We're flippin' thrilled

For the first time since I was old enough to vote in 1968, I did not follow any election returns last night. I knew too many races would be close and I wanted one more good night's sleep just in case the news was bad. This morning we grabbed the laptop in bed at 6 a.m. and the news was so delightful we went out to breakfast to celebrate. 

At last our miserable excuse for a governor has been shown the door. Unfortunately he, the GOP-controlled state legislature and the Koch brothers have trashed our state's laws, ethics, courts and reputation. The damage that has been done in the last 8 years will take more than a generation to repair. But those repairs began last night with the election of Tony Evers as governor and Josh Kaul as AG and the re-election of our great US Senator Tammy Baldwin. 

And Scotty, as we promised you in 2011: 

Comments

[Kristin]

I'm so happy for you! We lost McCaskill. I didn't LOVE her, but certainly preferred having her in the Senate instead of Hawley. Sigh.

[Nell]

My favorite part of Walker's defeat: He signed a bill barring recounts where the margin is more than 1%. He lost by 1.2%. Heh.

Sad about IronStache, but my impression from afar is that his campaign built and strengthened a coalition that will continue to make a difference in statewide elections and a base for keeping that CD competitive.

Congratulations.

[Kris P]

Congratulations! California is slightly bluer (almost cobalt perhaps) but I was disappointed that a few more of the at-risk districts didn't turn, particularly district 50 where the incumbent is under indictment. District 22 didn't turn either but I guess that one was too much to hope for.

[mamaraby]

We watched election returns a couple of times last night. I had gone back and forth trying to decide if I wanted to all day. In the end we went with a non-standard news outlet which probably helped. It all ended up a bit of a mixed bag, and Kleefisch’s words at 1am about how they had won and would face a lengthy recount effort by the Dems seems like a particularly delightful bit of hubris (https://wkow.com/news/political/2018/11/07/wisconsin-governors-race-remains-tight/). My sister asked me if I thought the result and likely inability to call for a recount was irony. I think hubris is a better match. Scotty just conceded so I think a little celebration is in order.

[Lisa at Greenbow]

I am so happy for WI.
I loved the song. Perfect.

[ceci]

Thought of you when I saw the lovely Wisconsin news late last night.
I was hoping for more national flips, but at this point we have to take what we can get, I guess.

ceci

[Linda Brazill]

I think you are correct about Randy Byce's' defeat but it is frustrating that the winner was a Ryan staffer.
Another pretty boy with no heart if he follows Ryan's playbook.

[Linda Brazill]

I went down to the Solidarity Sing Along at the Capitol Rotunda at noon today. It was jubilant and we sang all those songs that gave Scotty his just desserts. One can't help but enjoy the fact that he is hoist with his own petard on this recount issue.

[Linda Brazill]

Despite a lot of disappointments, I am overjoyed at the number of women who will be going to Washington. What a momentous occasion.

[Cindy at enclos*ure]

I checked the returns last night about midnight and Walker was leading, and I was so sad for you. And so happy this morning. Take care!

[Michelle]

I am still finding it hard to believe. It has been such a long haul.

[Loree / danger garden]

I’m so happy for you and your fellow citizens! We kept our female, democratic governor, thank god. The republican man running against her was fueled by millions from Phil Knight (Nike). I knew chances were slim that a republican would be elected here, but the buckets and buckets of money had me worried.

[Linda Brazill]

What is noteworthy is that tons of outside money was spent here as well and this time it did not work. Voter turnout, especially in Madison and Milwaukee, made the difference. Madison had almost 93% of pre-registered voters and my neighborhood had 85.7%. So that is perhaps the big "takeaway" as the pundits like to say.

[Barbara H.]

What great news! I knew Walker had been defeated but didn't know about the other good news. Alabama of course is such sad news, especially the two amendments that passed (abortion and Ten Commandments) but it was not surprising. Like so many others I was hoping for better news nationally but grateful for what we got. And now Jeff Sessions is out of a job, but it worries me for Mueller's investigation.

[Peter/Outlaw]

Hooray! Happy for you and Wisconsin! Loved the song.

[rae]

Like you the first thing I did when I woke yesterday was to check my phone and was also elated that Walker lost. When John came in the door from work he immediately dropped his bags and broke into the Walker Lost Happy Dance.

[Susan Adler Sobol]

I was thinking of you when I heard the good news!

[Erin]

I feel like I can finally take a breath again. Thank goodness.