Senate Democratic Leader backs Lehman's claims of victory

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By Dani Maxwell - email

MADISON (WKOW) – Wisconsin's Senate Democratic Leader backs John Lehman's claim he is already victorious in the 21st District Senate race.

Senator Mark Miller talked with Wake Up Wisconsin Wednesday morning about the race between Lehman and Incumbent Republican Van Wanggaard. Lehman claims victory in the tight race, but Wanggaard has not conceded and says his camp will examine the votes Wednesday morning.

Senator Miller issued a press release early Wednesday morning, where he already referred to himself as the Senate Majority Leader. If Lehman is declared the winner in the race, the power would shift in the Senate from the Republicans to Democrats. But the Associated Press says the race is still too close to call, with Lehman leading but only by fewer than 800 votes.

WKOW asked Miller what would happen if Democrats do end up controlling the vote on the Senate. He said, "It makes a big difference because by electing a Democratic majority in the Senate, we set the stage for actual dialogue and compromise."

Miller also talked about a major topic in the recall election campaigns. "It's always been about jobs in the state. I mean that's been a focus. Wisconsin has done miserably in the last 18 months and we need to get back on track where we were before and keep up with the nation or maybe do even better."