Congratulations WI DEMS! You

[Raven]

did a great job against immense odds. You showed the rest of us the road ahead and it is a hard one. The fact that you even succeeded in getting the recall on the ballot was a feat and that you came as close as you did and made these bastards spend the $ they did is testiment to the fact that this fight has just begun and we are all inspired by your efforts. Take heart...you have just ignited the ember and the rest of us will keep it burning until it is a wildfire. Thank you WI DEMS for being the brave ones! Thank you.

[lovuian]

1. Yep and hey I haven't heard Barrett has conceded has he?

Has he conceded?

[Tx4obama]

6. Barrett campaign says it won't concede Wisconsin recall race to Walker yet, citing ongoing voting

See here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/1002771420

[gmee2]

25. Barrett Just Conceded

[Ed Suspicious]

2. Thank you. It's so demoralizing and disheartening to hear people say we Wisconsinites get what we

deserve. Many of us put our hearts and souls into this thing. Many of us worked incredibly hard. Many of us cast our votes for Mayor Barrett. To say we get what we deserve is a real kick in the nuts on a really tough night.

[Caretha]

5. Just remember this

It took a whole lot of their greens to defeat you. This is just the first blow they've been sent. I think the message is ....you gotta spend 30 times the amount of the opposition to beat us. Nothing like pouring good money down the bottomless hole. I'm all for making them as destitute as the rest of us our.

[lovuian]

8. you got it

do it over and over again ....and they WILL Run out of money
this is 30 million not spent on adds against Obama

Good Job Wisconsin Lov ya

[sybylla]

63. If they have to spend 30:1 in every state, they'll run out of money or heart for this eventually

But the spokesmodels and corporate media keep reminding us that they only need to do it a handful of states to beat Obama and maybe a few more to beat Dems.

I don't think anyone wants to see what this world will look like on the road to a fully corporatized America.

As former Congressman David Obey said last night on Rev. Al Sharpton's show, the era of legislative elections has ended. We are now solidly in the era of legislative auctions.

[Justitia]

7. this TX Democrat feels your pain

My greatest sympathies. I've been where you are many times and it freaking sucks, I'm sorry.

And yeah, we Texans have been taking crap like that forever (that we deserve it).
We are a gigantic state with lots of Democrats (all our major cities are blue) and not ALL of us deserve it, but we all surely suffer for it.
I understand.

You may hate your neighbors or wonder how they could be such idiots & assholes.
Take it from a veteran - give up trying to understand them, you can't. Just accept that they are idiots & assholes and do whatever you can to fight back.

Again, I'm so sorry about tonight & the crap you will be enduring for the foreseeable future.

It could be worse - Rick Perry could be your governor! Yee haw!

[robinlynne]

17. Wisconsin started the occupy movement. You guys ROCK!!!! With 119% (?) voter turnout, aint no way

Walker won.

[MADem]

20. Look, you worked your asses off, and you siphoned off a shitload of their PAC money.

That's money they can't use to try to sell us that turd RMoney.

[SoutherDem]

22. Those who held strong should be proud

but, it is easy to say Wisconsin in general deserved what they got. When that is said it is not meant for those who did the right thing. It is those who failed your state. Those who for whatever reason didn't vote or voted for Walker.
I just saw a Barrett supporter in tears feeling democracy is dead. Those comment are not for him or those like him.
This may have been your election but this was a national issue. America is up set too, and I for one understand that.
With the outcome of this election there are those ready to call November a loss. CNN chose to move Wisconsin to toss up status. Romney is all but ready to claim the election in November and is waiting for the congratulation call from Obama.
Your loss may be America's gain. This could be a wake-up call for America. The occupy movement may get re-energized, this may be a call for the Democrats to wake-up and realize what can happen if they are complacent.
So, don't despair, and don't misunderstand those who are hurt but who couldn't vote when they make claims like you deserve what you get. I don't and I don't think they mean it, they are upset.

[ag_dude]

48. Try being from Texas

It's cool to bash entire states here.

[goclark]

60. You deserved to win!

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the dedication that you gave to the cause.

[Left Coast2020]

3. I just saw CNN and they ssid on website only 33% of vote counted

Sucmbag 52%
Tom Barret 49%

[finecraft]

4. AMEN to that Raven! n/t

[Generic Brad]

9. Thanks for siphoning off Koch money from the general elections

At some point they are going to be sinking in more than they will get out of their donations.

