newjerseynewsroom.com

BY ROBERT KINKEAD

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

For just the third time since 1776, voters will decide if they want to boot a sitting governor out of office.

If history is any guide, the odds look somewhat grim for Wisconsin's Republican Governor Scott Walker. According to the Associated Press (AP), In both previous gubernatorial recalls, California's Gray Davis in 2003 and North Dakota's Lynn Frazier in 1921, the incumbents were tossed out.

However, since the recall effort began, shortly after Walker took office last year, people both inside and outside Wisconsin have come to his aid. One outspoken supporter included New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie who campaigned for Walker.

AP estimates that Walker boosters have spent $29 million.  His opponent, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett is thought to have spent $4 million, while groups not directly connected to either candidate have put about $30 million into ads fostering their choice.

The brouhaha began almost immediately after Walker announced plans to require most public employees to increase their contributions to pension and health plans and, more significantly, to surrender most collective bargaining rights. Bitter protests by tens of thousands followed, and 14 Senate Democrats fled the state for three weeks in a failed effort to deny a quorum and block the law.

The plan was passed by the Republican controlled legislature and signed into law in March, 2011.

While the fuss began over collective bargaining, the Los Angeles Times notes that it has escalated as Walker and the GOP-controlled legislature have passed laws reducing tax credits and other benefits for modest income people, relaxed restrictions on carrying concealed weapons, implemented new rules on abortions, favored tax incentives for corporations, and reduced school spending.

The Democrats have not only targeted Walker but also set their sights recapturing control of the state legislature. Voters will also be asked to recall GOP Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch and four incumbent GOP state senators. If the Dems win any of those senate seats, they will also win control of the senate and the ability to block any legislative initiative proposed by Walker.

The recall race is considered close in a state where polls indicate that there are few undecided voters. Walker will depend on suburbanites from around major cities, while Barrett and the Democrats must rely on a huge voter turnout  by his base in Milwaukee and Madison.