Gov. Walker: One of TIME Magazine's 100 most influential people



MADISON (WITI) -- TIME Magazine announced Thursday, April 24th that Gov. Scott Walker made its annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

“I am certainly humbled by this honor. But being named to this list is not about me, this is about our bold reforms and what they have accomplished.  Together, we turned a $3.6 billion deficit into a nearly $1 billion surplus, cut taxes by $2 billion, and helped the private sector create more than 100,000 jobs and nearly 17,000 new businesses.  We are turning things around, and we are moving Wisconsin forward!" Gov. Walker said.

The TIME 100 list is in its 11th year and recognizes the activism, innovation, and achievement of the world’s most influential individuals.

The list includes President Barack Obama, Pope Francis, Vladimir Putin, Hillary Clinton -- and Beyonce on the cover.

FOX6's Mike Lowe talked with Gov. Walker about the honor.

"It's certainly an honor, and I appreciate it.  It's not about a speech or a comment I made. It's more about the reforms that we did, not that I did. I think my sons Matt and Alex are more impressed that I'm on the same list as someone like Beyonce rather than who wrote the testimonial for me," Gov. Walker said.

Gov. Walker is pictured on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle in front of the state Capitol in Madison.

California Governor Jerry Brown is the only other governor on the list.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie wrote a flattering tribute to Gov. Walker for TIME Magazine under the headline "the Heartland's Republican hopeful."

Gov. Christie wrote: "His battle to bring fairness to the taxpayers through commonsense reform of the public sector collective bargaining laws brought him scorn from the special interests and a recall election. Despite these threats, he stood tall."

Democratic candidates for governor immediately criticized TIME Magazine's move.

Brett Hulsey said: "Being praised for courage by a corrupt GOP governor like Chris Christie is like being praised for honesty by Richard Nixon."

Mary Burke's campaign said: "Wisconsin is 9th out of 10 Midwestern states in job creation because Walker has focused whatever influence he has on pursuing policies that favor those at the top and corporations, rather than on strengthening the middle class in Wisconsin."



Last week, Gov. Walker launched his own re-election campaign.

"I think leadership for me is clearly telling people the things you think are needed to be done and then going forward with that plan and following through on your promises," Gov. Walker said.

The full list appears in the May 5th issue of TIME and is now at http://time.com/time100.