[marions ghost]

91. I don't think the Kochs are in danger of running out of money...

They just generate more and more--

So I don't think that's an effective argument for trying to beat them.

These guys have bottomless pockets.

[Firebrand Gary]

10. Wisconsin, you are loved!

30 Million does a lot of damage as I am sure you are all well aware of.

[Turbineguy]

11. The Koch Brothers

will have to spend an extra $30 million to buy up the good bits of Wisconsin.

[Zax2me]

12. Yes. Thank you.

See you in November!!!!

[WillyT]

13. Word !!!

Seriously... Thank you from the bottom of my heart... you guys really did fight the good fight!!!

[flamingdem]

14. Please keep the faith, help us with other struggles

and know we'll triumph - karma says so

[iandhr]

15. I beg to differ.

When you ask for a recall election lose its embarrassing period end.

http://www.nytimes.com/).


There is absolutely nothing to be proud of. You handed these union busting ******* a huge political mandate in the state.

Ever wonder why the DNC wasn't coughing up any money? They knew it would be a long shot to say the least.

You have embarrassed your party and your President on a national level SHAME ON ALL OF YOU.

[Ed Suspicious]

18. I'm at a loss for words. Enjoy the silence. n/t

[Goblinmonger]

23. From this Wisconsinite

Piss off.

[Bradical79]

24. That's the most idiotic and nonsensical thing I've read in awhile.

I think you're the one who should be embarrassed. Fucking coward.

[keroro gunsou]

33. to hell with politeness

this wisconsinite says, "fuck off!"

[Grantuspeace]

38. Walker started his propaganda campaign before the recall petitions were even handed in.

Believe me, it was all Walker all the time in print, billboards, TV and radio for over a year. 20-1

[roody]

50. Please explain your first 'sentence'.

[iandhr]

55. Quite simple.

Failing to win a recall vote is highly embarrassing especially when its by such a wide margin. All we have done is set back workers rights in WI. Because of their victory they will claim a mandate and push more anti-union legislation.

[sybylla]

64. WTF are you talking about? Pukes think winning by .0000000001 is a mandate.

Losing is the only think that will keep a puke from acting like they have a mandate. Whether or not we chanced a recall and lost was going to make no difference in the bullshit they pull next session.

But, in case you haven't had a chance to check Faux Snooze this morning, we actually won one of the state senate seats. So we stand a better chance of holding a majority after the November auctions (as we will henceforth refer to elections in the state of WI).

What part of 30:1 do you think we had any say over?

[Ship of Fools]

76. They would claim a mandate with a narrow margin, as well.

I don't agree with you at all.

[Goblinmonger]

86. So we should have done nothing?

That's a hell of a plan, Brownie.

[WilliamPitt]

89. You suck

[rhett o rick]

90. No the shame is on you. It is never the wrong move to fight for liberty even against the odds.

Again, shame on you.

[PeaceNikki]

16. I give up.

[Ed Suspicious]

21. I know you as much as anyone busted your butt for this. :hugs: n/t

[BillyJack]

41. Aren't you supposed to be "working somewhere" ..... you had a later shift, you said. eom

[PeaceNikki]

44. uh, it's over, chief. I was, I did. Don't be a Dick.

[roody]

52. Give yourself time and space to grieve the loss,

and you will carry on. Right now, you could probably use a good distraction!

[WestWisconsinDem]

58. me too. I'm done.

$200 of a teacher's salary and 40+ hours of phone banking/canvassing down the hole. Fuck Wisconsin.

[sybylla]

65. Sure is easy to feel this way after a year and a half of straight campaigning.

I can honestly say the results tonight mean I won't be spending any money on a vacation in WI this year (or anywhere else for that matter). I'll be holding on to every dollar I can for the economic crash Wanker, FitzOne, FitzTwo, and the Koch brothers will be bringing down on WI in the name of enriching their friends and family.

[otohara]

19. Thanks For Saying NO to Kochaine

and all the other billionaires.

[Generic Other]

26. WI Dems put their all into this recall

They are my heroes!

[12ZTR]

27. Options

I posted this on another thread.

