | 37.6 | 6,242 | 0.5 | 90 | 50% |
Marquette | Walker | 59.3 | 4,102 | 40.0 | 2,764 | 0.7 | 55 | 56% |
Menominee | Barrett | 26.5 | 208 | 73.2 | 575 | 0.3 | 3 | 28% |
Milwaukee | Barrett | 36.3 | 143,455 | 63.3 | 250,476 | 0.4 | 1,935 | 56% |
Monroe | Walker | 59.2 | 9,064 | 39.8 | 6,093 | 1.0 | 155 | 46% |
Oconto | Walker | 65.2 | 11,049 | 34.2 | 5,782 | 0.6 | 102 | 58% |
Oneida | Walker | 58.1 | 10,433 | 41.0 | 7,365 | 0.9 | 147 | 61% |
Outagamie | Walker | 61.3 | 47,840 | 38.1 | 29,714 | 0.6 | 466 | 59% |
Ozaukee | Walker | 70.7 | 34,303 | 29.0 | 14,095 | 0.3 | 141 | 74% |
Pepin | Walker | 60.1 | 1,849 | 39.4 | 1,216 | 0.5 | 17 | 53% |
Pierce | Walker | 55.0 | 8,317 | 44.6 | 6,744 | 0.4 | 59 | 47% |
Polk | Walker | 60.2 | 10,133 | 39.2 | 6,593 | 0.6 | 106 | 50% |
Portage | Barrett | 48.3 | 14,846 | 51.0 | 15,672 | 0.7 | 242 | 55% |
Price | Walker | 60.0 | 4,083 | 39.0 | 2,651 | 1.0 | 73 | 59% |
Racine | Walker | 52.8 | 45,526 | 46.6 | 40,287 | 0.6 | 509 | 59% |
Richland | Walker | 53.8 | 3,895 | 45.5 | 3,296 | 0.7 | 53 | 52% |
Rock | Barrett | 43.5 | 27,498 | 55.8 | 35,316 | 0.7 | 475 | 53% |
Rusk | Walker | 62.6 | 3,722 | 36.3 | 2,167 | 1.1 | 60 | 52% |
Sauk | Walker | 51.2 | 13,648 | 48.1 | 12,815 | 0.7 | 168 | 56% |
Sawyer | Walker | 56.5 | 3,999 | 42.8 | 3,038 | 0.7 | 45 | 54% |
Shawano | Walker | 66.2 | 11,201 | 33.3 | 5,646 | 0.5 | 88 | 52% |
Sheboygan | Walker | 64.3 | 34,047 | 35.2 | 18,612 | 0.5 | 279 | 60% |
St. Croix | Walker | 61.1 | 20,894 | 38.5 | 13,177 | 0.4 | 124 | 56% |
Taylor | Walker | 71.8 | 5,751 | 27.5 | 2,201 | 0.7 | 76 | 51% |
Trempealeau | Walker | 57.0 | 6,266 | 42.2 | 4,634 | 0.8 | 88 | 50% |
Vernon | Walker | 52.0 | 6,352 | 47.2 | 5,762 | 0.8 | 100 | 56% |
Vilas | Walker | 63.3 | 7,300 | 36.1 | 4,154 | 0.6 | 72 | 65% |
Walworth | Walker | 64.3 | 26,221 | 35.2 | 14,346 | 0.5 | 202 | 52% |
Washburn | Walker | 57.1 | 4,278 | 42.1 | 3,156 | 0.8 | 59 | 59% |
Washington | Walker | 75.6 | 52,306 | 24.0 | 16,634 | 0.4 | 246 | 70% |
Waukesha | Walker | 72.4 | 154,316 | 27.3 | 58,234 | 0.3 | 706 | 72% |
Waupaca | Walker | 64.7 | 14,094 | 34.7 | 7,564 | 0.6 | 128 | 54% |
Waushara | Walker | 62.9 | 6,463 | 36.5 | 3,754 | 0.6 | 69 | 52% |
Winnebago | Walker | 56.0 | 39,881 | 43.4 | 30,885 | 0.6 | 446 | 54% |
Wood | Walker | 57.9 | 18,535 | 41.2 | 13,171 | 0.9 | 281 | 55% |
Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic
- Columbia (largest city: Portage)
- Kenosha (largest city: Kenosha)
- La Crosse (largest city: La Crosse)
Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican
- Crawford (largest city: Prairie du Chien)
- Eau Claire (largest city: Eau Claire)
- Green (largest municipality: Monroe)
- Trempealeau (largest city: Arcadia)
Analysis
Despite the protests, which followed shortly after Walker's inauguration, Walker's margin of victory in the recall election increased by 1 percentage point compared to the previous election (6.8% vs 5.8%). Approximately 350,000 more people voted in the recall election than in the 2010 election (2.5 million vs 2.15 million), making voter turnout in the recall 57.8%, the highest for a Wisconsin gubernatorial election not on a presidential ballot. The Republican bastions of Ozaukee, Waukesha, and Washington had the highest turnouts in the state, at 74%, 72%, and 70% respectively. The Democratic bastion of Dane was not far behind, at 67% voter turnout. Menominee had the lowest turnout in the state, with only 28% voter turnout. Walker won 60 counties in the recall election, compared to 59 in 2010. 3 counties flipped from Walker to Barrett in the recall election (Colombia, Kenosha, and La Crosse), while 4 counties flipped from Barrett to Walker in the recall election (Crawford, Eau Claire, Green, and Trempealeau). Walker's margin of victory increased in 54 counties, while it decreased in 18 counties. Walker did better in most of northern Wisconsin, while Barrett did better in southeast Wisconsin and the most northern counties in the state. Twelve counties (Buffalo, Calumet, Clark, Door, Forest, Kewaunee, Outagamie, Pepin, Price, Rusk, Taylor, and Trempealeau) had swings towards Walker by six points or more compared to the last election, while six counties (Columbia, Dodge, Douglas, Kenosha, Racine, and Rock) had swings towards Barrett by two points or more. The Democratic strongholds of Dane County and Milwaukee County went more to Barrett in the recall election, while the Republican strongholds of Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Washington went more Walker.
