Walker leads potential Dem candidates

MADISON, Wis., Jan. 25 (UPI) -- Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker leads several possible Democratic opponents in hypothetical recall match-ups, a statewide poll released Wednesday indicates.

Results of the Marquette Law School poll indicated Walker, a Republican, leads his 2010 opponent, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, 50 percent to 44 percent, and is ahead of former Dane County executive Kathleen Falk, 49 percent to 42 percent. Results also indicated Walker is ahead of two other Democrats -- former Rep. Dave Obey and state lawmaker Tim Cullen.

Democrats submitted petitions containing more than 1 million signatures earlier this month to recall Walker, more than twice the number needed, although they have yet be certified. Petitions also were filed seeking to recall Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch and four Republican state senators.

Fifty-one percent of voters said they approve of Walker's performance, while 46 percent said they disapprove, the poll said.

Results are based on statewide telephone interviews with 701 registered voters Thursday through Sunday. The margin of error is 3.8 percentage points.