It doesn't matter if Barrett wins, the Dems, liberals & progressives have absolute power.
Make a list of Rep businesses & Rep donors. Do not spend any money in any of these establishments. Spend your money in DEM,LIB & PROG businesses. Get into their wallets & purses & the REPs will start to pay attention.Show the KOCHS the power of money.This needs to be done whether BARRETT wins or loses.

As for family members who vote REP, turn George Bush on their asses.

"Your either with us or against us."

I've been doing this for quit a while.

If one is not willing to do something this simple, then they might think about sitting down & shutting up.

[ancianita]

57. Good advice. I fight this way with every dollar I've got. Every day.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

72. This seems to be the way to do it.....

Huge conglomerates tend to donate to both parties...... But still, many give the larger percent to pukes.....


How about a permanent thread or group or something listing pro-dem/prog/liberal businesses?

I am really bummed about the Wisconsin result.

[12ZTR]

95. permanent thread

I'm not savvy enough to create a national list. Before I make a purchase, I do as much research as possible on the business I'm considering. It would be great to have a site to go to before one makes a purchase. Mercy! There may be one out there.
When I'm working by myself, I'm working with an IDIOT.

[craigmatic]

28. Feingold could've won this race. Nice effort though. Keep your heads up.

[Grantuspeace]

39. Agreed.

[sybylla]

66. 30:1

You're forgetting Feingold lost a statewide race in 2010 by as big or bigger margin than Tom Barrett. His chances weren't any better than Barrett's with a 30:1 spending ratio,

As my former congressman, Dave Obey said last night on Rev. Al's show, this wasn't an election, it was an auction.

[Kalidurga]

29. I saw news of the voter turnout this morning...

I was certain I was going to be coming home to good news. I am truly sorry for the loss in Wisconsin. I sincerely hope that Walkers upcoming arrest helps ease the pain of this loss.

[keroro gunsou]

31. a little...

but that airheaded bimbo jesus freak is STILL the Lt. Gov....

[sybylla]

67. No shit.

That is some crazy there. I'd take Wanker over Crayfish any day.

On the other hand, she's more incompetent and likely more of an embarrassment than George Bush ever was. She could possibly turn WI politics on its political head.

[CarmanK]

30. Rather ironic, $30 mn spent and the indictment is about to come down for WALKER.

WI is going to be stuck with Kleefischy. Now the power plants will go very soon. WI is in for a bumpy road.

[gateley]

32. We're ALL so proud of you. WE LOVE YOU! nt

[AverageJoe90]

34. We can't stop fighting. Ever. nt

[alp227]

35. Sorry to spoil the party but...

Amanda Marcotte just posted what some here may also be thinking: "I won't lie; I'm still bitter that all this effort was put into a recall election of Scott Walker, and the Democrats failed by putting up a weak candidate."

I wish that someone like Russ Feingold or David Obey were the candidate instead of someone who lost to Walker 2 years ago.

[sybylla]

69. What part of 30:1 don't these people get?

Tom Barrett was not a weak candidate. In 2010, Russ Feingold lost to a corporate idiot by the same margin that Tom Barrett lost to Wanker. Those of you who think he or Dave Obey (who chickened out of running for congress at the last minute) would have been a stronger candidate are pissing into the wind.

Those of us on the ground here in WI know what it took to do what we did. We knew what we were up against when we started and 30:1 made it worse.

I assure you, if polling last fall had shown Russ Feingold or any other potential candidate had a strong chance of beating Wanker, they would have come out to run.

[WestWisconsinDem]

36. FUCK Wisconsin.

Yeah, I said it. I've lived here for 47 of my 48 years and I am embarrassed.

[WIProgressive88]

37. Thank you. This is gonna hurt like hell for a while though.

[mahina]

40. It hurts all the way over here.

In the middle of the Pacific ocean, hearts are heavy and grateful for you.



To a Friend whose Work has come to Nothing W.B. Yeats


NOW all the truth is out,
Be secret and take defeat
From any brazen throat,
For how can you compete,
Being honour bred, with one
Who, were it proved he lies,
Were neither shamed in his own
Nor in his neighbours’ eyes?
Bred to a harder thing
Than Triumph, turn away
And like a laughing string
Whereon mad fingers play
Amid a place of stone,
Be secret and exult,
Because of all things known
That is most difficult.

