Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker officially kicked off his re-election campaign this morning, contrasting his work to turn around the state budget with the $3.6 billion deficit he inherited.
The governor, appearing with Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch at the first stop of a statewide tour today, touted the nearly $1 billion projected budget surplus, some $2 billion in tax relief and 100,000 jobs created during his tenure.
“That’s the most exciting news of the day,” Walker said of the job gains during an appearance at Dane Manufacturing.
Walker also said under his Medicaid changes, every family living in poverty has access to health care, while also touting his call last week for another two-year tuition freeze at University of Wisconsin System schools.
The governor said he and Kleefisch are running again because “we know there’s more work that needs to be done,” saying his vision for the next four years involves reducing dependency on government in favor of “hard work and personal pride.”
“Wisconsin’s back,” Walker said. “Wisconsin is on the right track again.”
Walker and Kleefisch were also set to appear today in La Crosse, Chippewa Falls, Schofield, Green Bay and Milwaukee.
The governor did not mention presumptive Dem opponent Mary Burke during his remarks. Burke, who will be in Wausau and Superior today, knocked Walker’s job creation efforts in response to his announcement.
“We are in our fourth losing season with this governor and his failed game plan,” Burke said. “It’s time for a new direction. It’s time for Wisconsin to lead, not lag.”
For ongoing coverage of the state’s political events, visit www.wispolitics.com, a media partner of BizTimes.
