Wisconsin governor favored to win today.

Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin appears headed to a narrow victory over his Democratic rival, Tom Barrett. Today's vote culminated a recall campaign against the governor that was sparked when he promoted a measure to reduce the collective bargaining rights of unions in the state.

MADISON, WI (Catholic Online) - Walker has benefitted from staunch support from conservatives around the nation with at least a third of his campaign contributions coming from outside the state. 

The recall campaign is seen as a bellwether for the November election and a referendum on the economy. Pundits are pointing out the implications the recall election has for the presidential race in November. 

Meanwhile, a late push by democrats has closed the gap between Walker and Barrett, the governor maintained a slim lead of 3-4 points in the polls as of Monday evening. Republicans remain optimistic particularly as the state's economy appears to be improving. 

It also helps that Barrett wasn't the first choice to run against Walker. Wisconsin's big labor hasn't been hearty in their endorsement of Barrett and a soft turnout could end the race in Walker's favor. Barrett implored laborers in the state to turn out to support him saying before a cheering crowd, "In this corner we've got Tom Barrett and he's got you!" 

It may not be enough.

Both candidates are campaigning right through the day, an unusual move that shows just how important the race is to both sides. 

Ultimately, ideology is being tested. Do Americans feel labor unions have grown too powerful and need to be restrained as governor walker has proposed? In a  time of swelling pensions and benefits for government employees in the face of fiscal austerity, it appears enough Americans will agree with Walker to keep him in office through the end of his term. 

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