Wisconsin Democrats keep their Senate seats

MADISON, Wis. — Both of the Democratic Wisconsin state senators up for recall elections have survived.

The Democrats targeted in Tuesday’s election were among the 14 senators who fled the state in February in opposition to Republican Gov. Scott Walker’s proposal curbing public employee collective bargaining rights.

Both won in recalls against Republican challengers.

Democratic Sen. Bob Wirch of Pleasant Prairie defeated Kenosha attorney Jonathan Steitz. Sen. Jim Holperin of Conover beat tea party Republican Kim Simac of Eagle River.

Republicans still hold majority control of the Senate even with the wins. Democrats knocked off two Republicans in recall elections last month, but not enough to take control.

A third Democrat won a recall election last month.