Sen. Fitzgerald survives recall against Compas - WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and Sports

MADISON (WKOW) -- Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald has defeated Democratic challenger Lori Compas in Tuesday's recall election.

Democrats angry with Republican Gov. Scott Walker's contentious plan that all but ended most public workers' union rights forced the governor, Fitzgerald and three other GOP lawmakers into recalls. They also were trying to capture an open seat in Tuesday's elections.

Walker claimed he had to impose the union restrictions to balance the state budget. Democrats saw the moves as a direct attack on organized labor.

Compas, a Fort Atkinson photographer, has never held public office and faced a difficult fight against Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald has represented state Senate District 13 for nearly two decades.