By Mark Weyermuller -
Governor Scott Walker was in Illinois Monday for meetings, appearances, fundraising, and even a "cheezeborger."
He started the day in Bloomington at a Harley Davidson Motorcycle dealership. This was a joint appearance with 17th CD Congressional candidate Darin LaHood. Walker spoke of cutting state funding in Wisconsin for Planned Parenthood and strengthening voter laws with photo identification. He also touted his success in taking on government unions while increasing the quality of education.
After that, Walker headed to the Billy Goat Tavern on Lower Wacker Drive in Chicago. The Billy Goat was immortalized in a skit on Saturday Night Live in 1978. "Cheezeborger, cheezeborger, no Pepsi, Coke" is one of the famous lines yelled over and over by the late Jim Belushi in his comedy classic. Walker felt right at home as he saw the beer that made Milwaukee famous on a huge sign. He said, "Schlitz! That's great."
Photo credit: Tweed Thornton
After his "cheezeborger," Governor Walker was off to the Union League Club for private meetings and a couple of fundraisers. I was able to hear his remarks, which include six main points that he would do as president:
- Repeal and Replace Obamacare
- Cut burdensome regulations
- Fix our energy policies
- Everybody should be able to get the education they deserve
- Lower the tax burden so people can keep more of their own money
- Live in a safe and stable world, "Some call this national security, but safety is something you feel."
He said radical Islam is a major threat to America. In the past, Walker has said global warming is not the threat, but Radical Islam is. Walker has indicated strong support for Israel.
Scott Walker is an impressive candidate often compared to another governor, Ronald Reagan. He appears to have strong support from the Republican base, especially conservatives. After his big day in Illinois, he headed back to Wisconsin but was planning to be in Iowa soon. The Iowa Caucuses are February 2, 2016, the first in a long series of primaries. Next Thursday, he will join the nine other front runners in Cleveland for the first Republican debate. There are a series of "watch parties" in the Chicago area which I plan to attend.
