Governor Walker was a visible presence during debate over Act 10, so where has he been this week?

MADISON (WITI) -- The Senate on Wednesday, February 25th voted to pass so-called "Right-to-Work" legislation in Madison -- legislation Governor Scott Walker has said he would sign if it made its way to his desk. Four years ago, during the last labor fight in Wisconsin (over Act 10), Walker was a visible presence. He held daily news conferences and defended Act 10. So where is Governor Walker this time around?

Governor Walker has been out of the state for almost the entire time that Right-to-Work has been discussed. He has been attending some officials meetings, but he's been mostly making trips designed to bolster his probable presidential run.

The so-called Right-to-Work legislation is perhaps the most divisive to come into Wisconsin since Act 10. It has brought thousands of protesters to the Capitol this week, but one figure has been conspicuous by his absence.

Many are asking: Where is Scott Walker?

Here's a look at Walker's schedule since the Right-to-Work bill was introduced last Friday, February 20th:

Governor Walker's opponents are criticizing his absence, saying he's more interested in running for president than he is in working for the people.

"This is an AWOL governor whose first concern is himself, and not the people of Wisconsin who elected him. Governor Walker doesn't care enough about this to even be here in the state of Wisconsin, and I think that's a real insult," Scot Ross with One Wisconsin Now said.

On Wednesday, February 25th, as the full Senate began debate over the Right-to-Work legislation, Senate Minority Leader Rep. Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) made a point of mentioning Walker's absence.

"Unfortunatley as we know, the Governor is traveling again today," Rep. Barca said.

With Walker out of the state, Rep. Barca offered video of Walker's position on Right-to-Work back when he was pushing Act 10 four years ago.

"Because they are our partners in economic development. We need them to help us put 250,000 people to work," Walker said in the video.

"I think the best way to say it is he's reversing his decision. Now he's saying he will sign it and he is for it," UWM Professor Mordecai Lee said.

In Green Bay on Tuesday, Walker said his statements only applied to his first term, and that there is a clear need for Right-to-Work in Wisconsin.

"One of the things they routinely ask about, for businesses coming in from the region, from around the country and sometimes from around the world is 'what is your status in terms of whether you're legally required to be in a union or not?'" Governor Walker said.

It is important to note: Governor Walker did not explicitly call for this bill. He said many times he viewed it as a distraction. However, it was his statement that he would sign it that essentially gave it the green light.

In a 17-15 vote, the full Senate PASSED so-called Right-to-Work legislation Wednesday night, February 25th. This, after hours of debate. On Tuesday night, the Senate Labor Committee sent the legislation to the full Senate in a 3-1 vote. The legislation now heads to the Assembly.

CLICK HERE for further Right-to-Work coverage via FOX6Now.com.