Walker, Johnson claim big victories in Wisconsin

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A political wave of change has washed over Wisconsin, like it has nationwide.

Scott Walker, the Republican Milwaukee County administrator, has been elected Wisconsin’s next governor.

Governor Jim Doyle issued a statement on news.

“I congratulate Scott Walker on his election as Wisconsin’s next governor,” Doyle said. “I know how long and tough these campaigns have become and I admire Scott’s hard work and perseverance. These are qualities that will serve the citizens of Wisconsin well over the next four years.”

Doyle pledged to work closely with Walker to ensure an orderly transition.

“I have spoken to Governor-elect Walker to let him know that my administration is prepared to begin this process,” Doyle added.

J.B. Van Hollen (R) was re-elected as Wisconsin’s attorney general, defeating challenger Scott Hassett (D).

“Once again, I appreciate the confidence of Wisconsin’s citizens,” Van Hollen said. “I have led the Wisconsin Department of Justice with integrity, mindful of its essential law enforcement mission. The results of this election ratify that course.”

Van Hollen said he looks forward to strengthening the state’s public safety partnerships during his new term.

Incumbent secretary of state Doug LaFollette (D) has been re-elected, but the race was extremely close against challenger David King (R).

Challenger Kurt Schuller (R) won the state treasurer’s race over incumbent Dawn Marie Sass. Schuller has pledged to work to eliminate the treasurer’s office in the future, noting that the office is not essential to the effective running of state government.

In the race for the U.S. Senate, Ron Johnson defeated longtime incumbent Russ Feingold.

“I am humbled and honored to be chosen by the people of Wisconsin to represent them in the United States Senate,” Johnson said in a statement. “Senator Russ Feingold has honorably represented the people of Wisconsin and I would like to thank him for his service to our state and nation.”

Johnson said that America is at “a tipping point” and a strong message was sent to Washington by Wisconsin voters.

“Our national debt is nearing $14 trillion, politicians of both political parties in Washington have engaged in a reckless spending spree and the people of Wisconsin are struggling,” he said.

“Washington is too powerful and it is taking us in the wrong direction. Today, Americans across the nation spoke with a loud voice and Washington needs to listen.”

Johnson admitted that there is a lot of work to do in order to move the country in the right direction.

“In Congress, I will look for allies who are driven by ideas that best serve our country,” he said. “I will ally with those that want to end the massive over-spending and debt, and those who understand the need to ignite our economy, create jobs and put America back to work.”

In the U.S. House races, Republican Sean Duffy (52%) was projected to pull out a close victory over Democrat Julie Lasse (44%) in District 7. The winner will replace longtime Congressman David Obey (D), who did not seek re-election.

In District 3, incumbent Ron Kind (D) was in a dog fight with challenger Dan Kapanke (R). As the numbers rolled in around midnight, Kind was eventually pronounced the winner with about 50% of the vote, compared to 47% for Kapanke.

“I want to thank the people of western Wisconsin for their confidence in me to continue to represent them in Washington,” Kind said. “This is a critical time in our nation’s history. And the choice made today, the choice to move this country forward, is the right one. I will do everything in my power to create good paying jobs and get western Wisconsin working.”

In the local legislative races, John Murtha (R-Baldwin) won re-election to his seat in District 29 over challenger Liz Jones (D-Woodville). Murtha received about 63% of the vote, while Jones had about 37%.

In District 28, challenger Erik Severson (R-Star Prairie) defeated incumbent Ann Hraychuck (D-Balsam Lake). He picked up 57% of the vote, while Hraychuck had 42%.

In District 30, Dean Knudson (R-Hudson) won over challenger Matt Borup (D-Hudson) in a landslide, about 62% percent of the vote to 38%.

Tags: area news, news, elections, politics