Democrats say they're down but not defeated after recalls

APPLETON -- Less than a week after a losing their bid to recall Governor Scott Walker, Wisconsin Democrats wrapped up their state convention Saturday, June 9th in Appleton.

The party sought to recapture the energy it had going into Tuesday's recall election, turning for party stalwarts, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and U.S. Senator Herb Kohl.

"We must remain as engaged, if not more engaged in our democracy now than ever because we all know what we are facing," Barrett said in a speech that was a surprise to the delegates.

The party noted that the recall elections allowed it to take control of the state Senate, at least going into the November election. The party focused on the fall, where it will look to reverse momentum.

"We're tired. You need to take a little break and get a little rest and get geared up for this November. I think the energy and excitement is still there," Rob Zerban, who is looking to unseat U.S. Congressman Paul Ryan said.

The delegates who filled the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton echoed Zerban, saying the recall results are not indicative of what will happen in the future.

"We've been through (losses) before and everybody points at a win or a loss as a predictor of the future, but things change," delegate John Collins said.

Collins said the party's ability to recover from Tuesday's losses was evident in the energy on display in Appleton.

"Franky, I'm surprised we've had as many people and as much energy as has been on display the last couple days," Collins said.

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