The 2011 Wisconsin Recall Initiative
Recall The 8 Wisconsin Republican Senators

---

---

 

Recall The 8 Wisconsin Republican Senators website was the result of Govenor Walker signing into law a provision that ended collective bargaining for public employees. It was a heady time. Of the nine recall elections, Democrats held on to all three of their challenged seats while Republicans lost only two of their six challenged seats. Although the Democrats ultimately failed to take the Senate by just one seat, this site shows democracy in action.
Content is from the site's 2001 archived pages, as well as from other outside sources.

 

 

Who Are the WI Republican 8?

 

Recall
Alberta Darling
Dan Kapanke
Glenn Grothman
Luther Olsen
Mary Lazich
Randy Hopper
Robert Cowles
Sheila Harsdorf

 

---

---

 

"I know you're all down on Alberta Darling, but wanted to give you another side. She assisted us in getting rid of a crippling tax mistake that took up time and money to fight. Our small jewelry business sells all kinds of sterling silver jewelry through a number of retailers and our own websites. Sterling silver rings have been good to us. Our gorgeous designs have gained a large satisfied customer base who keep reminding us why we're in business. But when the state started claiming we owed back taxes amounting to the value of our business, we panicked. A chance meeting between an aide and the marketing manager enabled us to get our case before someone who could act for us and correct this huge error. She may support Walker, but Alberta Darling came through for us when we most needed help." Trenton Baynard

 

Weekend Staging Locations to Recall Alberta Darling

Posted on March 10, 2011 by RecallAlbertaDarling
Share
Alberta Darling stood with Scott Walker and 17 other Republican Senators to strip teachers, nurses and other public workers of their right to collective bargaining. Can you volunteer this weekend to help gather signatures to recall Alberta Darling?

You can register to volunteer here.

Thursday, March 10th

Sweet & Associates
2510 E Capitol Dr., Milwaukee
Time: 10am-7pm

Friday, March 11th

Sweet & Associates
2510 E Capitol Dr., Milwaukee
Time: 10am-7pm

Saturday, March 12th

Sweet & Associates
2510 E Capitol Dr., Milwaukee
Time: 9am-7pm

Sunday, March 13th

Sweet & Associates
2510 E Capitol Dr., Milwaukee
Time: 10am-7pm

60 Days To Recall Alberta Darling

Posted on March 3, 2011 by admin

In 60 days you can take Wisconsin back.

It’s that simple.

This morning citizens from around the state took the first steps by filing recall papers against key Republican Senators who have stood with Scott Walker and pushed his partisan power grab that will strip thousands of middle class teachers, nurses, librarians and other workers of their right to collective bargaining. And we learned just last night that their disastrous budget that will cut millions from our schools and universities.

In 60 days you can take Wisconsin back by recalling the Republican Senators who have decided to push Scott Walker’s divisive attack on the rights of workers and his assault on schools, universities and local communities. Can you contribute $60 today to support the Democratic Party’s recall efforts?

Make no mistake, these Republican Senators are vulnerable to recall for their radical partisan overreach. Alberta Darling won her last race by only 1,007. By recalling just three of the eight Senators we are targeting, we can regain control of the Senate.

But we need your help today. The clock is ticking and we have just 60 days to collect the signatures we need to force a recall. Every day and every dollar counts.

Scott Walker’s Republican allies in the Senate have stood by for days while Walker has refused to negotiate on his partisan power grab disguised as a budget repair bill. Walker and his allies had no intention of listening to the people. That’s why Republicans unplugged the state legislative hotline for the first time in years.

Yesterday we saw the Republicans for who they are. A party so indebted to the Koch brothers and big business that they will raise taxes on our poorest families by $41 million dollars and push our schools and communities to the breaking point. Republican Senators have applauded even as Walker proposes to end the state’s decades old recycling program, showing that they will do anything in their power to harm our environment
.

Please, contribute $60 to help us recall the Republican Senators who have decided to push Scott Walker’s extreme partisan agenda that has already put worker rights at risk and now is targeting our children, families and communities.

If we can recall at least three Senators and regain control of the Senate, we can end the ugly games Republicans in the legislature have played in the last few days — unplugging phone lines, bolting windows inside the Capitol shut, and withholding the paychecks of Democratic legislators.

By recalling Republican Senators in the next 60 days and retaking the Senate, Democrats will be able to push harder than ever for Wisconsin workers and families and fight back against Walker and his Republican allies.

Sincerely,

Mike Tate
Chair, Democratic Party of Wisconsin

P.S. — Republicans made it clear whose side they are on when they refused to lift a finger to save collective bargaining, even after workers offered all the financial concessions sought by Scott Walker. We have 60 days to turn this state around. Whether you have $60 or even $6, contribute and help us recall the Republican Senators and take Wisconsin back.