Craig Gilbert of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel noted the similarities between the 2010 and 2012 elections while looking at the exit poll numbers.[101]
Aftermath
2014 Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling
On July 31, 2014, Scott Bauer reported for the Associated Press:
The Wisconsin Supreme Court on Thursday [July 31, 2014] upheld the 2011 law that effectively ended collective bargaining for most [Wisconsin] public workers, sparked massive protests and led to Republican Gov. Scott Walker's recall election and rise to national prominence. The 5-2 ruling upholds Walker's signature policy achievement in its entirety and is a major victory for the potential 2016 GOP presidential candidate, who is seeking re-election this year. The ruling also marks the end of the three-year legal fight over the law, which prohibits public-employee unions from collectively bargaining for anything beyond wage increases based on inflation. A federal appeals court twice upheld the law as constitutional. "No matter the limitations or 'burdens' a legislative enactment places on the collective-bargaining process, collective bargaining remains a creation of legislative grace and not constitutional obligation", Justice Michael Gableman wrote.[102]
Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson and Justice Ann Walsh Bradley dissented from the ruling, arguing the law unconstitutionally infringes on protected rights.
Investigation of alleged illegal campaign coordination
In August 2012, the first investigation, which had been launched by John Chisholm, Milwaukee County District Attorney, a Democrat, into missing funds, was rolled into a second John Doe probe based on a theory that Governor Walker's campaign had illegally coordinated with conservative groups engaged in issue advocacy during the recall elections.[103] The initial John Doe judge, now retired Kenosha County Circuit Judge Barbara A. Kluka, overseeing the John Doe investigation issued 30 subpoenas and 5 search warrants. She also issued a secrecy order which meant that those being investigated were legally bound from discussing any facet of the investigation publicly.[104] Shortly thereafter, she recused herself from the investigation.[105] Kluka's replacement, Judge Gregory Peterson, quashed several subpoenas in January 2014, saying "there was no probable cause shown that they violated campaign finance laws".[106][107]
The special prosecutor [who?] took the unusual step of filing a supervisory writ, essentially appealing Judge Peterson's decision, with the same appeals court that had denied a motion to stop the investigation.[108] On July 16, 2015, the Wisconsin Supreme Court closed the investigation into whether Governor Walker's campaign had illegally coordinated with outside groups by a 4–2 vote. Justice Michael J. Gableman in writing for the majority stated, "To be clear, this conclusion ends the John Doe investigation because the special prosecutor's legal theory is unsupported in either reason or law. Consequently, the investigation is closed."[109]
The director of Wisconsin Club for Growth (the Wisconsin arm of the national Club for Growth), Eric O'Keefe, defied the gag order, and filed a lawsuit alleging the probe was partisan and violated First Amendment rights to free expression. In a May 6, 2014 order, Judge Rudolph T. Randa found the investigation had no legal basis.[110]
One day later, a three-judge panel (Wood, Bauer and Easterbrook) of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit in Chicago stayed Judge Randa's preliminary injunction, ruling he had overstepped his authority as prosecutors had already appealed an earlier decision in the case. Randa could issue his injunction only if he certified their appeal as frivolous. The appeals court also ruled that Judge Randa could not order prosecutors to destroy evidence collected in the five-county probe.[111][112][113][114] Judge Randa quickly certified the appeal as frivolous and the appeals court upheld the preliminary injunction ruling that he did have the authority to issue the injunction.[115]
At the request of the Wisconsin Club for Growth, the court unsealed documents from the investigation on June 19, 2014.[116] These documents reveal the prosecutors' theory that Governor Walker was at the center of a plan to illegally coordinate fundraising efforts with a number of outside conservative groups to help him in the 2012 recall election, bypassing state election laws. A theory that had been ruled as having no legal basis by two judges.[117]
According to a statement by prosecutors "At the time the investigation was halted, Governor Walker was not a target of the investigation. At no time has he been served with a subpoena", and that they have "no conclusions as to whether there is sufficient evidence to charge anyone with a crime".[118] To date, no one has been charged in the investigation.[116][119] The probe has been effectively shut down with Judge Peterson's quashing of subpoenas until the Wisconsin Supreme Court rules on whether the investigation was legal.[120]
On August 21, 2014, a number of email messages were disclosed from a previous court filing by a special prosecutor. According to Politico, the emails purports to show that Walker made an early decision for money to be funneled though a group he trusted, and shows that he had a direct hand in "orchestrating the fundraising logistics of the opposition to the recalls".[121] According to CBS News, the disclosures show that prosecutors claimed that Walker "personally solicited donations for [the] conservative group Wisconsin Club for Growth to get around campaign finance limits and disclosure requirements as he fended off the recall attempt in 2012."[122]
