Frederica Freyberg:

“Here and Now”‘s Zac Schultz explains, legislative leaders aren’t sure how Governor Walker’s presidential ambitions will impact the upcoming session.

Shirley Abrahamson:

constitution of the United States–

Scott Walker:

That I will support the constitution of the United States

Zac Schultz:

Scott Walker was sworn in as governor of Wisconsin Monday, but his speech had national overtones.

Scott Walker:

In contrast to the politicians along the Potomac, we get things done here in the Badger state.

Zac Schultz:

The Potomac River runs through Washington DC, and Governor Walker’s speech made for a companion piece to his previous comments that the next president should come from the ranks of Republican governors.

Scott Walker:

There is a clear contrast between Washington and Wisconsin. We have been good stewards of the taxpayers’ money and lowered their tax burden as well. We’ve shown why the founders of this great nation looked to the states and not the federal government as the source of hope for this exceptional country.

Group:

That I will support the constitution of the United States.

Zac Schultz:

Along with the governor, the assembly and 17 members of the state senate were sworn in Monday, and Governor Walker’s ambitions for higher office will be felt in the legislature. He’s already asked for the budget to be passed more quickly than usual and has asked Republicans to avoid potentially controversial legislation like right to work.

Scott Fitzgerald:

No, I mean, you could view any piece of legislation, I think, in this session through that glass, and I don’t want to get into that.

Zac Schultz:

Senator Scott Fitzgerald is the majority leader in the senate. He doesn’t expect the governor to ask for anything different while running for higher office.

Scott Fitzgerald:

I don’t think there’s any consideration necessarily on each piece of legislation being viewed from that perspective. I don’t see that at all.

Zac Schultz:

Democrat Peter Barca hopes running for president allows Governor Walker to show a different side.

Peter Barca:

I’m not so sure this country wants a president that would be polarizing, I fact, I think it suggests just the opposite. So maybe that will try to make him try to not be as polarizing as he was in his first term. That would be my fondest hope.

Zac Schultz:

In an end of the year interview Governor Walker said he will govern the way he always has.

Scott Walker:

Not only was I elected to serve the people of the state of Wisconsin, it’s in my political interest to do my best to serve the people of Wisconsin. Because if I succeed people will continue to talk positively about me. If I fail, I’m off the list. People won’t talk about me anymore.