"We think voters are going to choose to go forward:" Scott Walker focused on Mary Burke, and the November election
WAUKESHA (WITI) -- There will be no election night drama in Waukesha for Governor Scott Walker, as voters head to the polls in the statewide primary election on Tuesday, August 12th.
Walker is unopposed in the primary.
There is, however, a real sense of anticipation about the official beginning of what will surely be another epic battle for the Governor's mansion.
Four years after he emerged from the office of the Milwaukee County Executive, as the state's fresh-faced 45th governor, Walker is, at this point, perhaps the most well-known public figure in Wisconsin.
Walker made waves during the budget battle of 2011 that led to a fight over collective bargaining and massive protests.
Then, he survived a recall attempt a year later.
This is Walker's third election in four years.
Walker voted in Wauwatosa on Tuesday morning -- and told reporters there will be a clear choice in November.
"We think when voters look at where we were four years ago under Jim Doyle's policies -- policies that Mary Burke fully embraces -- versus where we're headed right now, we think voters are going to choose to go forward," Walker said.
Walker has out-raised Burke by a two-to-one margin, and he says voters can expect a new TV ad this week focusing on job creation.
Burke has criticized Walker over his 2010 campaign promise to help create 250,000 jobs in his first term. So far, under Walker, the state has created about 100,000 new jobs. Walker says he doesn't believe a 2010 campaign pledge will define the 2014 election.
"I don't think the voters are ultimately going to penalize us for aiming big. Remember, we had to aim big to make up for the jobs that were lost in Jim Doyle's last term. Jim Doyle picked Mary Burke because she fully agrees and supports his policies. I don't think the voters of this state want a third term of Jim Doyle's policies," Walker said.
So far, the race has taken a tough, negative tone, but Walker says as far as the strategy from now until November, he plans to run positive ads and "legitimate comparison" ads.
Walker has criss-crossed the state -- talking to voters. He was expected to end up at a gathering in Waukesha on Tuesday night. He is using that gathering as an opportunity to rally with supporters, and essentially say "game on" to Mary Burke.
Burke is officially Walker's challenger in the November 4th General Election -- easily defeating Brett Hulsey on Tuesday.
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