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Politics & Government

Wasserman Says He's Open to Taking on Darling in Recall

But former Democratic lawmaker worried about what boundaries will look like after redistricting.

Former state lawmaker Sheldon Wasserman said Monday he would consider taking on , but he's worried how the 8th District will look once the Republican-controlled Legislature finishes drawing new legislative districts.

The Legislature must come up with a redistricting plan by 2012, but could do so before then. Wasserman, a Milwaukee Democrat who lost to Darling in 2008, predicted  the GOP's plan would be designed to protect Republicans who are at greatest risk of being recalled because of their support of the budget repair bill.

While he's considering a run if a recall election were to take place, Wasserman said redistricting could be a deal killer.

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“I don’t even know where the district will be located,” he said. “The census figures were released last week and my bet is that they (Republicans) will have a plan soon and it will be designed to protect their own.”

The state Legislature is required to redistrict every 10 years based on census data. Because the Republicans control both houses of the Legislature and the governor’s office, they Democrats will have little input on the new boundaries.

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“They could cut me out of living in the district,” Wasserman said.

 Wasserman, an obstetrician who served in the Assembly until his defeat by Darling, said he is confident that he could win the eastern part of the 8th District held by Darling. The western part of the district – Richfield and part of Germantown – is more conservative and that area delivered the victory in 2008 to Darling, he said.

The district also includes Menomonee Falls, Whitefish Bay, Shorewood and Fox Point.

“I’d love to see what the polls are saying,” Wasserman said. “I’m confident that I could do even better in Milwaukee County. Her actions have shown she’s no moderate on anything.”

He described the budget repair bill as far more than a fix-it for the budget deficit.

“This is a major policy statement,” Wasserman said. “What (Walker) did with Medicaid is really shocking. It’s the ultimate power grab.”

Wasserman was referring to an amendment that gives the power of make changes to the administration of the Medicaid program in the state to his administration.

“Doing it that way will provide cover for the legislators and for him when,” Wasserman said. “By giving the power to the secretary of the Department of Health, they won’t have to take the heat.”

Wasserman predicted that Walker will soon take on and restrict other social issues – gay rights and abortion.        

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