--- title: Scott Walker Campaign Launch: Why He's Trying to Calm Conservatives description: The Wisconsin Governor has shifted views rightward as he prepared for a White House run. Some conservatives remain skeptical. canonical: https://time.com/3954246/scott-walker-campaign-launch-conservatives/ author: Philip Elliott article:opinion: false article:content_tier: free article:published_time: 2015-07-12T22:06:42.000Z article:modified_time: 2023-12-13T04:53:07.000Z article:section: Politics og:title: Scott Walker Seeks to Calm Conservatives as He Joins 2016 Race og:description: As the Wisconsin Governor joins the race, some are asking if he can be trusted. og:url: https://time.com/3954246/scott-walker-campaign-launch-conservatives/ og:site_name: TIME og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blta543c61ed8fdda89/69885a7b3c16390626458c90/scott-walker-campaign-launch.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 og:image:width: 1200 og:image:height: 675 og:image:alt: Scott Walker speaks during the Western Conservative Summit at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado on June 27, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. og:type: article twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:title: Scott Walker Seeks to Calm Conservatives as He Joins 2016 Race twitter:description: As the Wisconsin Governor joins the race, some are asking if he can be trusted. twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blta543c61ed8fdda89/69885a7b3c16390626458c90/scott-walker-campaign-launch.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  # Scott Walker Seeks to Calm Conservatives as He Joins 2016 Race ## Video: Real TIME: Scott Walker At CPAC 2015 [Watch (HLS stream): Real TIME: Scott Walker At CPAC 2015](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/Em2MtXHb.m3u8) (0:59)  _Published 2015-02-28. Gov. Scott Walker shared his views on the economy, minimum wage, and and the partisan showdown in Congress over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's impending visit to the U.S. during his speech at CPAC._  by [Philip Elliott](https://time.com/author/philip-elliott/)  ## Philip Elliott Senior Correspondent Updated: Dec 13, 2023 4:53 AM UTCPublished: Jul 12, 2015 10:06 PM UTC  Scott Walker speaks during the Western Conservative Summit at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver on June 27, 2015. Scott Walker speaks during the Western Conservative Summit at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver on June 27, 2015.Theo Stroomer—Getty Images  by [Philip Elliott](https://time.com/author/philip-elliott/)  ## Philip Elliott Senior Correspondent Updated: Dec 13, 2023 4:53 AM UTCPublished: Jul 12, 2015 10:06 PM UTC Scott Walker made official Monday morning what everyone has known for months: He is running for President of the United States. “As one of our nation’s most loyal and active conservatives,” he emailed supporters, “I want you to be among the first to know I have decided to officially seek the Republican nomination.” But not everyone agrees that Walker has always been the model conservative he claims. On issues important to conservatives, Walker has shifted positions or adopted new rhetoric as he prepared for his national campaign. The litany of changes includes same-sex marriage, abortion rights, immigration, education standards, Obamacare and corporate subsidies—all litmus tests for the deeply conservative voters in Iowa and South Carolina. And in each case, his new views help his effort to capture the GOP nomination. But even among his likely supporters, he still is facing some hesitation. Yes, he’s saying the right things and became a conservative hero when he gutted union rights for state workers. But does he mean it? That’s his biggest challenge he will have to overcome after he makes official his White House run with a rally on Monday then hits the road to campaign in the early nominating states of Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada. “Initially, there was some skepticism from social conservatives, especially on the marriage issue,” said Brian Brown, President of the National Organization for Marriage. For instance, Walker has acknowledged that he attended the wedding reception for his wife’s cousin, Shelli Marquardt, and her wife, Cathy Priem. “Even though my position on marriage is still that its defined as between a man and a woman, and I support the constitution of the state, but for someone I love, we’ve been to a reception,” Walker told activists earlier this year during a summit in New Hampshire. Walker’s then-19-year-old son Matt was the couple’s best man. The couple later was listed as co-hosts for last year’s Fourth of July barbecue at the Governor’s Mansion in Madison. ### See Scott Walker's Life in Photos  Scott Walker at age 2. Courtesy Scott Walker Campaign  Scott Walker appears with his younger brother David and his parents Llew and Pat in this undated photo. Plainfield First Baptist Church  Scott Walker as an Eagle Scout in 1986. Courtesy Scott Walker Campaign  Scott Walker (upper right) in Swing Choir during his senior year at Delavan Darien High School in Delavan, Wis., 1986 Seth Poppel Yearbook Library  Scott Walker's senior portrait from Delavan Darien High School in Delavan, Wis., 1986 Seth Poppel Yearbook Library  Wisconsin Governor candidates Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, left, and Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker greet each other before their final debate in Madison, Wis., on Oct. 29, 2010. Andy Manis—AP  Supporters cheer as Wisconsin Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott Walker enters his victory party, in Pewaukee, Wis. on Nov, 2, 2010. Jeffrey Phelps—AP  Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker speaks at an inauguration ceremony in the rotunda of the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., on Jan. 3, 2011. Morry Gash—AP  Scott Walker dances with his wife, Tonette, at the Inaugural Ball at Monona Terrace in Madison, Wis., on Jan. 3, 2011. Benny Sieu—Milwaukee Journal Sentinel  Wisconsin State Governor Scott Walker signs the ceremonial bill, after the Republican-controlled House and Senate eliminated almost all collective bargaining for most public workers at the state Capitol in Madison Wis., March 11, 2011. Darren Hauck—Reuters  Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker presents U.S. President Barack Obama with a Milwaukee Brewers jersey upon his arrival in Milwaukee, Wis., on Feb. 15, 2012. Jason Reed—Reuters  U.S. Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney (2nd R) waves next to Governor Scott Walker (R), Representative Paul Ryan (2nd L), and RNC Chairman Reince Priebus (L) before speaking to a crowd at Monterey Mills in Janesville, Wis., June 18, 2012. Larry Downing—Reuters  Gov. Scott Walker, right, talks with farmer Jeff Ehrhart about drought damage to his corn crop in the background in Burlington, Wis., on July 20, 2012. Scott Bauer—AP  Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker attends a prayer service at the Sikh Temple in Brookfield, Wis., on August 6, 2012. John Gress—Reuters  Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker speaks at his election night party in West Allis, Wis., on Nov. 4, 2014 Darren Hauck—Getty  Governor of Wisconsin Scott Walker at the Conservative Political Action Conference in National Harbor, Md. on Feb. 26, 2015. Mark Peterson—Redux for TIME Yet when the Supreme Court ruled there is a constitutional right for same-sex couples to wed, Walker released a blistering statement and pledged to undo the ruling. It was among the most forceful reactions to the decision among the crowded field of candidates for the 2016 nomination. “Over the course of the last month, Governor Walker and his team have been very strong in calling for a constitutional amendment on marriage,” said Brown, who has conferred with Walker about that issue and others. Still there is lingering uneasiness that Walker is as steadfast against same-sex marriage as Brown would like. The day after Walker released the fiery statement against the Supreme Court, he was silent on the issue during a campaign trip to Colorado. His wife, Tonette, was with him on that trip and later told the Washington _Post_ that she did not share the Governor’s views on marriage. “Is it still a concern? Of course,” Brown said. “There seems to be pushback from inside his own family on his views.” But, Brown added: “Governor Walker is the one who will make the decision if he’s President.” Walker captured activists’ imaginations early in the race with a biography that fills every box on a conservative wish list. He’s the son of a pastor and spent time as a child in first-off Iowa. He has executive experience, first as a county executive and then as a Governor. He became the first Governor to beat back a recall effort and won three elections over four years. He went head-to-head with Wisconsin’s unions and won. And he has a Midwestern likeability sure to come in handy in must-win states during a general election, namely Ohio. Among the GOP’s elite donor class, he’s known simply as “Scott.” But there is a nagging feeling that Walker might not be their guy. “There’s no doubt that he listens to his wife, and that’s a big influence,” said Michael Farris, founder of the Home School Legal Defense Association. “It matters. Family members matter, especially your wife. That’s one of the most difficult that Walker is going to have to overcome with our community.” He predicted Walker could overcome those questions, but cautioned it will not be easy. “Someone with a leftist wife is going to have a hard time,” he said. At the same time, Walker’s foreign trip earlier this year—a must-do for any serious candidate—left many backers scratching their heads when, during an appearance at a foreign policy think tank, he compared fighting the Islamic State terrorists to battling union bosses in Wisconsin. He has since been beefing up his foreign policy chops with regular tutors. Former Sen. Jim Talent, a wonk who was a top policy adviser to Mitt Romney’s presidential runs, is among Walker’s inner-circle these days. And then there are the flip-flops, those ever-present changes in positions that have moved Walker to the right. During his last campaign, he promised decisions about abortion were between a woman and doctor; this year, he signed a law banning abortion after 20 weeks. Walker has reversed his earlier position in favor of a path to citizenship for immigrants in the country illegally. He still hasn’t convinced some activists that he would “repeal Common Core,” even though they are voluntary standards adopted by states and were never a law. He allowed residents of his state to participate in the federal health care law known as Obamacare. And anti-tax activists have been relentless in their criticism of Walker for allowing the Milwaukee Bucks to finance a new