[YOHABLO]

42. Are The People of WI that stupid?

[WestWisconsinDem]

43. speaking as a Wisconsinite, yes.

We are that stupid, collectively. I now live in a fucking red state. But when Wanker fires me from the University for signing a recall petition (he has already hinted at this) I can move!

[EnviroBat]

81. Just don't move to Ohio.

We are collectively more stupid than the people of Wisconsin. Some of us here are seeing this for what it truly is. Fascist takeover of a state. Now watch it start happening in more and more states across the union. This wasn't an election, and your "vote" didn't count in any way shape or form. This was an auction and the highest bidders need to be looked at like the treasonous bastards they are. We are witnessing the end of democracy in the U.S.

[GObamaGO]

45. Wisconsin (and midwestern) Democrats Rock!

[crunch60]

46. Thanks Wisconsin Dems, great job, John Doe investigation ongoing.

We will see Walker's sorry ass in prison for all his criminal activities.

[demwing]

47. You've got to fucking joking?

This was not a win, not by any measure.

And this is what is so damned typical about Dems on DU - you don't know how to fight, and you don't know when you are losing, but it doesn't matter because it's all one big hug fest.

Save the Pollyanna routine, it just makes your allies passive, and your enemies chuckle.

We are in a war. The guns haven't been pulled yet, but its a war none the less. Grow up, learn to fight, and learn to hate losing.

Your opponents deserve no less...

[ManyShadesOf]

53. well there's that

depending on the perspective. Raven seems to be endorsing the people down on the ground, who challenged impossible odds and did their best.

[Raven]

74. That's exactly what I was doing, MSO, and

if anything, my post was focused on moving forward and not giving up. I think we owe our friends in WI a vote of thanks and a promise to continue the fight.

[ancianita]

59. AMEN, demwing!

[sybylla]

70. Clearly we are a bunch of dumbfucks in WI who don't know how to fight.

WTF kind of result do you expect when you're outspent 30:1 anyway?

Only someone who wasn't on the ground here could suggest we didn't put up a hard fight. Or that we didn't know it was an up hill battle from the get go.

With friends like you, who needs enemies?

[demwing]

71. So it's true...money is more powerful than people?

Just keep repeating that mantra...there was nothing you could do...you were outspent...

That will make it all seem better because you tried, and that's what counts, right?

Jesus Christ...

[tanglefoot]

78. Really? You want to pretend we didn't pull out all the stops?

You're welcome to your own opinion but not your own facts.

But I'm sure that won't stop you from lying to yourself.

As sybylla said...with friend like you...

[demwing]

88. I'm not pretending

That's why I am a good friend.

[Harry Monroe]

80. Money is people, my friends!!

[Doctor_J]

73. Thanks for the perspective, demwing

There is absolutely nothing to cheer about. It was a complete rebuke of democracy. But, as usual, we applaud a loss just because we stood up to get our asses kicked. And the Repukes know that we'll be happy about losing - it's a major part of the strategy. We're at war, and any loss is a bad loss.

Wake the hell up, people.

[tanglefoot]

79. "To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic...

It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness.

What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our lives. If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something. If we remember those times and places—and there are so many—where people have behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act, and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction.

And if we do act, in however small a way, we don’t have to wait for some grand Utopian future. The future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory.”
― Howard Zinn


So a near majority of Wisconsinites decided to live now as they thought human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around them and all you have to say is we're all fucked in the head for not shooting ourselves in the head.

Well done.

Stay classy.

[Doctor_J]

82. If you decide to shoot someone in the head,

aim the gun not at your own head, but at the head of one of the tyrants. a "near majority" did their best, and accomplished nothing except to embolden the fascists.

Well done.

Stay clueless.

[Harry Monroe]

83. I completely agree

The Republicans want nothing more than the complete destruction of the Democratic Party and to make Amerikka (or Amercia as they like to spell it) a one party state. Then they can have complete control and institute their own blend of Nazi fascism and Taliban style theocracy upon its people. Once they achieve this, people will finally wake up and realize they've been duped. The coming shitstorm of a revolution that follows will not be pretty. But by then it will be too late as the Republikkans will have control of the military and will squash any dissent. History repeats itself. One has only to study the rise of the Nazis and Adolph Hitler to come to realize how the people here can be hoodwinked.

