The deadline for filing recall election petitions in Wisconsin has passed, and as of now six Republicans and three Democrats are subject to recall. At least some of the elections are being scheduled for July 12, I understand.

However, the Dems are challenging the recall petitions filed by Republicans, saying many of the signatures were obtained (by paid out-of-state operatives) through fraudulent means. Eric Kleefeld explains,

The Dems rolled rolled out their official complaint on Thursday, after making phone calls to almost 1,800 petition-signers, and acquiring affidavits from signers who say they were falsely told that the petitions were for other things — such as supporting a local park, recalling a Republican state senator in a different district, or recalling Gov. Scott Walker.

The Dems also challenge that some of the signatures are fakes. The total number of legitimate signatures would not be enough to warrant the three recall elections, the Dems say.

Also note that in a special election held this past week, a Democrat won a seat that had been held by Republicans for 17 years. The former occupant had left the legislature to work for the Scott Walker administration.