Walker Re-Elect a Foregone Conclusion, Atkins Says

Garnering 53 percent of the vote over Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett's 46 percent, as the state's governor.

"I want to thank God for his abundant grace," Gov. Walker said during his victory speech in Waukesha County. 

Walker said it was the supporters who said they were praying for him who helped him get through the past year of turmoil.

"I can't tell you what that means to us," Walker said. "On behalf of our family, we say thank you to all of you. The election is over. It is time to move Wisconsin forward."

While Walker's win makes him the only governor in the United States to win re-election after facing a recall, Rep. Joe Atkins thinks the people of Wisconsin were given little choice. 

"I think Wisconsin voters were really looking for a governor who brings people together, rather than tears them apart, but they weren't given that option," Atkins told Patch.

He continued: "Neither candidate was perceived as a consensus builder. Without that sort of person on the ballot, it is hard to unseat a sitting governor."