1. ConservativeHQ.com's Richard Viguerie says Governor Scott Walker's victory in Wisconsin contains a lesson "Mitt Romney and his presidential campaign team should take to heart."
In a statement, Viguerie said the real reason Walker won is "because he ran and governed as an unabashed principled, small government, constitutional conservative."
Comparing Walker to Ronald Reagan, Viguerie said, "Governor Walker's campaign was a campaign, not of pale pastels, but of bold conservative colors--encouraging jobs and economic development, balancing the budget, reducing taxes, and streamlining the state's bureaucracy."
As a result, Viguerie proclaimed Walker the new leader of the conservative movement.
In a separate statement, Viguerie said, "Since Ronald Reagan left the national stage, many have auditioned for the role of leader of the conservative movement, but no one filled the Gipper's shoes until Scott Walker came on the scene."
Noting that Wisconsin (State Capitol, pictured above) has been a state that Democrats have carried for president every year going back to 1988, Viguerie believes the Governor's "bold conservative agenda is a political winner. Taking on the public sector unions and winning the battle to rollback the size and cost of government has made Scott Walker the leader conservatives have been looking for, whether he wants the role or not."
C-SPAN posted the Associated Press' final tabulation of the races in Wisconsin for governor and lieutenant governor:
Governor
1,334,450 (53.1%) Scott Walker (R)
1,162,785 (46.3%) Tom Barrett (D)
14,350 ( 0.6%) Hari Trivedi (I)
Lt. Governor
1,300,213 (53.0%) Rebecca Kleefisch (R)
1,154,528 (47.0%) Mahlon Mitchell (D)
2. The victories of Governor Scott Walker and Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch were hailed by state and national pro-life leaders.
LifeNews.com reported that abortion opponents "worked overtime" in behalf of Walker and Kleefisch, who were both endorsed by Wisconsin Right to Life (WRTL).
Susan Armacost, Director of the WRTL Political Action Committee, said, "Governor Walker's deep belief in the sanctity of all human life is evident in the courageous actions he has taken to build a culture of life in Wisconsin. His concern for the most vulnerable members of the human family is reflected in the common sense and compassionate laws he has signed into law. Those initiatives will greatly benefit unborn children, women who are considering abortion, and taxpayers of our state."
In a separate LifeNews.com article, Kleefisch's victory was hailed by Marjorie Dannenfelser, President of the Susan B. Anthony List, a prominent conservative women's group, which was mentioned in a recent issue of this newsletter.
Dannenfelser said "the people of Wisconsin affirmed that they want leaders who will proudly defend the right to life and the freedom of conscience. Lt. Governor Kleefisch understands that protecting the unborn and strengthening women in leadership are not only compatible choices, but complementary and essential roles."
3. Republicans won three out of four legislative races, but Democrats gained majority control of the Wisconsin Senate.
Last week's issue of this newsletter explained, "If Democrats win any of these four legislative races, they will take control of the State Senate. Republicans have no margin for error."
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that former State Senator John Lehman (D-Racine) defeated Senator Van Wanggaard (R-Racine). With all votes counted, Lehman won 36,255 to 35,476, a margin of 779 votes.
Lehman's victory gives the Democrats a 17-16 majority in the Wisconsin Senate. However, the Legislature is not in session and is not expected to meet again before the November elections, when 16 of the 33 Senate seats will be decided.
The results of the other Senate races, as tabulated by the Associated Press are:
State Senator, District 13
47,116 (58%) Scott Fitzgerald (R)
32,870 (41%) Lori Compas (D)
760 ( 1%) Terry Virgil (L)
Fitzgerald was the Senate Majority Leader.
State Senator, District 21
39,843 (57%) Terry Moulton (R)
30,479 (43%) Kristen Dexter (D)
Dexter is a former state representative.
State Senator, District 29
44,027 (61%) Jerry Petrowski (R)
27,702 (39%) Donna Seidel (D)
The incumbent, Senator Pam Galloway (R-Wausau) resigned, rather than face the recall election. Petrowski and Seidel are both state representatives.
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