Scott Walker Wins

As reported by Washington Post Wednesday, June 6, 10:46 PM 

Republican Scott Walker defeated Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett to retain the governorship in a recall election in Wisconsin.  David A. Farenthold and Rachel Weiner reported that Exit polls showed that Democrats had captured nearly 69 percent of the voters who made up their minds in the past few days. But it wasn’t enough.

Gov. Scott Walker survives Wisconsin recall after more than a year of political turmoil: After a brief but bruising campaign that followed a fight over union rights and Wisconsin’s cash-strapped budget, voters in the narrowly divided state cast their ballots Tuesday to retain Gov. Scott Walker.

Instead, the night provided a huge boost for Walker — as well as Republicans in Washington and state capitals who have embraced the same energetic, austere brand of fiscal conservatism as a solution for recession and debt. In a state known for a strong progressive tradition, Walker defended his policies against the full force of the labor movement and the modern left. He won again.

Walker clearly relished his victory, saying, “Tonight we tell Wisconsin, we tell our country and we tell people all across the globe that voters really do want leaders who stand up and make the tough decisions.”

Even with the race ended, the divisions in the state remain. As The Fix reported:

One Barrett supporter slapped the mayor when he conceded, saying he should have waited until all the votes were in. When Barrett said both sides would have to “work together,” he was booed by both his crowd in Milwaukee and the Walker supporters in Waukesha.

“I think Scott is more of a grown-up than I would be if the situation were reversed,” said Lisa Kurth of Waukesha after the speech.

Many Walker supporters were enthusiastic about taking on President Obama next. When Obama was mentioned on the news, the crowd booed loudly.