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Wisconsin recall election fallout - US politics live Wisconsin recall election fallout - US politics live
(40 minutes later)
4.20pm: At a fundraising lunch in San Antonio, Texas, Mitt Romney tells the party faithful:
If you have some liberal friends, just say to them what about the kids? How can you have a party, how can you support a party that puts the interests of the teachers unions against the interests of our kids.
Take that, teachers unions.
4pm: Think that the Obama campaign is having a rough time right now? It could get much worse, AP suggests, correctly:
The political blows from Tuesday's bitter loss in Wisconsin's gubernatorial recall and from last week's abysmal unemployment numbers, bad as they were, could multiply before the month is out.
The Supreme Court will pass judgment shortly on the president's signature legislative achievement – the 2010 law overhauling the nation's health care system – and also will decide on his administration's challenge to Arizona's tough immigration law. If Chief Justice John Roberts and the court strike down all or part of the health care law, it could demoralize Democrats who invested more than a year – and quite a few political careers – to secure the bill's passage.
And in Arizona, aside from the big immigration case, the Democrats are fighting to hold onto the House seat of Gabrielle Giffords, who resigned in January to focus on recovering from her gunshot wound. In next Tuesday's special election, former Giffords aide Ron Barber is locked in a close race with Republican Jesse Kelly, who lost to her in 2010 by just 4,156 votes.
3.31pm: Campaign watchdog the Centre for Public Integrity has a detailed look at where all the money came from in Wisconsin's recall election:
Tuesday's recall election of Republican Governor Scott Walker is the most expensive in Wisconsin history. More than $63.5m has been spent by candidates and independent groups, the overwhelming majority underwritten by out-of-state sources.
The record spending total was made possible thanks to the Citizens United US Supreme Court decision – which had the effect of invalidating Wisconsin's century-old ban on independent expenditures by corporations and unions – and a state law that allows unlimited contributions to the incumbent in recall elections.
3.06pm: Last night's Wisconsin recall election was also a very bad night for cable news – "the worst night," according to Politico.3.06pm: Last night's Wisconsin recall election was also a very bad night for cable news – "the worst night," according to Politico.
All the main news channels seemed totally wrong-footed by the result. CNN thought it had time to run repeats of Piers Morgan's gushing diamond jubilee chuntering. The misery was more palpable at MSNBC – as we can see from this cruel yet amusing compilation of its coverage.All the main news channels seemed totally wrong-footed by the result. CNN thought it had time to run repeats of Piers Morgan's gushing diamond jubilee chuntering. The misery was more palpable at MSNBC – as we can see from this cruel yet amusing compilation of its coverage.
2.38pm: A terrible black eye for the Democratic party after the primary for California's 31st congressional district – ruining the party's chances of taking a prime target off the Republicans.2.38pm: A terrible black eye for the Democratic party after the primary for California's 31st congressional district – ruining the party's chances of taking a prime target off the Republicans.
California instituted a new primary system – a nonpartisan blanket or "jungle" primary where a single primary involving all parties and independent candidates sees the top two finishers run-off in the general election in November.California instituted a new primary system – a nonpartisan blanket or "jungle" primary where a single primary involving all parties and independent candidates sees the top two finishers run-off in the general election in November.
But what can go wrong did go wrong for the Democrats in San Bernardino last night: Republican candidates filled the top two places – although fewer than 1,000 votes separate the second and third-placed positions – meaning that it will be an all-GOP election for the seat in November.But what can go wrong did go wrong for the Democrats in San Bernardino last night: Republican candidates filled the top two places – although fewer than 1,000 votes separate the second and third-placed positions – meaning that it will be an all-GOP election for the seat in November.
The Los Angeles Times reports:The Los Angeles Times reports:
One of the biggest upsets in Tuesday's "top two" primary came in a San Bernardino County congressional race where the top Democratic candidate, Redlands Mayor Pete Aguilar, appears to have failed to collect enough votes to make it to the November runoff election, according to the preliminary ballot count.One of the biggest upsets in Tuesday's "top two" primary came in a San Bernardino County congressional race where the top Democratic candidate, Redlands Mayor Pete Aguilar, appears to have failed to collect enough votes to make it to the November runoff election, according to the preliminary ballot count.
The top two finishers were Republicans – Representative Gary Miller of Diamond Bar and state Senator Bob Dutton of Rancho Cucamonga. What makes it so surprising is that Democrats have a five-percentage-point edge in registered voters in the district.The top two finishers were Republicans – Representative Gary Miller of Diamond Bar and state Senator Bob Dutton of Rancho Cucamonga. What makes it so surprising is that Democrats have a five-percentage-point edge in registered voters in the district.
