Two Democratic state senators in Wisconsin have retained their seats in the last of a series of recall elections. Democratic incumbents Bob Wirch of Pleasant Prairie and Jim Holperin of Conover were among the 14 state senators who fled Wisconsin in February to delay passage of Gov. Scott Walker’s anti-union law. The Wisconsin recalls were seen as a referendum on the law with both supporters and opponents facing the loss of their seats. Although Republicans retained control of the Senate, their majority after the recalls has shrunk from 19 to 14, down a one-vote advantage of 17 to 16. After Tuesday’s results were declared, Democratic incumbent Bob Wirch spoke at a gathering with supporters.

Bob Wirch: “All these wonderful people, grassroots Paul Wellstone politics, and I love it. And I love it. All these wonderful people. And you try and help them. I fight for the underdog. You keep it real simple. I think we sent a message to this governor, quite frankly. We didn’t win—we didn’t win control in the Senate, but we sent a strong message.”

Reporter: “What’s that message?”

Bob Wirch: “Moderation is good, compromise is good, and working-class people are not second-class citizens.”