Walker's

Obama's remark on Monday was his first on controversy since Feb. 17, when he called Walker's plan "an assault on unions."

Wisconsin Gov. Walker pushes back against Obama criticism 2011

The Riverside area, where residents can do all daily errands on foot, is classified as a "Walker's Paradise."

Boston.com Top Stories 2011

So Murphy came up with a prank call: He posed as right-wing financier David Koch and called Walker's receptionist.

What a prank call proves about Wisconsin 2011

Union leaders -- who have offered concessions that they say would close the gap -- call Walker's plan an attack on organized labor, which is a crucial source of money and foot soldiers for Democratic candidates.

Police stop short of evicting demonstrators from Wisconsin capitol 2011

"Walker has caused so much damage in less than one year," Ellerkamp said, referring to Walker's anti-union budget repair bill, $1.6 billion in public school aid cuts, Wisconsin's precipitous job losses, and the general climate of despair and anger in the state.

Mary Bottari: 1 Million Petition for the Recall of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker Mary Bottari 2012

But with strong Republican opposition to the president's health-care law and other federal policies, and with Obama having called Walker's legislation "an assault" on the unions, both sides are preparing for rhetorical conflict throughout the weekend.

Democratic governors criticize Wisconsin's Walker 2011

Union leaders -- who have offered concessions that they say would close the gap -- call Walker's plan an attack on organized labor, which is a crucial source of money and foot soldiers for Democratic candidates.

Police stop short of evicting demonstrators from Wisconsin capitol 2011

Obama last week called Walker's plan an "assault" on unions, and the president's political organization helped instigate demonstrations in Madison, Wis., and other state capitals.

Democratic governors try to enlist labor's help in dealing with budget crises 2011

Obama, who wants a freeze on federal wages, called Walker's plan "an assault on unions."

Wisconsin union debate could shape 2012 election 2011

Pat Quinn D, who has had a spat with Walker over taxes and whose state is reportedly where Democratic members of the Wisconsin state Senate are hiding out, called Walker's approach "combative" and said, "I don't think that solves problems."

Obama, Republicans face partisan weekend at national governors' meeting 2011