Before the results of the Wisconsin race were released, I was fairly certain that the Repugs had the race effectively rigged. Being a Wisconsin ex-pat, I’ve watched things crumble after Scott Wanker was elected. I feel a great sadness when I look at where the state is now.
My thinking was that the Democratic constituency would stay home in droves due to their belief in science, the scarcity of N-95 masks and their fears of the virus. I would have put money on it. The Faux News crowd had a significant advantage since the only protective gear that they needed was the tinfoil that they make their hats out of. On my last trip to the grocery store, there was no shortage of tinfoil.
When the news of the primary results came out, for a second or two my reaction was of disbelief. Then as I realized that Judge Jill Karofsky was ahead in the count and had declared victory, I experienced a feeling of elation. As the final results came in and it was apparent that Karofsky had taken the election in an 11 point landslide, my level of hope that this nightmare might be over in November ticked up a couple of notches.
As expected, turnout was way down from prior elections and I’m not sure whether this victory is due to Democrats overriding their fears of catching a deadly disease, or the Repug base just being demoralized. It’s probably a bit of both.
Whatever the reasons, I’ll take it. Way to go, Wisconsin!!!
I’ve seen the Democratic Party pull defeat out of the jaws of victory more than once. Hopefully it won’t happen this time around.