8:20 PM: Butler supporters gathered
Justice Louis Butler' victory party is low-key as supporters wait for returns to roll in at the Riverfront Pizzeria in downtown Milwaukee.
A half dozen TV cameras are set up and aimed at a podium where Butler will speak when results are in. The justice is with his family and is expected to join the festivities at about 8:30 p.m. or 9 p.m.
About 50 supporters have gathered at the spot, sipping at beers or wine as they await the results.
A pizza buffet is being served.
UPDATE: Butler supporters are keeping one eye on TV sets as early numbers roll in showing Gableman stepping out to an early lead. More are filing in by the minute as wait staff continues to bring out pizza and other items for the buffet. Among those gathered is Rep. Tom Nelson, D-Kaukauna.
Butler campaign officials say the early numbers are coming from northeast Wisconsin and rural areas of Dane County. The mood is optimistic, as they hope they can keep the race tight until results from Milwaukee and Madison, where the campaign had a strong ground game, come in.
-- By Greg Bump
Labels: 2008 spring election