Robin Vos Calls for Recall Election Change; Cory Mason Disagrees

The day after the historic recall election, Representative Robin Vos (R-Rochester) is calling for changes in how state recalls are initiated.

While local officials can only be recalled if a specific reason related to the official duties of the person being recalled is given, state level recalls are not subject to that rule. Vos thinks this should change and the law be equally applied across both levels of government.

He also cited the cost to local governments and taxpayers as an impetus for the amendment.

“No longer should taxpayer dollars be wasted on unnecessary recall elections that were triggered by a vote that some special interest group didn’t like.” said Rep. Vos.  “It undermines our democracy and wastes precious taxpayer dollars that are needed elsewhere.”

But Cory Mason (D-Racine) said the system works just fine as it is because of how many signatures need to be collected in order for a recall election to go forward.

Additionally, Mason thinks these elections could signal a recall of Governor Scott Walker. He points to how the Democratic candidates performed, even in districts where they didn't win.

"Democrats did better in those districts than the Governor did in 2010," he said. "That's very meaningful."

While candidates interested in taking over for Walker certainly have the ability to initiate a recall action against the Governor, any Wisconsin resident can get the ball rolling.

With six recall elections down and two to go, the balance of power in Madison is still very much up for grabs.

The Aug. 9 recalls found Republican senators Alberta Darling, Robert Cowles, Luther Olsen and Sheila Harsdorf retaining their seats. Democrats Jessica King and Jennifer Shilling came out on top in their districts. Republicans retain a one-seat majority in the Senate.

Bob Wirch (D-Pleasant Prairie) and Jim Holperin (D-Conover) face challengers on Aug. 16.