I strenuously object to the notion that a petition drive can force another showdown between candidates.
The step missing before that is for the voters to decide if there should be another election.
As it stands, this should be unconstitutional, and it should be challenged. A legitimate election is being overthrown by just a tiny percentage of those who voted in that election.
The petition should only allow a question to go before the voters: “Should there be another election for governor?” If another FULL ELECTORATE election decides to have another candidate showdown, then it should take place.
The Wisconsin Constitution makes specific provision for recall petitions. Whether this is a lousy idea or not, it’s clearly constitutional.
Unfortunately, it’s constitutional in Wisconsin. Doesn’t make it right, but perhaps recall elections could be made more difficult.
Republicans tried very hard to recall the Wisconsin Fleebaggers once upon a time, and are still trying to do so in the case of people like Bob Jauch. But if I remember correctly (and perhaps I don’t), current law calls for a recall based on a percentage of previous ballots cast.
In parliamentary procedure, a Motion to Reconsider may only be made by a member of the winning side in a vote. Therefore, I wouldn’t be averse to requiring those who wish to recall a candidate to gather more valid petition signatures than the number of votes cast for the election winner.
And yes, I know it could work both ways. But recall elections every two years is no way to run a government.