Red, White and Blue
Wisconsin Democrats: We control the state Senate
MADISON- Senate Democrats are moving ahead as if they have regained control of the chamber through Tuesday's recall elections even though the crucial race is too close to call.
The Senate stood divided 16-16 between Republicans and Democrats heading into the elections. Unofficial results from the race in Racine's 21st Senate District showed Democratic challenger John Lehman leading incumbent Republican Sen. Van Wanggaard by less than 800 votes, and Wanggaard has refused to concede.
Senate Democratic Leader Mark Miller has declared himself majority leader regardless. He held a news conference Wednesday afternoon to say he's already spoken to Republican Senate Leader Mark Miller about the details of the transition.
"There's a lot of unfinished business and we look forward to taking the issues that are confronting our state, particularly job creation and opening up the governmental process," said Miller in a press conference Wednesday.
Republican Senate Leader Scott Fitzgerald says Miller's stance is premature. He spoke to Miller but only about meeting to discuss committee structures if Democrats have indeed won the chamber.
Miller left the door open to a summer special session, as did his Republican counterpart and recall winner, Scott Fitzgerald. "There has been some talk about the mining bill. The governor has been talking about pulling it together. That's great, we'll come in in July and do that," said Fitzgerald.
Both sides say they can bury the hatchet and get to work. "We'll be able to move forward and put together some good legislation," said Fitzgerald.
"When you have a split house or government it requires you to engage in the kind of responsible discussion and negotiation that can lead to progress," noted Miller.
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