Recall rematch a repeat

After months of protests and millions of dollars in political ads, the state ended up right where it was. Gov. Scott Walker (R-Wisconsin) defeated Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett (D-Former Candidate for Governor) for the second time in less than two years.

"I am honored that you all have fought for this democracy that is so important to each and every one of us," Barrett told supporters during his concession speech. While Barrett's fight ended in defeat, Walker came away with an even stronger majority than he had in 2010.

Two years ago, Walker won 52% of the vote. He increased it to 53% in 2012. Both sides focused much of their efforts on turnout this year. In the end, 2,510,649 people voted on Tuesday, which is an increase of 349,817 voters compared to 2010.

Of those 349,817 additional votes, Walker won 205,489. Barrett gained just 157,567.

"I want to thank not only you people here but people all across the state," Walker said during his victory speech. Walker did dominate across the state, much like he did in 2010. In that election, he won 59 counties. On Tuesday, he won 60. Barrett won just 12. Just like last election, Walker won every county in northeast Wisconsin except Menominee.

Barrett won by huge margins in the state's biggest counties, the same as he did two years ago. Barrett brought in 69% of the vote in Dane County and 63% in Milwaukee County. Both were just one-point higher than in 2010.

Walker ran away with the election in suburban Milwaukee and increased his margins in several counties. He took 76% of the vote in Washington County, up from 75% in 2010. Walker received 71% of the vote in Ozaukee County, which was up two points from 2010. In northeast Wisconsin, Walker's margins grew even more. He brought in 60% of the vote in Brown County, up four points from 2010; some of his largest gains came in Door and Outagamie counties. Both were up seven percent from 2010.

Walker says the election proves the people of the state support his policies.

"The message that was sent was voters do mean it when they say they want people to take on the tough issues," Walker said Wednesday morning.

Democrats admit the election re-enforces Walker's win from two years ago.

"That really gives the 2010 election a lot more credibility. I think a lot of democrats felt that that could have been a bit of a fluke and that they're going to have to recognize that he had that majority solid," said Bob Kiefert, vice-chair of the Democratic Party of Brown County.