What will surely be one of the most watched political contests in the country has just started next door. Wisconsin's Republican governor, Scott Walker, is facing a historic recall after more than a year of high-profile protests. So what happens next? Talking Points Memo explains the process, while the Los Angeles Times explores what this means for the presidential race and the larger political climate.

Republican Governor Scott Walker emerged as the winner in Wisconsin's recall election. Walker defeated his Democratic challenger, Tom Barrett, for the second time in less than two years. The result seems to vindicate Walker's move last year to strip the collective bargaining rights of most public employee unions.

After surviving a nasty recall election, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker tried to put bitter partisan fighting behind him and state lawmakers on Tuesday with a picnic at the governor's mansion. About 98 of the state's 132 lawmakers – 60 Republicans, 37 Democrats and one independent – attended. There were friendly conversations -- and one hug.

Wisconsin's gubernatorial recall election is two weeks away and the campaigns are in high gear. Former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty joined Republican incumbent Scott Walker in La Crosse Monday. The pair visited a company that makes agricultural equipment to highlight jobs. Democrat Tom Barrett will campaign in Hudson Wednesday.

Volunteers for Republican Governor Scott Walker and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett were out in force and media ads are making their final pleas in the Wisconsin recall election. Voters head to the polls Tuesday. Gov. Walker told volunteers in Hudson he’s depending on them to move the state forward. Democratic challenger Barrett told a crowd in Superior Walker has sparked an ideological civil war that Barrett wants to end.

It was a stinging defeat for Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, who was slapped by a supporter Tuesday after he conceded to Gov. Scott Walker in the Wisconsin recall election.

Recall supporters in Wisconsin say they are submitting one million signatures, which is nearly twice the number needed to trigger a recall election. The state elections board must verify the signatures, which could take months. Democrats are still searching for a candidate to run against Republican Gov. Scott Walker.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett won the Democratic primary Tuesday to run against Republican Gov. Scott Walker for the second time in less than two years. The general election is June 5.