Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker told members of the Republican National Committee Thursday that 2016 is a “unique opportunity” to find a “new fresh leader” from outside of Washington.
“The states are the places that actually get things done,” Mr. Walker said at the Republican National Committee’s winter meetings in San Diego, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.
Mr. Walker, who was recently sworn in to a second term in office, said former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, the frontrunner for the presidential nomination on the Democratic side, embodies “everything people dislike about Washington.”
“What we need is contrast to that, that says … the answers to the ailments of our nation do not come out of our nation’s capital,” said the potential candidate on the Republican side.
Several U.S. senators, notably Rand Paul of Kentucky, Ted Cruz of Texas, and Marco Rubio of Florida, are also pondering bids on the Republican side.
Mr. Walker is one of several 2016 presidential hopefuls to address the confab. Retired neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson also spoke Thursday, and outgoing Texas Gov. Rick Perry and 2012 GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney are scheduled to speak Friday.
Before the trip, Mr. Walker appeared to be cool on a possible third presidential run for Mr. Romney.
“It’s difficult to make an argument about moving forward when you’re arguing about things from the past,” he told reporters. “I think the best … way is to have a fresh face with new ideas.”
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.