And here in RI, we can only dream!

Maybe it could be a sign of things to come. This really is a referendum on what Gov. Walker is trying to do with the unions. This is the voters saying they agree with Walker and want him to continue.

"...who the hell wants to be considered (or considers themselves) part of the 'proletariat' these days?"

You've got something against people who work with their hands for a living or is it you just don't the idea that there are class issues in the US?

That's pretty lame, Russ. Then call it "the working man" as most do...."proletariat" is pretentious Marxist terminology, that's all I'm saying.

What Russ meant to say was, "Do you have a problem with Marxists and the redistribution of wealth?"

It's ridiculous for either side to claim victory.
The Dems needed three seats, and got only two. They fell short.
The GOP claims victory despite losing two seats? Spinning like Pat Sajak.
Neither side won a mandate. The Dems didn't accomplish their goal, and Walker lost his margin of error. If I'm a moderate Republican in the Wisconsin Senate, I'm really feeling my oats today, for I'm the only winner last night.

Good read on Russ-the Marxist BS artist.
I don't think he's from what he'd call a "proletarian"background.
Last I heard(from him)he was a computer scientist or something-ok,then I guess he doesn't tap the keys with his feet.
Most of the red faced screamers in the radical left here are spoiled rotten children of privilege.

"The proletariat did not take over the streets."

Only a Leftist, Progressive would use the term "proltariat" in this day in age. I think that may say something about the substance of his opinions.

I would be embarrassed to use the term proletariat, I would think people would consider that I was trying to mark myself as an "elite".

I suppose they imagine they are expressing compassion for thoise that they look down on. Looking down is easy, it is looking up to someone that hurts your neck.

Bella, is it bad for four out of six incumbents to win in any election? Plus, there are still a few more recall elections yet to happen, these against sitting Democrats.

If we targeted the weakest 5 sitting Democrats at the State House, I'm guessing one or two of them could be knocked out. It's all about focus.

Bella,

I'd say the people of Wisconsin are the winners because they weren't ridden roughshod by organized labor unlike this state. Apparently they felt strong enough about the issues to overcome voter apathy also unlike this state.

Agreed, Max. If the reduction of the GOP majority in the Senate from five to one has forced Gov. Koch of the Walker to moderate his position a bit and give us two sides that sit down like adults to work this thing out in bipartisan fashion, you are correct that Wisconsinites benefit.

Walker already tried that but the unions weren't interested. Why is it when management calls labor's bluff, all of a sudden its an 'unfair labor practice' or 'the two sides need to sit down like adults?' That aside, my original point was less partisan. It was amazing to watch Wisconsin voters mobilize against a special interest. I can't imagine that happening here in Rhode Island where during the worst of recent economic times, we had less than a 50 percent turnout at the polls.