2012 in Review: Politics

Right from the beginning of the year, the Presidential election stole headlines in 2012. ?From the GOP narrowing down its nominee to Mitt Romney to President Obama’s re-election in November in one of the most expensive campaign seasons ever, there were stories and subplots throughout the way.

FOX News Radio’s Rich Johnson recaps:

Shortly after Scott Walker was sworn in as governor of Wisconsin in 2011, he introduced his Budget Repair Bill – it called for stripping collective bargaining for most public employees. ?Protesters, many union members, flocked to Wisconsin’s state capitol.

(Protester) “This is about workers’ rights and human rights!”

Union forces and others from outside Wisconsin pumped in money and support trying to stop the legislation from going through. ?They failed, and vowed to send a message to Republican Scott Walker another way: recall.

In January 2012, critics of Gov. Walker were able to get enough signatures on petitions against him to force a new election. ?Also challenged: Republican Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch and 13 State Senators. ?Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, a Democrat who lost to Walker previously, announced in late March that he’d challenge Walker again.

Then, on June 5, 2012, Scott Walker learned that he’d remain governor.

(Gov. Walker) “I want to thank God for his abundant Grace. ?Next, I particularly want to thank not only you here, but people all across the state. ?I want to thank you for your prayers.”

The governor made nice with fellow lawmakers, holding a beer and brats summit after the election, but some voters say:

(Voters) “Something that has been as polarizing as this is going to take a long time to come back from.” // “I think maybe they’ll simmer down a little bit. ?I think there’s probably going to be some pretty strong opinions on both sides for a long time.”

Now, Wisconsin Senate Republican Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald says the GOP is frustrated with how the Government Accountability Board handled the recall elections and thinks there should be reform. ?Governor Walker says he has no problem with the non-partisan board that oversees elections in his state.

Jennifer Keiper, FOX News Radio.