2pm: Here's another highlight in Pulitzer Prize winning journalism from today's White House press briefing on board Air Force One:2pm: Here's another highlight in Pulitzer Prize winning journalism from today's White House press briefing on board Air Force One:
Question: Can I ask you one fund-raiser question about tonight? The President is going to be serenaded by Darren Criss. He's going to be in Ryan Murphy's house. When was the last time he watched Glee? How often does he watch it? Does he have a favorite character?Question: Can I ask you one fund-raiser question about tonight? The President is going to be serenaded by Darren Criss. He's going to be in Ryan Murphy's house. When was the last time he watched Glee? How often does he watch it? Does he have a favorite character?
Jay Carney: I haven't heard the President talk about that. I think he has referenced some of the shows he does watch, so I don't know. I don't know the answer to your question.Jay Carney: I haven't heard the President talk about that. I think he has referenced some of the shows he does watch, so I don't know. I don't know the answer to your question.
Question: Is he a fan?Question: Is he a fan?
Carney: I don't know the answer to your question.Carney: I don't know the answer to your question.
1.40pm: Barack Obama is on the presidential plane flying to California. En route, White House press secretary Jay Carney speaks to the captive audience of journalists, and the subject of Wisconsin is raised:1.40pm: Barack Obama is on the presidential plane flying to California. En route, White House press secretary Jay Carney speaks to the captive audience of journalists, and the subject of Wisconsin is raised:
Question: Jay, did the President have any reaction to the Wisconsin vote last night? And what does he think it says about the mindset of voters right now and his own prospects in Wisconsin in November?Question: Jay, did the President have any reaction to the Wisconsin vote last night? And what does he think it says about the mindset of voters right now and his own prospects in Wisconsin in November?
Jay Carney: I didn't have much of a conversation with the President about Wisconsin. I think my observation is that what you had was an incumbent governor in a repeat election that he had won once, in which he outspent his challenger by a magnitude of seven or eight to one, with an enormous amount of outside corporate money and huge donations, and you got essentially the same result.Jay Carney: I didn't have much of a conversation with the President about Wisconsin. I think my observation is that what you had was an incumbent governor in a repeat election that he had won once, in which he outspent his challenger by a magnitude of seven or eight to one, with an enormous amount of outside corporate money and huge donations, and you got essentially the same result.
The President supported and stood by Tom Barrett, but I certainly wouldn't read much into yesterday's result beyond its effect on who's occupying the governor's seat in Wisconsin.The President supported and stood by Tom Barrett, but I certainly wouldn't read much into yesterday's result beyond its effect on who's occupying the governor's seat in Wisconsin.
I certainly read in some of the analysis by you and your colleagues that even among the electorate that voted yesterday in Wisconsin, voters substantially approved of the President's positions when it comes to who they felt had the best vision for protecting and securing the middle class, and I certainly think that the President's message about the steps we need to take to grow the economy and create jobs will resonate in Wisconsin.I certainly read in some of the analysis by you and your colleagues that even among the electorate that voted yesterday in Wisconsin, voters substantially approved of the President's positions when it comes to who they felt had the best vision for protecting and securing the middle class, and I certainly think that the President's message about the steps we need to take to grow the economy and create jobs will resonate in Wisconsin.
1.29pm: Never mind the Huffington Post's sideboob page – ABC News is really rocking the internets today.1.29pm: Never mind the Huffington Post's sideboob page – ABC News is really rocking the internets today.
Fresh off its Jon Bon Jovi pasta sauce scoop, ABC News also offers this today:Fresh off its Jon Bon Jovi pasta sauce scoop, ABC News also offers this today:
In this edition of Politically Dressed political style expert Lisa Kline guides us through different looks for any occasion and shows us how Ann Romney can amp up her fashion to make a bigger, bolder impression on the campaign trail.In this edition of Politically Dressed political style expert Lisa Kline guides us through different looks for any occasion and shows us how Ann Romney can amp up her fashion to make a bigger, bolder impression on the campaign trail.
1.04pm: Possibly everyone in Wisconsin is breathing a sigh of relief at the end of the election season, via AP:1.04pm: Possibly everyone in Wisconsin is breathing a sigh of relief at the end of the election season, via AP:
More than $66 million was spent on the race as of May 21, making it easily the most expensive in Wisconsin history. That money was spent on an all-out barrage of television ads, direct mail, automated calls and other advertising that permeated the state for months.More than $66 million was spent on the race as of May 21, making it easily the most expensive in Wisconsin history. That money was spent on an all-out barrage of television ads, direct mail, automated calls and other advertising that permeated the state for months.
