The Badger Herald: News: Gubernatorial hopeful speaks

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Gubernatorial hopeful speaks

Allison Welch

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Wednesday, January 26, 2005 12:00 a.m.

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Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker was a feature speaker at UW College Republicans’ meeting last night, where he talked about his experiences working for the state.

A large group of about 100 students gathered in a Grainger Hall lecture room to hear Walker describe why he will run for governor in 2006.

“I know we can build on support across the state,” Walker said. “Ultimately, our goal is to get a new governor because Doyle is not it.”

Walker announced his bid for governor this Monday after his dissatisfaction with Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle in the past few years. Walker said Doyle’s State of the State address earlier this month was “the final straw.”

“I thought the governor would change things, but the fact is, he didn’t,” Walker said. “Jim Doyle doesn’t get it; nothing is going to change — we have to make the change.”

Doyle’s call to repeal a compensation formula that has helped to control school property-tax levies since 1993 called QEO, his opposition to the Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights and his inability to improve the quality of education in the state encouraged Walker to run for governor because he believes Wisconsin needs a change.

Walker expressed his distaste with the state’s high tax burden, stating it is very difficult to compete with other states with lower taxes. Over the past few years, Walker says he has made “tremendous strides” in freezing property taxes, making the government more efficient and creating jobs even while the economy is not ripe for new jobs.

Because of his successful bid for county executive last term, Walker believes he will be triumphant in his bid for governor. Walker cited statistics from last term’s gubernatorial election, stating Doyle received only 45 percent of the vote, less than a majority, to win.

Students attending the meeting agreed with Walker’s chance for success.

“I thought the speech was inspiring,” UW junior Brad Vogel, a member of College Republicans and SSFC, said. “I think Walker has a great chance of success [running against] Doyle in 2006.”

Although Walker is younger than Doyle, students believe his age is a strength because he appeals to students and younger voters.

“He’s young enough to really connect with students and know student issues,” Vogel said. “I think his emphasis on property-tax freezes … really affects a lot of people — not students directly — but their landlords and their parents.”

Nicole Marklein, College Republicans chair, said the most important topic Walker addressed in his speech was the tax burden in Wisconsin. Even though it may not quite hit home with students yet, the issue will become very important after graduation. He’s definitely a candidate who has proven he can keep taxes under control, Marklein said, adding she is excited he’s running for office.

Despite Marklein’s support of Walker’s rhetoric on taxes, Doyle contended in his State of the State address that freezing property taxes would plunge local revenues and have an adverse effect on education.

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