An in-depth look at Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker reveals his political backstory when it comes to his donors and who has supported him over the years ahead of his expected presidential run.
The New York Times report draws parallels between conservative donors and think tanks with strong right-leaning views and Walker, who has served as Wisconsin's governor since 2011.
The Times story describes Walker, 47, as a product of a conservative network of small-government supporters who goal has been to find politicians who can represent their views in the political arena.
The Times noted that Walker is now backed by wealthy donors like Charles and David Koch.
Some point to conservative activist Michael W. Grebe, who served as Walker's campaign chairman when he ran for governor in 2010, as a crucial cog in Walker's political life.
As for taking on unions, the Times report details Walker's anti-union stance he adopted before he entered the governor's mansion. And those views, according to former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy G. Thompson, placed Walker onto the national stage.
It made Scott Walker a national candidate," said Thompson, a Republican who served from 1987-2001. "It showed that he could stand up to pressure. And he didn't back down. And people want that in a leader."
Walker served in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 1993-2002 and then was the Milwaukee County Executive from 2002-2010.
Walker has long been rumored to be thinking about running for president, and
he is scheduled to announce his decision after the Wisconsin Legislature finishes work on the state's budget.
Walker leads or is close to other candidates and potential candidates for president in several national polls as the campaign season begins to build steam.
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