Posted on 07/01/2015 12:03:03 PM PDT by TNMOUTH
After sidestepping questions about the issue over the weekend, Gov. Scott Walker on Monday said he supports South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley's call to remove the Confederate flag from the state Capitol.
"I am glad @nikkihaley is calling for the Confederate flag to come down. I support her decision - SKW," Walker tweeted from his political account shortly after Haley called for the flag to be taken down.
The push to remove the flag comes in the wake of the racially-motivated killing of nine black worshippers in a historic Charleston church last week.
Dylann Roof, a white 21-year-old man, has said he hoped the shooting would spark a race war, CNN reported.
In the days after the shooting, politicians across the political spectrum, from President Barack Obama to his former opponent Mitt Romney, called for the flag to be taken down, arguing that a symbol of segregation has no place at the statehouse.
Walker, in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, condemned the shooting as "racist" and "evil." But talking to reporters, he avoided weighing in on the debate over the flag and what it represents.
"I think they're going to have a good healthy debate and should have that debate in South Carolina amongst officials at the state level," Walker said, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "I just think before I or anyone else weighs in on anything to do with policy, whether it's this or any other policy decisions, we should honor the dead and the families by allowing them to bury their loved ones. And then you could perfectly ask me that question at some point in the next week or two when that's done."
At the political event, Walker also wouldn't say whether he sees the Confederate flag as a symbol of racism.
The liberal group One Wisconsin Now criticized Walker's initial response, accusing the governor of being too focused on his likely presidential campaign to take a stand.
“There’s no denying the racism and oppression represented by the Confederate flag and there’s no defense for its display in public, on public property," said OWN executive director Scot Ross. "It is appalling that Scott Walker is so blinded by his political ambition he’s willing to abide the flying of a flag that symbolizes racism, hatred and oppression."
Walker was one of several 2016 contenders to give carefully worded answers to questions about the flag over the weekend.
Both former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and Sen. Marco Rubio, also of Florida, alluded to "making the right choice," but neither said what that choice should be. However, Bush said in a statement that his position on how to address the flag is clear.
As governor, Bush had the flag taken down from Florida's Capitol in 2001.
"In Florida we acted, moving the flag from the state grounds to a museum where it belonged," Bush said in a statement. "This is obviously a very sensitive time in South Carolina and our prayers are with the families, the AME church community and the entire state. Following a period of mourning there will rightly be a discussion among leaders in the state about how South Carolina should move forward, and I'm confident they will do the right thing."
Sen. Lindsey Graham, also a Republican presidential candidate, joined Haley in calling for the flag's removal on Monday.
For the flag to be taken down, two-thirds of the state Legislature must vote to approve it.
Haley noted Monday the decision would not affect people who wish to fly the flag on their own property.
So I wouldn't say that the compromise is an indication of support for the Confederate flag. At best I'm sure he felt there were far more important concerns to deal with.
Nope. most of us support Cruz...
You can’t be 100% Conservative or agree with everything, but Walker, etc, prove that they are more establishment than they let on.
Here’s hopin’.
Thanks for the link. Speaks volumes.
WAlker supposrts decision to remove Confederate Flag from SC capitol.
FReep Mail me if you want on, or off, this Wisconsin interest ping list.
I could care less. In fact, he is from the North like I am so we don’t have the same love for a lost war. Sorry but I think Walker is right on this. How about we put up the American Flag....ever think about that? Or would you rather just put up the Confederate Flag all over America. I hear that people still hold on to confederate money thinking it will be our main currency someday....lol. So silly.
You guys are dunk. How funny because he doesn’t honor some stupid flag, he is not worthy of President. You are going to get us killed.
Well see. I think you are wrong. Like 5 percent care about the South flag. It is over. Get over it. Walker is smart enough to know it is a dumb fight. It was over in the 1800’s actually. Walker will be our nominee....I FIRMLY believe that.
Jim, the present location of the flag WAS the compromise. The Left got the flag removed from atop of the Capital dome in 2000.
It’s never enough with Leftists. Don’t ever cave in to these bastards.
Ted is the last one standing
That 5 percent he gets is mighty impressive.
The only reason this issue is on the news is to take pot shots at Conservatives. Ignore all statements.
Thanks and you are correct.
>> Jeb and the Fat Man.
LOL, that’s a title for somethin...
Why not defer that decision to the people of SC?
But he did not vote NO...and he could have, therefore supporting the compromise.
Voting no could have defeated the compromise and left the flag where it was. He no doubt saw it as the lesser of two evils.
“Walker will be our nominee....I FIRMLY believe that.”
If you are right which I seriously doubt then either Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders will be the next President of the United States. Mitt Walker will never win a general election.
As far as the Confederate Flag goes if you are not of Southern heritage we don’t care what you think so STFU which is my advice for Walker. He has peaked. Look for him to die out soon. The sooner the better.
You really are in the tank for Walker, aren’t you Naps?
Have you been to SC? Have you seen ONLY the Confederate flags flying over buildings in the South? Are you that ignorant?
Here is your problem...you decided to stick with a candidate who you think is Conservative. But, the more he talks and the more people he names to his team, the more you realize he is GOP-e.
BTW, look at History and figure out WHY the South loves the flag...both of them.
Of course I have been to South Carolina loads of times and never see the flag waving around. Most don’t have it in their yards or anything. I have friends near Columbia, SC and some on the coast so I have been all through South Carolina. As i stated many times, you are free to support a candidate who can talk all day long but doesn’t accomplish anything, I mean the Democrats did so with Obama and it appears many hear are following the Democrats lead or you can use your brain and support someone who actually gets the job done in a conservative manner who at times doesn’t talk the issues you like.....big deal. I want a guy who leads as a conservative in action, not a guy who talks conservative but doesn’t get a thing done. Your choice of course. But yes how GOP-e of a guy taking away illegals tuition assistance, limits killing babies, getting rid of unions, slashing the state budget. Oh the poor RINO. You crack me up.
What a goon. He hasn’t even announced yet and is at the top of the polls. You are one delusional chick.
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