Walker attempts to become first governor to withstand recall, opponents look for win

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Gov. Scott Walker took the oath of office 18 months ago promising to be tough but compassionate as he acted swiftly and decisively to get Wisconsin back to work.

Now his job is at stake with a June 5 recall that will either make him the third governor in U.S. history to be ousted midterm or the first to survive such a vote.

The race, in which Walker faces a rematch against Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, is widely viewed as the most important this year nationwide other than the presidential.

Walker describes it as a test of political courage. He took on public sector unions and won, effectively ending their collective bargaining rights. But he never campaigned in 2010 on the collective bargaining issue, which sparked the recall movement.

To his detractors, Walker's transgressions are so deep and wide there can be no solution other than immediate removal from office.

Wisconsin HeadlinesWisconsin HeadlinesMore>>
West Allis police arrest man in woman's death
West Allis police arrest man in woman's death
West Allis police have arrested a 48-year-old man in the death of a 63-year-old woman who was found in a hallway of her apartment building.More >>
West Allis police have arrested a 48-year-old man in the death of a 63-year-old woman who was found in a hallway of her apartment building.More >>
Wisconsin has 2 $1 million Powerball winners
Wisconsin has 2 $1 million Powerball winners
Two tickets sold in Wisconsin are worth $1 million apiece after Saturday night's Powerball drawing.More >>
Two tickets sold in Wisconsin are worth $1 million apiece after Saturday night's Powerball drawing.More >>
Wisconsin bill would ban mandatory flu shots
Wisconsin bill would ban mandatory flu shots
Wisconsin employers, including hospitals and nursing homes, could no longer require workers to get flu shots under a bill pending in the Legislature.More >>
Wisconsin employers, including hospitals and nursing homes, could no longer require workers to get flu shots under a bill pending in the Legislature.More >>
Milwaukee Public Museum to feature "poop" exhibit
Milwaukee Public Museum to feature "poop" exhibit
An exhibit traveling to the Milwaukee Public Museum this fall concentrates on something few like to talk in depth about: poop.More >>
An exhibit traveling to the Milwaukee Public Museum this fall concentrates on something few like to talk in depth about: poop.More >>
Wis. budget panel to consider rent-to-own changes
Wis. budget panel to consider rent-to-own changes
The Legislature's Joint Finance Committee is poised to consider provisions in Gov. Scott Walker's executive budget that would exempt rent-to-own stores from Wisconsin's consumer protection laws.More >>
The Legislature's Joint Finance Committee is poised to consider provisions in Gov. Scott Walker's executive budget that would exempt rent-to-own stores from Wisconsin's consumer protection laws.More >>

Walker attempts to become first governor to withstand recall - WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports |

Walker attempts to become first governor to withstand recall, opponents look for win

Wisconsin HeadlinesWisconsin HeadlinesMore>>