2011 WISCONSIN SENATE RECALLS
8/17/2011

In a summer that saw millions of dollars spent on nine Senate recall races, just two incumbents -- both Republicans -- lost their seats.

But those two wins were not enough for Democrats to take the majority in the state Senate, although they did narrow what was a 5-vote margin down to a 17-16 Republican majority.

Democrat Dave Hansen was the first to go on the ballot, winning his recall election on July 19.

Then on Aug. 9, Republican Sens. Rob Cowles, Sheila Harsdorf, Luther Olsen and Alberta Darling beat back the recall challenges against them. But Democrats were able to defeat two incumbents as Jen Shilling and Jessica King defeated the Republican incumbents they were challenging, Dan Kapanke and Randy Hopper, respectively.

One week later incumbent Democratic Sens. Jim Holperin and Robert Wirch both survived the recall attempts against them.

The results mean Republicans will hold the state Senate majority 17-16.

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HANDICAPPING NOTE: Candidates identified as having an edge were generally considered likely to be almost safe bets to win. Districts with a lean were seen going either way, though one candidate appeared to have an advantage. Toss-up meant too close to call.

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