Politics

Prosser gains lead over Kloppenburg as vote tallies adjusted

Steven Nelson Associate Editor
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In a surprising turn of events, Wisconsin’s Supreme Court election may not be as close as previously expected. Incumbent Justice David Prosser has gained a substantial number of votes as counties make vote count adjustments.

Challenger JoAnne Kloppenburg declared victory following Tuesday’s election after initially leading by a thin margin of 204 votes. Local officials began updating vote tallies on Thursday.

Numbers from Waukesha County alone give Prosser a net increase of approximately 7,500 votes. 11,000 additional votes went to Prosser compared with only 3,000 for Kloppenburg.

Mike Haas, staff attorney for the state Government Accountability Board, made the stunning announcement to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Earlier on Thursday, Prosser gained 244 votes in adjustments made to Winnebago County’s totals, bringing him to a 40-vote lead.

The election has been cast as a referendum on Wisconsin Republican Gov. Scott Walker’s effort to strip public sector unions of collective bargaining rights. Prosser was targeted by opponents of Walker.