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This is unprecedented. We're in uncharted waters. The Legislature has never done this in the past.

Brian Kennedy, president of the American Federation of Teachers - Wisconsin union — commenting on Wisconsin Democrats' ceased efforts on an unusual bid to pass labor contracts for tens of thousands of state workers in a lame-duck session, setting up a likely showdown between unions and Governor-elect Scott Walker.

Brian Kennedy, president of the American Federation of Teachers - Wisconsin union — commenting on Wisconsin Democrats' ceased efforts on an unusual bid to pass labor contracts for tens of thousands of state workers in a lame-duck session, setting up a likely showdown between unions and Governor-elect Scott Walker.

Andy Kim is a former GOVERNING staff writer.