Gov. Scott Walker (R), became an instant hero in GOP conservative ranks when he survived a tough 2012 recall election after a bitter clash with the state’s labor unions over pension cuts and organizing rights.
At the same time, he won a place on lists of plausible GOP presidential contenders in 2016. But first, he has to get past former Trek bicycle executive Mary Burke (D), who is matching him stride for stride in the polls in a state that President Obama carried twice. A former head of the state Department of Commerce, Burke aims to make the race about jobs and the economy. Walker leads the race by 2.8 percent, according to RealClearPolitics.
