The Wisconsin governor is the only governor to have survived a recall election — and he did so with sincerity, conviction, and a mild manner that make him more than deserving of all conservative praise.

Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin has been named the Human Events Conservative of the Year 2012, succeeding Rep. Paul Ryan, Human Events announced Thursday.

The Editors said Walker was chosen because he brought the benefits of conservatism to a financially troubled state, and survived numerous harsh encounters with a relentlessly hostile political environment. He was denounced, protested, and demonized to the point where he shared space with Adolf Hitler and deposed Egyptian strongman Hosni Mubarak on protest signs.

Big Labor unleashed a tidal wave of money and organizational power against him. His adversaries were willing to break every rule to take him down — from unionized teachers abandoning their classrooms so they could join protest marches, to Democratic officials literally fleeing across state lines in a desperate bid to shut down state government.

And yet, Walker beat them time and again, becoming the first U.S. governor to survive a recall election. Friend and foe alike testify to Walker�??s sincerity and conviction. He is soft of voice, mild of manner, and has a steel spine.

In the years to come, as Americans deal with the consequences of the vote they cast in 2012, they�??ll want to hear from leaders with a resume of both political and policy success like Scott Walker.

When Rep. Paul Ryan was informed of the choice, he said: “Scott is a model governor, a true conservative, and a great friend. I�??m delighted to see him receive this honor.”

And as 2010 recipient, Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), put it: �??Gov. Walker�??s courageous stand on behalf of taxpayers and sound economic principles has been an inspiration. As he worked to steer his state towards prosperity he also gave some much-needed guidance for conservatives all over the nation who are confronting the very same problems out-of-control government unions are causing to budgets around the country.�?�

Tim Phillips, president of Americans for Prosperity, had this to say about our pick: �??Simply put, Scott Walker is the best governor in the country. He has taken often difficult, bold steps to bring economic freedom and prosperity to the great state of Wisconsin.�?�

Scott Walker on his achievements, agenda and plans for the future

by John Gizzi

In an extensive and exclusive interview with Human Events, the Wisconsin conservative talks about his rise to prominence, surviving the 2012 recall election, the state of the Republican Party, and being firm on principles.

‘He believes in our founding principles’

by Rep. Paul Ryan

�??Scott has spent years working to reform government�??to make it smarter, simpler, and better. And I know he won�??t quit now.�?� �?? Rep. Paul Ryan

Governor Scott Walker has changed Wisconsin

by Grover Norquist

Walker�??s reforms in Wisconsin will save Wisconsin taxpayers $3 billion dollars in the short run and many more in the long run. As his reforms spread, so will the fiscal benefits.

The Scott Walker Timeline

Wisconsin’s governor has always taken on the tough battles — and we’ve got the timeline to prove it.

Past recipients of the Human Events Conservative of the Year award include:

2011: Rep. Paul Ryan

2010: Sen. Jim DeMint

2009: Dick Cheney

2008: Sarah Palin

2007: Rush Limbaugh

2006: Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wisc.)

2005: Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.)

2004: Swift Boat Veteran John O�??Neill

2003: Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore

2002: Attorney General John Ashcroft

2001: President George W. Bush

2000: Chief Justice William Rehnquist, Justices Clarence Thomas and Antonin Scalia

1999: President Ronald Reagan (Man of the Century)

1998: Independent Counsel Ken Starr