In downtown Madison, the stage has been set for the historic and long anticipated recall election of Governor Scott Walker. Around the Capitol at assorted locations, clarity to the election was provided as some campaigns ended, and others were solidified. With nearly 100% of precincts reporting, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett won the Democratic primary with nearly 60% of the vote. A distant second was Kathleen Falk who conceded the race at a reception at a nearby hotel.

Around the Capitol, three other Democratic nominees also conceded their election hopes. Kathleen Vinehout posed for a photo with the capitol in the background. She was in good spirits as she was interviewed by a variety of the press. At a small corner coffee shop, Doug La Follette, while conceding defeat, spoke of carrying the on the fight against Governor Walker.

On State Street, at small bar, Arthur Kohl-Riggs, who was running against Governor Walker as a Lincoln Republican was seen being photographed by friends and the press, and was also being streamed live on the Internet by the Progressive Magazine. Soon afterward Kohl-Riggs was caught in a pose hugging a supporter. His expression almost seemed to say, “It’s over!” For the first time politician he lost to Walker 97% to 3%, but was still able to gather nearly 20,000 Wisconsin votes. Outside posters highlighting the year of Wisconsin recalls hung on the wall.

As this reporter walked around the downtown square, a car covered with Recall Walker bumper stickers was prominently parked in front of the Capitol. While the primary was finally over, the general recall governor election will pit Scott Walker against Tom Barrett in a rematch from last year. In four short weeks, Wisconsin and the nation will intently be watching the outcome. Stay tuned.