A wake-up call for Dems, labor, and the left

[1StrongBlackMan]

7. I wonder ...

if the walker/Barrett spending disparity can/will be replicated across the nation?

This contest was much touted and therefore outside resources flowed in. But here are a couple of observations/speculations:

1) looking at other contests across the nation, there was no similar funding/spending disparity between the candidates;

2) I suspect Barrett's funding/spending will be closer to the norm, i.e., increased, but not to insane levels;

3) I doubt, even in this post-CU world, the wealthy have, and would be willing to spend, at the same rate as they did in Wisconsin;

4) and finally, because of the above observations/speculations, tradition grassroots people power, if organized and engaged, will on the grand scale defeat even large injections of money. It worked in Wisconsin because the rules favored walker, e.g., he was able to accept unlimited contributions-whereas, Barrett was limited to 10K a pop; walker was the named candidate by Xmas-whereas, Barrett wasn't named until a few weeks ago; walker benefitted from a significant population that was voting AGAINST the idea of recalling a duly elected legislator for no other reason than you don't like his political agenda ... their vote (and with some merit) was signaling the importance of consistent electoral policy, i.e., absent some crime or gross neglect/incompetence, if you don't like what the successful candidate does once elected, unelect him/her when his/her term is up.

I remain hopeful for Democrats on, both, the local and national levels in the coming election cycles - even in Wisconsin and even for Wisconsin's next gubernatorial contest, as none of these anomalies will be present.