Tuesday’s Wisconsin recall costly for governments, candidates and advocates

Tuesday’s Wisconsin recall costly for governments, candidates and advocates
A supporter of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, right, talks with a supporter of Democratic opponent Tom Barrett at a recall election rally Friday, June 1, 2012, in Milwaukee. AP/Jeffrey Phelps
Tuesday’s Wisconsin recall costly for governments, candidates and advocates
A supporter of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, right, talks with a supporter of Democratic opponent Tom Barrett at a recall election rally Friday, June 1, 2012, in Milwaukee. AP/Jeffrey Phelps

Tuesday’s Wisconsin recall costly for governments, candidates and advocates

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Voters in Wisconsin finally get their say on Tuesday in that state’s recall election. Republican Gov. Scott Walker is up against the Democratic mayor of Milwaukee, Tom Barrett.

Kenosha County Clerk Mary Schuch-Krebs said absentee ballot voting has been heavy. So for overall turnout in tomorrow’s recall election, she said, “We’re anticipating 50 percent or better and we’ve actually been ordering ballots to that effect.”

Statewide, Wisconsin officials expect 60 to 65 percent turnout, according to the Government Accountability Board.

The cost of those ballots, along with election judge pay and other expenses, add up to an estimated $9 million across the state.

“I was just looking at my budget and I’m not going to have enough money for the presidential elections,” Schuch-Krebs said last Thursday.

Schuch-Krebs said she’ll have to ask Kenosha County officials to move some money around in the budget.

The elections have also been costly for candidates and outside interest groups. The non-profit Wisconsin Democracy Campaign reports that, all-told, more than $60 million has been spent.