Republican Swing Vote Could be Result of Aug. 16 Recall Elections
One Republican senator seems unafraid to vote his own way, and that could shift the balance on some votes, but only if the Senate maintains a 17-16 split.
What do you call a state senator who votes against the party line? Here is Wisconsin, we might call that senator the swing vote, especially if the state Senate retains its 17-16 Republican majority split after the Aug. 16 recall elections.
Up for grabs are two Democratic seats. Bob Wirch (D-Kenosha) and Jim Holperin (D-Conover) will face challengers Jonathan Steitz and Kim Simac, respectively.
Should both Wirch and Holperin win, Dale Schultz (R-Richland Center) will fast become a much-courted vote for both sides of the aisle.
According to John Nichols of The Capital Times this morning, Aug. 14, on Upfront with Mike Gousha, Democrats picking up two seats in the Aug. 9 recall elections brings more balance to the Senate.
"One Republican state Senator from Southwest Wisconsin, Dale Schultz, broke with the Governor and voted against the Budget Repair Bill," he told Gousha. "And he was very much isolated in the initial vote. But now that the Democrats have added two seats, he can side with the Democrats ... on issues where he is much more moderate."
Schultz siding with Democrats on some issues will transform the dynamic in the Capital, Nichols added. Specifically, education, labor and rural issues will come into play, potentially producing a liberal-moderate majority that could limit some of Governor Scott Walker's initiatives.
Of course that assumes both Wirch and Holperin hold on to their seats.
With so many policies and pieces of legislation making the rounds in Madison, all eyes are still on Wisconsin and what happens on Aug. 16 is anyone's guess.
Heather Asiyanbi
1:43 pm on Sunday, August 14, 2011
Actually it's not whiny to point out that a 19-14 majority is not as balanced as a 17-16 majority. It's just numbers. Nichols wasn't stating an opinion - just pointing to how the 17-16 split could matter going forward given Schultz's more moderate stance on some of the issues, which could matter BIG on some of Governor Walker's initiatives.
If the Democrats lose the two seats on Tuesday, then it mostly won't matter how Schultz votes since the Republicans will maintain the majority needed to approve legislation without Democrats on board. It's just a fact of the numbers.
Duane Michalski
7:45 pm on Monday, August 15, 2011
Heather, you are partially correct. If the Republicans pick up only one seat then Schultz will not be a factor. Not to mention that the Senate districts have changed. The re-districting should allow for at least 2 more seats next fall. The fantastic job that Gov. Walker and the elected majority will be able to move forward. I also believe the new jobs initiative will have bi-partison support.