Still, if the Romney camp is to believed, there's a contested presidential election coming to the Badger State soon.Still, if the Romney camp is to believed, there's a contested presidential election coming to the Badger State soon.
12.40pm: The one silver lining for Wisconsin Democrats rests on the state senate recall election in Racine, where challenger John Lehman leads Republican incumbent Van Wanggaard by nearly 800 votes – although the race has still not been conceded or called by AP – and control of the state senate to go with it:12.40pm: The one silver lining for Wisconsin Democrats rests on the state senate recall election in Racine, where challenger John Lehman leads Republican incumbent Van Wanggaard by nearly 800 votes – although the race has still not been conceded or called by AP – and control of the state senate to go with it:
If it holds up, the victory for Democrats could still prove fleeting. They will have to defend their apparent control of the Senate in November under a new set of legislative district maps that were written by Republicans to favor their party.If it holds up, the victory for Democrats could still prove fleeting. They will have to defend their apparent control of the Senate in November under a new set of legislative district maps that were written by Republicans to favor their party.
Under that new set of maps, Lehman would have to face a Republican opponent in a new district that will be difficult for any Democrat to hold.Under that new set of maps, Lehman would have to face a Republican opponent in a new district that will be difficult for any Democrat to hold.
But for the coming months at least, the Democrats might be able to make use of this apparent consolation prize.But for the coming months at least, the Democrats might be able to make use of this apparent consolation prize.
They could, for example, use their majority to obtain Republican research on the redistricting moves, and block Scott Walker's plans for new mining legislation.They could, for example, use their majority to obtain Republican research on the redistricting moves, and block Scott Walker's plans for new mining legislation.
Jonathan Bernstein – the clever political blogger – argues that the Racine result and the previous state senate seats won by Democrats in the state last year, represent "a stunning, unprecedented three-seat swing of the state senate to grab the majority there", making Wisconsin a "mixed result," in his words.Jonathan Bernstein – the clever political blogger – argues that the Racine result and the previous state senate seats won by Democrats in the state last year, represent "a stunning, unprecedented three-seat swing of the state senate to grab the majority there", making Wisconsin a "mixed result," in his words.
12.28pm: "Bon Jovi launches new line of pasta sauces," says ABC News. What happened to his old line of pasta sauces isn't explained.12.28pm: "Bon Jovi launches new line of pasta sauces," says ABC News. What happened to his old line of pasta sauces isn't explained.
12.11pm: In the end the turnout in Wisconsin was remarkably high at 57%, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Craig Gilbert reports – making it the largest turnout for a mid-term gubernatorial race since at least 1950:12.11pm: In the end the turnout in Wisconsin was remarkably high at 57%, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Craig Gilbert reports – making it the largest turnout for a mid-term gubernatorial race since at least 1950:
In the end, more than 2.5 million people voted, with 99% of precincts counted.In the end, more than 2.5 million people voted, with 99% of precincts counted.
That easily tops the 2.17 million votes cast in the 2010 governor's race, but is well shy of the almost 3 million votes cast in the 2008 presidential race.That easily tops the 2.17 million votes cast in the 2010 governor's race, but is well shy of the almost 3 million votes cast in the 2008 presidential race.
11.41pm: For political junkies and pseudo-psephologists, the Associated Press explains how it "calls" an election such as last night – when it forecast the recall election for Walker an hour after the polls had closed and some were still waiting to vote:11.41pm: For political junkies and pseudo-psephologists, the Associated Press explains how it "calls" an election such as last night – when it forecast the recall election for Walker an hour after the polls had closed and some were still waiting to vote:
The AP calls races based on early vote returns provided by state and county elections offices, exit polls that conducted with voters and vote results from a random sample of precincts around the state. It's a complicated process that also compares the voting history of counties to make sure results are in line with past trends.The AP calls races based on early vote returns provided by state and county elections offices, exit polls that conducted with voters and vote results from a random sample of precincts around the state. It's a complicated process that also compares the voting history of counties to make sure results are in line with past trends.
Our call in the Wisconsin governor's recall election was made with 37% of precincts reporting. Tabulations of early returns showed Walker ahead 59% to Barrett's 40%.Our call in the Wisconsin governor's recall election was made with 37% of precincts reporting. Tabulations of early returns showed Walker ahead 59% to Barrett's 40%.
