Labor union reps gather enough names for recall against Dan Kapanke

La Crosse area Democrats have filed a petition with more than 21,700 signatures calling for a recall electoin of Sen. Dan Kapanke, one of eight Republicans targeted for his support of a controversial bill to curtail collective bargaining rights for public workers.

If 15,588 signatures are validated, Kapanke will be just the fifth Wisconsin lawmaker to face a recall election. Only two have been unseated.

Kapanke said Friday he believes the bill – now entangled in a court battle over the way it was passed – was necessary to balance an estimated $3.6 billion budget deficit and that he would cast the same vote again even knowing it could cost him his seat.

“This certainly trumps any one person’s ambitions or political career,” he said. “We are elected to put our fiscal house in order… You’ve got to do what’s best in your heart – what you feel is best for the future of the state.”

LaX Trib

Here's the thing, why don't Dems run a recall after every election?  Did anybody who signed the petition vote for Kapanke?  So why is this a surprise.  If Dem senators are willing to run away from home like a teenager told they cant get their eyelids tattooed, should we expect anything less?  Worst case scenario, I think Kapanke could make a run and beat Herb Kohl if Kohl decides to run again.