Supporters of Wisconsin anti-union bill hold rally

MADISON, Wis. — About 700 people have rallied in support of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and his plan to take away collective bargaining rights from public workers have rallied in Madison.

The Sunday rally at a Madison arena was organized by the conservative advocacy group Americans for Prosperity. Demonstrator Joel Ninneman says the Republican governor and Republican-backed Legislature got a clear mandate from voters in November. He says it’s time for public employees to pay more for their benefits as Walker is proposing.

Several hundred counter-demonstrators lined up outside the arena parking lot and entrance and chanted “Kill the bill!” and “Recall Walker!” at the governor’s supporters. Officials say an estimated 5,700 pro-union protesters demonstrated at the Capitol building on Sunday.