(Image source: Wikimedia Commons )

 

BY CHRISTINA HARTMAN

 


Wisconsin voters head to the polls Tuesday to determine Republican Governor Scott Walker’s political fate.

But this could be bigger than the Badger State — because no one likes a litmus test more than TV newsers.

WSJV : “...largely seen as a ‘preview’ of the November vote.”

CNN : “Potentially big implications for who wins the White House.”

FOX BUSINESS : “The great American divide. Government versus freedom. Opportunity colliding with entitlement.”

A little dramatic, but to be fair, the recall is historic — Scott Walker is only third governor in U.S. history to face recall.

The fight to push him out started last year when Walker pushed a proposal to end public sector unions’ collective bargaining rights. He said the move was a response to the state’s budget problems, but protesters flooded the state capitol in mass.

Challenging him is Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.

“I wanna focus on putting our values back into public policy.” (VIDEO FROM WTAT )

High-profile Republicans like South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and Chris Christie of New Jersey have thrown their support behind their fellow conservative governor. And Democrats sent former President Bill Clinton up to campaign for Barrett. And on Wednesday, President Obama tweeted his support .

 

Polls have Walker slightly ahead — though by how much depends on where you look.

Public Policy Polling has him up three points.

While Real Clear Politics poll of polls average puts Walker about six points ahead.

The New York Times’ Nate Silver says that would appear to bode well for Walker, but then again, recall elections are a whole different beast.

“...it is plausible that the true margin of error in polls of recall elections is intrinsically higher than in regular contests. … it would be a true upset if Mr. Barrett were to prevail.”