‘This is what democracy looks like’

Finally, it’s over, after 15 plus long months. No more annoying chants like “recall Walker” and they can put the Socialist/Marxist blue fist back in the box as well.

The folks that were elected back in November 2010 can go back to doing their job and govern Wisconsin, and all of us can put this nonsense recall behind us.

One thing Wisconsin Democrats have accomplished in their misguided attempt to change the executive office holders of this state, is making history. Scott Walker is the only governor to win a recall election in the entire United States and, he and Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch are the only governor and lieutenant governor to win twice in their first term.

Current chairman of the Wisconsin Democrats, Mike Tate, has said he has no regrets. This tremendous waste of time and money will end up costing taxpayers of this state up to $20 million. Once again, liberals have no problem with spending money as long as it doesn’t belong to them. Not only that, an independent government watchdog group has come out and said this entire process will end up with $125 million being spent.

You should know that a lot of national Democrats did not want this fight. President Obama was a no show. The Democratic National Committee refused to send money, and former Gov. Ed Rendell (D. Penn.) was quoted “It was a dumb political fight … I would have waited till Walker was up for re-election”.

Democrats have come out and claimed Scott Walker bought this election. Well, What about Herb Kohl?

Sure Walker raised a lot more money than Tom Barrett. But when the outside special interest money is figured in, both sides will end up spending about the same amount, and for what? For nothing, that’s what.

I hope the rational people of this state hold the Democratic Party of Wisconsin accountable for this for a very long time.

Tom Barrett is right about one thing. Scott Walker is a “rock star” as Barrett tried to disparage him in his rhetoric. He is looked on as a bold leader who is willing to make tough decisions. He will not kick the can down the road, and will do what he says he would do. And since he has improved the jobs climate in this state, jobs will necessarily skyrocket since the uncertainty of the situation is removed.

I anticipate Scott Walker will make a major speech presentation at the upcoming Republican National Convention held in Florida later this summer. So many other governors, mayors and municipal officials were waiting to see the outcome of what happened here so they can implement Walker-style reforms of their own, for Wisconsin’s are working.

These officials know that they can balance budgets, erase deficits and they don’t have to spend money they don’t have any more. Over spending and massive deficits are a thing of the past since public sector workers will now do what the rest of us do — contribute to their own benefits. Collective bargaining was a privilege, not a right. And it was an abused privilege at that, with over $1 billion saved so far.

I think the criteria for holding a recall election must be changed. It will take a change in Wisconsin’s Constitution to do this, but that will be worth it in the end. Recall elections should be held for malfeasance in office, or illegal activity, not for policy differences.

The people of Wisconsin have let it be known, they are tired of this recall activity.

Not everyone knows the website domains to recall Governor Walker were registered the night he was first elected back in November 2010. Not only that, but protesters were present the day of the inauguration of Scott Walker and Rebecca Kleefisch on Jan. 2, 2011.

This was all an in-your-face attempt to steal back power, and to circumvent democracy. What happened this past June 5 was the final nail in the coffin of recalls. Elections are over. The majority has spoken once again. Gov. Walker and Lt. Gov. Kleefisch retain their positions. Now I can honestly say, “this is what democracy looks like.”

Keith Best is a member of the Executive Board of the Republican Party of Waukesha County.

Tags: opinion, editorial, politics