GOP Margin in Assembly Could Shrink to 52-47

Democrats could close the gap in the Assembly to 52-47, pending any possible recounts in several close races. Republicans went into last night with a 58-39 edge and two open seats that had been held by GOP lawmakers before resignations left them open.

Dems won two open seats, knocked off five incumbents and may have taken out a sixth.

The lone bright spots for the GOP were freshman Brett Davis' win in a toss up seat with 51 percent of the vote and John Murtha. The Republican had just less than 52 percent of the vote with about 83 of the precincts reporting in an open seat in the Menomonie area.

Dem Ann Hraychuck knocked off GOP incumbent Mark Pettis in northwestern Wisconsin by about 300 votes, while Phil Garthwaite beat Gabe Loeffelholz in the Platteville area, Steve Hilgenberg beat Stephen Freese in southwestern Wisconsin, Jim Soletski beat Judy Krawczyk in the Green Bay area by 88 votes and Jeff Smith beat Rob Kreibich in the Eau Claire area.

Initial returns show Republican Rep. Debi Towns winning by six votes over Democrat Kim Hixson, but Hixson now seems to have a narrow lead in that race, which is likely headed for a recount.

Dems Gordon Hintz and Andy Jorgensen also picked up open seats in Oshkosh and the Fort Atkinson area.

The tally is based on unofficial returns, and recounts are possible. In addition to the close Dem wins, Republican Eugene Hahn won by 154 votes in his race.

-- By JR Ross