Posted on 11/06/2014 6:27:34 AM PST by Diana in Wisconsin
Mounting the stage last night at his victory rally in a large pavilion at Wisconsin’s State Fair Park, Gov. Scott Walker delivered a speech unlike any other he’s given in a moment of victory. References to Wisconsin were replaced by references to America, comments about state political foes were replaced by references to special interests in Washington, D.C. and aside from a couple of mentions of Wisconsin unity, much was said about the American dream and the national future.
If there was any doubt that Walker is looking for national prime time, it was wiped away last night.
His resume is impressive for a governor just wrapping up his first term.
Walker’s first big move back as governor was to challenge public sector unions. He not only got the national spotlight, but he also won against Big Labor. A champion of lower taxes, Walker has used his budgets and other legislation to reduce property and income taxes. He froze tuition rates for the University of Wisconsin system, signed tort reform into law, and approved pro-life legislation that led to the closure of several Planned Parenthood clinics.
Among Republican governors his approach to ObamaCare has been notable. He rejected a state-based ObamaCare exchange, which would have cost Wisconsin taxpayers more money and required the state to involve itself even more in the already burdensome mandates of an unpopular healthcare reform law. While other governors from his party rushed to accept federal Medicaid expansion funds from ObamaCare, Walker refused to take the money. Instead, he introduced a plan of his own that moved some low- income individuals on Medicaid to a subsidized ObamaCare plan. Those moved from Medicaid (BadgerCare, as it is known in Wisconsin) to ObamaCare opened up spots in the program for other low-income individuals who had been on a waiting list. The move played ObamaCare against itself without adding any liability to state taxpayers.
Looking at Wisconsin today it is easy to forget that just a few years ago it was hardly a Republican state. The shift started in 2010, when Walker and Republicans swept to power in Madison and Republicans picked up a U.S. Senate seat and gained two U.S. House seats. Democrats consoled themselves in 2012 when Wisconsin again cast its electoral votes for the Democratic candidate for president and elected a Democratic U.S. senator. But last night, Republicans expanded the number of seats they hold in the state legislature and Walker won by a roughly 7-point margin (52% to 47%).
Walker’s ability to win in a once blue – now purple – state and turn it into a red state in midterm election years is remarkable. It is a skill that could put him in much demand in 2016.
The GOP has sought after the right balance of inspiring and moderate in its attempts to carry the White House in 2008 and 2012. It failed miserably both times.
Walker’s message is inspiring and conservative. He’s not shied away from talking about lower taxes, limited government, or his opposition to misguided federal programs. Would-be 2016 contenders may want to take note of what is happening in Wisconsin.
In the war of progressive vs. conservative (a euphemism for American), moderate Republicans are on the side of progressives. They are just a faction within the progressive movement. That is why they fight so hard against conservatives. They are not on our side. They will dicker and bicker with more left-wing progressives. But they accept progressivism, and that is why nothing ever gets rolled back, it only moves further and further towards total control.
Q)...If one man wants to eat 52% of a cherry pie, and the other man wants to eat 47% of a blueberry pie, but the first man isn't out of bed yet because he works for the union, and the other man is transgender and isn't really a man at all, but they both are named Mickey and love the NY Yankees (the transgender because he thinks Jeeter is absolutely gooorgeous), then how many percentage points would be considered a convincing victory by a Republican in the Wisconsin gubernatorial race?
A)...7
Rick Scott may have won (and congratulations to him) but his win was nothing compared to what Walker achieved. He took on almost of all unionized labor and still won, not once but actually three times in the past few years. Tell me that was not BIG. Walker is cool under pressure and his competence far outshines most who might have received what was thrown at him.
More on Walker from Diana in Wisconsin...
FReep Mail me if you want on, or off, this Wisconsin interest ping list.
No senator has unseated a sitting president, ever.The last (and only) time a senator beat a governor in a presidential race was Warren G. Harding’s victory in the wave election of 1920.
Are we so sure of victory in ’16 that we can afford to ignore that history by nominating a senator for POTUS? I say, “No!” We have successful Republican governors, and Walker of Wisconsin is probably the most notable both for results and for political success.
The presidential nominee can pick his running mate to geographically balance the ticket, with emphatic constitutional backing. He can, if he chooses, pick his VP for executive competence even though that can only really matter in the unlikely event of his inheriting the presidency.
But IMHO the presidential nominee should consider campaigning and debating skills more heavily. I would also put a premium on youth because I wouldn’t consider anyone for VP who I wouldn’t consider for elevation to SCOTUS.
In short, my dream ticket would be a governor like Walker for POTUS and a true-red conservative like Senator Cruz for VP.
Note that “a governor like Walker” would include Palin.
He is working on getting his degree - for just that reason! :)
We just had this conversation at home, today. I agree that a CONSERVATIVE Governor usually makes a good President.
Walker has some explaining to do on pro life issues but otherwise I like your governor a lot better than I like mine.
Yikes. MN didn’t make any headway this time around, did they? Sorry about that.
Glad to hear that! Thanks!
In 2016, there will be no sitting president (as in 2008, when a senator won).
In short, my dream ticket would be a governor like Walker for POTUS and a true-red conservative like Senator Cruz for VP.
That's a ticket I would gladly vote for, and work for.
Note that “a governor like Walker” would include Palin.
I don't think Palin has any chance of being the nominee.
In 2016, there will be no sitting president (as in 2008, when a senator won).No senator has unseated a sitting president, ever.
True - but how do you know that Hillary won’t be aced out again???We should select the most electable good candidate we can. Not the best candidate who could possibly, with luck get elected.
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