Right and Left Cheer the Wisconsin Recall Results

For a sense of how the results of the Wisconsin recall elections are playing out on the left and right, look no further than today's editorials in the New York Times and Wall Street Journal:

• Times: Democrats shouldn't be discouraged even though they fell short of regaining control of the state Senate. They defeated two GOP lawmakers in a recall, no small feat, and showed "significant strength" even in the losing districts. That sends a strong message about Gov. Scott Walker's "arrogant overreach. ... Voters around the country who oppose the widespread efforts to undermine public unions—largely financed by corporate interests—should draw strength from Tuesday’s success, not discouragement."

• Journal: This is no "moral victory" for Democrats. "The larger lesson here is that you can attempt major, meaningful government reform and live to tell about it." If all-important battles over public spending "can succeed in a 'progressive' hothouse like Wisconsin, there may be hope for California—or Washington."