11.33pm: A round-up of punditry raking over the embers of last night's bonfire of the political vanities:11.33pm: A round-up of punditry raking over the embers of last night's bonfire of the political vanities:
• Jamelle Bouie challenges the conventional wisdom about the consequences of Wisconsin:• Jamelle Bouie challenges the conventional wisdom about the consequences of Wisconsin:
Where the conventional wisdom goes off the rails is in the attempt to draw broad lessons for November, and attribute motives to Wisconsin voters. At this point, there's little evidence to suggest an easier battle for Republicans in Wisconsin.Where the conventional wisdom goes off the rails is in the attempt to draw broad lessons for November, and attribute motives to Wisconsin voters. At this point, there's little evidence to suggest an easier battle for Republicans in Wisconsin.
• The Weekly Standard's John McCormack finds little joy for Democrats in the voting tallies from Wisconsin:• The Weekly Standard's John McCormack finds little joy for Democrats in the voting tallies from Wisconsin:
Here's an indication of just how impressive and broad-based Scott Walker's 7-point win was last night: If the Democratic strongholds of Dane County and Milwaukee County had 100 percent turnout of registered voters, and every other county remained the same, Walker still would have won the state by more than 100,000 votes.Here's an indication of just how impressive and broad-based Scott Walker's 7-point win was last night: If the Democratic strongholds of Dane County and Milwaukee County had 100 percent turnout of registered voters, and every other county remained the same, Walker still would have won the state by more than 100,000 votes.
• Paul Krugman tells Democrats to keep their chin up:• Paul Krugman tells Democrats to keep their chin up:
Still, my rule for myself is, never give up. All seemed lost politically in 2004; it wasn't. Then a lot of people, including, I'm sorry to say, Obama, slacked off after 2008, believing that the other side would have to compromise.Still, my rule for myself is, never give up. All seemed lost politically in 2004; it wasn't. Then a lot of people, including, I'm sorry to say, Obama, slacked off after 2008, believing that the other side would have to compromise.
• Reuters profiles Scott Walker and speculates about his political future:• Reuters profiles Scott Walker and speculates about his political future:
Wisconsin's Scott Walker, derided by Democrats as "The Rock Star of the Right", emerged from a bruising fight for his political life on Tuesday as a rising Republican star, and analysts said he could one day be a candidate for US national office.Wisconsin's Scott Walker, derided by Democrats as "The Rock Star of the Right", emerged from a bruising fight for his political life on Tuesday as a rising Republican star, and analysts said he could one day be a candidate for US national office.
11.02am: A lot of pundits are very wise after the event but the National Journal's Sean Sullivan called the Wisconsin recall election correctly last month in this prescient article.11.02am: A lot of pundits are very wise after the event but the National Journal's Sean Sullivan called the Wisconsin recall election correctly last month in this prescient article.
Sullivan argued that Walker's recall could backfire and that the political rewards outweighed the potential cost for Democrats:Sullivan argued that Walker's recall could backfire and that the political rewards outweighed the potential cost for Democrats:
The right in Wisconsin is more fired up than they've been in a long time. Just take a look at who is turning out in recent elections. Republicans prevented Democrats from claiming the big prize of 2011 – control of the state Senate – and just this month, GOP primary voters gave Walker more votes in an uncompetitive primary than the combined total of his top two Democratic challengers. The left was a more visible presence, storming Madison last year, but the GOP energy has been the under-reported story.The right in Wisconsin is more fired up than they've been in a long time. Just take a look at who is turning out in recent elections. Republicans prevented Democrats from claiming the big prize of 2011 – control of the state Senate – and just this month, GOP primary voters gave Walker more votes in an uncompetitive primary than the combined total of his top two Democratic challengers. The left was a more visible presence, storming Madison last year, but the GOP energy has been the under-reported story.
10.34am: And here's video of Democratic candidate Tom Barrett being slapped by a supporter after his concession speech.10.34am: And here's video of Democratic candidate Tom Barrett being slapped by a supporter after his concession speech.
It all seems very tame and light-hearted. Bet that capped a fun night for Barrett.It all seems very tame and light-hearted. Bet that capped a fun night for Barrett.
Apparently the woman asked if she could slap him for conceding, and he asked for a hug instead. That's the entire recall election in miniature really.Apparently the woman asked if she could slap him for conceding, and he asked for a hug instead. That's the entire recall election in miniature really.
