Walker seeks third term as governor
He says he’ll cut taxes, raise wages, fight drugs
WAUKESHA – Gov. Scott Walker dove into his re-election bid Sunday on promises of raising wages, cutting taxes, fighting the spread of drugs and ensuring Wisconsin has quality schools.
“I want you to know I believe in you, I believe in the people of Wisconsin and I believe there is more to be done,” the GOP governor told a crowd at Weldall Manufacturing.
Announcing his bid for a third term a year and a day before the 2018 election, Walker spoke from a low stage between giant U.S. and Wisconsin flags. A banner above him included his name and the catchphrase “Moving Wisconsin Forward.”
“We want everyone to share in the Wisconsin comeback,” he told his supporters. “Looking ahead we want a state where we see household income going up … where we let you keep more of your money, more of your take-home pay.”
Walker got in the race after hinting for months that he planned to do so. A host of Democrats have already announced they will challenge Walker on the belief that voters will turn against Republicans after giving them complete control of the state and nation.
Ahead of Sunday's announcement, Walker said in an interview he would serve his full term if re-elected, ruling out the possibility of serving in President Donald Trump's administration or challenging him in a 2020 primary. Soon after he was elected to his second term in 2014, Walker briefly sought the Republican presidential nomination.
On Sunday, he warned his backers he would face a tough race because of opposition from Democrats, unions and their allies.
“The best way to counter the tens of millions of dollars from the big government special interests in Washington is through an army of grassroots volunteers,” Walker said to cheers.
Walker rose to national prominence soon after he was first elected in 2010 when he embraced a measure to all but eliminate collective bargaining for most public workers in the state amid massive protests. That fight led to a 2012 recall election, with Walker becoming the only governor to survive one in the country's history.
“He’s not afraid to fight for what he believes in,” said Rose Thomas of Pewaukee, who joined Walker’s supporters at Weldall. “He has a lot of integrity and courage.”
“We’ve always been impressed with his focus on family values (and being) pro-life,” said her husband, Jerry Thomas.
Hundreds of people protested Walker’s announcement outside Weldall, urging him to raise the minimum wage
“We want everyone to share in the Wisconsin comeback. Looking ahead we want a state where we see household income going up … where we let you keep more of your money, more of your take-home pay.” Gov. Scott Walker Announcing his re-election bid
to $15 an hour and give more support to immigrants.
Uniqua Gordon of Milwaukee said she makes $9 an hour as a fast-food worker and would like to see a raise. She said she doesn’t believe Walker is committed to increasing pay for workers like her.
“He said that before and nothing’s changed,” she said. “He’s pretty much been lying to us.”
The field of Democrats challenging Walker appears to be growing by the day. Already in the race are state Schools Superintendent Tony Evers; former state Democratic Party Chairman Matt Flynn; Milwaukee businessman Andy Gronik; political activist Mike McCabe; state Sen. Kathleen Vinehout of Alma; and state Rep. Dana Wachs of Eau Claire.
Democrats said so many people have gotten in the race because they view Walker as vulnerable after seven years in office.
"People are tired of (the Walker agenda) and Democrats believe there is a better way forward,” said state Senate Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse).
Since being elected, Walker has cut billions of dollars in taxes and loosened environmental and business regulations.
This year, Walker has championed a deal that would give up to $3 billion in cash payments and tax breaks to Foxconn Technology Group for a massive facility in Racine County that would manufacture flat-screen display panels.
He did not mention that project in Sunday’s speech and instead focused on his policies that froze tuition at University of Wisconsin campuses, cut taxes and invested more money in public schools. He said he would also combat the spread of opioids and other drugs that have claimed lives across the state.