 

---

---

Recall the WI Republican 8

We’re Building Momentum, Volunteer Today

Posted on March 14, 2011 by admin
According to a Washington Post advance look at new polling by Survey USA, there are strong majorities in favor of recalling Sens. Dan Kapanke and Randy Hopper. According to Survey USA, Kapanke and Hopper would lose hypothetical recall elections by 16 and 11 points respectively, with 57-41 against Kapanke and 54-43 opposed to Hopper.

The Republican Senate put narrow partisan and corporate interests ahead of the working people of Wisconsin. Unfortunately for them, the working people of Wisconsin are not taking their assault sitting down. Hundreds of thousands of Wisconsinites have demonstrated their opposition to this power grab, and thanks to you, we are making real progress on forcing recall elections of the Republican 8.

After the events of Wednesday night, the State of Wisconsin needs your help more than ever. Over 50 years of progress was destroyed in a mere 30 minutes behind closed doors, displaying Scott Walker and the GOP’s intentions of union-busting at all costs. We must hold them accountable.

Can you please volunteer today? We are canvassing in all of the 8 districts eligible for this weekend, and we need your help. Please volunteer today to help keep the fight alive. Together, we will not be defeated.

 

---

---

 

---

---

FAQ About Recall Elections

Q: Why these eight?
A: Wisconsin law states that an official must be in office for one year before a recall can be initiated. The remaining Republican Senators, and Scott Walker, won’t be eligible for recall until January 2012.

Q: Do I have to live in the Senate District to sign a recall form?br> A: Yes. You have to live in the district and be an eligible voter.

Q: How can I find out who my Senator is?
A: The Wisconsin State Legislature website offers a tool to determine who your legislators are. Click here to find out.

Q: Do I have to currently be registered to vote to sign a recall form?
A. No, but you do need to be eligible to vote in the district. (i.e., 18 and not currently serving a sentence including probation or parole for a felony conviction, and not otherwise disqualified from voting)

Q. Do I have to live in the Senate District to help collect signatures?
A. No, but you do need to be eligible to vote. (i.e., 18 and not currently serving a sentence including probation or parole for a felony conviction, and not otherwise disqualified from voting)

Q: How many days are allowed to collect the signatures?
A: 60 days from the filing of the initial recall paperwork

Q: How many signatures are needed to recall my Senator?
A: A recall requires 25% of the number of all votes cast for governor in the incumbent’s district in the last gubernatorial election. Click here to find the estimated number of signatures needed for each of the Republican 8.

Q: How does a recall election happen?
A: The Recall Committee must collect signatures equaling 25% of the number of all votes cast for governor in the incumbent’s district in the last gubernatorial election. These signatures must be filed with the Government Accountability Board within 60 days of the start of the recall effort.
A recall election is called, where the incumbent is automatically placed on the ballot (unless they file within 10 days that they do not want to be on the ballot) along with any candidate that qualifies to oppose the incumbent.

Q: If I sign a petition, does it mean I have to vote for or against the Senator being recalled in a recall election?
A: No. Signing simply says you agree that there should be a recall election. Signers are free to vote for whomever they’d like during that election.

95 Responses to FAQ About Recall Elections

Michael says:
March 5, 2011 at 1:52 am
Looking forward to your site including more information. Ie, why these 8, and not others.
Also, you might answer questions about why not recalling the gov.

Reply
Pattie says:
March 6, 2011 at 3:19 am
They have to be in office a year to recall….the others aren’t that is why the recall on Walker cannot start till later this year too for 2012.

Reply
T. Xiong says:
March 6, 2011 at 3:41 am
In order for a senator to be recalled they must have held office for at least a year. These are the 8 that have been in office for a year or more, while the others are to new. This goes for the Governor-who cannot be recalled until a year from his appointment which is Jan. of 2012. Most likely recall effort will go underway for Walker during that time.

Reply
Derek Erlenborn says:
March 6, 2011 at 3:52 pm
These eight are eligible for recall and represent our only chance of defeating these bills. Walker cannot be recalled until one year after he is in office.

Reply
Curt says:
May 1, 2011 at 6:11 pm
The petition papers can be filed when the GAB opens on Jan. 3, 2012, at 7:45 AM, and petitions would circulate 60 days before that. There’s a running countdown to that time at http://misleadingwisconsin.blogspot.com/

 

 

---

---

 

More Background On RecallTheRepublican8.com

 

RecallTheRepublican8.com was one of the most significant grassroots political websites to emerge from the wave of activism that swept across Wisconsin in 2011. More than simply a campaign website, it became a digital organizing center for one of the largest state-level political mobilizations in modern American history. The site was created to coordinate efforts to recall eight Republican Wisconsin state senators who supported Governor Scott Walker and his controversial legislation restricting collective bargaining rights for many public employees.

