Page:The Wisconsin idea (IA cu31924032449252).pdf/146

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122
THE WISCONSIN IDEA

constitution. There has been such a demand for copies of this resolution that it is presented in full in the Appendix.

The recall resolution is very simple and does not include the judges. The legislature and the people in general are so well satisfied with the Wisconsin supreme court that the legislature almost unanimously opposed the insertion of the recall of judges into its resolution. The recall will receive further consideration in a later chapter dealing with the judiciary.

The proposed recall amendment is as follows:—


"Section 12. The legislature shall provide for the removal by recall from office, by the qualified electors of the electoral district in which any officer is elected, of every public officer in the state of Wisconsin holding an elective office, except judicial officers."


The laws described in this chapter are the principal ones relating to reform in direct legislation and electoral machinery. Space forbids the description of important laws relating to registration in cities and the betterment of electoral conditions in general. Wisconsin does not require the senatorial pledge nor any form of statement from legislators intended to insure the direct election of United States senators such as has been used in Oregon. It was defeated at the 1911 session of the legislature by a narrow margin because of what was apparently an unexpected return to party lines. It undoubtedly will