1921: Lynn Frazier. 2003: Gray Davis. 2012: ?
Politics, is an art form many think is only good for those of the evil minded and radically charged. Actually, its the business of politics that morphs the political minded into the "cesspool of deception and arrogance." History shows us that people will do anything to make sure their agenda is the one that prevails. Lynn Frazier and Gray Davis were to governors (of North Dakota and California respectively) who had successful attempts by the electorate to unseat them.
Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin is not one of them. After successfully and increasing the votes, he retained his seat as Governor. How did he do this? One might speculate that he was given a miracle, which may be true. But, look at it this way, he defeated a large group--and a formerly powerful group. When Walker signed a law revoking rights of Unions, he was placed on the pedestal of evil, vilifying the workers and dismantling all that had been done to protect workers' rights.
As luck would have it, Wisconsin was in a state of disarray, one that had a massive budget issue that needed to be solved quickly. And, just as Walker promised, he turned his state from deficit spending to surplus spending. His battle with State Democrats yielded one thing: Republicans can take on the fight and win. Wisconsin is notorious for its Democrat leaning, especially in its showing on the 2008 election but quickly shifted back to Republican in the 2010 midterm election. So what does this show for 2012? There's no clear answer. It could easily sway back to Democrat for the national election or it could easily move closer to the right and vote Republican--which would help Governor Romney, who just clenched the unofficial number to take the Republican Nomination.
Suffice it to say, this feat of retaining a seat in the midst of a recall election by 54-percent, a 2-percent gain from his initial election, to 46-percent is a wake up call for Democrats. It is possible that even their own are shifting away, or they realize that the Unions of old are dead and the Unions of now are more dangerous than they wanted. While Unions are good, circa 1800-1980, the past years have only damaged workers, reducing their own rights and limiting their voices through the Employee Free Choice Act. While it may seem to be a significant streamline of measures to ensure a union, it takes away may things that protect Union members, such as the secret-ballot of voting for representatives. According to Mackinac Center for Public Policy, a study was shown that of those polled, 53-percent found that a secret ballot was the fairest way compared to the alternative from the EFCA. Also included in this study on the question of whether Congress should keep or replace the existing ways election process. A resounding 78-percent said to keep it the same, while only 11-percent chose to replace it and another 11-percent were not sure.
Maybe Unions aren't as good as they once were, and the statistics may be showing it. Nevertheless, the win for Governor Walker remains a valuable asset for Republicans, even if Democrats say otherwise. The 2012 election will be an increasingly interesting election.
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