Barrett announces candidacy in gubernatorial recall election

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Democratic Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett has ended weeks of speculation and entered the race to recall Republican Gov. Scott Walker, setting up a potential rematch of the 2010 election.

Barrett announced his decision Friday, March 30th - the same day the recall election was ordered by the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board.

He announced just four days before he stands for re-election Tuesday as Milwaukee mayor. He faces little opposition in that race.

Barrett's entrance into the Walker recall race shakes up the Democratic field, which had been dominated by Kathleen Falk, the former longtime Dane County executive who had obtained every major endorsement and the backing of unions representing teachers and public workers.

Union leaders tried to talk Barrett out of running. The recall election was ordered earlier Friday.