Last night Mark, his sister, two friends from the coffeshop and I all went down to the Square for dinner and to watch the Ed Schultz show being broadcast live from Madison (below). We knew that no matter what happened with the day's elections it was an historic moment and we wanted to be part of it. This is one the signs (above) we saw as the sun slowly set, and its message is much on my mind this morning.
What we hoped against hope might happen, did not. But something wonderful did happen: the engaged citizens of this state forced an unheard of nine recall elections against members of the Wisconsin State Senate on both sides of the aisle. Four Republicans held off their challengers last night but two Democrats were victorious — both of them women. Add to that Chis Taylor's win yesterday to fill Joe Parisi's seat in the state Assembly that was vacant due to his election as our County Exec in April. Not only did we gain two Senate seats but we upped the number of women in the state legislature. That is no small feat and will make a big difference in and of itself in the coming months and years.
Senator Jessica King/madison.com
We left the Square around 10:30 p.m. when it looked like Sandy Pasch might take down Alberta Darling. Everyone's deepest hope was that the efforts of thousands of on-the-ground grassroots activists could beat big money. But Darling (what a misnomer!) held on to her seat. Really it was no surprise since she represents one of the wealthiest districts in the state. Her neighbors in their mansions have no reason to want to change the status quo and every reason to want to protect it. That's why her race will go down as the most expensive state legislative race not only in Wisconsin history — but in the entire U.S. A travesty as well as a tragedy.
Senator Jennifer Schilling/madison.com
"Failure is impossible," said Susan B. Anthony, the mother of us all. The battle for women's suffrage began in earnest at the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention and went on until the passage of the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote occurred in 1920. A fight that lasted 72 years! Anthony and many of the women who initiated that fight worked their entire lives to make it happen. Though they did not live to see the day, they never stopped believing, never stopped working. So this morning I celebrate the three women who are new Democratic members of the Wisconsin State Legislature and I raise my coffee cup to Susan B. Anthony. Failure is impossible.
Rep. Chris Taylor/madison.com
Beautifully and powerfully stated! Wisconsin has been an inspiration.
Posted by: Altoon | Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at 10:44 AM
Big Money is hard to whip, especially wrapped around lies and dirty tricks and tied up with the Supremes' "Citizens United" ribbon, making a money=free speech and corporations= persons toxic package.
But, let me tell you, you are right on. Susan *was* (and is) right! Failure is not an option, and you're well on your way, Wisconsin, to holding 'em back! Don't underestimate courage and sheer perseverance!
Well done! Congratulations from TX on your wins, and now, on to the next battle!
(You know, I'm beginning to think the Brits have it right. In a Parliamentary form of government, they can vote 'no confidence' and 'throw the bums out'. No waiting for the next election, as it is my understanding that we will have to do for replacing his impervious imperial majesty, Governor Scott Walker. Am I right on that?)
Posted by: sandy lawrence | Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at 01:35 PM
Ditto Altoon.
Posted by: Julie Siegel | Friday, August 19, 2011 at 12:51 PM