The website captured a unique moment when politics, labor activism, digital organizing, and citizen engagement converged. Although the recall effort ultimately fell short of flipping control of the Wisconsin Senate, the campaign generated national attention, attracted millions of dollars in spending, mobilized tens of thousands of volunteers, and helped define a new era of recall politics in the United States.

Today, archived versions of RecallTheRepublican8.com serve as a historical record of one of the most closely watched state political battles of the early 2010s.

Historical Background

To understand the significance of RecallTheRepublican8.com, it is necessary to understand the political climate in Wisconsin during 2011.

In the 2010 elections, Republicans gained control of the governor's office and both chambers of the Wisconsin Legislature. Governor Scott Walker quickly introduced what became known as Act 10, officially called the Budget Repair Bill. The legislation dramatically limited collective bargaining rights for many public employees and became one of the most controversial state laws in the nation.

The proposal triggered enormous demonstrations at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison. Thousands of teachers, firefighters, nurses, students, union members, and activists gathered for weeks in protest. Democratic state senators temporarily left Wisconsin in an attempt to prevent a quorum and delay passage of the legislation. Republicans ultimately passed the bill, and Walker signed it into law.

The backlash was immediate.

Opponents of the law turned to Wisconsin's recall provisions, which allow elected officials to face recall elections if enough signatures are collected. The result was an unprecedented effort to remove lawmakers who had supported the legislation.

The Purpose of RecallTheRepublican8.com

RecallTheRepublican8.com was created as a centralized campaign platform to organize recall efforts against eight Republican state senators.

The website's mission was straightforward:

• Educate voters about the recall process
• Recruit volunteers
• Coordinate petition drives
• Raise funds
• Provide event information
• Mobilize supporters
• Promote recall elections

The site reflected the language and priorities of labor activists, Democratic Party supporters, and anti-Act 10 organizers. It frequently characterized the legislation as an attack on workers' rights and collective bargaining.

Archived pages show a highly action-oriented structure designed to move visitors from awareness to participation. Rather than serving as an informational resource alone, the website functioned as a campaign headquarters accessible to anyone with an internet connection.

Ownership and Organizational Connections

Although RecallTheRepublican8.com presented itself as a citizen-driven movement, the site was closely connected to broader Democratic and labor organizing efforts in Wisconsin.

Archived content featured messages from Mike Tate, who was chairman of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin at the time. Appeals for donations and volunteer recruitment often linked directly to Democratic Party activities and allied organizations.

The site also worked alongside labor organizations and progressive advocacy groups. Various volunteer activities referenced collaboration with organizers and statewide networks involved in collecting signatures and mobilizing voters.

Rather than functioning as an independent media outlet, RecallTheRepublican8.com was essentially a political campaign website dedicated to a specific electoral objective.

The Eight Republican Senators

The website focused on recalling eight Republican senators who had become eligible for recall under Wisconsin law.

Those targeted included:

• Alberta Darling
• Dan Kapanke
• Glenn Grothman
• Luther Olsen
• Mary Lazich
• Randy Hopper
• Robert Cowles
• Sheila Harsdorf

The website emphasized that several of these races had previously been decided by narrow margins, making them potentially vulnerable to recall challenges.

Website Features and Content

The structure of RecallTheRepublican8.com reflected the needs of a rapidly developing political movement.

Key sections included:

Volunteer Recruitment

A major focus of the website involved recruiting volunteers for signature collection efforts.

Posts regularly urged visitors to participate in canvassing operations and petition drives. Organizers provided schedules, contact information, and instructions for joining recall efforts throughout Wisconsin.

Recall Road Trips

One of the most distinctive features was the "Recall Road Trips" initiative.

Volunteers from areas such as Dane County were encouraged to travel to targeted Senate districts where additional signature gatherers were needed. Meeting locations, transportation plans, and volunteer instructions were frequently updated.

This reflected the grassroots nature of the campaign and demonstrated how digital organizing could facilitate real-world political action.

FAQ Resources

The website included detailed explanations of Wisconsin's recall process.

Topics covered included:

• Signature requirements
• Eligibility rules
• Recall timelines
• Voting requirements
• Election procedures

These educational resources helped supporters understand Wisconsin's unique constitutional recall provisions.

Fundraising

Fundraising appeals appeared throughout the site.

Visitors were encouraged to contribute money to support recall campaigns, with messaging emphasizing urgency and the limited 60-day period available for gathering signatures.

Popularity and Public Attention

Although web traffic statistics from 2011 are difficult to verify today, the website clearly benefited from extraordinary national attention focused on Wisconsin politics.

The Wisconsin labor protests became a national story covered extensively by major media organizations, including national newspapers, cable news networks, political blogs, and labor publications.

As interest in Wisconsin grew, RecallTheRepublican8.com became one of the primary online destinations for activists seeking information about the recall movement.

