Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker fueled speculation about his presidential aspirations with a speech in Iowa Thursday night. Walker spoke of his childhood years in Iowa, made sure the audience knew he is among nation’s younger governors, touted his victory in that contentious recall election, and offered a “pathway” for his party in 2014 and beyond.
“I think we need to be more optimistic,” he said. “I think we need to speak in terms that are more relevant and I think we need to be more courageous.” According to Walker, that’s the best way to “contrast” the GOP message against Democrats.
“As much as I would have liked to have see a different president, I don’t get too caught up in just one election because I think the American people are bigger and greater than just what happens in one election,” Walker said. “I’m optimistic about the future because I think we can head down the right path.” And Walker suggested his ideas should be tried out “nationally.”
Craig Robinson, a long-time Iowa GOP insider, said last night’s full house shows there’s a lot of interest in Walker as a presidential candidate. “He’s gone through a political gauntlet that is very similar to a presidential campaign and none of the other candidates of 2016 have any experience in doing anything like that and so I think he’s a very formidable candidate should he choose to run,” Robinson says. About 600 Republicans from central Iowa gathered for the fundraiser. Walker, who spoke to the crowd for about 40 minutes, is the second potential Republican presidential candidate to make a trip to Iowa this month.