Governor Scott Walker becomes first governor in US history to survive recall election (FILE PHOTO: Jackie Johnson)
A year ago today was a big one for Governor Walker, when he easily overcame a recall challenge and became the first governor in the country to survive such an attempt. It made him a darling of conservative Republicans and opened tremendous national exposure and fundraising opportunities, according to political scientist Charles Franklin.
It could also make him a viable candidate for president. Franklin says “his travel schedule right now, and the fact that he does have this national base of supporters, makes it very hard to believe that he would not test those waters for 2016.”
However, Franklin says the real question is whether he can do those things while still serving as governor, with the full support and enthusiasm of the voters, given that he first has to face a reelection bid for governor in 2014. Despite a heavy travel schedule with stops in key primary states and plans to write a book, Walker has so far downplayed any plans to run. Walker has frequently said he’s happy to be governor right now.
AUDIO: Charles Franklin (:22)
Walker handily defeated Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett in the recall a year ago tonight. State Republicans are holding a rally in Pewaukee tonight to mark the occasion.
John Colbert, WIBA