One of the emails released read, "As the Governor discussed … he wants all the issue advocacy efforts run through one group to ensure correct messaging. We had some past problems with multiple groups doing work on 'behalf' of Gov. Walker and it caused some issues … The Governor is encouraging all to invest in the Wisconsin Club for Growth."[123] The Washington Post reported that the documents released show Walker solicited donors such as Home Depot co-founder Ken Langone, hedge fund manager Paul Singer, and real estate businessman Donald Trump to give large contributions to a tax-exempt group that backed him during the recall efforts.[123]
Wisconsin Club for Growth reportedly only ran issues ads, none of which had to do with the recall attempt.[124] According to a The Wall Street Journal editorial (August 24, 2014), it is "legal and common" for politicians to raise money for political action committees, party committees, and 501(c)(4)'s. There are no allegations that the Wisconsin Club for Growth gave the money to Walker, or even advertised on his behalf.[125]
In September 2014, lawyers asked a federal appeals court to uphold an injunction that blocks a Wisconsin prosecutor from reviving an investigation that targeted conservative organizations accused of illegally coordinating with the governor for the purpose of circumventing campaign finance limits, citing selective prosecution and violations of free speech and equal protection under the law.[126] On September 9, 2014, the Seventh Circuit heard oral arguments on the appeal. During arguments, Judge Frank Easterbrook questioned the constitutionality of the secrecy orders, stating it's "screaming with unconstitutionality". Judge Diane Wood focused in on why the suit was filed in federal court. O'Keefe's attorneys pointed to the fact that the Wisconsin Supreme Court had yet to take up the cases filed in state court.[127] On September 24, 2014, the Seventh Circuit reversed Judge Randa's injunction order and dismissed the lawsuit, not based on the merits of the case, but ruling only on federal interference in a state case.[128] O'Keefe filed an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court on January 21, 2015.[129]
Wisconsin's Government Accountability Board, or GAB, performed the functions of both a state elections and ethics board during this time period and was part of the investigation due to being "presented with facts that suggested there was a violation of the law as it had been applied for years".[130] Although credited as a "model" for other states because "members are former judges chosen in a way to ensure they will not favor either major party" and "no other state has a chief election administration authority with the same degree of insulation from partisan politics"[131] the GAB's being part of this investigation still drew the ire of some Wisconsin Republicans. In July 2015 Governor Walker called for the dismantling of the GAB.[132] The state legislature, controlled by Republicans during the 2015–16 session, passed a law doing so—which Governor Walker signed—that ended the GAB in 2016 and split its functions between boards appointed by leaders of the major political parties.
In 2016, Salon.com declared that a majority of the Wisconsin Supreme Court justices who halted the investigation had been endorsed by the same conservative organizations that were being investigated. "Four of that court's seven justices were elected with $10 million in support (more than the jurists spent on their own campaigns) from Wisconsin Club for Growth and Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, two of the 'independent' groups that Walker was accused of illegally coordinating with..."[133] This led to some of the District Attorneys involved in the John Doe investigation appealing unsuccessfully to the U.S. Supreme Court.[134]
The Guardian reported in September 2016 that there was strong evidence of illegal coordination, based on more than 1500 pages of leaked emails.[135][136]
On October 3, 2016, the United States Supreme Court decided not to take the case despite urging by The New Yorker in order "to repair the rule of law in Wisconsin".[137] Political and legal scholar Howard Schweber opined that this may have been due to the US Supreme Court trying to avoid "tie outcomes".[138]
See also
- 2011 Wisconsin protests
- 2011 Wisconsin Act 10
- Recall elections in Wisconsin
- 2012 Wisconsin lieutenant gubernatorial recall election
- Wisconsin Supreme Court election, 2011
- Wisconsin Senate recall elections, 2011
- Wisconsin Senate recall elections, 2012
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The defendants are pursuing criminal charges through a secret John Doe investigation against the plaintiffs for exercising issue advocacy speech rights that on their face are not subject to the regulations or statutes the defendants seek to enforce. This legitimate exercise of O'Keefe's rights as an individual, and WCFG's rights as a 501(c)(4) corporation, to speak on the issues has been characterized by the defendants as political activity covered by Chapter 11 of the Wisconsin Statutes, rendering the plaintiffs a subcommittee of the Friends of Scott Walker and requiring that money spent on such speech be reported as an in-kind campaign contribution. This interpretation is simply wrong.
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