MADISON (WKOW) -- Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett has won the Democratic primary and will face Wisconsin Republican Gov. Scott Walker in a June 5 recall election that has become a nationally watched battle over union rights.
Based on preliminary results in Tuesday's primary, Barrett beat three other Democrats and one Republican running as a Democrat.
Preliminary results show Barrett had 54 percent of the vote. Former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, who was the favorite candidate of major unions, was second with 37 percent. Secretary of State Doug La Follette got 3 percent followed by state Sen. Kathleen Vinehout with 4 percent.
Gladys Huber, the fake Democrat, got less than 1 percent.
The Barrett win sets up a rematch of the 2010 governor's race in which Walker won by 5 percentage points.
Major Wisconsin unions that originally endorsed Falk in the Democratic primary for governor are now backing Barrett.
During his eight years as Milwaukee mayor, Barrett has had a rocky relationship with unions and some leaders urged him not to enter the recall race. But following his win, the statewide teachers union, the largest union representing state workers and the AFL-CIO are praising Barrett. Leaders of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees says they will do everything they can to defeat Walker.
Watch 27 News tonight at 10 for complete coverage of the recall primary and reaction from the candidates.
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MILWAUKEE (WKOW) -- Tom Barrett will await the results of Tuesday's recall primary election for governor with supporters at the Hyatt Regency hotel in downtown Milwaukee.
The Milwaukee mayor entered Tuesday's recall primary race with polls showing him well ahead of three other Democrats seeking the party's nomination.
The winner will face Governor Scott Walker in a general election on June 5.
Former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, Secretary of State Doug LaFollette and Sen. Kathleen Vinehout (D-Alma) are also running on the Democratic side.
Capitol Bureau Chief Greg Neumann is in Milwaukee and will have live reports on 27 News at 5, 6 and 10.
