IBEW Activists Gear Up for Wisconsin RecallMay 23, 2012 From Madison to Green Bay, IBEW members and their families throughout Wisconsin are knocking on doors, licking envelopes and making calls in the run-up to the June 5 recall election of Gov. Scott Walker.Says Racine Local 430 Business Manager Chris Gulbrandson:
Walker’s efforts to strip public workers of their right to collectively bargain last year ignited months of massive protests throughout Wisconsin. In response, thousands of activists mobilized to put Walker’s recall before voters, gathering a record 1 million signatures. Running to replace the incumbent governor is Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, who won the May 8 Democratic primary. While many unions endorsed other candidates in the primary, Gulbrandson says:
Also on the ballot is firefighters union member Mahlon Mitchell, who is taking on Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch. Says Madison Local 2304 Business Manager Dave Poklinkowski:
Four Walker supporters in the state senate are also up for recall, including Van Wanggaard, who represents the 21st district, which includes the Racine-metro area. Says Gulbrandson:
In addition to campaigning for Barrett, Local 430 members are also getting the word out about Wanggaard’s challenger John Lehman. Millions of dollars of corporate special interest money have been pumped into the state in support of Walker, blanketing the airwaves with negative TV ads. Says Gulbrandson:
Janesville Local 890 Business Manager Leo Sokolik in southern Wisconsin reports that at least five members a day are volunteering to go door to door to make literature drops. Says Sokolik:
IBEW family and friends are also in the thick of the action. Says Cindy Johnson, wife of Madison Local 159 member Doug Johnson:
For more information, go to the We Are Wisconsin Web site.
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