Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett went after Gov. Scott Walker in the opening minutes of the first debate before the June 5 recall election.

Barrett said in opening statements of Friday's debate in Milwaukee that the election is not a rematch or a do-over because Walker has torn apart the state and that can't be undone.

Barrett and Walker said the election is about the future of the state. Walker said people want to move on from the turmoil of the past year.

The recall was spurred over anger related to Walker's proposal effectively ending collective bargaining rights for most public workers.

Walker and Barrett will meet for a second and final debate on Thursday.