La Crosse, WI (WXOW)-- The recall was really just the beginning of the political season in Wisconsin. In November, in addition to a presidential race, there are a number of state races and an open US senate seat.
So how much will Tuesday's results impact the way the state votes in November?
Republican Gov. Scott Walker defeated Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett by nearly 8 percentage points in the recall. But that doesn't mean any races in the November general election will be easy contests for Republicans.
"In the fall, they're going to have to find a way to garner support from moderate and independent voters that went their way in this recall election but for a particular reason and that reason wont' be on the ballot in November," said Keith Knutson, a professor at Viterbo University. "That is, opposition to the recall effort."
And while Republicans want to capitalize on momentum from last night they aren't taking anything for granted.
"We have to do what we said we'd do, and that goes all the way to the top: Governor Walker, the legislature, the senators that kept their seats," said Julian Bradley, chair of the La Crosse County Republicans. "The expectation is high now. And the challenge is to keep people engaged."
In local state senate and assembly races many Republican candidates will be up against Democratic incumbents.
"Being a challenger is a difficult role because people know the incumbent," Bradley said. "The number one thing to overcome is name recognition. The incumbent has a record, good or bad, they have a record. And they have familiarity with people."
Meanwhile Democrats are hoping to re energize and use the advantage of name recognition that comes with being an incumbent.
"Senator Shilling, Representatives Billings and Doyle, they have been successful. And so, we have some really strong candidates. So that's what will really will keep us going," said Vicki Burke, chair of the La Crosse County Democrats.
Knutson says perhaps the biggest take-away from this recall, for any politician, is that voters are prepared to reward politicians who bring their convictions to the table.
And both Democrats and Republicans in La Crosse are already getting out signs and making calls for candidates running in those state senate and assembly races.
