Dems elect Risser Senate President - WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports |

MADISON, Wisconsin (WXOW) -- Democrats have elected Sen. Fred Risser as president of the state Senate after taking majority control following a victory in a recall election.

John Lehman's victory in Racine gave Democrats a 17-16 edge. The Senate met Tuesday for the first time since Lehman's win, which was upheld following a recount.

Risser is the longest serving state lawmaker in the country, having been in the Legislature since 1957. The Senate president position traditionally goes to the most senior lawmaker.

Lehman and Jerry Petrowski, a Republican who won in a recall election in a vacant seat in the Wausau area, were ceremoniously sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Ann Walsh Bradley.

Both received standing ovations after being introduced prior to the swearing in and after they took the oath of office.