Wisconsin recall

Some Wisconsin citizens are serious about recalling their governor, Republican Scott Walker. The governor’s opponents say they have gathered far more than the 540,028 signatures needed to force an election against both Gov. Walker and Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch, also a Republican.

Gov. Walker’s part in ending almost all collective-bargaining rights for public-sector workers sparked the recall effort.

Of course, one problem with recall is that your governor spends a lot of time defending himself and campaigning for the election that will come soon if the recall goes through.

Capitalizing on a state law that allows those facing recall to raise funds well beyond normal contribution limits, Mr. Walker had gathered $5.1 million by mid-December, much of that from outside Wisconsin, USA Today reported.

Democrats opposing Mr. Walker have not named anyone to run against the governor in a special election.

Yet his detractors say that was part of the plan. “It forced Walker and his minions to run on their record and issues rather than to run against an announced Democratic candidate,” said Marty Beil of the Wisconsin State Employees Union.

At some point, the Democrats will have to produce a candidate to make the effort worthwhile.

Meanwhile, the governor’s supporters are arguing that he balanced Wisconsin’s $3.6 billion shortfall without laying off many state employees.

While his opponents gather signatures, he campaigns to stay in office.