Democrats to take Wisconsin Senate Tuesday

Legislature isn't scheduled to convene again until January

MADISON, Wis. — Democrats plan to officially take control of the Wisconsin Senate on Tuesday after a recall victory handed them a one-seat majority.

Democrat John Lehman ousted Republican Sen. Van Wanggaard in Racine County in the June 5 election. Wanggaard refused to concede and demanded a recount. That tally confirmed Lehman’s win, but Wanggaard still didn’t give up, threatening legal action. He finally acknowledged he’d lost last week.

The Senate plans to meet Tuesday to name Democratic Sens. Fred Risser and Tim Carpenter president and president pro tempore.

But Democrats probably won’t be able to pass any legislation of note before Republicans get a shot to retake the chamber in the November elections. The Legislature isn’t scheduled to convene again until January.