A Tale of Two States

Tuesday is Election Day for Wisconsin’s gubernatorial recall, pitting Republican Gov. Scott Walker against Democratic Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett in a rematch of their 2010 contest, won by Walker. Polls show Walker leading, and likely to become the first “recalled” governor to ultimately defeat his recall and retain his office.

In fact, after all the massive protests and the recall campaign, Walker’s popularity has increased.

Why?

Mr. Walker has done what he said he would. He hasn’t raised taxes. He staked out his position on ending collective bargaining for most public employees as well as requiring them to pay something toward healthcare and pension benefits, and, against a flurry of opposition, stuck to his guns.

Now the Badger State’s unemployment rate is down below the national average and economic prospects are up.

For a very different story, look south, to Illinois.

Gov. Patrick Quinn supports initiative, referendum and recall, but gets demerits for his response to the current economic difficulties. In 2010, Illinois raised the state income tax by 66 percent. But the $7 billion in extra revenue has done little to solve the state’s chief budget woe — Illinois was $8 billion in the hole when the income tax was hiked, and somehow faces that same $8 billion shortfall today.

So, just a week ago, lawmakers slapped a $1‑per-​pack tax on cigarettes.

If a state could tax itself out of trouble, Illinois would be a near paradise today.

Walker took on the government employee unions; Quinn took on the taxpayers. That’s why Wisconsin — including their embattled governor — is on the upswing and Illinois is not.

This is Common Sense. I’m Paul Jacob.