The site's visibility extended beyond Wisconsin. Archived content includes thousands of messages of support from people across the United States and even from Americans living overseas.

National Media Coverage

The recall campaigns received extraordinary national coverage.

Political observers viewed Wisconsin as a testing ground for broader debates about:

• Labor unions
• Government spending
• Public employee compensation
• State budget reform
• Conservative governance
• Progressive activism

News outlets across the country closely monitored developments. The recall elections became a proxy battle between organized labor and conservative reform movements.

As a result, RecallTheRepublican8.com became part of a much larger national political narrative.

The Signature Collection Campaign

One of the site's most important functions involved coordinating signature gathering.

Wisconsin law required recall organizers to collect signatures equal to 25 percent of votes cast in the previous gubernatorial election within the targeted district. Organizers had only 60 days to complete this task.

The website constantly emphasized the deadline and encouraged volunteers to maximize their efforts.

Posts frequently described the campaign as a race against time and portrayed volunteer participation as essential to preserving democratic accountability.

Community Engagement

One of the most memorable sections of the website featured messages of support from around the country.

Archived pages documented more than 12,500 thank-you notes submitted by supporters. These messages came from numerous states and reflected how the Wisconsin recall effort resonated with people far beyond state borders.

The letters often described Wisconsin activists as symbols of resistance against perceived attacks on labor rights.

For many participants, the campaign transcended state politics and became part of a larger national conversation about workers, unions, and democracy.

The Elections and Results

The recall elections ultimately became one of the most expensive and closely watched state legislative contests in American history.

Millions of dollars flowed into Wisconsin from organizations on both sides of the political divide. Outside groups, unions, advocacy organizations, and political committees invested heavily in the contests.

The results were mixed.

Of the six Republican senators who ultimately faced recall elections:

• Two Republicans were defeated.
• Four Republicans survived.

Democrats needed to gain three seats to take control of the Wisconsin Senate but fell short by a single seat. Republicans retained a narrow majority.

The outcome represented both a victory and a disappointment for recall organizers.

They demonstrated the ability to force elections and remove some incumbents, but they did not achieve their ultimate goal of changing Senate control.

Influence on Later Recall Campaigns

RecallTheRepublican8.com occupies an important place in Wisconsin political history because it helped normalize large-scale recall campaigns.

The 2011 Senate recalls were followed by the much larger 2012 gubernatorial recall effort against Governor Scott Walker himself. That campaign attracted national attention and resulted in one of the highest-turnout gubernatorial elections in Wisconsin history. Walker ultimately survived the recall.

Subsequent recall efforts in Wisconsin continued to draw comparisons to the 2011 movement, demonstrating the long-lasting influence of the political infrastructure developed during that period.

Reviews and Public Perception

Because RecallTheRepublican8.com was a political campaign site rather than a commercial business, traditional consumer reviews do not exist.

Public opinion regarding the website generally mirrored broader political divisions.

Supporters viewed it as:

• A model of grassroots organizing
• An example of citizen activism
• A tool for democratic accountability
• A successful volunteer mobilization platform

Critics viewed it as:

• A partisan campaign vehicle
• An extension of Democratic Party organizing
• A politically motivated attempt to overturn election results

These differing interpretations reflected the intense polarization surrounding Wisconsin politics during the period.

Cultural and Social Significance

The broader significance of RecallTheRepublican8.com extends beyond the elections themselves.

The website represents a transitional moment in political campaigning when digital platforms became central to grassroots mobilization.

Today, online activism is commonplace. In 2011, however, political websites like RecallTheRepublican8.com demonstrated how rapidly volunteers could be recruited, organized, informed, and deployed through web-based tools.

The site also serves as a snapshot of one of the defining political conflicts of the early 2010s.

The debates surrounding collective bargaining, public-sector unions, government spending, and political accountability helped shape state and national politics for years afterward.

Legacy

More than a decade later, RecallTheRepublican8.com remains historically significant because it documented an extraordinary experiment in democratic participation.

The website captured:

• Mass political mobilization
• Labor activism
• Recall election mechanics
• Volunteer coordination
• Digital organizing techniques
• Citizen engagement

Although the recall movement did not achieve all of its goals, it successfully demonstrated the power of grassroots political action and helped create one of the most remarkable chapters in Wisconsin political history.

For historians, political scientists, journalists, and citizens interested in modern American politics, RecallTheRepublican8.com provides a valuable record of how digital organizing helped transform a state legislative dispute into a nationally watched political movement. It stands as an artifact of a time when thousands of ordinary citizens believed they could influence the direction of government through direct participation, petition drives, and recall elections. Whether viewed as a triumph of democratic engagement or an example of heightened political polarization, the website remains an important document of Wisconsin's turbulent political landscape in 2011.

 

---

---