Supporters cheered on Gov. Scott Walker as he announced his presidential bid on Monday. At the same time, his detractors gathered outside the Waukesha County Expo Center to share their views.
Tom Mulvenna, a local leader of the American Federation of Teachers, summed up the crowd’s sentiments.
“So we are here today to warn America: Scott Walker has been wrong for Wisconsin, and he’d be even worse as president of the United States,” Mulvenna said.
Joanne Shansky of Wauwatosa said she wanted the country to be informed about the governor’s record, and the fact that he could replicate it nationwide if elected president.
“He’s destroying our tradition of strong public schools, strong voting rights, strong middle class, good wages, family-supporting jobs, good protection of the environment and rights of women,” Shansky said.
Some protesters criticized Walker’s stance on immigration reform, which they say would keep families apart. Others accused Walker of doing whatever it takes to get elected and said he designed his entire political career to lead to this moment.
Susan Lock of the Town of Brookfield said her biggest concern is how Walker’s policies have impacted families.
“Lack of gun control kills families. Bad education policies kill families. The destruction of our environmental protections kills families. So I really believe he is anti-family,” Lock said.
Others demonstrating acknowledged Walker has performed well in some national polls. Yet they said they believe now that Walker is officially in the big leagues, voters in other states will learn more about him -- and lose interest.
