Democrats, Republicans spar over who has mandate

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - There's no argument that Republicans have the majority of seats in both the Wisconsin Senate and Assembly as it begins its two-year session Monday.

But Democrats argue the GOP does not have a mandate.

Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chris Larson says the only reason Republicans have more seats in the Legislature is because they redraw political boundaries last year to their advantage. He calls it a "gerrymandered mandate."

But Republican leaders are rejecting that, saying voters showed repeatedly last year through the general election and recalls that they support Republicans.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald says, "We made the case to the voters of Wisconsin," he told reporters during a news conference.

Fitzgerald won a recall election last year, as did Republican Gov. Scott Walker.