Politics & Government

State Recall Elections Set for May 8, June 5

Dane County Judge Richard Niess has signed off on dates proposed by the Government Accountability Board.

Well, Wisconsin, we have confirmed recall election dates.

The Associated Press is reporting that Dane County Circuit Judge Richard Niess has signed off on the after attorneys from the GAB, recall committees and recall candidates signed off on the deal.

Republican Party of Wisconsin Executive Director Stephan Thompson issued a written statement saying the party agrees with Niess' decision.

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"We're pleased with today’s ruling by Judge Niess, which grants the Government Accountability Board an extension for certification of recall petitions. By aligning all recall elections on the same date, a significant burden on election officials and taxpayers has been relieved," he said.

Gov. Scott Walker, Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch, and four state senators, and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, are targeted for recall. While the GAB has not finished verifying signatures for Walker and Kleefisch, on Monday the board voted unanimously to order the recalls of the senators.

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Primary races will be held on May 8, but races without a primary will use the May 8 date as the general election.

There will be a primary in the gubernatorial election. In addition to Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, Secretary of State Doug La Follette and state Sen. Kathleen Vinehout have also announced or plan to announce they're running.

Whether there will be a primary in Racine County is still up in the air. Former Sen. John Lehman, whom Wanggaard defeated in Nov. 2010, is going to run and now, with the GAB. Mielke said he's more of an independent but would run as a Democrat against Lehman in a primary to eventually face Wanggaard for the June 5 general election.


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