MADISON, Wis. (WTAQ) - Recall petitions have now have been filed against half of the 16 Wisconsin senators targeted over the effort to limit collective bargaining by public employees.

About 30,000 signatures were filed Thursday to order a recall election against Senate Republican Alberta Darling of River Hills. Darling, who co-chairs the Legislature’s finance committee, says she’s ready to face the voters – and she’s not afraid to defend her record.

Petitions were also filed Thursday for recall elections against Senate Democrats Dave Hansen of Green Bay, Jim Holperin of Conover, and Bob Wirch of Pleasant Prairie.

Meanwhile, Senate Republican Randy Hopper of Fond du Lac is challenging petitions against him which he claims were gathered under false pretenses. And Senate Republican Dan Kapanke wants officials to strike down petitions on a technicality, saying the group filed its registration improperly.

Recall petitions have now been filed against 5 Republicans as well as the 3 Democrats.

The Government Accountability Board is reviewing the thousands of petition pages and signatures – and they’ve asked for over $40,000 to cover the increased workload.