If Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker loses the election to recall him from office Tuesday, the political press will declare the arrival of Big Labor’s comeback. If Walker wins, it will be seen as yet another sign of labor’s demise.
The election to recall the Republican governor, sparked by Walker’s successful 2011 effort to end collective bargaining for public employees, has drawn participation from many different groups, including the tea party. But unions, which have long been fighting stories of their demise, have much of what’s left of their reputation as powerful political organizers riding on the race.
