Published 17 Aug, 2011
TWU Workers’ Rights are Human Rights activists from around the country joined forces with other labor unions and allies to help with the get out of the vote efforts leading up to the historical August 9 recall elections in Wisconsin.
Members from New York, Ohio and several other states, along with TWU International staff teamed up with We Are Wisconsin and hit the streets of small rural towns as they knocked on doors and handed out literature in 90-degree heat. They also phone banked in Madison reminding people to vote in one of the most watched elections America has seen.
“It went well and I was just so happy to be here at this pivotal time in our history,” said Anita Clinton, out of New York, who is on the Workers’ Rights are Human Rights team. “It should bode well for Ohio and perhaps lift some spirits in these tough times. I am proud to have been part of a campaign to show America what Democracy looks like!”
On the day of the election, TWU members stood amongst the hundreds of people who held home made signs with the fist representing Wisconsin. Others showed their support for the Wisconsin 14 as well as the six Senate candidates running against the six GOP Senators, the six who helped pass the bill eliminating collective bargaining rights from public employees, as they watched a live outdoor broadcast of MSNBC’s Ed Shultz .
However, as the results came in and winners were announced, it was only Jennifer Shilling (D) and Jessica King (D) gaining a seat. The election narrowed the Republican majority from 19-14 to 17-16.
Wisconsin’s recall election was not a loss.
The victories represented incremental real progress, not only for the people of Wisconsin, but for people everywhere across the nation. It showed that the tide had begun to turn against Republican politicians everywhere who attack transit workers, teachers and nurses while protecting tax giveaways to millionaires and big corporations. This election was and is what democracy looks like.