The Wisconsin recall election is today. Although Governor Scott Walker holds the lead in polling and is the favorite to defeat the challenger Tom Barrett, the most recent polls have shown his lead narrowing to less than three points and Democrats remain cautiously hopeful that a sweeping ground game and massive turnout could turn tonight's result to their favor.
As noted previously here, this election has all manner of potential side effects and repercussions. In the last few days the Democrats have made a push that has included ramped-up support from national pro-union groups and an appearance from former President Bill Clinton. Noticeably, the only support from President Obama has been a single missive on Twitter indicating that Tom Barrett would make a great governor. The Obama administration seems to fear that supporting a failed bid will make the President look weak nationally. There is little doubt that his strategists remember, all too well, the loss in Massachusetts of Martha Coakley to current Senator Scott Brown. Obama's late support of Coakley there proved insufficient and in the aftermath he was effectively painted as a President who could not even help the Democratic candidate hold Ted Kennedy's seat. This was a deeply embarrassing moment for the Obama team and they have not forgotten it.
Voting is underway in Wisconsin in what I believe is a barometer for the prospects of working and middle class Americans. I encourage everyone to keep a close eye on the results as they come in tonight. The polls close at 8 pm, Central time.
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