Wisconsin GOP Gov. Scott Walker, who faces a recall election after curbing public unions’ bargaining power, maintains a lead over potential Democratic opponents in that election, according to a new poll from Marquette University.
Walker leads his 2010 opponent, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, 47 percent to 45 percent. That’s within the poll’s 3.8 percentage point margin of error. Barrett is expected to reveal whether he will join the race within the next few days,
Politico reports.
Walker leads former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk 49 percent to 45 percent. He leads state Sen. Kathleen Vinehout 49 percent to 41 percent. And the freshman governor leads Secretary of State Doug La Follette, who announced his candidacy Wednesday, 49 percent to 42 percent.
The Democratic primary takes place May 8. Barrett leads the field in the Marquette poll with 36 percent support. Falk, who has garnered several top union endorsements, places second with 29 percent support. Vinehout and La Follette are tied for third with 8 percent, while 17 percent are undecided.
Meanwhile, 50 percent of Wisconsin voters say they have a favorable opinion of Walker, while 45 percent view him unfavorably. Half of poll respondents approve of his job performance, while 47 percent disapprove.
The recall elections for Walker, Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch, and four Republican state senators are expected to take place in June. The energy being expended in the recall fracas has distracted voters from the April 3 Republican primary, state and national Republican officials say.
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