arena through $220 million in state-issued bonds. “He’s a strong fighter against liberals,” said Brent Bozell, the chairman of the conservative ForAmerica online community. “When you like someone for one thing, then you tend to believe he’s with you on everything. It’s human nature. But once you start looking at his positions, the specifics, you may or may not reach a different conclusion.” Summing up Walker’s central challenge, Bozell notes that he personally likes the Wisconsin Governor. “Walker starts off with an advantage because of his campaign record. But people ultimately don’t vote for you for the past. They vote for you for the future.” And when it comes to how, exactly, Walker would run the federal government, there remain questions about just how committed he is to his current positions. ### See the 2016 Candidates' Campaign Launches  Sen. Ted Cruz kicked off his campaign for 2016 Republican presidential nomination at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. on March 23. Tom Williams—CQ-Roll Call/Getty Images  Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul launched his bid for the Republican nomination at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville on April 7\. Supporters held signs with the slogan "Defeat the Washington Machine / Unleash the American Dream." Amy Harris—Corbis  Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced her campaign in a YouTube video posted April 12 that has been seen nearly 4.5 million times. One boy featured in the video boasted about playing a fish in a school play. Hillary For America  Florida Sen. Marco Rubio announced his campaign for the Republican nomination during a rally at the Freedom Tower in Miami on April 13\. He took a drink of water during the speech, a callback to his State of the Union response in 2013. Wilfredo Lee—AP  Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders announced his bid for the Democratic nomination across the street from the U.S. Capitol on April 30, 2015\. The backdrop was unusual, since most candidates rail against Washington. Jonathan Ernst—Reuters  Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson announced his bid for the Republican nomination at the Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts May 4, 2015 in Detroit, Michigan. The launch featured a gospel choir covering Eminem's "Lose Yourself." Bill Pugliano—Getty Images  Former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina announced her campaign for the Republican nomination in a conference call on May 4, then went on "Good Morning America" to talk to George Stephanopoulos. Lou Rocco—Getty Images  Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee announced his campaign at a community college in his hometown of Hope, Ark., on May 5\. Singer Tony Orlando (right) performed. Left: Danny Johnston; Right: Matt Sullivan—Getty Images  Republican presidential candidate and former New York Governor George Pataki (C) greets supporters after formally announcing his candidacy for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination in Exeter, N.H. on May 28, 2015. Dominick Reuter—Reuters  Former Rhode Island Sen. Lincoln Chafee announces his candidacy for the democratic presidential nomination at George Mason University in Arlington, Va. on June 3, 2015. Win McNamee—Getty Images  Republican Senator Lindsey Graham announces his 2016 presidential candidacy in Central, S.C. on June 1, 2015. Erik S. Lesser—EPA  Former Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley is joined by his wife Katie O'Malley (R) as he announces his intention to seek the Democratic presidential nomination during a speech at Federal Hill Park in Baltimore on May 30, 2015. Jim Bourg—Reuters  Former Texas governor Rick Perry announces his candidacy for Republican presidential nominee at an event held at Addison Airport in Addison, Texas on Thursday, June 4, 2015. Louis DeLuca—Dallas Morning News/Corbis  Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush waves on stage as he announces his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination during an event at Miami-Dade College - Kendall Campus in Miami on June 15 , 2015. Joe Raedle—Getty Images  Donald Trump holds up his financial statement showing his net worth as he formally announces his campaign for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination during an event at Trump Tower in New York City on June 16, 2015. Brendan McDermid—Reuters  Republican presidential candidate and Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal formally announces his campaign for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination in Kenner, La. on June 24, 2015. Jonathan Bachman—Reuters  Republican presidential candidate and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie formally announces his campaign for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination during a kickoff rally at Livingston High School in Livingston, N.J. on June 30, 2015. Brendan McDermid—Reuters  Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker greets supporters after announcing that he will seek the Republican nomination for president in Waukesha, Wis. on July 13, 2015 . Scott Olson—Getty Images  Ohio Governor John Kasich arrives on stage to formally announce his campaign for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination during a kickoff rally in Columbus, Ohio on July 21, 2015. Aaron P. 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