In the gubernatorial recall debate in Wisconsin, the candidates were asked whether the state’s recall laws should be changed.
Democratic Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett noted that Republican Gov. Scott Walker first became Milwaukee County executive through a recall election — and that he had in the past personally signed recall petitions, such as against U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl and then, Sen. Russ Feingold, over policy votes. Barrett said the laws should remain as they are, and the current recall was a legitimate expression of people concerned about the direction of the state and Walker’s efforts to divide it.
Walker, on the other hand, said: “Absolutely, the law should be changed. I think Democrats and Republican alike understand that spending $16 or $17 million dollars on another election is a waste of money. But it’s the law now.” He also predicted that after the current recall is over, people in the state would take action: “And I think you’ll see both Democrats and Republicans, not just in the legislature but voters across the state, want to see it changed.”
