I honestly don't know what to expect tonight. A Walker victory is likely; a Barrett victory is possible.
But whatever happens, look, the sun still comes up tomorrow morning.
If Tom Barrett wins, we'll be dancing on a cloud for about a day. Then the hard work of governing will set in. I know we're Democrats, but let's not start arguing with one another from the start.
Let's set a different tone. Make compromises internally, and most importantly, reach out to the other side. Include them in discussions. We'll have to anyway, because no matter what happens,the GOP will continue to run the Assembly.
If Scott Walker survives, let's take him up on his pledge during this campaign to govern in a different, more inclusive way. Congratulate him on his victory and go back to work as the loyal opposition.
Tom Barrett is the kind of person who means it -- and has a career to back it up -- when he says he'll end the civil war in Wisconsin. But if Tom doesn't cross the finish line first, that works falls more than ever to the rest of us.
Let's not gloat if we win; let's not whine if we lose. Let's carry on the work of rebuilding a civil democracy.
