The Wisconsin Recall Results

Tuesday's recall results showed a couple of things.  First, the power of public employee unions is not absolute.  It has been estimated by Reuters that both sides spent something approaching $37 million (that is more than was spent in the total election cycle in 2010 for legislative elections.  There are not reliable estimates of how money divided but it is likely that the public employee unions outspent the supporters of Governor Walker's position by a substantial margin.   Second, while there are two remaining recalls (both against democrats) it is likely that the GOP will maintain control of the state senate at least until 2012.   Third, with the amount of money spent trying to unseat Judge Prosser and the recalls - midwest union funds will be less important in the coming election cycle.