MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Six recall elections targeting Republicans in the Wisconsin Senate will determine which party holds majority control but also are being viewed as part of a high-stakes political fight with national implications.

The elections have been cast as a referendum on Republican Gov. Scott Walker’s conservative agenda as well as a precursor of the 2012 presidential campaign where Wisconsin is expected to be a hotbed of activity.

Tuesday’s elections were spawned by anger over Walker’s proposal taking away nearly all collective bargaining rights from most public workers. Two Democrats who fled to Illinois for weeks to avoid voting on the bill face recalls next week.

Democrats need to win five of the eight elections to take over majority control.

More than $31 million has been spent on the recalls.