Kathleen Falk’s drubbing in Tuesday’s Democratic primary has some political insiders questioning the decisions, and influence, of the state’s major public labor unions.

Falk, 60, was the first Democrat to enter the recall election, announcing her candidacy even before the race was official. Major labor unions, including AFSCME and the Wisconsin Education Association Council, quickly endorsed her and then went on to spend nearly $5 million to help her win the nomination.

But on Tuesday, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett — a candidate for whom the unions initially showed very little love — defeated the former Dane County executive by 24 percentage points; a margin of victory all the more startling given that he entered the race late and was outspent 5-to-1. Barrett’s victory was even more pronounced in Dane County, Falk’s backyard, where he won by 30 points.

“It was a very bad night for WEAC and AFSCME,” said Mark Graul, a GOP political consultant who has worked on several campaigns. “When a union-backed candidate loses by 20 points in a Democratic primary, you have to question what sway the unions now have, not only in politics, but with their own members.”
Millstone'?

Falk’s relationship with the state’s major unions has been an issue since she entered the race. The partnership became controversial when it was revealed Falk had promised union leaders to veto any state budget that didn’t repeal Gov. Scott Walker’s collective bargaining law.

She was dubbed the “union candidate,” a label that Mordecai Lee, UW-Milwaukee political scientist, said became a “millstone” around her neck.

“This was a major overreach by unions and, frankly, it makes organized labor as a political force look almost like an empty suit,” Lee said.

The agreement between Falk and the unions was revealed by State Sen. Tim Cullen, D-Janesville. Cullen contemplated a run at governor but backed away in February, saying he couldn’t raise enough money or get the backing to mount a legitimate bid. The senator refused to make the same veto vow Falk did, and loudly criticized the unions for even suggesting it.

The Daily Kooks/ PPP poll from yesterday shows Walker up 4%..

The daily Kooks are flaming progressives so Walker must be up pretty big for them to admit he is up at all..

The biggest spread I've seen to date is 7% Walker over Barrett.
The dems ran a protest candidate against Walker UN the primary and Walker received more votes than Barrett and Falk combined.
It just goes to show that people are seeing change for the better and Walkers reforms are working.
He's not against all unions the only ones affected are the public sector unions.
Walker and the republicans -1 tried very hard to get a mine started in upper WI union jobs mind you. And every democrat voted against it. You tell me who's for the middle class blue collar worker.
My property taxes went down. Things are getting better here. With the exception of Milwaukee which Barrett just happens to be the do nothing mayor of.