Wisconsin’s political parties may be trying every trick possible, from spoiler candidates to lawsuits, to manipulate the recall elections scheduled this summer. But the people on the ground, who have little opportunity to affect the process, will be facing the consequences.
For the officials running the elections, it’s a nasty and expensive headache that comes at the height of summer when employees typically take vacation, and voters’ attention is anywhere but on elections.
“For this time of year, it’s very hectic,” Fond du Lac County Clerk Lisa Freiberg said. Still, candidates and campaign managers say they are proceeding as if no uncertainty exists — and believe voters will, too.
“This is just political posturing by both of the parties,” said David VanderLeest, who hopes to unseat state Sen. Dave Hansen, D-Green Bay, after facing Rep. John Nygren in a Republican primary scheduled for July 19.
“We’re operating under the assumption that the election is going to be held July 12,” said Josh Wolf, campaign spokesman for state Rep. Fred Clark, who faces a Democratic primary that day against Rol Church. They are vying to unseat Sen. Luther Olsen, R-Ripon.
“Assumption,” though, is the key word.
Wisconsinites living in six GOP-held state Senate districts won’t know until at least July 7, five days before voting is scheduled to commence, if there will be recall primary elections held at all. And even if the elections are held, the results may be discarded.
“The electorate should proceed on the basis that the elections will go forward as scheduled,” said Dane County Circuit Judge Richard Niess.
Full Article: What if they held an election and the results didn’t count?.