Dems collect recall signatures, Walker launches ad campaign

It has been a week since the official paperwork to launch the recall effort against Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker was filed in Madison, and those organizing the recall effort say they collected 105,000 signatures in the first 96 hours. As Democrats collect signatures, Walker is collecting unlimited campaign donations, and launching a television ad campaign to tout the effectiveness of Republican reforms.

Walker opponents need to collect 540,000 valid signatures to force a recall election, and they're on a mission: going anywhere people congregate hoping to collect signatures, from the street corner, to the corner pub. A weekend protest attracted more than 30,000 to the Capitol in Madison. Democrats say they're countering money with enthusiasm.

"It's a whirlwind. We had 72 counties, hundreds of events, thousands and thousands of signatures. Money doesn't vote. The people of Wisconsin vote. This nightmare period that we've seen could be ending, and the people of Wisconsin are going to end it," Democratic Spokesman Graeme Zielinski said.

Republicans are downplaying the numbers, and are focusing on Walker's reforms, which they say are working. They say there is a silent majority that supports Walker, and continues to show up at the polls.

"Governor Walker and the Republicans have done what they said, which is balance the budget, and do it honestly. The people who are at home, and who aren't the ones marching in the street are almost always on our side," Rep. Robin Vos (R-Burlington) said.