[EnviroBat]

85. I agree 100%

We are at war with these fascists, and no amount of political correctness, or warm and fuzzy is going to help us preserve democracy in the United States. We need a revolution. We need to organize. We need to stand up to these corporate fucks. Capitalism breeds greed, and you and I are becoming a commodity for the rich. I'll be dammed if I'm going to die a "commodity"...

[ManyShadesOf]

49. I like that

[Wabbajack_]

51. :(

Without success how it not just a waste of resources?

[MrMickeysMom]

54. I like this OP much better than the one that said, "FUCK"...

... because, it's true that every fight has to start with big fat moves that lead some people to say, "fuck" and after more thought... realize that we didn't GET in this predicament overnight.

We need to learn, and move to what is next, which may not be over-night, but WILL be worth while!

On, Wisconsin!

To the Great Awakening that has been ignited by Wisconsin tonight...

[AllyCat]

61. Thank you Raven. This is the one thing I've read all night that has cheered me up :)

[markmyword]

62. RIP Democracy!

I am stunned that Barrett lost to Walker. What on earth is wrong with the people of Wisconsin?

I guess MONEY CAN BUY ELECTIONS. Enough money can brainwash the electorate into voting for people who are against their best interests.

It's going to be interesting when the Walker supporters find out what the Koch's brothers and their 1 % friends have in mind for Wisconsin.

I hear they want to privatize hunting areas, so hunters will have to PAY to hunt deer.

We Americans have the fight of our lives ahead of us. Citizens United has to be overturned or we can say good-bye to Democracy as we've known it.

There MUST be a limit on how much money can be spent on an election.

As of now, Wisconsin has the finest governor money can buy!

[unc70]

68. Looks like Lehman won.

Regaining control of Senate is mostly symbolic, but certainly much better than losing all the races.

[IamK]

75. yeah whatever... unlike kids soccer, there are winners and losers in politics.... n/t

[sinkingfeeling]

77. I think the FBI may prove the point for us... Walker sucks!

[SidDithers]

84. DU rec...nt

Sid

[florida08]

87. I stand with Wisconsin dems

Don't beat yourself up over this. I live in Florida. We can't vote was what I was told for years after 2000. We have a crook that stole from medicare as a governor who is purging voters. We're at the top of the stupid list. You get tired of pushing a wad up a hill.

We know the far right has been systematically chipping away at democracy for decades. It's why we have the financial divide between classes. Money does work but what works even better is divide and conquer. That's what happened. With so many people hurting it's pretty easy to pit them one against another. Many are scared or pissed that others aren't hurting the way they are. The thugs know that all they need to do is press those buttons in the right areas. So many have a tunnel vision of the moment about politics. Can't really blame them either. Despair drives down hope.

Am so proud of how hard you guys worked. Watched Ed every night to see your faces. Gave me hope. Your heart was for your home. The national party let you down to some degree. They should have seen it as a battleground for the future. This was the time to throw everything in and the kitchen sink. Bottom line is we are facing the entire GOP corporate machine in each state. That's a big "f"ing deal. It is a war and now I'm not sure how much our party will support us. That causes me concern. We can't fight this alone with so little money.

By the way where was all that Union money I keep hearing about? You were outspent what 8:1 ? Yeah..I know. See what I mean how lies find a place to roost. Throw in a line that bus drivers make 159K/ year and you get pretty dizzy. People just don't do their own research. They react to their buttons being pushed.

But some of us know and we thank you.

[Blue_Tires]

92. I wish it would have turned out better

But I deeply appreciate the liberals in Wisc. who invested so much of themselves in this effort...You may have lost this battle for now, but you will get another chance to turn the tables...

[ColesCountyDem]

94. My hat's off to you!

You did one helluva job, against incredible odds! I salute you all!

[trickyguy]

96. I think we who worked hard on the re-call will gladly take some cudos.

Just remember that next time it could be your state that's in trouble.
Or maybe it already is. The whole thing came down to money vs. people.
We got all those petitions signed but then had to have a primary.
Plus we only had five weeks to push the ball up the hill while the opposition
was raking in the dough for months.

As I said in a letter today, the Progressive movement has not disappeared in
Wisconsin - it's still alive and will be visible at any moment- like magic.