Wisconsin brings us good news today. Republican Governor Scott Walker survived a recall attempt, and not by a narrow margin. Walker won roughly 53% of the votes and Democrat Barrett won 46%, according to the Associated Press.
Walker had taken courageous action against state employee unions, action which was the impetus for the abortive recall attempt. It appears the lieutenant governor and at least three of the four state senators up for recall also survived these efforts and will continue in office.
President Obama did not campaign actively for Barrett, and has been criticized for his lack of support. Conservatives, including Tea Party activists, put lots of money and energy into saving the governorship for Walker.
Pundits wonder if the support Republican Walker received will be translated into support for Romney in November. Wisconsin hasn't voted for a Republican presidential candidate since Reagan, although Bush came close twice.
The recall's failure does suggest public employee unions have lost considerable public support as well as strength. As we've noted here recently, public employees' incestuous relationship with their employers' bosses - the legislature and governor - where they effectively bribe each other with our money, is inappropriate.
