Scott Walker has mastered the elusive image of a modern-era conservative leader.
He’s managed to wrangle unions in his state — to Republicans’ glee and Democrats’ chagrin — win three elections and announce his bid for presidency. All while casting himself as a down-to-earth, everyday guy.
What Walker is perhaps known best for is his crusade against labor unions, culminating when he signed a right-to-work bill earlier this year. It was a fiery move in a predominantly Democratic state with a deep history of labor support. With this move that outlined his political personality, he proved his devotion to the conservative right.
Walker has clearly aligned himself with the Republican platform, but in doing so, he’s stepped into the arena that is the fight for the Republican nomination. As a lesser-known candidate on the crowded stage, Walker has struggled in the early days of his campaign, particularly after the first Republican debate.
Tell me more about this union controversy.
You’ve likely heard the phrase, “right-to-work.” Right-to-work laws condemn unions for collecting mandatory dues from all employees in a union company, even if they don’t want to belong to a union (some workers agree, and say union membership isn’t a priority.) A right-to-work law would give an employee the choice to join their company’s union or not.
This clearly upsets the unions, which rely on dues. They say a right-to-work law would dramatically decrease membership and make it difficult to form unions in the future. Critics also say right-to-work sings to the tune of business interests rather than workers’ rights.
Wisconsin, a state that supports many manual labor industries, had bolstered a steel-strong union structure. When Walker came along, he dubbed himself the anti-union villain in the eyes of union workers and many liberals; but simultaneously, he became a Republican golden boy.
So, unions in Wisconsin are in trouble. How has the state’s economy fared? Walker touts the state’s lower unemployment rate as a positive result, but the state currently ranks 40th of 50 states in job growth and 42nd in wage growth.
Though Walker’s name has become synonymous with “anti-union,” it’s important to note he wavered about the issue as governor just last winter. Is he truly the brave Republican maven he portrays himself as, or is he posturing to become the Republican pick? This question will become more important — for better or for worse — as Walker’s campaign moves along.
Let’s back up. What’s Walker’s platform?
It’s no small feat that Walker won three times in a state that’s been predominantly Democratic since Ronald Reagan. As the picture-perfect small-town Wisconsin man, he’s toed the Republican party line with gusto, from opposing the Affordable Care Act to supporting a school voucher program.
His political platform reflects that of his Republican peers: he wants to lower the tax burden, limit abortion, prevent same-sex marriage, support businesses and maintain the free market.
However, foreign policy is the weakest pillar of Walker’s platform. The Wisconsin governor has no experience dealing with international affairs. And he left a group of Republican donors scratching their heads when he told them the “most significant foreign policy” of his lifetime was Ronald Reagan laying off thousands of air traffic controllers. He also touts his fight against organized labor as proof that he can taken on radical terrorist groups.
“If I can take on 100,000 protesters, I can do the same across the world,” he said at the Conservative Political Action Conference, referring to his union fight.
This lopsided logic could prove to be detrimental to Walker’s campaign if he doesn’t branch out, but to some, his political savvy shows political opportunism at its finest. Whether or not his intentions are that cynical, the combination of his dogged conservatism and his approachable aura has already wooed many Republicans.
Walker sounds like an ideal package for the GOP. What do critics have to say?
Scott Walker has caught flack from critics and the media, especially since his campaign picked up steam. From avoiding questions about evolution to flip-flopping on ethanol, critics say his hedging contributes to his inability to engage.
But Walker’s campaign is by-the-book Republican. He may not be a conservative bulldog, but he’s stood by the Republican ideals of America — where opportunity is open to those willing to work for it and undocumented immigrants are not welcome. As the presidential field becomes increasingly contentious, that could be attractive to Republican voters.
Could Scott Walker win?
After all his struggles with unions, Walker has established himself as a dependable, non-controversial Republican pick. And it could work on the national stage.
But in setting himself up for the brighter spotlight, he’s risking losing his support from his home state. This potential loss includes Republicans who say his budget structure abandons the state’s interests for the nation’s.
The Wisconsin support is the reason why Walker has catapulted himself into the national conversation. Losing it could, at best, show an unprepared leader and, at worse, show a man who irreparably attracts conflict.
Moreover, Walker has a long road over the next year as the traditional conservative, in light of other fireballs in the whole mix including Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders. But, he stood out to conservatives in Wisconsin with his conviction and devotion to the Republican ideal.
Whether or not he can prove himself to be an honest leader, and not an opportunistic illusion, will determine his burgeoning support — and chance for the presidential seat.
Contributed by Abigail Geiger
More Info:
New York Times: Scott Walker and the Fate of the Union
New York Times: Scott Walker, Set for a Bigger Stage, Faces G.O.P. Revolt in Wisconsin
The Atlantic: Scott Walker, Anti-Union Man
Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Scott Walker signs right-to-work bill
Washington Post: Walker’s anti-union law has labor reeling in Wisconsin
