Walker a GOP Standout for Presidential Race, Political Scientist Says

The signs that Gov. Scott Walker is laying the groundwork for a possible presidential run are clear, but still speculative.

And that speculation may be intensifying as Larry Sabato, a well-known political scientist, has declared Walker a top-tier candidate for Republican nominee for president in 2016 — right up there with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida.

Walker is writing a book about his governorship, which may become a resume of sorts and is planning to address conservatives in Iowa at the invitation of Gov. Terry Branstad in May. He also was one of the key speakers at the Conservative Political Action Conference in March.

And, according to Politico, “he wouldn’t commit to serving throughout a second four-year term. Walker also told Politico that "his focus is on substance, not longevity” and that he is not ruling out a presidential run.

Sabato, a political scientist from the University of Virginia, wrote a piece titled “An Elephant Rises From the Heartland?” that lauded Walker as one of three top GOP contenders for president in 2016, along with Christie and Rubio.

Sabato wrote:

To us, though, there is one name that stands out just a little bit more than the rest, even though he isn’t currently as public because he’s not appearing on seven Sunday TV chat shows almost simultaneously or running a landslide 2013 reelection race in his state. That person is Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.

Walker’s rise reminds us of the wisdom of Obi-Wan Kenobi telling Darth Vader in the original Star Wars that, “If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you could possibly imagine.”

Sabato points to how Romney lost in Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Iowa and Minnesota. And if he had won those states, he would have won the presidency. But Sabato said there have been open questions on whether Wisconsin would vote for Walker for president, especially since the state has voted Democratic for the president in the last seve elections.

Speculation aside, it is clear that Walker is focused willing a second term as governor in 2014, and certainly has been vocal about not ruling out a possible bid for president.

According to a story in the Iowa Republican, Walker’s visit is more about getting re-elected as the governor of Wisconsin rather than becoming president.

Many rightfully viewed Walker’s 2013 trip to Iowa as a sign that he has interest in seeking the Republicans presidential nomination in 2016.  However, knowing that Walker is raising money for his own re-election campaign while traveling to Iowa somewhat tamps down the 2016 talk.  Still, before Walker can be viewed as a serious presidential contender, he first has to win re-election.

Bill Folk, chairman of the Republican Party of Racine County, agrees that Walker’s focus right now is on being re-elected as governor.

“There’s really no way to tell he’s going to run for president until they form exploratory committee,” Folk said. “And it’s just way too early to tell.”