http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/feb/26/wisconsin-republicansWisconsin Governor Scott Walker has captured international attention with the political battle sparked by his budget bill that would remove collective bargaining rights from many public employees. With Tea Party backing for his union-busting platform, he is even spoken of as an up-and-coming 2012 presidential contender.
Republican party leaders worry that even with a vulnerable President Obama, current possible frontrunners Mitt Romney, Sarah Palin and Ron Paul cannot win. As replacements, they are looking over three recently elected governors in traditionally Democratic states: Chris Christie in New Jersey, Florida's Rick Scott and, incongruously from famously progressive Wisconsin, Scott Walker.
Walker has advantages. Unlike Christie, he has a pliable Republican state legislature with which to work. Scott is smarter and, alone of the three, brings real private sector experience. But Walker is doing what has distinguished his entire career: making the most of a big chance.
As an undistinguished state representative from a safe, white and wealthy Republican Milwaukee suburb, Walker did little but run relentlessly for higher office. Other market-oriented Republican conservatives retooled party platform and image to become more gracious to minorities and the poor. They softened welfare reform with generous childcare, health insurance, wage supplements and transitional employment. Walker sat on his hands. As party peers championed Milwaukee school choice, charter and neighbourhood schools, he remained on the sidelines. A reliable vote, he focused instead on raising funds and cultivating party heavies for the time his chance would come.
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