Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker says he’s eyeing a decision on a presidential run by midsummer and that the country needs leadership from “outside Washington” — a pitch that’s become a common refrain from governors and former governors considering 2016 bids.
“I think we need new, bold leadership from outside Washington that’s proven to take on the challenges that we face in this country right now,” he said on Fox News’ “Hannity” program Tuesday evening. “The ideas that are going to transform America aren’t coming from people in Washington — they’re coming from our state leaders.”
Governors and former governors have been making similar pitches, while some potential candidates who do have experience in Washington are making the argument that the 2016 GOP nominee needs to have formidable foreign policy experience to go up against Democratic frontrunner Hillary Rodham Clinton, the former secretary of state.
“My budget [will] come out next Tuesday — for the fifth and sixth year in a row I’ll lower property taxes,” Mr. Walker said. “I want a few months to get that job done, but I’m going to be in New Hampshire, in South Carolina and back in Iowa and we’re going to be talking about these issues for the next several months, [because] we’re excited about where we can take this country.”
In a clear nod to 2016, Mr. Walker has set up a political committee called “Our American Revival” as he tests the waters.
“I don’t think it’s ever been good to bet against me,” Mr. Walker said when asked to give odds that he will run, citing his three election wins since 2010. “I wouldn’t be betting against me in a race like this, either.”
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.
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