Facebook group wants to write in Walker's name on Dem. ballot

MILWAUKEE -- A growing group of people hope to spoil the recall effort against Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker by writing Walker's name in on the Democratic primary ballot. The grassroots effort began on Facebook, and the group's followers say it's a legitimate effort.

More than 1,300 people on Facebook have joined the group called "Operation: Write in Scott Walker in Democrat Primary." The group's description states: "If we can get a majority of the voters in the Democratic primary, we will have defeated the Democrats at their game, and save the taxpayers millions of dollars."

Noelle Lorraine isn't part of the Facebook group, but she organized a pro-Walker rally using social media that drew thousands to Wauwatosa in support of Walker last month. "I think that anything has legs with the social media phenomenon. I think it's a playful idea. We voted for Scott Walker in 2010, and we'll do it again in 2012. We'll do what we have to do to keep Walker in office," Lorraine said.

After seeing a story on Patch.com, FOX6 posted a message on the group's Facebook page, asking whether the group is a legitimate effort, or just a rallying group for Walker supporters. The group's administrator responded: "legitimate and growing!"

Democrats say the effort has little chance of succeeding. "I think the Democrats are going to be organized enough to have our candidate chosen by Democrats, and we'll have a fair election after that in the recall. It's clear the voters will pick a Democrat to challenge Walker in the recall election," Sachin Chheda with the Milwaukee County Democrats said.

As for how the group's effort could affect a general recall election, the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board doesn't have a clear answer. The GAB says: "Under the law, there must be a write-in line on the ballot. Beyond that, we don't have any comment now because it is currently just speculation."

FOX6 asked the group if they'd like to speak out about the effort on camera, and organizers say they'd like to talk about it, but are worried about "threats against anyone who stands up."