Wis. Senate to discuss transfer of power

Democrats will hold majority

MADISON, Wis. — Republican state Sen. Scott Fitzgerald said he wants the Senate to meet next week to transfer power from Republicans to Democrats.

The Democrats have a 17-16 majority following the victory of John Lehman in a recall election over Sen. Van Wanggaard. The contest was certified Wednesday morning by state elections officials.

Fitzgerald, who had been the Republican majority leader, said in a statement Wednesday that he is asking senators to meet next week so a new Senate president and president pro tempore can be elected.

A spokeswoman for Sen. Mark Miller, who is the Democratic leader, did not immediately return a message to see if Democrats agreed with Fitzgerald’s plan.

The Legislature is not scheduled to be in regular session again until January.