Republican Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker handily defeated Milwaukee Mayor
Tom Barrett Tuesday in a recall election—only the third gubernatorial
recall in U.S. history. Efforts for Walker's recall came with massive
demonstrations protesting his budget-cutting policies that also went
after union rights. Organized labor, which drove the recall measures,
make up an important part of President Barack Obama's support; Wisconsin
voted solidly blue in 2008. Former Gov. Mitt Romney, who secured the
delegates necessary for the GOP nomination last week, has aligned
himself with Walker, even calling Walker to congratulate him on his win
Tuesday night and offering a statement of support for "what sound fiscal
policies can do to turn an economy around."
Though Wisconsin typically leans left, Romney supporters say the Walker victory puts the Badger State in play come November. But the failed recall has consequences outside the Wisconsin borders as well. Other Tea Party-backed governors like Florida's Rick Scott, Ohio's John Kasich, and South Carolina's Nikki Haley may be inspired to embark on drastic cuts to public spending and union rights similar to those passed by Walker. Furthermore, political analysts have long viewed Wisconsin—both the birthplace of the Republican Party and ground zero for progressive labor reform—as a microcosm for American politics at large. Conservative activists can now argue that Walker's fiscal reforms both work and have his constituents' approval, and thus, the country would get behind a similar Romney platform. However, Obama supporters are quick to point out that the president still edged out Romney in the recall's exit polls, that Walker vastly outspent Barrett, and that liberal voters will be energized by the recall. Did Walker's recall win pave the way for a Romney victory? Here is the Debate Club's take:
Though Wisconsin typically leans left, Romney supporters say the Walker victory puts the Badger State in play come November. But the failed recall has consequences outside the Wisconsin borders as well. Other Tea Party-backed governors like Florida's Rick Scott, Ohio's John Kasich, and South Carolina's Nikki Haley may be inspired to embark on drastic cuts to public spending and union rights similar to those passed by Walker. Furthermore, political analysts have long viewed Wisconsin—both the birthplace of the Republican Party and ground zero for progressive labor reform—as a microcosm for American politics at large. Conservative activists can now argue that Walker's fiscal reforms both work and have his constituents' approval, and thus, the country would get behind a similar Romney platform. However, Obama supporters are quick to point out that the president still edged out Romney in the recall's exit polls, that Walker vastly outspent Barrett, and that liberal voters will be energized by the recall. Did Walker's recall win pave the way for a Romney victory? Here is the Debate Club's take:
The Arguments
#1 
Yes — Scott Walker's win strengthens the case for Mitt Romney's free market approach
#2 
Yes — Scott Walker's recall win shows voters want the government to stand up to unions
#3 
Yes — Victory over recall movement causes a wave of GOP enthusiasm that favors Mitt Romney
#4 
No — Walker's victory in Wisconsin doesn't mean Mitt Romney won't have to campaign or that Obama's in trouble
#5 
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