The 1907 United States Senate special election in Wisconsin was held in the 48th Wisconsin Legislature between April 17, 1907, and May 17, 1907. The special election was necessary to complete the unexpired term of U.S. Senator John Coit Spooner, who announced his resignation in March1907 and left office April30. Republican former U.S. representative Isaac Stephenson was elected on the 22nd ballot after a month of voting and negotiation.[1]
In the 1907 term, Republicans held overwhelming majorities in both chambers of the Wisconsin Legislature, so had more than enough votes to elect a Republican United States senator. The main contest was in the Republican legislative caucus, where multiple progressive and conservative factions failed to reach consensus for nearly a month. Progressives ultimately coalesced around 77-year-old former U.S. representative Isaac Stephenson—who had made several previous bids for U.S. Senate—and secured his nomination.
On April 29, by agreement between the various candidates, most legislators were allowed to be absent, with each declared candidate designating one trusted supporter to arrive and cast a placeholder vote.
On May 13, by agreement between the various candidates, most legislators were allowed to be absent, with each declared candidate designating one trusted supporter to arrive and cast a placeholder vote.
On the evening of May 16, 1907, William H. Hatton expected to secure the nomination after coming within two votes of the caucus majority earlier that day. Lieutenant Governor William D. Connor was credited with denying Hatton the nomination after he managed to convince representatives Clifford R. Goldsworthy and Elwyn F. Nelson to withhold their support. Hatton's support collapsed during the roll call vote, with Goldsworthy, Nelson, and Duncan McGregor leading the rout. Instead Isaac Stephenson achieved a majority with 55 of 98 votes cast, and the caucus then moved to make him their unanimous nominee.[2]
Vote on May 17, 1907
The legislature re-convened in joint session on May 17. Voting proceeded exactly along party lines, with 26 members absent. Stephenson received the support of all the Republicans present and voting and was elected U.S. senator.[1]
↑ On the 10th ballot, Democratic representative Elmore Elver voted for B. S. Potter.
1 2 3 4 On the 18th, 19th, 20th, & 21st ballots, Rummel received the votes of all Socialists except representative Frank J. Weber (who was absent) and Rummel himself (who voted for Carl D. Thompson).
↑ On the 18th ballot, Republican representative William A. Kay voted for James A. Frear.
↑ On the 18th ballot, Republican representative George Grassie voted for John A. Hazelwood.
↑ On the 18th ballot, Democratic senator Charles L. Pearson voted for H. L. Palmer.
1 2 On the 19th and 20th ballots, Democratic representative Joseph Domachowski voted for D. S. Rose.
↑ On the 19th ballot, Republican representative Ove H. Berg voted for A. W. Sanborn.
↑ On the 20th ballot, Republican representative Otto Harrass voted for Samuel A. Cook.
↑ On the 20th ballot, Republican representative Ray J. Nye voted for Irvine Lenroot.
↑ On the 21st ballot, Democratic representative Joseph Domachowski voted for George W. Peck.
↑ On the 22nd ballot, Rummel received the votes of all Socialists except representative Frank J. Weber (who was absent) and Rummel himself (who did not cast a vote).
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