Hamilton Political Tidbits - Nov. 3, 2010

Special Election Edition

Republicans had a clean sweep Tuesday night in Wisconsin, with Scott Walker to become the next Governor and the GOP taking control of both the Assembly and Senate. 2011 will mark the first time since the 1995-96 legislative session that Republicans will control the Assembly, Senate, and the Governor’s Office.

Republicans Take 60-38-1 Advantage in Assembly

The Republican wave occurred throughout the state. GOP candidates won key Assembly races to regain control of the chamber just two years after the Democrats obtained the majority. Based on last night’s results, the Assembly will hold a 60-38-1 advantage in the upcoming legislative session. In 2009-10, Democrats held a 51-46-2 advantage.

Among the more surprising wins by the Republicans was a victory over Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan (D-Janesville), who lost to Republican Joe Knilans. Another unexpected win by the GOP was a victory by Republican challenger Scott Krug over longtime Democratic Assemblyman Marlin Schneider in the 72nd legislative district, which encompasses the Wisconsin Rapids area.

Republicans also knocked off Democratic incumbents Jim Soletski (D-Green Bay), Ted Zigmunt (D-Francis Creek), Phil Garthwaite (D-Dickeyville), Kristen Dexter (D-Eau Claire), Kim Hixson (D-Whitewater), Ann Hraychuck (D-Balsam Lake), Jeff Smith (D-Eau Claire), and Terry Van Akkerren (D-Sheboygan).

In addition, Republicans picked up Assembly seats of retiring Representatives, including: Steve Hilgenberg (D-Dodgeville), Rep. Jeff Wood (I-Chippewa Falls), Chuck Benedict (D-Beloit) and Mary Hubler (D-Rice Lake).

Senate Republicans have 19-14 Majority

In the Senate, Republicans were victorious in key races, handing the GOP control for the first time since the 2005-06 legislative session. Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker (D-Weston) lost to challenger Pam Galloway (R). Rep. Leah Vukmir (R) defeated incumbent Democratic Senator Jim Sullivan in the 5th Senate District, which encompasses Wauwatosa. Republican Van Wanggaard defeated incumbent Democratic Senator John Lehman in the 21st District, which encompasses Racine. Republican Terry Moulten defeated Democratic incumbent Pat Kreitlow (D-Chippewa Falls). Republicans will have a 19-14 majority heading into the 2011-12 session.

In the race for Attorney General, incumbent J.B. Van Hollen (R) won easily, defeating his Democratic opponent Scott Hassett (D).

At the federal level, the news of the night was political newcomer Republican Ron Johnson’s victory over longtime U.S. Senator Russ Feingold. Although Johnson and a number of other Republican Senators were victorious throughout the country, it was not enough for the GOP to retake control of the U.S. Senate. As expected, Republicans made huge gains in the U.S. House of Representatives, handing the GOP control.

In the key Wisconsin Congressional races, Republican Sean Duffy beat State Senator Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point) to fill the seat of retiring U.S. Representative Dave Obey in the 7th Congressional District. Reid Ribble (R) defeated incumbent U.S. Rep. Steve Kagen (D) in the 8th Congressional District. Incumbent Ron Kind (D) held off a challenge by State Senator Dan Kapanke (R) in the 3rd Congressional District. The other incumbents – Rep. Paul Ryan (R), Tammy Baldwin (D), Tom Petri (R), Jim Sensenbrenner (R), and Gwen Moore (D) – easily defeated their opponents.