10am: There is really only one story this morning – Republican governor Scott Walker's emphatic win in the Wisconsin recall election, sending Republicans into paroxysms of joy and Democrats into a slough of despond.10am: There is really only one story this morning – Republican governor Scott Walker's emphatic win in the Wisconsin recall election, sending Republicans into paroxysms of joy and Democrats into a slough of despond.
Walker's victory was wider than most of the recent polling or on-the-night exit polling had suggested, and his share of the vote from union-member households actually increased over his 2010 election as governor. The one sliver of good news is that the Democratic challenger in one of the four state senate recall elections may have prevailed, flipping control of the Wisconsin upper house from Republican to democratic, and imposing a small check on Walker's future legislative plans. The state senate, however, does not sit again until next year.Walker's victory was wider than most of the recent polling or on-the-night exit polling had suggested, and his share of the vote from union-member households actually increased over his 2010 election as governor. The one sliver of good news is that the Democratic challenger in one of the four state senate recall elections may have prevailed, flipping control of the Wisconsin upper house from Republican to democratic, and imposing a small check on Walker's future legislative plans. The state senate, however, does not sit again until next year.
What last night in Wisconsin means for national politics is a subject of some debate, and will continue to be right up until 6 November.What last night in Wisconsin means for national politics is a subject of some debate, and will continue to be right up until 6 November.
Overlooked in all the Wisconsin was a dreadful result for the Democratic party in California, where failure to grasp the state's new primary system saw it throw away any chance of winning the 31st congressional district.Overlooked in all the Wisconsin was a dreadful result for the Democratic party in California, where failure to grasp the state's new primary system saw it throw away any chance of winning the 31st congressional district.
Here's a summary of the latest news from Ryan Devereaux:Here's a summary of the latest news from Ryan Devereaux:
• Wisconsin governor Scott Walker survived a bitter recall battle on Tuesday, becoming the first governor to successfully stave off a recall election. Massive forces were mobilized from both sides of the political aisle but in the end Milwaukee mayor Tom Barrett was soundly defeated. The election followed 16 months of agitation in Wisconsin, kicked off by Walker's attacks on collective bargaining rights for public employee which prompted sustained protest. An influx of money flooded the state in the months that followed as outside forces worked to steer the state's direction.• Wisconsin governor Scott Walker survived a bitter recall battle on Tuesday, becoming the first governor to successfully stave off a recall election. Massive forces were mobilized from both sides of the political aisle but in the end Milwaukee mayor Tom Barrett was soundly defeated. The election followed 16 months of agitation in Wisconsin, kicked off by Walker's attacks on collective bargaining rights for public employee which prompted sustained protest. An influx of money flooded the state in the months that followed as outside forces worked to steer the state's direction.
• Walker's victory could have consequences outside Wisconsin, with some speculating the win will provide Mitt Romney's campaign with welcomed momentum. In a statement released Tuesday night, Romney said Walker's victory "echo beyond the borders of Wisconsin" and said the governor stood up to "runaway government costs imposed by labour bosses".• Walker's victory could have consequences outside Wisconsin, with some speculating the win will provide Mitt Romney's campaign with welcomed momentum. In a statement released Tuesday night, Romney said Walker's victory "echo beyond the borders of Wisconsin" and said the governor stood up to "runaway government costs imposed by labour bosses".
• President Obama, meanwhile, is heading to Los Angeles tonight where he will be attending a gay rights gala. Fresh off declaring his support for same-sex marriage, Obama is expected to be very well-received at the event, which will run attendees anywhere from $1,250 to $40,000 to take part in. The president will earlier make a stop in San Francisco at two fundraisers, one a discussion that cost 25 supporters $35,800 each and the other a luncheon that 250 people paid $5,000 each to attend.• President Obama, meanwhile, is heading to Los Angeles tonight where he will be attending a gay rights gala. Fresh off declaring his support for same-sex marriage, Obama is expected to be very well-received at the event, which will run attendees anywhere from $1,250 to $40,000 to take part in. The president will earlier make a stop in San Francisco at two fundraisers, one a discussion that cost 25 supporters $35,800 each and the other a luncheon that 250 people paid $5,000 each to attend.
• The US Senate plans to investigate leaks by the Obama administration to the media following a recent New York Times story detailing his expansive targeted killing program, which was made possible by interviews with three dozen well-connected sources, and his use of cyberweapons against Iran.• The US Senate plans to investigate leaks by the Obama administration to the media following a recent New York Times story detailing his expansive targeted killing program, which was made possible by interviews with three dozen well-connected sources, and his use of cyberweapons against Iran.