Gov. Scott Walker (R-Wis.) is currently enjoying a lead over his prospective Democratic challengers in the upcoming June recall election.
Walker is facing recall after the legislation he championed eliminating collective bargaining rights for the state’s public employee unions sparked an outcry.
According to a poll by Marquette University, Walker leads Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett 47 to 45 percent. Barrett, who was Walker’s 2010 opponent, has not officially entered the race, but is expected to make a decision by Tuesday. The governor leads former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, who has declared her candidacy and has the strong backing of labor unions, by 49 to 45 percent. Walker also leads state Sen. Kathleen Vinehout 49 to 41 percent and Secretary of State Doug La Follette 49 to 42 percent.
In February, the Wisconsin Democratic Party collected about 1 million signatures to initiate the recall election, significantly more than the 540,208 needed by law. After weeks of review, Wisconsin officials recommended Thursday that the recall more forward.
The recall elections will also determine the fate of Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch and four Republican state senators.
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story omitted the polling numbers on a possible match-up between Gov. Scott Walker and former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk. It provided slightly incorrect numbers for the possible Walker match-ups with Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Secretary of State Doug La Follette. And it misspelled the name of state Sen. Kathleen Vinehout.
10 more election stories from beyond the presidential field:
When Poll Numbers Look Good For Josh Mandel, Sherrod Brown Uses Them In Fundraising Pitch: [Cleaveland.com]
New Jersey Rep. Used Campaign Funds On 18 Calif. Trips: [The Seattle Times]
Candidates Outline Platforms At First Debate: [The Daily Tribune News]
Local Races Also Expected To Help Primary Turnout: [WBALTV.com]
Charles Schumer To Run 2013 Presidential Inaugural: [The Wall Street Journal]
O'Malley Will Endorse Garagiola In Md. House Primary: [The Hill]
U.S. Congressional Candidate Stephen Sandstrom Officially Resigns Seat As Utah Representative: [StephenSandstrom.com]
La Follette Officially Joins Governor Race: [Green Bay Press Gazette]
Chicago Mayor Stumps For Barrett: [Post Crescent]