Gov. Scott Walker greets supporters in Waukesha (Photo: Andrew Beckett)
It was one year ago today that Governor Scott Walker launched his short-lived presidential bid.
The Republican governor kicked-off his campaign during a rally in Waukesha, surrounded by many of his closest supporters. Walker was met with loud cheers as he made the announcement, which followed months of travel across the U.S. and to other countries.
AUDIO: Gov. Scott Walker announces he’s running for president (:13)
Walker entered the race as a front-runner, but quickly lost ground amidst the rise of Donald Trump’s popularity. Following performances in two televised debates, where he often struggled to get a word in among the crowded field of candidates, the governor dropped out of the race just 71 days later in September. While he didn’t mention Trump by name, Walker urged other candidates to follow his lead and clear the field so a “positive conservative message can rise to the top of the field.”
Trump is now the Republican Party’s presumptive nominee.
Walker’s decision to exit the race came as his poll numbers saw a rapid drop, but also because of money problems within his own campaign. The governor is still trying to retire that campaign debt, which a report filed with the Federal Elections Commission last month showed is still sitting at about $807,000. In an email to supporters on Wednesday, Walker’s campaign asked for donations to help retire what it owes. “As long as we owe, they will hold it over us. If that sounds petty and desperate, that is because they are.”