A terrible night for Democrats in Wisconsin

Even more disturbing for Democrats was that Barrett won despite the overwhelming opposition of the labor movement, which backed Falk as the more progressive candidate. Barrett had only entered the race at the end of March and still managed to overwhelm months of efforts on behalf of Falk by organized labor, which had anointed her as its chosen candidate when the Walker recall movement was still in its infancy.

These weak numbers stand in stark contrast to the estimated 900,000 voters who signed recall petitions and are a disturbing sign for Democrats in a general election contest June 5 that all sides believe will focus on base enthusiasm rather than swing voters. Few are undecided in a fight that has dragged on without pause for nearly 18 months and included tens of thousands of Wisconsinites occupying the state capitol…

The turnout Tuesday should serve as an alarm bell to Democrats, who have been frenetically organizing in Wisconsin for months. Defeating Walker in the June recall was supposed to be a precursor to re-electing Obama in November. Instead, the labor movement may lose its all-in bet in Wisconsin and prove itself, and Obama, even weaker than believed.