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Nov. 5, 2008
2008 Election Results
An historic election has now come to a close resulting in a
resounding victory for Barack Obama across the country and in Wisconsin as
well.
The drama proved minimal as McCain in a gracious manner conceded and Obama delivered his stirring
victory speech before 10:30 pm. Both men called for the country to come
together in addressing the major challenges ahead.
The secondary Democratic wave brought the House of Representatives at least
20 new members, a +17 increase in their majority, and in the U.S. Senate
Democrats picked up five seats bringing their caucus to 56 (four seats still
remain undecided). Representative Steve Kagen defeated John Gard in Wisconsin’s
only competitive Congressional race, as the much watched Brown County area
went decidedly Democratic this cycle.
In state elections, the Democrats have captured the state Assembly for the
first time since 1994. The currently reported margin is 52-46-1, with a
recount likely in at least one seat.
Democrats won three of the four competitive open seats, and knocked off
Republican incumbents Frank Lassee, Terry Moulton and Doc Hines. Every
Democratic incumbent who ran was re-elected.
In the state Senate every incumbent in both parties was re-elected at this
point, and the margin remains 18-15. There will be a recount in the race
between Randy Hopper and Jessica King as Hopper’s margin of victory was less
than 200 votes. There is also the possibility for a recount challenge in the
race for Alberta Darling’s seat; while her lead is larger, there appears to
be a number of early votes and absentee ballots that have not yet been
counted.
It was only four years ago that the majorities were quite the opposite
across the board as Republican George W. Bush was re-elected. The Democrats
certainly have the pieces in place to achieve their goals; the
implementation process will determine whether or not attainment of those
goals will be successful.
For an
overview of the Wisconsin 2008 Elections, go to
Hamilton Consulting Group's Updates.
State Assembly Results
State Senate Results
U.S. Results
Wisconsin Election Results
Assembly Democrats Take Majority
Pending final tallies, potential recounts and certification the Assembly
Democrats have picked up a net of 5 seats to take a 52-46-1 majority in the
State Assembly. Democrats picked up seats in the 2nd, 42nd,
57th, 68th, and 92nd Assembly Districts.
Details on the
State Assembly Results..
Senate
Holds at 18-15 Democratic Majority
Pending final tallies, potential recounts, and certification it appears
that all incumbents have been reelected and open seats have been held by the
party that previously held the seat. The Senate Democrats held an 18-15
majority going into the election and it looks like that same split returns
to Madison in January.
Details on the
State Senate Results.
Election
News
Democrats appear to keep control: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Nov.
5, 20008. Bitter Darling-Wasserman struggle in 8th District goes down to
wire in suburbs.
'Wave of
change' pushes Democrats into control of state Assembly: Wisconsin
State Journal, Nov. 5, 2008. Wisconsin Democrats won control of the
state Assembly Tuesday night, giving them control of both the state
Legislature and the governor's mansion for the first time in more than
two decades.
Democrats see 'trifecta': Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Nov. 5, 20008.
They hope to have Assembly as well as Senate, governor.
More of
Wisconsin votes blue in '08: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Nov. 5,
20008. Youth, independents and lower-earners choose Obama.
Obey defeats challenger Mielke: Ashland Daily Press, Nov. 5, 2008.
The dean of Wisconsin’s congressional delegation, a Democrat, took a
quick lead over the farmer and businessman.
2nd Assembly District update: Green Bay Press-Gazette, Nov. 5, 2008.
Ted Zigmunt defeats incumbent Frank Lasee.
Dexter upends Moulton: Eau Claire Leader-Telegram, Nov. 5, 2008.
Democratic challenger Kristen Dexter knocked off two-term Republican
incumbent Terry Moulton in a tightly fought, see-saw battle for the 68th
Assembly District seat.
Hopper narrowly wins 18th Senate seat, King will ask for recount:
Oshkosh Northwestern, Nov. 5, 2008. The 180 vote margin was close enough
for King to indicate she will ask for a recount.
Nelson, Ott, Roth, Tauchen and Petersen each win: Appleton
Post-Crescent, Nov. 5, 2008. Fox Valley's only Assembly Democrat easily
defeated his Republican challenger Tuesday in the race for the
politically unpredictable 5th District.
Petri wins 16th term in Congress: Appleton Post-Crescent, Nov. 5,
2008. State delegation remains intact, works together.
Republican Don Friske re-elected to Northwoods Assembly District 35:
Wausau Daily Herald, Nov. 5, 2008. In his campaign, Friske advocated
making Northwoods Wisconsin a hub for the development of renewable
energy industries, including development and production of new
technologies.
8th U.S. Congressional District: Green Bay Press-Gazette, Nov. 5,
2008. Kagen wins rematch with Republican Gard Gard turned back for
second straight election.
88th Assembly District update: Green Bay Press-Gazette, Nov. 5,
2008. Incumbent Soletski wins comfortably over challenger Theisen.
Ryan wins sixth term in House: Janesville Gazette, Nov. 5, 2008.
Ryan goes back to Washington to work in a Democrat-controlled Congress
and a Democrat in the White House. But he’ll be a leader in his party.
For more Wisconsin News, go to
Hamilton
Consulting News Clips.
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