Walker kicks off campaign swing - WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports |

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Wisconsin's divisive governor is officially hitting the campaign trail.

Republican Scott Walker kicked off a statewide tour Tuesday by speaking to about 50 people at a farm north of the capital of Madison.

Meanwhile, Democrats seeking their party's nomination to take him on in a recall election filed signatures needed to get on the primary ballot.

The recall election was spurred by anger over changes Walker pushed through the Legislature last year to effectively end collective bargaining rights for most public workers is the most prominent campaign in the nation after the presidential race.

The legislation has made Walker a national conservative hero.

He told supporters at the farm that the recall is a test of political courage when it comes to which direction the state will go.